Friday, February 23, 2018
Iconic Hotel Saranac reopens after $35 million restoration project
According to Cuomo's office, Hotel Saranac has already hired 39 full-time employees, with a commitment to hire at least six more. Empire State Development supported the restoration with a $5 million Regional Council grant.
By Jamie Jenson, jlpomerh@syr.edu
SARANAC LAKE, N.Y.--After a four-year, $35-million restoration, the Hotel Saranac has finally re-opened.
The 90-year-old hotel closed in 2013 for the significant renovations funded by new owners, the New Hampshire-based Roedel Companies, and a $5 million state redevelopment grant.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the hotel last weekend and addressed the guests. Cuomo said the restoration of the hotel has preserved the Saranac Lake area's rich history.
"This investment has revitalized a community treasure in the heart of the North Country, created new jobs for residents, and will help the region meet the lodging demands of travelers from near and far as they visit the region's world-class, year-round attractions," Cuomo said.
Saranac Lake Mayor Clyde Rabideau expressed his thanks to Governor for the supported he provided during the renovation.
"I'm happy that he's able to see the beautiful finished product, which will breathe new life into our downtown and encourage growth throughout our village," he said. "This is a great day for our community, and I would encourage everyone to plan a trip to the Adirondacks and Saranac Lake."
The Hotel Saranac first opened in 1927 and served as the social hub for residents of the Adirondack village as well as visitors. Billed as the first "fully fireproof" hotel in the North Country, the hotel was booked solid five months before the 1932 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, and again welcomed visitors during the 1980 games.
Much of the renovation project revolved around preserving the charm of the original hotel while incorporating modern upgrades in each hotel room with a design that reflects the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
A replica of the iconic Hotel Saranac sign was installed on top of the hotel in 2016, and the amenities of the upgraded hotel are already impressing visitors.
The hotel's restaurant, Campfire Adirondack Grill & Bar, is now open to the public, with a menu that boasts locally-sourced "Adirondack to table" dishes and craft beverages. Patrons can also visit the hotel gift shop, Academy & Main, featuring with goods made by local artisans.
The hotel spa and salon, Ampersand, named for the mountain that overlooks the lake, is also open for appointments, with signature outdoor scents and treatments like the Mountain Mud Masque and the Tri-Lakes Revival treatment.
Gov. Cuomo told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that the renovation project could also help to revitalize the town and state.
"It's also good for the soul to restore that beauty and that grandeur and say, 'That's who we are.' We are that history and that majesty of Hotel Saranac," Cuomo said.