Courtesy Longfellows
By R.J. DeLuke
Longfellows Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Center at 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, is closing this month as the property is being purchased by a New Hampshire group that owns and develops luxury hotels.
After more than a quarter century in business, Steve and Yvonne Sullivan and David Powers are selling the property to Hay Creek Hotels of Exeter, N.H.
Price has not been disclosed. The Sullivans and Powers also own the Olde Bryan Inn, 123 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, and will continue to operate it.
“After almost 50 years in hospitality, it’s time to step back,” said Steve Sullivan. “I believe Longfellows is in good hands. Going forward, we plan to continue to own and operate the Olde Bryan Inn for many years to come. I also look forward to time spent coaching those around me, as well as working on social service projects, some that I’ve already been involved in for many years.”
Hay Creek wants to renovate the property and operate it as a boutique hotel with a restaurant and spa. Hay Creek is working on renovations with Balzer & Tuck Architecture, The LA Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering and Bonacio Construction of Saratoga Springs. Bonacio Construction also will have an equity stake in the project.
Hay Creek Hotels “was created specifically to combine the intimacy of a boutique hotel with world-class cuisine, cutting-edge technology, unparalleled guest service and the exclusive amenities of a luxury inn” says the company website. “Our hotels and resorts are designed to reflect their respective neighborhoods and serve as good neighbors by participating in community events and causes. Through environmentally responsible design and day-to-day management, we adhere to best practices for sustainable operations at every location.”
Company officials could not be reached for comment.
But documents have been filed with the city Planning Board outlining proposed changes and other documentation required by the city. The Planning Board is scheduled to discuss the matter at its Jan. 12 meeting at City Hall.
According to the documents, plans include the addition of a spa with four treatment rooms and a swimming pool, demolition and replacement of the two-story main building, a reduction in meeting space and an increase in hotel rooms from 50 to 88. The restaurant also will be altered so that there is a separate entrance away from the hotel lobby.
There will also be a change in the inner workings of the restaurant toward a farm-to-table approach, with the total number of seats being decreased from 214 to 91.
According to the documents, the hotel would have 54 rooms. It currently has 18.
Regarding the sale of Longfellows, Sullivan said “We’re thankful for all the wonderful employees we’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years. They really did a great job serving each other as well as our guests. We’re grateful for the wonderful vendors and suppliers we’ve worked beside and maintained relationships with. To all of our customers who stayed with us, dined with us, and celebrated with us, this is not goodbye.’ We look forward to seeing you at the Olde Bryan Inn.”
He said the objective when Longfellows first opened was to be “good stewards of the property and to those we were here to serve. I believe we’ve met those objectives. We are very grateful for the opportunities we’ve had over the past 26 years”
Longfellows was originally the site of two large dairy barns. In 1995, Longfellows Restaurant was established and became a favorite with a reputation of distinction.