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The Brentwood Hotel

From $225/night • Score: 4.8★ (310 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Saratoga Springs has long held a storied reputation as America’s premier summer sanctuary for the wellness-seeking elite, equestrian aristocracy, and culture connoisseurs. Yet, for decades, the town's lodging options remained stubbornly binary: grand, historic Victorian-era dames dripping in old-world opulence, or dreary, cookie-cutter roadside motels catering strictly to budget-conscious racing fans. Enter The Brentwood Hotel, a masterclass in adaptive reuse that completely upended this hospitality dichotomy. Located directly across the street from the historic Oklahoma Training Track, this former 1960s motor lodge has been brilliantly re-envisioned by the Brooklyn-based design darlings at Studio Tack into an equestrian-chic hideaway that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply respectful of its storied surroundings.

Approaching The Brentwood is an exercise in understated architectural seduction. Gone are the garish neon signs and asphalt-heavy footprints typical of mid-century highway motels. Instead, guests are greeted by a striking, charcoal-black exterior cladding that instantly modernizes the low-slung, U-shaped footprint while nodding to traditional upstate board-and-batten vernacular. The landscaping is intentionally wild yet curated—native grasses, tall pines, and gravel pathways frame the property, establishing an immediate sense of nature-secluded tranquility that feels miles away from the bustling downtown thoroughfare just blocks away. It is an aesthetic dialogue between the rustic charm of the Adirondacks and the raw, unpolished minimalism of contemporary Brooklyn design.

The arrival experience sets the tonal baseline for the entire stay. There is no cavernous, bustling marble lobby with a towering reception desk. Instead, check-in is an intimate, frictionless affair, often handled by knowledgeable staff who double as local cultural curators. The communal spaces immediately draw you in with their warm, tactile material palette: rich leather, blackened steel, exposed pine, and vintage equestrian ephemera that avoids pastiche. Sitting on the porch at dawn, wrapped in a heavy wool blanket with a steaming cup of locally roasted coffee while listening to the distant thunder of thoroughbreds galloping through the morning mist at the Oklahoma track, is nothing short of transcendent. The Brentwood doesn't just occupy a space in Saratoga Springs; it elevates the destination's entire design narrative, proving that luxury in the 21st century is defined by discretion, authenticity, and a profound sense of place.

The Room Experience

Spanning just twelve meticulously curated guest rooms, The Brentwood treats accommodation not as a commodity, but as a deeply personal design statement. We checked into one of the standard king rooms, and from the moment the heavy wooden door clicked shut behind us, the outside world simply evaporated. Despite the property's modest motor-lodge origins, the interiors feel expansive, bathed in natural light that pours through large picture windows framing the surrounding pine canopy. Studio Tack’s design ethos is on full display here: an uncompromising commitment to natural materials, clean lines, and unpretentious comfort.

At the center of the room sits a custom-built white oak platform bed, dressed in crisp, laundered Belgian linen sheets that beg you to linger long past sunrise. The headboard seamlessly integrates with floating bedside ledges, illuminated by matte-black task sconces that provide a warm, amber glow come evening. But it is the juxtaposition of rugged elements with unexpected touches of luxury that truly elevates the room. A magnificent, ornate French gilded mirror hangs above a minimalist leather-strapped wall hook, offering a playful nod to Saratoga’s Gilded Age history without feeling stuffy or overly formal. Original artwork and black-and-white photography capturing the raw energy of the racing world line the walls, grounding the space firmly in its geographic context.

Perhaps the most delightful touch in each room is the bespoke, built-in marble cocktail bar. Stocked with artisanal local spirits, craft mixers, and heavy crystal glassware, it invites guests to slow down and channel their inner host. Pouring a neat bourbon as the afternoon light filters through the trees becomes a daily ritual. The bathrooms are similarly inspired, featuring sleek walk-in rain showers enclosed in glass and blackened steel, handsome brass fixtures from Kingston Brass, and an array of organic, locally sourced bath products packaged in amber glass bottles. There are no televisions blaring corporate cable—though discreet streaming capabilities are available for those who need them—encouraging guests instead to read, converse, and absorb the profound quiet of the secluded setting. It is an interior language spoken fluently by those who appreciate design: quiet, confident, and utterly restorative.

Room Highlights

  • Custom white oak platform beds outfitted with premium Belgian linen bedding
  • Bespoke marble-topped cocktail bars equipped with local craft spirits and glassware
  • Striking French gilded mirrors paired with minimalist mid-century architectural lines
  • Spa-like bathrooms featuring rainfall showers, brass hardware, and organic apothecary amenities
  • Expansive picture windows offering immersive views of the surrounding pine trees and quiet courtyards

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

At an intimate twelve-room boutique property like The Brentwood, luxury is measured not by the sheer volume of amenities, but by the curation and thoughtfulness of the spaces provided. Because the hotel lacks the sprawling footprint of traditional resorts, it fosters an exclusive, private-club atmosphere where guests quickly transition from strangers to friendly acquaintances over sunset drinks in the communal courtyard.

The beating heart of the property’s social ecosystem is its central gravel courtyard. Flanked by the low-slung guest room wings, this open-air gathering space is dotted with sleek modern fire pits, weather-resistant designer lounge chairs, and weathered wooden tables. By day, it is a sun-drenched sanctuary ideal for leafing through a paperback or nursing an iced coffee. By night, it transforms into an ambient, glowing enclave where travelers gather to recount a day spent at the races or hiking nearby Adirondack trails. The crackle of the fire pit against the cool upstate evening air creates an irresistible camaraderie.

Service at The Brentwood operates on a philosophy of intuitive hospitality. Staff members are remarkably knowledgeable about both the esoteric nuances of the Saratoga horse racing circuit and the hidden gems of the surrounding wilderness. Want a last-minute table at the notoriously difficult-to-book Gideon Putnam dining room? The front desk works minor miracles. Curious about the best lesser-known hiking trails through the nearby Saratoga Spa State Park? They will hand you a curated map with personal annotations. Furthermore, the property is exceptionally dog-friendly, welcoming four-legged companions with their own bespoke bedding and bowls, cementing its status as an inclusive, relaxed retreat. The atmosphere is never pretentious; rather, it exudes a sophisticated nonchalance that tells you you have arrived at the coolest house party in town.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

While The Brentwood does not house a full-service, white-tablecloth restaurant on-site, its approach to food and drink is entirely calibrated to the modern luxury traveler who prefers discovery over institutional dining. Mornings begin with a complimentary, thoughtfully curated breakfast spread featuring fresh pastries from local artisanal bakeries, seasonal fruit, Greek yogurt, and expertly pulled espresso drinks. It is light, energizing, and designed to be enjoyed lazily on the front porch while watching the morning track workouts across the street.

As day turns to dusk, the hotel’s intimate bar program takes center stage. Operating out of a warmly lit communal hub, the beverage menu pays homage to Saratoga’s rich cocktail heritage, most notably its association with high-end bourbon and classic racing libutions. The bartenders are true mixologists, crafting seasonal concoctions utilizing local botanicals, fresh citrus, and top-tier spirits. Sipping an expertly balanced Old Fashioned while sitting under the twinkle lights of the courtyard is an essential Saratoga experience.

When venturing off-property for dinner, guests are spoiled for choice. Saratoga Springs punches well above its weight class in culinary talent. Just a short drive or a pleasant stroll downtown reveals a dynamic dining scene:

For nightlife, the town balances sophisticated hotel lounges with historic watering holes like the venerable Peabody’s or the legendary Gideon Putnam taproom. Yet, many guests find themselves inevitably drawn back to The Brentwood’s quiet fire pits, preferring the intimate nightcap under the stars to the crowded downtown bars.

Who This Stay Is For

The Brentwood Hotel is not trying to be everything to everyone, which is precisely its greatest strength. It is a highly specialized, design-forward sanctuary tailored for a distinct demographic of modern travelers.

First and foremost, it is the ultimate pilgrimage site for track aficionados. For those who live for the thunder of hooves, the flurry of colorful silks, and the storied history of American thoroughbred racing, waking up directly across from the Oklahoma Training Track is the equivalent of a golf fanatic sleeping beside the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. The ability to watch morning workouts in absolute peace before the crowds arrive is an unrivaled perk.

Beyond the racing crowd, The Brentwood is a magnet for design enthusiasts, creative professionals, and urbanites seeking a seamless escape from New York City or Boston. If your aesthetic sensibilities lean toward architectural digests, boutique hospitality blogs, and carefully edited Instagram feeds, every corner of this hotel will speak your visual language. It attracts couples looking for a romantic, low-key weekend getaway, solo travelers seeking a tranquil writing or reading retreat, and small groups of friends who appreciate good whiskey, good design, and quiet conversation.

Conversely, those seeking traditional luxury resort amenities—such as an on-site full-service spa, sprawling swimming pools, 24-hour room service, or a bustling family-friendly resort atmosphere—will want to look elsewhere. The Brentwood intentionally strips away the superfluous in favor of hyper-curated style, privacy, and authenticity. For the right traveler, it is nothing short of perfection.

Practical Travel Notes

Planning a stay at The Brentwood requires a bit of strategic foresight, largely due to its intimate twelve-room size and the seasonal rhythms of Saratoga Springs.