Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs

This handsome property is primarily a business hotel, but it also hosts many wedding parties, families on college visits, and leisure travelers -- particularly during racing season. The bright and airy lobby mixes modern decor and rustic touches, with the two-story stone fireplace as a focal point. Off-white tile floors contrast nicely with the dark-brown wood trim throughout, and attractive contemporary chandeliers enhance the light-filled space. Lots of thoroughbred racing-theme art and sculptures pay homage to the area’s long racing history, and plenty of comfortable seating invites guests to relax and take in the peaceful ambiance.

Embassy Suites is located on the southern tip of downtown Saratoga Springs. It shares a plaza with a CVS pharmacy, liquor store, and a few restaurants. It’s about five minutes on foot to Broadway, the town’s main thoroughfare, lined with shops and restaurants. The Saratoga Springs City Center events complex is a 13-minute walk, and Skidmore College is an eight-minute drive. America’s oldest race track, the Saratoga Springs Race Course, is a six-minute drive. The Saratoga Springs Casino and Hotel, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and Saratoga Springs Spa State Park are all about nine minutes away by car. Saratoga Springs National Historical Park and its Revolutionary War battlefields are 21 minutes away by car, and the Six Flags Great Escape theme park is a 28-minute drive. Albany International Airport is 35 minutes away, and the city’s Amtrak station is a seven-minute drive. 

Guest rooms have contemporary decor and a clean, polished look with thoughtful touches, but their all-neutral palette is a bit bland. There are charcoal-gray accents walls behind beds covered with white duvets, and there's dark-wood furniture throughout, including striking headboards and roomy desks with office chairs. The geometric-patterned carpeting and throw pillows on sleeper sofas are focal points, and racing-themed photos add character.

While some studio-style suites are available, most of the suites have two-room configurations in King or Double Queen options. The separate living rooms include flat-screen TVs, granite wet bars, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Premium suites upgrade amenities to include Keurig coffeemakers and free snacks. Bathrooms also feature plenty of space and have granite vanities and walk-in showers with glass doors and beige tiling (Double Queens have shower/tub combos). Free Wi-Fi and safes are standard amenities. Units are generally quiet and feature various views of downtown or the surrounding retail plaza. 

This modern, full-service Embassy Suites features a solid lineup of amenities. There's a free made-to-order breakfast served at the Diamond Club Grill, which also offers American classics, such as seafood, burgers, pasta, and steaks for lunch and dinner. It also has an impressive wine list and happy hour specials at its circular bar. Room service is available, and the nightly reception that includes free beer, wine, and appetizers is a bonus. 

The indoor heated pool is another highlight, enclosed in an attractive space with windows, live plants, and loungers. The fitness center is a bit small, but it overlooks the pool and features four pieces of Precor cardio equipment with individual video screens. It also has a weight-training machine and free weights. 

Meeting space here can host events for up to 400 people, and the business center in the lobby has multiple computers and printers. Wi-Fi is free throughout, as are weekday USA Today newspapers. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, there's a guest laundry room with two washer/dryers, and a convenience store in the lobby. On-site parking and Wi-Fi throughout is free.