Many of the city's most charming Victorian homes have been converted into welcoming bed-and-breakfast inns, making Saratoga a great place for those who prefer staying in a character-filled old house rather than a generic hotel. Hotel rates rise meteorically (doubling or even tripling) when most in demand during racing season. But they also climb considerably during Skidmore College's graduation in May, the Jazz Festival in late June, and other special events, when many hotels and inns require at least 2-night stays. In general, weekend rates are higher than midweek rates; be sure to confirm rates when booking. In addition, not all hotels and inns are open year-round. For race season, depending on the type of accommodations you want, I'd recommend booking 6 months to 1 year in advance. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and the visitor center can help with reservations in high season; their website, www.saratoga.org, may be useful for finding additional hotels.

More Places to Stay

Reflecting its past as a prime resort town, Saratoga Springs has a surfeit of hotels, motels, and, especially, inns (many more are located within 10 miles). In prime horse-racing and culture season, July and August, even though prices rise (nearly doubling at some spots), places can really fill up. Try one of the following hotels and inns, or contact the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce (28 Clinton St.; tel. 518/584-3255; www.saratoga.org) for a list of available accommodations.

Brunswick B&B (143 Union Ave.; tel. 800/585-6751 or 518/584-6741; www.brunswickbb.com; 12 units; $119-$189 double, higher during racing season), an attractive and comfortable 1886 Victorian Gothic home.

Hilton Garden Inn (125 S. Broadway; tel. 800/445-8667 or 518/587-1500; www.saratogasprings.gardeninn.com; 112 units; $119-$329 double), a well-placed standard hotel with high-speed Internet access.

Holiday Inn (232 Broadway; tel. 800/465-4329 or 518/584-4550; www.spa-hi.com; 168 units; $149-$195 double, racing season $279-$319 double), very large but conveniently located and with indoor and outdoor pools; pet-friendly.

The Inn at Saratoga (231 Broadway; tel. 800/274-3573 or 518/583-1890; www.theinnatsaratoga.com; 42 units; $119-$193 double, $294-$349 double during racing season), the oldest operating hotel in Saratoga, today a modern hotel with frilly rooms, housed in an 1880 Victorian right on the main drag (Broadway).

Lewis House B&B (38 E. High St., in Ballston Spa, 5 miles south of Saratoga Springs; tel. 518-884-9857; www.lewishouse.com; 4 units; $95-$125 double, racing season $150-$250 double), an Italianate Victorian dating from 1865.

Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant (500 Union Ave., Rte. 9P S.; tel. 518/587-0108; www.longfellows.com; 50 units; $145-$495 double), a large, modern place a few miles east of downtown that occupies a converted 1915 dairy barn.

Six Sisters B&B (149 Union Ave.; tel. 518/583-1173; www.sixsistersbandb.com; 8 units; $90-$180 double, $280-$400 during racing season), an 1880 Victorian across from the Race Course. Its handsome porch sits under a striped awning, and some rooms have private balconies.

Campgrounds

Whispering Pines Campsites & RV Park, 560 Sand Hill Rd., Greenfield Center (tel. 518/893-0416; www.saratogacamping.com), is 8 miles northwest of Saratoga Springs and set on 75 acres of pines with a new outdoor pool and restroom facility.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.