logo
The Historic Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs Celebrates 90th Anniversary with Modern Refresh

The Historic Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs Celebrates 90th Anniversary with Modern Refresh

Hospitality Net10-06-2025
A cornerstone of Saratoga Spa State Park, The Gideon Putnam is proud to celebrate 90 years of storied hospitality and 18 years under the management of Delaware North, a milestone marked by a multifaceted refresh.
Since opening in 1935, The Gideon Putnam has welcomed generations of guests seeking the charm of a historic hotel combined with the healing atmosphere of Saratoga Springs. The hotel is a short walk from the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, which also opened in 1935 and whose legendary baths are fueled by the region's famed natural mineral spring waters.
Today, that legacy continues as The Gideon Putman unveils a thoughtful refresh designed to enhance the guest experience while honoring the National Historic Landmark hotel's rich past. With its rich ornamentation and fine detail, the Georgian Revival-style hotel has provided elegant accommodations for generations of visitors to the area, playing host to such distinguished guests as Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Robert Redford, Dave Matthews and Yo Yo Ma.
Over the past year, Delaware North, which manages the hotel and spa for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has renovated the hotel's 124 guest rooms, upgraded public spaces and renewed the hotel's commitment to delivering exceptional comfort. The renovated rooms now feature new furniture, blending modern amenities with the timeless architecture that defines the property.
Previous renovations by Delaware North have restored structural elements of the guest rooms and included a makeover of corridors that featured adding historic photographs and artwork by local artists, a refresh of Putnam's Restaurant, an extensive renovation of the stunning hotel lobby and a modernization of the hotel's extensive ballroom and meeting spaces.
Amaya noted the refreshed hotel will greet guests attending the June 7 Belmont Stakes at the historic Saratoga Race Course and associated Belmont Racing Festival June 4 through 8, as well as the annual summer meet July 10 through Sept. 1. Gideon Putnam guests enjoy complimentary shuttle service to the race course or to visit historic downtown Saratoga
Springs, only five minutes from the hotel. The state park also offers golf, museums, outdoor pools, miles of woodsy path for hiking and biking and world-class entertainment at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
This spring and summer, Putnam's Restaurant is featuring a creative, locally inspired approach to the hotel's dining experience, including its popular bar and patio. To mark the anniversary, the property will host celebration events throughout August.
To learn more about The Gideon Putnam or to book a stay, please visit, gideonputnam.com.
Hotel website
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel Unveils Opulent Signature Suites Inspired by the Grandeur of Central Park and Upper East Side Elegance
The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel Unveils Opulent Signature Suites Inspired by the Grandeur of Central Park and Upper East Side Elegance

Hospitality Net

time14-07-2025

  • Hospitality Net

The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel Unveils Opulent Signature Suites Inspired by the Grandeur of Central Park and Upper East Side Elegance

The Upper East Side's newest luxury destination, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, is proud to introduce a collection of signature suites that seamlessly blend New York's storied elegance with the refinement of residential-style living. Designed by renowned interior designer Martin Brudnizki of MBDS, the four newly launched suites - The Pine Bank Bridge Suite, Bethesda Grandeur Suite, Greywacke Heritage Suite, and The Surrey Suite - pay homage to the architectural beauty of Central Park's most iconic bridges. The Surrey's signature suites embody the enduring spirit of quiet luxury synonymous with the property's legacy. Just steps from Madison Avenue's renowned boutiques, the cultural institutions of Museum Mile, and the tranquil expanse of Central Park, the suites serve as an elegant retreat from the city's energy; while speaking to the rich tapestry of the neighborhood they call home. Their design, complete with refined architectural details and thoughtfully curated furnishings, creates an atmosphere where heritage and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Each suite embodies the spirit of its namesake landmark, incorporating bespoke details that echo each bridge's intricate ironwork, stone carvings, and timeless charm. From sculpted crown moldings to opulent finishes and furnishings, these thoughtfully designed spaces immerse guests in a world where heritage meets modern sophistication. By weaving in subtle nods to the surrounding bridges of Central Park, the suites create a seamless connection between the timeless beauty of their interiors and the prestigious locale that defines The Surrey experience. The hotel has collaborated with the expert team at Paris-based VISTO Gallery to curate an art collection across the property, with the suites serving as no exception. Each is complete with an array of artworks that represent different artists who have had an impact on New York's artistic landscape. Spanning 1,200 to 1,300 square feet, the Bethesda Grandeur, Pine Bank Bridge, and Greywacke Heritage Suites offer expansive one-bedroom accommodation, complete with king-size beds draped in sumptuous linens, elegant living areas, and ensuite bathrooms featuring deep soaking bathtubs and double vanities. For the ultimate indulgence, the 2,130-square-foot, two-bedroom Surrey Suite - inspired by Central Park's Bow Bridge - presents an unparalleled sanctuary of timeless beauty and contemporary luxury. All signature suites include well-appointed desks and exclusive Antica Farmacista bath amenities, alongside a host of thoughtful touches designed to elevate every stay. Guests enjoy complimentary in-suite snacks and soft drinks, priority access to The Surrey's house car, and dedicated tables held nightly at Casa Tua. Additional benefits include complimentary pressing, packing services, and a curated Casa Tua Sommelier experience. For wellness-minded travelers, an enhanced bathing ritual in partnership with Sisley Paris and exclusive access to The Surrey Spa - including a 60-minute treatment for two and complimentary use of the salt room - offer restorative indulgence. Throughout the year, surprise-and-delight amenities inspired by the seasons of Central Park add a whimsical, deeply local layer to the guest experience. Bethesda Grandeur Suite A masterclass in quiet luxury, the Bethesda Grandeur Suite blends timeless Upper East Side elegance with rich, residential detail. Warm-toned silk wallcoverings by Phillip Jeffries, trimmed with Samuel & Sons, and Lee Jofa, pair with tailored drapery from Colefax and Fowler and Rubelli. A Garrison Rousseau shagreen desk anchors the space, complemented by lighting from Soane and Vaughan. The suite's art collection includes works by Helen Frankenthaler (Tales of Genji), Richard Lindner (Der Rosenkavalier), and Kelly Beeman, alongside abstract pieces by Holly Addi and Kazaan Viveiros - a curated mix that reflects both legacy and contemporary influence. Calacatta Lincoln marble in the primary bath and vintage marble sinks in the powder room complete this sophisticated retreat. Pine Bank Bridge Suite A richly atmospheric space, the Pine Bank Bridge Suite draws inspiration from the ornamental elegance of its namesake bridge, layering floral motifs and artisanal craftsmanship. Drapery by Nobilis and The Sign, all lined in James Hare, frames expansive windows in both bedroom and salon. The lighting design features Visual Comfort wall and bath sconces, offering a soft glow that enhances the palette of deep neutrals and foliage-inspired hues. A warm timber writing desk anchors the living space, while silk wallcoverings and intricate trims add texture and depth. The suite includes pieces sourced to reflect the bridge's filigree ironwork and historic charm. In the bathroom, Calacatta Oro marble and Visual Comfort sconces continue the narrative of effortless sophistication. Greywacke Heritage Suite Geometric and grounded, the Greywacke Heritage Suite is defined by strong architectural lines and a curated sense of history. Parchment-finished furnishings by Garrison Rousseau pair with Phillip Jeffries wallcoverings and Nobilis drapery. Anchoring the suite's art story are a signed lithograph by Richard Lindner (Lollipop), screenprints by Kazaan Viveiros, and a minimalist piece by muralist Tony Sjöman (Rubin). Contemporary works by Karli Henneman, Arlina Cai, and Helen Frankenthaler round out the thoughtful curation. The primary bath features Calacatta Lincoln marble, reinforcing the suite's refined sensibility. The Surrey Suite The crown jewel of The Surrey, this expansive two-bedroom suite blends discreet opulence with residential grandeur. Inspired by the gentle arches of Bow Bridge, the design integrates softened geometry, graceful curvature, and luminous materials to create a sense of timeless romance. Bedrooms feature silk wallcoverings by Phillip Jeffries, trimmed with Samuel & Sons and Lee Jofa, while drapery by Colefax and Fowler and Jim Thompson lends a formal yet relaxed elegance. The concealed study, hidden behind a seamless paneled door, was designed as a quiet discovery - a secret chamber that transforms a stately corridor into something unexpectedly personal. A Garrison Rousseau desk in calfskin and timber, custom furnishings, and hand-applied finishes add layers of artisanal richness. The dual primary bathrooms are appointed with Calacatta Oro and Calacatta Lincoln marble, double vanities, soaking tubs, and expansive walk-in rain showers. In the dressing room, walls are drenched in Sherwin-Williams' "Rainwashed" lacquer - a serene, watery hue that softens the space. Throughout, Vaughan sconces and Visual Comfort lighting complete the mood. This suite is not only a statement in design, but a sanctuary of refinement and calm. The suite's museum-worthy art program features Jasper Johns (Cups 2 Picasso), Helen Frankenthaler, Milton Hebald, and Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen, along with works by Bruce Porter, Mori Shizume, and Arlina Cai. Officially opened in late October 2024, The Surrey marks Corinthia Hotels' first property in North America. Set within a 16-story building owned by the Reuben Brothers, global leaders in real estate development and private equity, the hotel features striking interiors by Martin Brudnizki of MBDS. Prior to opening under the Corinthia flag, the property underwent a full transformation to include 70 guest rooms, 30 suites, and 14 private residences. It is also home to the first New York outpost of beloved eatery Casa Tua and the tranquil Surrey Spa, featuring treatments by Sisley Paris. With this stunning new collection of suites, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, reinforces its place as an icon of bespoke luxury and quintessential New York sophistication. For more information on The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel and to book a stay in a signature suite, view here. Hotel website

The Evolving Commercial Landscape: Key Takeaways from HSMAI's 2025 Strategy Conference
The Evolving Commercial Landscape: Key Takeaways from HSMAI's 2025 Strategy Conference

Hospitality Net

time14-07-2025

  • Hospitality Net

The Evolving Commercial Landscape: Key Takeaways from HSMAI's 2025 Strategy Conference

Three members of our leadership team from Cogwheel attended The HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference in Indianapolis in June 2025. The conference was dominated by three major themes: artificial intelligence's impact on marketing, the realignment of commercial strategy through data storytelling, and the growing need for authenticity in audience segmentation. Each insight reflects not only where the hospitality industry is headed but also what hotel marketers and revenue teams must do now to remain competitive. Here are our three top takeaways, with context, facts, and Cogwheel's evolving approach to each. AI, AI, AI… and Yes, More AI—But SEO Is NOT Dead Let's address the elephant in the conference hall: if you didn't hear the term 'AI' at least 15 times per session, were you even paying attention? The HSMAI event made it clear that artificial intelligence is top of mind across all commercial functions, but particularly in marketing and sales. That said, the chatter often masked a more balanced reality—AI is here, but SEO is far from obsolete…and AI is NOT destroying marketing. For starters, what AI giveth, it doesn't always giveth accurately. Studies by Stanford in 2024 show AI language models can deliver factual correctness only around 52%–60% of the time when asked direct queries—a coin toss at best. And while AI is great at binary questions ('Does the Marriott Chicago offer parking?'), it's nearly useless at context-heavy, personalized travel planning. For example, try asking ChatGPT, 'what's the best pet-friendly hotel in Chicago?' At best, you'll get a generic list that you could have gotten through a regular Google search. AI doesn't—and won't for some time—know what is 'best' for you or what you mean by 'nearest' or 'luxury'. Make no mistake…AI HAS and WILL get better. But then there's Google's rollout of Search Generative Experience (SGE) that we have all seen. It gives AI-generated answers into search results, and early data suggests this has triggered traffic declines for hotel brand sites. Some hotels have been quoted they are experiencing a 19% drop in organic search traffic. But we have always known that part of our organic SEO traffic was attributed to simple, black-and-white answer queries like: 'Is the spa open past 9pm?' or 'What's the valet fee at Hotel X?' These queries do not contribute meaningfully to driving new business. With our own Cogwheel Analytics data of the past two years across hundreds and hundreds of branded properties, we are seeing an organic drop…BUT…we are also seeing an INCREASE in 'direct' traffic. This is traffic that comes to a property page with no other link or search assistance. This all combines to point towards the need to focus on ensuring hyper-accurate content, but NOT panicking about a meaningful loss of exposure and awareness. At least not if you prep your property correctly. At Cogwheel, we've been guiding our clients toward GEO With SEO: Generative Experience Optimization with Search Engine Optimization. We're adjusting content strategies to be AI-friendly while still rooted in traditional SEO best practices. That means structured data, schema markup, DEEPLY informative landing pages, and more human-readable content that answers both AI and user intent. Our enhanced SEO packages are future-proofing visibility in both search engine results and AI-fed experiences. Hotel Commercial Strategy Must Be Integrated and Data-Driven One of the most refreshing shifts at this year's conference was the focus on true cross-functional integration. No longer can sales, marketing, revenue, and distribution operate as isolated departments with overlapping agendas. Today's commercial leaders are expected to lead a holistic strategy, and storytelling is their most effective tool. The message was clear: KPIs like ROAS (Return on Ad Spend), once considered the pinnacle metric of performance, are now just one (small!) part of a broader dashboard. Speakers Derek Brewster from Lotte Hotels & Resorts and Dan Fernandez from Concord Hospitality emphasized more multidimensional metrics like booking lift, channel mix, and campaign traffic quality as top indicators of success. These are better aligned with long-term profitability and owner value creation, which is increasingly under scrutiny. Another recurring theme was the misused (but real) concept of the funnel. While some of you roll your eyes at this cliché, the data supports its continued SIGNIFICANT relevance. Expedia's 2023 Path to Purchase report shows that U.S. travelers visit an average of 277 pages of travel content over a 70+ day booking journey…and then take an additional 60 days before their check-in date. The conference presentations backed this up! And while last-minute bookings exist, they're the exception, not the rule. Marketing strategy must reflect this longer research-to-booking cycle. Ownership of results also stood out as a leadership principle. Several panelists shared both wins and failures, emphasizing the importance of learning from both. Campaign didn't meet its goals? Great—what insight did we gain? Campaign exceeded expectations? Perfect—how can we replicate that performance next quarter or next year? At Cogwheel, we're merging storytelling with data through customized analytics dashboards. We help clients visualize multi-channel performance over time, not just week-to-week or month-to-month. And by integrating campaign data with operational results, we're telling stories that resonate with asset managers, ownership groups, and stakeholders—not just marketing teams. Audience Segmentation and the Call for Authenticity The third key takeaway—one still evolving into a broader theme—was the critical importance of segmentation and authenticity. The days of creating marketing for 'everyone' or assuming internal stakeholders know 'our guest' better than the data are over. Let me say that again…they…are…OVER. At HSMAI, several sessions stressed that brands must reassess their true audience. Are your campaigns designed for your loyal customers, or are they reaching potential new ones? The difference is huge and usually overlooked. The key is moving from assumption-based or opinion-based personas to data-defined segments. That means pulling insights from booking trends, user behaviors, geographic origin data, and campaign engagement, not just gut instinct or what your brand-book wants you to be. It also means tailoring tone and content accordingly. Today's traveler is allergic to anything inauthentic. Your messaging can't sound like a brochure for a unicorn petting zoo. It has to be real, grounded, and aligned with the motivations of the customer. Multi-channel engagement is critical here. Effective segmentation doesn't stop at knowing who your audience is—it's about delivering personalized content across platforms where they spend time. Paid media, especially targeted paid social, plays a growing role in this. Simple creative—when it's specific and audience-informed—often outperforms elaborate campaigns. And of course, none of this works if organic and paid channels aren't aligned. At Cogwheel, we're refining our audience segmentation models using both first-party analytics and third-party insights. We're combining that with tailored creative strategies across display, search, paid social, and email, always anchored in authentic messaging. Whether it's a simple story about why a boutique hotel matters to a certain neighborhood or a short-form video on Instagram, the voice must be real. Final Thoughts And, our very own CEO, Stephanie Smith, spoke about the tried and true creation of hotel marketing budgets, which still has a ways to go to truly be done to solve commercial strategy issues. The HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference reinforced that while technology is changing the landscape, the fundamentals of hospitality marketing remain constant: know your audience, align your strategy, and tell the truth, backed by data. AI is transforming how travelers access information, but it isn't replacing the need for a deep search strategy. Commercial leaders are being asked to connect the dots across departments and timeframes. And marketing content, more than ever, must reflect not just what the brand wants to say, but what the customer needs to hear. At Cogwheel, we're committed to helping our clients navigate all of this change with clarity, creativity, and measurable impact. Because while the tools may evolve, the mission remains the same: reaching the right guest, at the right time, with the right story. About Cogwheel Marketing Cogwheel Marketing™️ is a full service digital marketing agency specializing in branded hotels, first leveraging brand systems then coupling that with supplemental strategies to maximize total online presence. Their reporting and business intelligence tool, Cogwheel Analytics, aggregates data from multiple sources to allow companies to identify trends and opportunities in their online presence. Our defined processes ensure the best positioning for your hotel against the competitive set and against other hotels of the same brand. Let us work with your sales and revenue management teams to identify and close the gaps and target your ideal guests. View source

Crafting a Hotel Marketing Budget: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears
Crafting a Hotel Marketing Budget: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears

Hospitality Net

time06-07-2025

  • Hospitality Net

Crafting a Hotel Marketing Budget: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears

At the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference on June 17, Stephanie Smith of Cogwheel tried to change mindsets about how backwards most hotel marketing budgets are created. There are 3 ways to create a hotel marketing budget: Too Little – Take last year's budget and add 10% Too Much – Take your top line forecast then budget 3-8% towards marketing Just Right – Follow the following steps to property justify a targeting hotel marketing budget Steps to Creating a Hotel Marketing Budget Without following this framework as a hotel commercial team, you will never be able to solve issues or reach team goals. Otherwise, we are left trying to stretch dollars across various tactics too thin. Define Gaps and Goals Determine a Strategy (as a team) Solve with Specific Tactics Allocate funds and budgets — Source: Cogwheel Marketing & Analytics Sample Hotel Commercial Scenarios and How to Solve with Hotel Digital Marketing Then, Stephanie walked through 6 different commercial strategy scenarios and how to plan against them for marketing. Each of these gaps or goals are generally sales or revenue problems that hotel marketers need to plan to help solve. In each scenario, we walk through the steps above to see how different strategies and budgets can solve various gaps or achieve specific goals. Scenario 1: Our market is heavily saturated with hotels of the same brand, we are not getting our fair share Scenario 2: Group PACE has dropped, so we are relying more on transient in specific quarters Scenario 3: Demand in the market has softened, everyone is fighting over the same business Scenario 4:We have a newly rebranded hotel, RAMP is slow, no one knows us as the new name. Scenario 5: It is the middle of the month, and we are not going to meet this month's budget. Scenario 6: Profit is low due to OTA commissions. To see the sample strategies, tactics and budgets used to solve against these scenarios, please review the entire deck presented at the conference: Download here Lastly, a chart of digital marketing KPIs, not just ROAS and cheat sheet to align the customer journey funnel and their aligned tactics, KPIs and costs. About Cogwheel Marketing Cogwheel Marketing™️ is a full service digital marketing agency specializing in branded hotels, first leveraging brand systems then coupling that with supplemental strategies to maximize total online presence. Their reporting and business intelligence tool, Cogwheel Analytics, aggregates data from multiple sources to allow companies to identify trends and opportunities in their online presence. Our defined processes ensure the best positioning for your hotel against the competitive set and against other hotels of the same brand. Let us work with your sales and revenue management teams to identify and close the gaps and target your ideal guests. View source

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store