'Toga hotel options
 

i know its late in the year to be looking, but i got the itch. My birthday is next Saturday and what better way to spend it then to head up to the spa. I was wondering if i could get a little feedback on some hotels in the area. Keep in mind that im just looking for a place to throw my bags in, nothing special... doubtful i remember the room im in once i get out of the cab after the first night

couple of prospects:
Saratoga Lake Motel $90 per night
The Design Motel
The Olde Stone House Round Lake, NY
Thorobred Motel
Hill View Cottages Diamond Point, NY $89 per night

anyone have any feedback on any of these? B/c im not willing to shell out $200 per night by myself just to use a room as a closet

any suggestions?

-bt-

Do not -- let me repeat -- DO NOT stay at the Saratoga Lake Motel. Check out the reviews on the web. I had a friend stay there once and he's never been the same since, LOL. The Thorobred and Design -- I've passed by but can't offer any advice. I would check out both websites and the reviews on the web.

Even if you are just looking for a place to crash -- you still need to be careful.

Eric

how far is it from Albany to Saratoga. Looking to book a package for 3 days.
Is Albany the closest airport and do they have a shuttle to the track.
Anyone?

Depending on where in Albany you stay...25-35 minutes away. and NO SHUTTLES!

call it about a 1/2 hour. Albany is the closest (major) airport. As far as a shuttle, I have no idea. I guess you'd have to check with the individual hotels. Good luck.

Eric

Where are you staying?

I checked out the public transportation - train and bus from Albany. Everything arrives after the first post time and leaves before the last race goes off. They sure don't make it convenient for the horseplayer.

I just checked out the Albany Airport website.

http://www.albanyairport.com/3/ground/bus.html

NORTH DEPARTURES
10:35 am Clifton Park, Saratoga Racino, Saratoga,
Glens Falls, Queensbury, Great Escape,
Lake George, Bolton Landing

12:10 pm Saratoga, Glens Falls, Lake George
Warrensburg, Chestertown, Pottersville,
Schroon Lake

If you have a place in Saratoga, these might work for you. Don't know anything about return trips.

I decided to stay at the Comfort Inn near the Albany Airport and drive to Saratoga each morning. It's not the most convenient arrangement, but it's more convenient than not going at all.

I dont have a place yet. I am weighing my options since this is a last minute thing. I'd like to go when Sumwon runs but not sure when that is. I only plan on staying 3 days at the longest.

Ive checked out some packages from the usual internet travel site and the packages range from $420-$620 (not including a rental car.) depending on when I go.
Thanks for everyones input. Keep 'em coming if ya have any other ideas.

BT,

I've cabbed back to Albany before but it is about $45 each way and that is only if you call ahead and get a rate. If you try and just get in a cab and tell them to take you to Albany without calling they will probably want at least $70. If you are going to be drinking a lot and don't have anyone that you can bring to drive you then Albany probably isn't a good hotel option. The money you spend to cab back and forth will cost you as much as you are saving on the room. Or you could really slum it and just rent a big car and sleep in the back! The free parking lot near the track is probably nice and quiet at night. I've left my car overnight there before (never slept in it though :p ).

If you aren't planning on drinking much or have someone to drive you then staying in Albany is a great option. It is an easy 30 minute drive. Would have to get a rental though.

http://www.motelguide.com/nys.html

http://www.hotelninja.com/

http://www.landmarkmotorinn.com/

Try these. No endorsement on the last one. It's off exit 24, so that's a bit far north. I have a friend who has stayed there and he likes it OK, but that's him. There are a few hotels right off exit 19 (I think). One is an Econo-Lodge -- not so hot, but if you are just looking for a place to crash. The other is actually on the south side of the highway. It used to be a Ramanda Inn, but I am not sure what it is now. The hotel is practically next to the highway and set back pretty far from the local road that you exit off of. It was nice. Personally, I would not have stayed in the Econolodge for anything more than a place to crash, but I'd have no problem with the Ramada.

I think the best bet is going to be the new (less than 2 years old) Best Western on South Broadway. It is just outside of town. I don't think they've gotten around to full exposure yet -- on all the websites, chamber of commerce, etc. It used to be a rat-trap motel. Best Western bought it, knocked it down, and built a new hotel. My friend stayed there the first year they were open, and last year, and he liked it a lot. The rates were pretty good too.

I think, like last year, there are more vacancies, rentals, etc. open/available.

Eric

Might be more than you are looking for, but for others still looking for hotel options in the area:

The Desmond in Albany is offering "Track Packages". It sounds like it offers transportation as well:

800-448-3500
desmondhotelsalbany.com

31 - here's the best option
 

Go to tihs web site by the chamber of commerce.

http://www.saratoga.org/

They have people with a complete list of hotels, who have vacancies, and can tell you everything you need to know. Phone number at bottom of page

Very helpful and well staffed during the season.

Spyder

The Landmark is actually off of exit 17 not exit 24....the track is off of exit 14 soooo it is inly three exits north...not a bad place...definately caters to the racing crowd

The Desmond looks very nice. However, I don't think it offers transportation. They talk about "a short drive to Saratoga," rather than a complimentary shuttle.

Holy moly...$209.00 per night at the Desmond:eek:

Man, I'm still trying to get out of work and find a hotel to get up there this weekend but not at that price!

Same general area:

http://travela.priceline.com/hotel/h...&plf=PCLH&pn=1

You can try Name Your Price on Priceline and probably get something around $70 in Albany. Check out sidestep.com as well, lots of rates under $100.

I'm staying the next week-end at the Comfort Inn across from the airport for under $90 a night.