Welcome to The Downtowner
A fresh take on vintage lodgings
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » An old hotel has been given new life with the debut of The Downtowner.
Formerly known as the Saratoga Downtowner, the 413 Broadway establishment in downtown Saratoga Springs opened last Thursday after being purchased and renovated by Lark Hotels, a boutique hotel company with 21 properties throughout New England and beyond.
This new owner said it’s put a fresh take on the vintage motor lodge. A press release from Lark Hotels reads: “The Downtowner’s 42 newly renovated guest rooms pay homage to the hotel’s past as a retro motor lodge and the surrounding area’s thriving creative community of writers, performers, and visual artists. Located on what is known as the “50-yard line” of Broadway at the corner of Division Street, The Downtowner is a short walk away from the racetracks and Saratoga Springs’ many bars, restaurants, and shops.”
Originally a motel in the 1960s, the building has long been home base to the many artists that have been drawn to the Spa City for decades, and The Downtowner aims to celebrate these legends in literature, music, visual, and performing arts through its sleek, stripped-down design and curated artwork.
Designed by California-based EDG Design, each guest room represents artists through a variety of pop, edge, and dreamy art styles. Minimalist rooms reflect playful sophistication through modern, loft-like spaces with polished concrete floors, white gallery walls, and accents of hot pink against a bright, white palate. The building’s common space centers around an open, window-filled atrium with a retractable glass roof.
Paired with the hotel’s location in the heart of the action on always-buzzing Broadway, this space allows guests to feel the energy that comes from the surrounding area, merging inside and out. The atrium’s focal point is a dramatic painted floor depicting the narrow pool that once existed on The Downtowner’s base level. There, guests are now welcomed to gather over drinks and conversation or book the space for private events.
With this unique style, The Downtowner is the first New York hotel in the Lark Hotels collection.
“Before and during our construction process with The Downtowner, we’ve felt so embraced by the Saratoga community,” said Rob Blood, CEO of Lark Hotels, in the release. “We hope this renovation adds to the incredible culture of downtown Saratoga Springs, and more importantly, to celebrate the area’s existing art and music scene.”
The Downtowner’s accommodations span from a diminutive 180-square foot Micro-Queen to the spacious Lark Suite with a design all its own, along with standard King and Queen rooms, Double Queens, and the Friend Zone, a larger, suite-like option for up to four people.
Unlike other guestrooms, the property’s Lark Suite will fea-
ture a more colorful palate and a brightly colored, surprise staircase that leads to a secret rooftop garden. Pets are welcome in the Friend Zone and King DogFriendly rooms, and The Downtowner features two ADA-accessible kings that can be booked directly over the phone.
Room rates at The Downtowner range from $199 to $499 per night for double occupancy, depending on room type and time of stay.
Hotel amenities include a daily, curated small plates breakfast spread, afternoon treats, Lather bath ameni- ties, hospitality stations with coffee, tea and water, 24-hour front desk and concierge service, and room essentials like wine glasses, corkscrews, irons and hairdryers.
More information about Lark Hotels — which includes boutique hotels and restaurants soughtafter vacation spots in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and California — is available online at www. larkhotels.com.