Skip to main content
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
  • See & Do
    • See & Do
    • See all
      • See all
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
      • Accessibility
      • Arts
      • Attractions
      • Downtown
      • Health & Wellness
      • History
      • Live Music
      • Parks
      • Shopping
      • Stories
      • Weddings
  • Outdoors
    • Outdoors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Hiking
        • See all
        • Nature Walks
      • ADK Guides & Tours
      • Birding
      • Boating
      • Camping
      • Cross-Country Skiing
      • Cycling
      • Downhill Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golfing
      • Ice Fishing
      • Mountain Biking
      • Paddling
      • Snowmobiling
      • Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
    • Eat & Drink
    • See all
    • Cafés & Coffee Shops
    • Craft Beer & Cocktails
    • Restaurants
  • Events
    • Events
    • See all
    • Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
    • ArtWorks ArtMarkets
    • Can-Am Rugby Tournament
    • Celebrate Paddling ADK
    • First Night Saranac Lake
    • Plein Air Festival
    • Winter Carnival
    • 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
    • Stay
    • See all
    • Cabins & Cottages
    • Camping
    • Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts, Hotels, Motels
    • Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
    • First Time Visitors
    • See all
      • See all
      • Accessibility
      • Downtown
      • Getting Here
      • Greater Region
      • Stories
      • Seasons
        • See all
        • Spring
        • Summer
        • Fall
        • Winter
  • Local
    • Local title-header
      • Live Here
        • See all
        • Meet the Locals
        • Real Estate
        • Town of Harrietstown
        • Town of North Elba
        • Town of St. Armand
        • Village of Saranac Lake
      • Do Business Here
        • See all
        • Chamber Job Board
        • Essex County IDA
        • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
        • Professional Services
        • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Community Initiatives
        • See all
        • Arts & Culture Master Plan
        • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
        • Saranac Lake Brand
        • Village Community Development Department
What can we help you find?
  • See & Do
      1. See & Do
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
        3. Accessibility
        4. Arts
        5. Attractions
        6. Downtown
        7. Health & Wellness
        8. History
        9. Live Music
        10. Parks
        11. Shopping
        12. Stories
        13. Weddings
  • Outdoors
      1. Outdoors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Hiking
          • See all
          • Nature Walks
        3. ADK Guides & Tours
        4. Birding
        5. Boating
        6. Camping
        7. Cross-Country Skiing
        8. Cycling
        9. Downhill Skiing
        10. Fishing
        11. Golfing
        12. Ice Fishing
        13. Mountain Biking
        14. Paddling
        15. Snowmobiling
        16. Snowshoeing
  • Eat & Drink
      1. Eat & Drink
      2. See all
      3. Cafés & Coffee Shops
      4. Craft Beer & Cocktails
      5. Restaurants
  • Events
      1. Events
      2. See all
      3. Adirondack Snowshoe Fest
      4. ArtWorks ArtMarkets
      5. Can-Am Rugby Tournament
      6. Celebrate Paddling ADK
      7. First Night Saranac Lake
      8. Plein Air Festival
      9. Winter Carnival
      10. 3rd Thursday Art Walks
  • Stay
      1. Stay
      2. See all
      3. Cabins & Cottages
      4. Camping
      5. Inns, Lodges, Bed & Breakfasts
      6. Resorts, Hotels, Motels
      7. Vacation Rentals
  • First Time Visitors
      1. First Time Visitors
      2. See all
        1. See all
        2. Accessibility
        3. Downtown
        4. Getting Here
        5. Greater Region
        6. Stories
        7. Seasons
          • See all
          • Spring
          • Summer
          • Fall
          • Winter
  • Local
      1. Local
        1. Live Here
          • See all
          • Meet the Locals
          • Real Estate
          • Town of Harrietstown
          • Town of North Elba
          • Town of St. Armand
          • Village of Saranac Lake
        2. Do Business Here
          • See all
          • Chamber Job Board
          • Essex County IDA
          • Franklin County Economic Development Co.
          • Professional Services
          • Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
        3. Community Initiatives
          • See all
          • Arts & Culture Master Plan
          • Downtown Revitalization Initiative
          • Saranac Lake Brand
          • Village Community Development Department

Hotel Saranac: Then and Now

Watch Video
Be prepared with helpful travel tips!
Pamela Merritt
May 11, 2016

Since this blog was originally written in 2016, Hotel Saranac has opened and is once again a vibrant part of community life in Saranac Lake. We thought you'd still enjoy this blog, as it captures the excitement of an interesting time in the hotel's history. You can also check out an excellent video about the hotel, which features the hotel's Grand Opening and the beautiful restoration done on the hotel. Enjoy!


When it was announced that the Hotel Saranac would open again, with a classic refurbishment befitting its historic landmark status, the entire village was thrilled. Then we started getting calls and emails. Was it true? When would the hotel open? Can they make a reservation now? Turns out, the rest of the world is thrilled too. To understand the pull of this extraordinary hotel, we must consider its history.

An incredible past

The Roaring Twenties certainly roared in Saranac Lake. While the very rich of the Gilded Age built their own lodging and amusements with Great Camps in the remote forests and lakes, the newly rising middle class created a demand for lodging designed for their budget and tastes.

Saranac Lake had some extraordinary hotels built during the turn of the century. There was the Hotel Algonquin, on the shores of Lower Saranac Lake, known for its speedboat races. The Saranac Lake House, which becomes known as Martins, was on Ampersand Bay on the same lake's northern shore. The Berkeley House lasted until 1981, when fire consumed it, and the lot became Berkeley Square park.

All the great, grand, hotels of that era had this terrible habit of burning down.

So when the Hotel Saranac opened in July of 1927, it was publicized as the first "fully fireproof" hotel in the North Country. Out of thirteen hotels which once flourished in town, it is the only one left. Ironically, it was built on the foundations of the former Saranac Lake High School; which burned down in 1924. The basement dates back to 1890.

the lobby evoked old world elegance with the beamed ceilings, curved windows, and floor tiles
the lobby evoked old world elegance with the beamed ceilings, curved windows, and floor tiles

The idea was affordable elegance, the work of Adirondack architects Scopes and Feustmann. The second floor was modeled after a Renaissance-era Italian Palazzo, the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy.

Just like a cult movie, the Hotel Saranac had a rocky beginning. The builders did not see the competition that would come from the then-popular motor courts which dotted the outskirts of the village. These little places had parking in front of the units, and this proved a popular drawing card for travelers.

The hotel had counted on the trains continuing to bring travelers to town. The town depot was a short stroll from the hotel. But the lure of personal motor cars turned out to undercut the railroads, too.

main dining room of the Hotel Saranac showed the elegant, Italianate, influence (courtesy Bunk's Place)
main dining room of the Hotel Saranac showed the elegant, Italianate, influence (courtesy Bunk's Place)

Still, the hotel's inherent beauty, and convenient location, continued to appeal to visitors and townsfolk alike. The wonderful public spaces on the second floor, with its beautiful terrace, old world paneling, and generously sized rooms, were the focus of many a wedding, prom, New Year's Eve celebration, and the annual Winter Carnival balls.

The hotel became so important to the town that when news of its restoration broke, the Ice Palace for the year 2015 was the Hotel Saranac. In ice.

in 2015, the importance of the Hotel Saranac led to it being recreated in ice for the annual Winter Carnival (photo courtesy AP-New-York-Daily)
in 2015, the importance of the Hotel Saranac led to it being recreated in ice for the annual Winter Carnival (photo courtesy AP-New-York-Daily)

The theme of that year's Winter Carnival was the Groovy 60s. This fit the history, too. That decade was a pivotal one for the Hotel Saranac. 

A town mainstay

In February of 1961, the then president of Paul Smith's College, Dr. Chester L. Buxton, proposed leasing the Hotel Saranac as a real-world classroom for their hospitality students. At the time it was still considered one of Northern New York's largest and most modern hotels, but the presence of the students breathed new life into the hotel.

By using it as laboratory for the students to get "on the job" training, Paul Smith's provided the students with internships, and provided the hotel's guests with attentive and enthusiastic staff.

the extraordinary detailing on the beamed ceiling will be kept and restored
the extraordinary detailing on the beamed ceiling will be kept and restored

Forty years later, when I first encountered the Hotel Saranac, this wonderful tradition was still going strong. I bought Adirondack gifts at the cute little gift shop on the ground floor. My mother-in-law loved the elegant dining in the Paul Smith's Restaurant in the front, while my husband and I preferred the Boathouse bistro in the back. It had a nautical theme, deep booths, great burgers and Reubens, and on one Thursday a month, prime rib.

And there was fresh pie. My favorite was the mixed berry, which had a different proportion of berries every time. After extensive taste-testing, we got our wedding cake from the hotel's kitchens, a buttermilk chocolate cake that melted in the mouth.

I attended many events on the second floor, which was a world of its own. The marble staircase, ornamented ceilings, gorgeous fireplace, and chandeliers all made for an incredible feeling of bygone luxury. The second floor terrace, reached through arched-topped french doors, overlooked Berkeley Park and historic downtown. It made for a delightful spot to gather friends when we all had a craving for open air dining.

the beautiful design of the second floor will be kept, and refurbished
the beautiful design of the second floor will be kept, and refurbished

When the college sold the hotel to a new owner, there were reassurances that all the great traditions would continue. But it did not.

Even though the hotel was still there, it held none of the glory it once had when the students had so lovingly catered to their guests. 

An amazing comeback

In the fall of 2013, the NH-based Roedel Companies purchased the Hotel Saranac with the plan of restoring it as a National Historic Register building. This will keep the fascinating architecture, but also renovate the rooms to create a hotel with 4-star modern amenities. The best of both worlds for their guests.

This company is a family business with multi-generational ties to Saranac Lake. They are highly cognizant of the important place of the Hotel Saranac, both in downtown... and in the hearts of the people. This means they will be making the restoration as faithfully as possible. Such architectural details as the hotel's original limestone veneer, and the bronze storefront facades that reached the street, were part of the Arcade. A central arcade originally ran the length of the building, and the plans are to re-create this attractive retail space.

the famous Arcade was a focus of Main Street shopping, and will be again
the famous Arcade was a focus of Main Street shopping, and will be again

This series of shops drew people into, and back to, Main Street, making them a thriving part of Saranac Lake's historic downtown.

The classic dining of the Hotel Saranac will also return. The plans include Campfire, Adirondack Grill & Bar. Evoking a night spent around the fire with family and friends, there will be an open display, wood-fire grill. The menu will feature locally-sourced ingredients, inspired by a classic approach.

There will be a space devoted to world-class spa treatments and services, and another to a gift shop, offering the work of local artisans and craftsmen.

Oh, to sit on that terrace again, with the gorgeous view!
Oh, to sit on that terrace again, with the gorgeous view!

To show off how the updated Hotel Saranac is going to look, Fred B. Roedel III, Managing Member of Roedel Companies, has released photos of a model room, stating that, “We wanted to make sure the new look of the hotel reflected the history of the Hotel Saranac and what it has meant to Saranac Lake.”

The interior design is by RSJ Associates of Wilton, N.H. Sue Pollio, president and founder of RSJ, stated that the goal of the update is to "give the guest rooms a modern touch," while still maintaining the "feel of the 'Great Gatsby' era of sophistication and elegance" that the Hotel Saranac was originally designed to evoke.

Rich reds, oranges and yellows captures what Pollio calls “the feel of Saranac.” The artwork incorporates native symbols found in the beams of the hotel’s Grand Hall, and the floor to ceiling headboards give the room stylish flair. (photo courtesy RSJ Associates)
Rich reds, oranges and yellows captures what Pollio calls “the feel of Saranac.” The artwork incorporates native symbols found in the beams of the hotel’s Grand Hall, and the floor to ceiling headboards give the room stylish flair. (photo courtesy RSJ Associates)

“We wanted to keep the historical integrity of the hotel and we kept that in mind throughout the design process,” Pollio said. “We wanted to bring the architectural detail of the building into the rooms, and you can see that in everything from the carpets to the door knobs.”

It all sounds wonderful! We can't wait.

This will be a fine addition to our array of  cool lodging options. While here, find some delightful dining and indulge in more history at the Saranac Laboratory Museum.

Header Photo, and vintage postcards, courtesy Bunk's Place. Other photos courtesy Roedel Companies unless otherwise noted.


the lobby evoked old world elegance with the beamed ceilings, curved windows, and floor tiles
the lobby evoked old world elegance with the beamed ceilings, curved windows, and floor tiles
main dining room of the Hotel Saranac showed the elegant, Italianate, influence (courtesy Bunk's Place)
main dining room of the Hotel Saranac showed the elegant, Italianate, influence (courtesy Bunk's Place)
in 2015, the importance of the Hotel Saranac led to it being recreated in ice for the annual Winter Carnival (photo courtesy AP-New-York-Daily)
in 2015, the importance of the Hotel Saranac led to it being recreated in ice for the annual Winter Carnival (photo courtesy AP-New-York-Daily)
the extraordinary detailing on the beamed ceiling will be kept and restored
the extraordinary detailing on the beamed ceiling will be kept and restored
the beautiful design of the second floor will be kept, and refurbished
the beautiful design of the second floor will be kept, and refurbished
the famous Arcade was a focus of Main Street shopping, and will be again
the famous Arcade was a focus of Main Street shopping, and will be again
Oh, to sit on that terrace again, with the gorgeous view!
Oh, to sit on that terrace again, with the gorgeous view!
Rich reds, oranges and yellows captures what Pollio calls “the feel of Saranac.” The artwork incorporates native symbols found in the beams of the hotel’s Grand Hall, and the floor to ceiling headboards give the room stylish flair. (photo courtesy RSJ Associates)
Rich reds, oranges and yellows captures what Pollio calls “the feel of Saranac.” The artwork incorporates native symbols found in the beams of the hotel’s Grand Hall, and the floor to ceiling headboards give the room stylish flair. (photo courtesy RSJ Associates)

Related Stories

Lovely Lodging
Decidedly Artful
Black History in Saranac Lake
Sweet Indulgences - Saranac Lake's Coffee Hotspots
The Time Traveler's Guide to Saranac Lake
A Fall Vacation with Hot Sara
It's All Good at the Saranac Lake Skateboard Park
The Historic Saranac Experience
More than the center of town
The creation of an Adirondack gem
Walking the Walk: 20 years of ArtWalks in Saranac Lake
'Round the Mountain Canoe Race - An Event For All Paddlers
Five decidedly different things in downtown Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake's Walk of Fame
New Year, New Finds
From Your Home To Our Home
Downtown Holiday Shopping Guide
Calling All Rock Hounds
Feeling Grateful
The sound of healing
When the twenties roared
The hidden fun in Lake Clear
Six Nations, First People
Family fun that's free
Our lodging? It's different.
Rebirth of the Hotel Saranac
Get out and art!
We can dash through the snow
Dia de Muertos at Pine Ridge
Choose to stay... in the past!
Fall Events: a blaze of glory!
Coolest Adirondack Chopped Challenge!
History Is Cool: The Lab Museum
Hotel Saranac: Then and Now
Tucker Farms - three seasons of goodness
Anti-vaxxers lead to Saranac Lake reopening tuberculosis facilities
Five Fun (and obscure) Facts about Saranac Lake!
Saranac Lake Classic: the Cure Chair
Carl Ballantine, comedy magic
Love among the cure cottages
Shops with personality plus
Special Dining Options - Gluten Free & Vegan
2015 Most Popular Blogs
Shopping without the stress
John Brown's Other Bodies
Brighton: Dusk 'til Dawn
Martha Reben: Staring down the Great White Plague
How to have fun at the Art Opening
Stevenson Cottage - small outside, a world inside
Riding the Rails, Adirondack style!
July is when things heat up!
Saranac Inn, golf with a taste of Scotland
DIY Adirondack style
February Fun and Games in Saranac Lake
An Evening Sleigh Ride in the Adirondacks
A night on the town in Saranac Lake
Where to find hot beverages
Healthy Holidays, Adirondack Style
A picture's worth a thousand words - epic winter events
Eat 'n Meet: a community-minded neighborhood joint
Saranac Lake Remembers the Great War
A Guide to the Great Indoors
The Blind Owl Band: A true Adirondack band
Norman Bethune, the hero, the artist
An Apt Pair: Ampersand Mountain & Follensby Clear Pond
The biggest Cure Tour of them all
History Comes Alive in Saranac Lake
Forks, Fests, and Flatwater: 3 Featured Fall events
See artists at work in the mountains
The Art Walk is a path to art, music, and fun!
A cure cottage tour, a step back in time
Mid-summer events in Saranac Lake
Frankenstein Lives! In the old laboratory in the village
Roughing it in style: a tour of White Pine Great Camp
Daffest is just around the corner
Spoken Word: Poetry on Stage
Thursday Night Music Jam
Breakfast & History
Mid-Winter Events 2014
Building the Ice Palace
The Art of Gifts
Art & Dining
Less than two weeks to Sparkle Village Craft Fair!
Saving Einstein
Holistic Guiding: Immersing Yourself in ADK History & Culture
Painted Landscapes, Clay Demonstrations, and Chickens...all a part of the Artist at Work Studio Tour
Fun family events for fall foliage season
Fifth Annual Hobofest: Music, Food and Fun on the Tracks
Hobofest tops the calendar this weekend
Hobofest Returns to Saranac Lake
Pianist Eugene Sirotkine performs August 6th concert to benefit Bartok Cabin
Entertaining events will keep you hopping this weekend
From carousels to magic lamps - events to tickle your Spring fancy
Historic Saranac Lake "History Matters" series continues with "Clara's Rib"
Historic Saranac Lake "History Matters" series continues with "The Art of Guideboat Building"
What can we help you find?
Sign up to receive more information.
Enter Email
Do•Stay•Eat•Shop•Events
Work Here•Contact Us•DEI•Media Kit•Privacy Policy
39 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
Powered by the Regional Office of
Sustainable Tourism
THERE’S MORE TO EXPLORE
We’ve got the best ideas for things to do on your next Adirondack adventure, and we will deliver them right to your inbox! THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING! Your next adventure awaits you in your inbox! Tell us more about what interests you, and we can help you plan your next trip.
MANAGE YOUR PREFERENCES