Spas in the News
Pure
Mineral Baths Return to Gideon Putnam's Roosevelt Baths and Spa - Guests Indulge
in Pure Mineral Baths Drawn From Local Springs
BUFFALO, NY--June
9, 2008 - New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
(OPRHP), in partnership with Delaware North Companies, has announced the conversion
of four new spa treatment rooms for guests of the Roosevelt
Baths and Spa at Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Spa State Park. OPRHP has
converted two of the four treatment rooms to include 100 percent pure mineral
bathwater. The new changes will allow spa customers to choose the heating method
used to prepare their fresh spring water baths. Two rooms were completed and opened
May 30. The remaining two rooms will be completed in time for the Independence
Day weekend. The cost of the project is $100,000.
In addition
to offering the pure mineral water that many believe has therapeutic benefits,
guests now have a choice regarding how their bathwater is heated. The first option
is the standard heating method, which consists of blending cool mineral water
with hot fresh water to achieve the desired temperature. In a study conducted
by Malcolm Pirnie for the OPRHP, the century-old environmental consulting firm
reported that blending the mineral water with fresh water results in a bath with
less mineral content. However, the process adds effervescence to the water.
The
second and new heating method results in undiluted mineral bathwater. Heating
mineral water in the traditional way -- that is, using a boiler -- has long been
a challenge because the concentrated minerals corrode the tank. But a new tankless
system now in place at Gideon Putnam Resort eliminates that problem. The 53-degree,
pure mineral water is drawn up from the springs and heated by an internal burner
immediately before it flows through the tub faucet. The result is hot, unadulterated
mineral water.
"Although the differences are slight,
by providing both heating methods, patrons will be able to make a choice based
on whether they prefer larger quantities of minerals or more effervescence,"
said OPRHP Commissioner Carol Ash.
The famed baths of Saratoga
are well-known. Since the mid-1800s, people have believed the spring's natural
mineral water has healing powers, and is effective as a preventive health treatment.
Gideon Putnam Resort has been offering mineral baths since 1935.
"We
are happy to be able to work with the OPRHP to bring 100-percent mineral bathwater
to our spa," said Michael Barnes, general manager for Delaware North Companies
at Gideon Putnam Resort. "For years, Gideon Putnam has been sharing the region's
natural resources by offering fresh mineral baths, and this new option will only
further enhance our customers' experience and connection to the story of Saratoga
Spa State Park."
In its bid for the management contract
at Gideon Putnam Resort, Delaware North emphasized the importance of restoring
and maintaining the resort's obvious historic and geographic charm, and sharing
the property's many stories with guests.
"In addition
to the conversion of the baths, we are adding graphic panels in the relaxation
rooms that tell the story of the springs and help guests connect with the place
they are visiting," said Barnes.
A plan is in place to
upgrade treatment rooms and lobby décor; add design enhancements, and new
coffee, tea and lunch services; and create a solitary relaxation room that will
include a calming water feature. Delaware North also plans to fund a multi-million-dollar
remodel of the hotel and conference center that will focus on the lobby, dining
facilities and guestrooms.
About Delaware North Companies
Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks &
Resorts is a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel,
retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company's
portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as the Kennedy Space
Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national
parks; Asilomar State Beach & Conference Grounds; Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot
Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; Plaza del Pasado
in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; The
Balsams Grand Resort; and Gideon Putnam Resort. To learn more about Delaware North
Companies' expertise in the hospitality industry, visit www.experienceDNC.com.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware
North Companies is one of the world's leading hospitality and food service providers.
Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts,
Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies
Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North
Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Banknorth
Garden, Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies
in the United States with revenues of $2.3 billion annually and 50,000 associates
serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom,
Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.
