Brentwood Hotel

The Brentwood Hotel in the Adirondack Mountains, specifically located in Saratoga Springs, is recognized as a Michelin Key Selected property, lauded for its distinctive design and character.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Brentwood Hotel is largely positive, with guests frequently praising its unique design, comfortable rooms, and convenient location. It holds an "Excellent" rating of 8.6 out of 10 based on 186 reviews on Expedia, with cleanliness scoring 9.2 and location 9.0. On other platforms, it is rated as "Good" with scores around 7.8 based on over 300 reviews. Many travelers describe it as a "fantastic" and "cute little motel with character" that offers a pleasant surprise.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight the hotel's design, comfortable accommodations, and strategic location as its top features. The hotel boasts an "old world character executed with a modern resourcefulness," featuring "quirky equestrian accessories and decor." Its proximity to the Saratoga Race Course is a major draw, allowing guests to watch horses train. Amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi, custom-built pine wood beds, and cozy bathrooms with rain showers are also appreciated. The availability of free bicycle rentals during warmer months adds to its appeal.

3. Room Quality

The Brentwood Hotel offers twelve carefully appointed rooms, each designed with a classic yet subtly inventive feel. Rooms feature custom-built pine wood beds with plush mattresses, down pillows, 100% cotton percale sheets, and hand-dyed antique French linen blankets, ensuring a super comfortable stay. Bathrooms are described as cozy with brass fixtures and rain showers, stocked with Apotheke bath amenities. Guests also find modern conveniences like bedside Tivoli Bluetooth radios and flatscreen TVs. While some rooms might be described as cozy (or "small"), they are noted for being stylish, very clean, and well-appointed with charming details like a lovely notebook and cute fixtures.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining offerings are limited but appreciated for their quality. There is a bar, Farrier, which was once Saratoga's first natural wine bar, offering bio-dynamic wines, crafted cocktails, and ciders. However, it should be noted that the bar may not be open on weekdays during the off-season and has been closed for the foreseeable future at times. While there is no full restaurant on-site, guests appreciate the "excellent" morning coffee provided, and some reviews mention classic snacks in the minibar. There are restaurants, including a bar and grill, conveniently located across the street.

5. Service & Staff

The Brentwood Hotel prides itself on "invisible service" with an emphasis on easy, remote communication and key code access for check-in and check-out, which guests find seamless and convenient. Despite a sometimes minimal on-site staff presence, the staff is generally described as friendly and helpful, with concierge services available. Guests have praised the owner for being "really nice."

6. Location & Accessibility

The Brentwood Hotel is situated in Saratoga Springs, a town at the edge of the Adirondack Mountains, famous for the Saratoga Race Course. The hotel is ideally located directly across the street from the racecourse, offering splendid views and the opportunity to watch horses exercise. It's within one mile (2 km) of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Saratoga Harness Museum, and Saratoga Springs Dog Park. Saratoga Spa State Park and Geyser Island Spouter are also within walking distance. The hotel provides free self-parking and free bicycle rentals (seasonal), making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area and downtown Saratoga. Albany International Airport is approximately 25 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Prices for a one-night stay for two adults at the Brentwood Hotel can start from around $114.82, excluding taxes and fees, as observed in late January 2026 for a February stay. However, pricing can fluctuate significantly, with average nightly rates ranging from $117 on Sundays to $354 on Fridays, and monthly averages varying from $108 in December to $729 in September. While some Michelin Guide reviewers have commented that "everything is an add-on to an already unreasonable price, including tea bags and coffee," other guests have found the price "unbeatable" and the stay to be excellent value for money. The perceived value often correlates with the unique design, comfortable amenities, and prime location.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include:

• Add-on costs: A notable complaint from some Michelin Guide reviewers is that many amenities, even basic ones like tea bags and coffee, are considered "add-ons" to the room rate.
• Limited common spaces: There is no common living space or full breakfast available, especially during the winter season.
• Bar operating hours: The Farrier bar may not be open on weekdays during the off-season, and at times has been closed for the foreseeable future.
• Room size: Some guests have described the rooms as "small" or "cozy," which might not suit all preferences.
• Noise: One traveler noted that the hotel is across the street from a venue with live music that can be quite loud.
• Temperature control: A guest experienced the heat running excessively high (to 80F) even when it was 19F outside, requiring them to open windows to cool the room.
• Minor amenity issues: One review mentioned "bath linens a bit scratchy."

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. expedia.com
4. booking.com
5. priceline.com
6. brentwood-hotel.com
7. ahotellife.com
8. brentwood-hotel.com
9. kayak.com