There is nothing like a nice hot mineral bath, so having previously checked out some spas out west, we decided to try one a little closer to home. Upstate NY, the Saratoga Springs area, has 3 legitimate mineral spas that we could find. The Medbery is one that has been recently added, thanks to the town granting the Inn direct access to the mineral spring that runs through the town of Ballston Spa.
We went for a package deal that included a night at the Inn, a mineral bath for two and a facial for my wife for $200. In addition, we went for the couples massage for an additional $170. It also included a breakfast buffet. Total cost $370 (excluding spa tips). We arrived at 2pm and checked out leisurely at about noon the next day. There was no rush to get us out the door, in fact they encouraged us to take our time and relax.
The Inn - A marvelous piece of architecture that Dolores, Jim and Jarrad have done a great job on restoring. The place is immaculate outside and inside. The first floor contains the spa area on one side and the dining area on the other side. The 2nd floor has the guest rooms and they are working on rebuilding/restoring the 3rd floor as well. Everything is very tastefully decorated, clean and spotless, including the rooms, but the dining area is truly special. Plenty of parking in the back. There is a common area that allows you to sit outside on the 2nd floor extended balcony.
The Rooms - Clean with everything you could ask for. Good sized bathroom, California king in our room, cable TV and DSL cable for your laptop if needed. Our room had a slight slant to the floor and the walls were a little thinner than normal, but those are about the only things I would question on our whole stay there. Especially since you are not running into a rowdy crowd or a large noisy family (no offense meant) at this type of place.
The Service - Check in smooth and friendly. Upstairs, the doorway to the room had a blanket of rose pedals...nice, romantic touch. Jarrad gave us a quick description of where to eat and had water/ice brought to the room quickly. Later, the mineral bath was large and relaxing. Another nice touch - a glass of chilled juice and some sliced fruit was soothing to the palate as we sat in the hot mineral water and the cares floated away. Our first ever couples massages were also well done in a well appointed quiet room on the second floor. Standard massage taking care of -or avoiding- whatever areas we asked for. (People cannot touch the bottom of my feet!) From check-in to the core spa services to breakfast, we felt the staff was just great.
The Food - Breakfast was more than just a continental breakfast since there were hot choices like quiche available as well as breads, cereals, fruit and the usual breakfast fare. The dining area as stated before is exquisite and you could picture having a small affair or business meeting there.
The Town - you can stroll through the town and a few shops in an hour . There really is not much there. We did stop at the health food store which actually had some good stuff. On the day we were there, the bookstore was closed. There are a few antique shops and a bottle museum and a number of places to eat. After our massages on the first day, we went to eat in Saratoga (10 minute drive, very quick). The next morning we did take a quick stroll through town. I would call it a town in an upward transition, but not quite there yet. It is certainly not an area you have to worry about, it is just a small sleepy town that has hopes of being the next Saratoga, but needs a lot more work.
If you are looking for a nice, quiet, clean place with good services and charm, aimed more at couples (or a ladies day at the spa) than families, and if you don't mind the quick drive to Saratoga for a wider choice of restaurants and countless shops and stores, then I would recommend the Medbury for a nights stay and it's spa services. read more