Friday, January 19, 2018
Sales, Openings and Restorations in the Empire State
NEW YORK—As a gateway market, New York City tends to get a lot of focus in the hospitality industry. But regions outside the New York metropolitan area are also seeing their fair share of activity.
Hotel Saranac Reopens as Part of Curio Collection
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially reopened after a $35-million restoration. Originally designed by Adirondack architects Scopes and Feustmann, Hotel Saranac opened in 1927, and the renovation sought to bring a modern spin to the 20th century landmark.
Now part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Saranac was bought in 2013 by New Hampshire-based Roedel Companies, which took a fully integrated approach with the restoration, including managing its development, construction, interior design and operations. Roedel engaged Boston-based Korn Design to guide the overall vision and create a brand strategy for the relaunch of the iconic hotel. Governor of New York State Andrew Cuomo also played an instrumental role in bringing the hotel to life, awarding a $5-million redevelopment grant to Hotel Saranac.
The hotel—the sole survivor of 13 properties that dotted Saranac Lake in the 1920s—includes 82 reimagined guestrooms in its main building, and 20 more suites in Compass Point, an adjacent complex that will open later this year. The guestrooms were reimagined with regional heritage in mind. RSJ Associates of Wilton, NH, spearheaded the interior design with the goal of giving the guestrooms a modern touch while still maintaining the feel of the “Great Gatsby”-era of sophistication and elegance. Darkwood architectural furniture, deep blue rugs, crisp white linens, and rich textures, in color palettes of deep reds and rich oranges are among the design elements. Each guestroom features original, retro-inspired travel posters specially commissioned for the hotel, incorporating native symbols from the region.
The hotel’s famed Great Hall dominates the second floor with its Palazzo-inspired design. The Great Hall features an intimate fireplace setting and The Great Hall bar, offering cocktails with nods to the Adirondack as well as speakeasies from the 1920s, a tribute to when the hotel originally opened. The adjacent terrace offers a veranda overlooking Main St.