100 Years of Stays at The Queensbury Hotel

Reaching a centennial, or a one-hundred-year, anniversary is an incredible accomplishment. Very rarely does any sort of business or foundation withstand the test of time and remain a cornerstone of the community a century later.

Within the Lake George Area, in the City of Glens Falls, the widely recognized Queensbury Hotel has just arrived at this spectacular milestone. This year-round lodging property has been welcoming visitors and families alike since it first opened on May 7th, 1926.

Though there have been countless renovations and upgrades over the decades, The Queensbury Hotel continues to be a popular landmark for the area. With over 100 guest rooms and suites, two on-property restaurants, modern amenities, and numerous events held annually, this historic facility offers a lovely getaway for any and all types of trips.

The Queensbury’s Beginnings

The Queensbury Hotel, or “The Q” as it is affectionately referred to, began as a city-wide business project back in 1916. Several local businessmen and city officials wanted a hotel to host Adirondack tourists, and to serve as a community center for Glens Falls, which was booming with factories and industries in the early 20th century.

On March 6th, 1924, one hundred businessmen came together to form the Glens Falls Hotel Corporation, voting to build a $600,000 hotel near the center of downtown. Local businesses raised stock funds to support the construction of the building, which ultimately cost around $760,000—or roughly $10.5 million today.

The naming of the Queensbury Hotel has a few interpretations. Many believe the name originated from the British Queen Charlotte, who granted the land that eventually became Glens Falls in 1762. Others suggest that the name "Queensbury" exuded elegance, making it an appealing choice for the builders.

Within a few years, construction was completed, and the Queensbury officially opened on May 7th, 1926, offering year-round stays for visitors to Warren County, and providing a city landmark suited for conventions, entertainment, and events. The demand for business boomed over the next few decades, and the hotel benefitted greatly from the rise of tourism, leading to the building of more guest rooms and meeting facilities.

Pictured: A vintage photo of The Queensbury Hotel.

To this day, The Queensbury Hotel remains a premier choice for those traveling to Glens Falls, the Lake George Area, and the surrounding Adirondacks. From business conferences, weekend getaways, family vacations, and every other type of visit.

Accolades and Appearances

The Queensbury has gone through several expansions and changes over the years, including a multi-million-dollar renovation project of the property’s restaurants, meeting spaces, and guest rooms by the current ownership group.

However, much of the original exterior architecture and design has been preserved to this day, which earned the property a membership into Historic Hotels of America in 2017. The Queensbury Hotel was also one of the first of over two hundred businesses included in the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry in 2022.

Pictured: A photo of the Historic Hotels of America Plaque outside The Queensbury Hotel; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien

Due to its success and popularity, The Queensbury Hotel has welcomed an assortment of celebrity guests and performers over the years, with highlights including:

• Bob Dylan
• Louis Armstrong
• Kenny Rogers
• Benny Goodman
• Guy Lombardo
• Kenny Anderson
• Joe Frazier
• Jackie Robinson
• Billy Joel
• Phish

And, as a noteworthy addition, Robert F. Kennedy attended a luncheon at the hotel the day after winning the 1964 senator election.

Staying at The Queensbury Hotel Today

If learning about this venue’s deep-seated history and prestige has made you want to book your stay, chances are you’re not alone. Open year-round, The Queensbury Hotel greets thousands of travelers annually. From your first steps into the expansive lobby before proceeding to checkout, here’s what you can expect with your stay.

Rooms and Suites

Today, the Queensbury boasts a total of 123 rooms and suites, each with charming contemporary designs and amenities to guarantee a peaceful stay.

Accommodations can host between two to six people, depending on the room type, with king, queen, and two-queen bed options available. There’s also a selection of ADA accessible queen rooms, with roll-in showers, wider door frames, and other helpful features.

Once you step inside your room and place your luggage down, you’ll find a wide range of modern amenities, including an in-room coffee maker for those early morning starts, an expertly designed bathroom for freshening up, and more to discover.

Pictured: One of the Rooms Inside The Queensbury Hotel.

On-Site and Off-Site Luxuries

Over the years, The Queensbury Hotel has developed a reputation as a destination for both fun and relaxation. This identity has been built thanks to the various amenities that can be found on-site.

When you reserve your stay, you can:

• Swim and soak in the Indoor Heated Pool and Jacuzzi.
• Complete your workout at the Fitness Center.
• Treat yourself to some pampering at The Crown Salon & Barber.
• Cycle around Glens Falls with the hotel’s Bike Rental Program.

However, due to the property’s close proximity to the heart of downtown, it’s also easier than ever to step outside and explore what Glens Falls has to offer. Many of the city’s restaurants, theaters, and attractions are within walking distance.

Not to mention, the Glens Falls City Park is right across the road from the rear of the hotel, which makes for a lovely walk throughout the year.

Pictured: A nearby view of the Glens Falls City Park; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien

Quality Dining

Housed inside the property are two year-round restaurants, both with a full menu of delectable entrees that are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Each eatery has a distinct personality, but both provide standout service and memorable experiences worth checking out.

Pro Tip: Both restaurants, while inside the hotel, are open to the public. They’re well worth grabbing a table at, even if you’re not an overnight guest.

Fenimore’s Neighborhood Pub

The more casual of the two dining establishments. Fenimore’s Neighborhood Pub features a gastro-pub style menu with lunch and dinner available daily. Whether seated inside, or at one of the corner tables outside, you and your party will be treated to 180-degree views of Glens Falls and the nearby City Park.

Fenimore’s also hosts live entertainment frequently throughout the year, like Trivia Night Tuesdays and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Pictured: The Dining Room inside Fenimore's Neighborhood Pub.

Park 26

Park 26 hosts an elegant seating area inside, perfect for all three meals of the day, including breakfast year-round, and lunch and dinner with varying seasonal hours.

Diners can grab a spot in the dining room, or, during the warmer seasons, enjoy lively, scenic views of downtown with outdoor seating on The Park Patio and The Courtyard. During the winter months, The Park Patio is also open for Igloo Dining—one of the most unique dining experiences in the Lake George Area. Gaze at the scenic snowfall as you bundle up and eat inside a heated igloo.

During Thursdays in July and August, you can grab a table outside for The Park Patio’s Music Series. Musical talent from around the local area comes to perform on those warm summer evenings, the perfect compliment to a savory dinner.

Pictured: The Park Patio at Park 26; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien

Events

Of course, The Queensbury is so much more than just a place to stay. It’s also a community hub for both locals and visitors to gather, with frequent celebrations and festivities.

Whether you’re staying at the hotel, or just passing through, these annual events are worth attending.

The Queensbury Hotel is also a terrific choice to host your special day. With gorgeous décor, available ballrooms, and reserved room blocks for family and friends, this one-of-a-kind venue makes for an unforgettable wedding.

You can visit The Queensbury Hotel website to select from one of multiple wedding packages.

Moving Forward

Throughout the decades it’s been in business, The Queensbury Hotel has always welcomed all who’ve visited with warm smiles, aiming to give those exploring the Lake George Area an experience to last a lifetime.

And, no matter what changes the future may bring, this lodging property on Ridge Street will always hold an integral part in the Glens Falls community.

Through all the bookings, all of the meals served, and all of the gatherings and events shared, The Queensbury’s timeless exterior will continue to shine through—hopefully for another hundred years and beyond.

Pictured: The Exterior of The Queensbury Hotel's Street Entrance; Photo Credit: Kacey O'Brien

Special Thanks to these Sources:

• “Celebrating 100 Years of The Queensbury Hotel” – The Queensbury Hotel
• “History of The ‘Q’” – The Queensbury Hotel
• “Historic Hotels of America – The Queensbury Hotel”

And, of course, The Queensbury Hotel for providing some of the photos used in this blog.