Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Seeking Partner to Operate Historic Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Spa State Park

 

Requests for Proposals Offers Opportunity to Operate Landmark Hotel in One of New York State’s Most Iconic Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified partner to operate the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel located within Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Whether visitors come to spend a few days at the track, tour historic battlefields, check out a show at SPAC, or take in the waters, Saratoga Springs is a world-class destination with Saratoga Spa State Park and the Gideon Putnam Hotel at the heart of it all. New York State Parks is seeking the right partner to honor the hotel’s rich history while realizing its potential as a premier destination, offering visitors the opportunity to stay amid the park’s natural beauty, with Saratoga’s many attractions just minutes away.”    

Steeped in history and renowned for its natural mineral springs, distinctive architecture, and peerless cultural and recreational attractions, Saratoga Spa State Park has been a treasured destination for generations. The Gideon Putnam Hotel has been an integral part of the Saratoga experience for more the 90 years, welcoming visitors seeking relaxation, recreation, and the unique charm of Saratoga Springs.

Through this RFP, State Parks seeks an experienced private sector partner to build upon the hotel’s longstanding tradition of hospitality while providing exceptional lodging, dining, and event experiences that complement the park’s historic character and vibrant, natural setting.

The current operating agreement expires January 5, 2028. As part of a National Historic Landmark, the property is eligible for lease terms from a minimum of 10 years up to 40 years to accommodate potential use of federal and state historic tax credits. The selected operator will be expected to oversee hotel operations, facility improvements, maintenance, and dining and catering services, as well as deliver high-quality guest experiences, demonstrate excellence in hospitality and customer service, and incorporate sustainable management practices.  

Constructed in 1935, the Gideon Putnam Hotel is a five-story, 124-room Georgian Revival style hotel named for Gideon Putnam, an early visionary in the development of Saratoga Springs as a resort destination. The hotel reflects the elegance and architectural character of the park’s early development and remains a distinctive destination for overnight guests, special events, and gatherings. The property features a full-service restaurant and bar, fitness center, and extensive meeting and event facilities. Its 10 meeting and event rooms include the Grand Ballroom which can be divided into four separate spaces, offering flexibility for weddings, conferences, and other special occasions.

The hotel’s history is closely connected to the remarkable legacy of Saratoga Spa State Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the park has long been celebrated for its naturally occurring mineral springs, which established Saratoga Springs as a renowned health and wellness destination, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world since the mid-19^th Century.

Today, Saratoga Spa State Park is one of New York’s most celebrated cultural and recreation destinations. Welcoming more than four million visitors annually, the park is home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, Children's Museum at Saratoga, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Roosevelt Baths and Spa, and two public golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools in addition to miles of trails and a wide variety of year-round recreational opportunities on more than 2,500 acres of natural beauty.

The park is located just minutes from the famed Saratoga Race Course, one of the nation’s most historic and celebrated thoroughbred racing venues, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for visitors to the Saratoga region.  

RFP X001531 invites qualified operators to submit proposals for the improvement, maintenance, preservation, management, and operation of the historic Gideon Putnam Hotel. Specific requirements are included in the RFP, including instructions for submitting a proposal.   

For more information or to receive a copy of the RFP please contact State Parks’ Concessions Management Bureau at concessions@parks.ny.gov or 518.486.2932.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.