Michael Barnes named as General Manager of the 72- year-old resort located in the world-renowned Saratoga Spa State Park
BUFFALO, N.Y. (Feb 29, 2008) – Effective January 1, 2008, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, in a partnership with Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, took over hospitality management for the historic Gideon Putnam Resort. As the new operator, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts will be responsible for overseeing all lodging, food and beverage, retail and recreational operations for the 72-year-old, full-service resort destination, which includes management of the famed Roosevelt Spa.
“Gideon Putnam Resort is a perfect fit with Delaware North’s management portfolio of unique destinations and historic properties,” stated Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide quality recreational and hospitality services to our guests while simultaneously preserving the natural wonder of Saratoga Spa State Park.”
Michael Barnes, former general manager of Niagara Falls state Park operations for Delaware North Parks & Resort, will serve as the general manager of the Gideon Putnam Resort. He is responsible for overseeing operations at the historic resort, along with the Roosevelt Spa.
“We are excited about the opportunity to tell the story of this renowned and historic property,” said Barnes. One of the most significant and immediate improvement will be made in “interpretive” features that tell visitors the story and history surrounding Gideon Putnam and the Saratoga Spa State Park. This will include improved signage and room décor, as well as historical markers and displays.”
Barnes has been an integral and successful member of the Delaware North family since 1998 when he began serving as the general manager for Niagara Falls State Park. Over his nine years, he helped double the park’s revenue and was responsible for $4.5 million of capital improvement throughout the park’s visitor center.
Both new and long-time returning guests can look forward to over $20 million in future improvements to the resort and bathhouse as well as an expanded menu of interpretive programs, utilizing the vast natural landscapes abundant in the area as well as the hotel’s renowned history. Improvements will include upgrading furniture, fixtures and other equipment in the facility as well as improvements to the restaurants, bar and Roosevelt Spa. In addition, Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts anticipates broadening its marketing efforts to appeal to new group markets such as meetings and conventions, tour and travel, reunions, weddings and social functions by positioning the property as a complete resort and spa.
Set among the towering oaks and pines of a 2,300-acre park, the 120-room resort and 42-room spa, reminiscent of the Georgian Era, provides a refuge from the hubbub of everyday life, along with all of the amenities you expect from a first-class resort. As America’s first spa resort, it was built more than 70 years ago to provide a comfortable home for visitors taking advantage of the mineral waters of Saratoga Springs running through the park. Over the years, the resort has been home-away-from-home to politicians, authors, celebrities and society leaders.
Delaware North Companies is one of the nation’s foremost hospitality and entertainment companies, managing numerous well-known entities such as, Niagara Falls State Park, Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa (near Vancouver British Columbia), The Plaza Grand Ballroom in New York City and The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park.
The company’s extensive track record of success in hotel and hospitality management, as well as its strong ties in New York State make it an ideal choice to strategically position and enhance Gideon Putnam Resort.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Barnes, General Manager Gideon Putnam Resort, is available for interviews by contacting:
Kerry Hassen at 716-858-5016
Khassen@dncinc.com
Photographs of Gideon Putnam Resort available upon request.