A Picturesque New York Hotel Takes Design Tips From A Historic Race Track

By  Kristine Hansen
guest room Read McKendree

It almost seems like a no-brainer to renovate a hotel across the street from a city's main draw, especially if that attraction is as storied as the Saratoga Springs Race Course. At least that's how the design firm Studio Tack — which is responsible for getaway upgrades in Wyoming and California — saw it when the team came across the aging midcentury property in the namesake New York town.

The firm didn't want to simply modernize the site, which features 12 rooms in a classic one-story build. Instead, they sought to reflect the area's character within that layout, and draw on the surrounding history to influence a modern-meets-timeless design. The result? Brentwood, a destination hotel that opened last November as a stylish nod to the past and present.

"We were inspired by the local vernacular and building typology, and wanted Brentwood to feel like it had always been there," Jou-Yie Chou said, one of Studio Tack's four partners.

Guests are greeted by a white board-and-batten exterior with forest-green accents, which leads to a raven-hued lobby complete with an intimate cafe. Rooms are cozy yet minimalist, showcasing art from regional collectors, and the outdoor space glimpses horses on the way to the track in the summer. It's just homespun enough to feel like Brentwood has, in fact, always been here.

exterior Read McKendree

1. Exterior

The white board-and-batten exterior resembles horse stables, while the doors and trim are painted a soothing forest-green hue.

2. Lobby

lobbyRead McKendree

The hotel's cafe, with its Carrera-marble bar and tabletops, also functions as the lobby and check-in area. Hudson & Co.'s reclaimed white-oak flooring keeps the room bright.

3. Cafe

cafeRead McKendree

Mimicking a classic parlor with gilded mirrors and custom millwork (with oak and brass detailing), the cafe is a great spot to sip a beer or enjoy breakfast.

4. Guest Room

roomRead McKendree

Each room features a custom pine-wood bed by local woodworker David Cummings, which is topped by Sharktooth's custom-dyed linen blanket.

5. Guest Room

roomRead McKendree

Tivoli clock radios and solid brass Jaclo fixtures are timeless accents, while the black trim is decidedly more modern.

6. Guest Room

roomRead McKendree

Oil paintings in gold frames were culled from the collections of regional art collectors.

7. Outdoor Patio

patioRead McKendree

Guests can bring drinks outside by the firepit, where horses can be seen walking by in the summer.

Recommended