Friday April 26, 2024 
(518) 454-5501 
In 1877, The Adelphi Hotel opened its doors for the first time to vacationers traveling to Saratoga for its healing mineral baths and horse racing. The Adelphi Hotel’s splendor was on full display as the town quickly became a playground for the rich and famous. On October 1, 2017, after a five-year renovation project, The Adelphi Hotel opened its doors once again to welcome guests, with its original beauty polished and again on full display. “The Adelphi Hotel aims to live up to the history and legacy of Saratoga Springs,” said Helen Watson, General Manager of The Adelphi Hotel.
Starting in 2012, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation. Watson said the renovation could be described as “blending the old world grace and its iconic Victorian grandeur with modern touches to create memorable hospitality experience of luxury and elegance.” The hotel’s owners, the Adelphi Hospitality Group (AHG), preserved many of the hotels historic details. “As the last surviving hotel of Saratoga’s Golden Age, beauty and appreciation to historic details are found throughout the hotel – from restoring the 11-foot ceilings and grand staircase to the signature design of the hotel’s spaces,” said Watson. The hotel permeates a mixture of old world charm and modern luxury. “The Adelphi aimed to reinvent the style of Saratoga Springs’ bygone era luxury as modern luxury. The architect for the property transformed the 19th century building into one of splendor without sacrificing the original character,” she said. “The exterior of the building, including the Courtyard garden areas, exude the ambiance of the grand Victorian era with stone patios, fountains and landscape garden walls.” According to Watson, dozens of original pieces of furniture and mirrors found during the renovation were repurposed. “Each room contains at least one repurposed item from the original hotel.”
The Adelphi Hotel is not just for visitors to Saratoga Springs. “With the Hotel being a big part of the community, it was important to preserve The Adelphi Hotel’s original history throughout the premise for the local residents,” said Watson. “The revitalized Adelphi Hotel honors the distinct style and simple elegance of Saratoga Springs, while delivering a modern and luxurious sensibility that embodies first class services of a grand hotel.” Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Society, appreciates this sentiment. “The Foundation is grateful to the owners of the Adelphi Hotel for their incredible rehabilitation that has brought new life to one of Saratoga Springs’ iconic structures,” said Bosshart. One way The Adelphi Hotel is breathing new life into downtown is with its restaurants, The Blue Hen and Morrisseys.
The Blue Hen’s name was inspired in part by the Blue Toed Hen which was a notable establishment that once stood near the hotel. The restaurant offers its brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Blue Hen also recently launched lunch service available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The lunch menu will replicate Morrissey’s food menu and guests will be able to dine in a more spacious environment which can accommodate larger parties.
Morrissey’s is The Adelphi Hotel’s lobby bar that pays homage to one of the creators of the Saratoga Race Course, John Morrissey. Morrissey was a congressman and senator who frequently visited The Adelphi Hotel whenever he was in Saratoga Springs. He died at The Adelphi Hotel in 1878.
Focused on giving an all-around vibrant and contemporary experience, The Adelphi Hotel has teamed up with local musicians to elevate the dining and lounge experiences with live entertainment throughout the week at the hotel and its restaurants: The Blue Hen, Morrissey’s, and SALT & CHAR. Every other Friday, 7 p.m. to close, Rich Ortiz will be filling The Adelphi Hotel’s bar and lobby with his voice and guitar. Hot Club Saratoga, a gypsy Jazz trio, will be spicing up Saturday brunch at The Blue Hen, while Kenny Kakaty, a talented 14-year-old guitarist from Upstate New York, will be providing music for Sunday brunch. Stop by Morrissey’s on Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to close for a late night happy hour while enjoying the music from Cloud Lifters, an acoustic guitar duo. On Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. hear the smooth sounds of Chris Dollard, a solo pianist influenced by Jazz from upstate New York who has worked with numerous bands, musicians, and singers throughout the country.
In honor of Mother’s Day, Capital District residents are invited to The Adelphi Hotel on Sunday, May 13, for an elegant buffet including freshly baked breads, pastries, pies, cakes and more. The breakfast station will include an omelette station, quiches, mini parfaits among other dishes; a large assortment of salads, soups and veggies; a raw bar including oysters, chilled calamari, ceviche and more. The main carving station which will showcase delicious fare such as Truffled Hen, Prime Rib, Crown of Pork, and Wood-fired Salmon. The Adelphi Hotel will also be setting up a ‘Children’s Corner’, which will feature favorites for even the pickiest of eaters. Dishes will include chicken fingers, fries, mac & cheese, and tea sandwiches. Later that evening, The Blue Hen will be hosting a Mother’s Day Dinner featuring The Blue Hen’s menu with Mother’s Day themed specials designed by world renowned Chef David Burke. He recently joined The Adelphi Hotel as Culinary Director, overseeing all food and beverage operations for the hotel.
The Adelphi Hotel, a Saratoga Grande Dame, is once again shining brightly on Broadway in all of her splendor. The Italian Villa style hotel, with its slender columns rising from its elevated piazza, has withstood the test of time. “The Adelphi Hotel is such a big part of the local community. The hotel always wants the local residents to feel important and included,” Watson said. “This is more than just a place to stay, it’s a gathering spot for all people who live in, or are visiting, Saratoga Springs.”
For more information about The Adelphi Hotel, The Blue Hen, or Morrissey’s Lounge, please visit the hotel’s website: www.theadelphihotel.com.
Photo credits: gregceostudio.com
Emily Marcason-Tolmie, a Saratoga native, is a writer, researcher, wife and mother. Emily and her husband, Ryan, are the parents to two wonderful little boys, ages 4 and 1.