Going to be in Saratoga in August for some racing dates. Would like info regarding good places to eat and places to stay (they don't have to be on main street.

The Turf & Spa is a very nice locally owned motel about 1/2 - 3/4 mile out from downtown. Friends have stayed there and recommend it highly. The Rip Van Dam is a hotel that also has a motel section - it's right in the middle of town but is a bit dated. I stayed there but was unimpressed. The Adelphia, a few doors away is quaint and historic but I've heard mixed reports (small rooms and poor water pressure) and it's pricey. I have also stayed at the Six Sisters B&B across from the track and it was very nice - pleasant proprietors and a fantastic breakfast. Be prepared for big price hikes and multi-night minimums during racing season. I have less experiecne with dining but always recommend Bruno's (near Six Sisters) for casual atmosphere and the best wood fired pizza you're ever likely to have - it's local institution. Also recommend Hattie's. It's on Phila Street (pronounced "fie-luh") and specializes in Southern cuisine. It was run for many years by hattie and the young woman who has taken over since Hattie's well earned retirement has spruced up, expanded the menu and still managed to retain the quality of the original recipes. The fried chicken is the BEST I've EVER had anywhere. Friends who grew up in the South and ate there with me even agreed - it's that good. Scallions on Broadway os good for light more contemporary far and there's a place specializing in fresh pasta whose name escapes me but friends say it's very good. The upstairs jazz bar at the Metro is a also a good laid back place to hang later at night. The front downstairs bar area is live rock, there's a discon uo a few steps int he back and the jazz bar upstairs has a totally different vibe - elegant but casual. Have fun in one of my favorite towns - I'll be there June 25th for Jazz Fest and can't wait!

Forgot to mention - past the edge of downtown but a bit closer in than Turf & Spa is the Inn at Saratoga. It's subdued, tasteful and one of the nicest places I've stayed in any city - worth the extra $$ if you can swing it.

Owen nails it about price hikes during August racing dates; a $125 room at the Holiday Inn in town is suddenly $275 the day the racing season opens. For that reason, we usually stay 30 minutes south in Albany. There are a cluster of chain motels along Washington Street, Wolf Road, and Western Avenue; all with east access to the Northway (I-87) and all priced in the $80-100 per night range.

As to dining, Owen touched on the high spots but left out the Gideon Putnam on the grounds of the Saratoga Springs State Park. This is one of the grand old resorts; a little the worse for a hundred years of wear but still worthy.

Excellent point Neal has made on the Gideon Putnam. My friends who spoke less than fondly of the Adelphi stayed at the Gideon and liked it. It's very close to the mineral baths, which I highly recommend. The state park operates a facility - reservations are at 518-584-2011 - definetely reserve in advance. It's inexpensive and incredibly relaxing - skip the massage - in my opinion not worth the $$ and not as good as the service you'd recieve from a good massage therapist. The state run facility is somewhat spartan - for a more luxe experience try the Crystal Spa - pricey but supposed to be very nice. As for Albany lodgings I agree with Neal but would steer you towards the Latham area if you can find an appropriate place. It's just north of Albany by about 10 minutes and shortens the drive to Saratoga.