A question and answer with Ron Day, the new general manager of The Saratoga Hotel.

How long have you been in the hotel industry?

I started in the hotel industry in February 1981. I’m a graduate of Florida State University Hotel and Restaurant Management program.

When did you become general manager of The Saratoga?

I started on Sept. 10, 2007 at The Saratoga. I just transferred within the company. I was previously in Miami Beach. Obviously, upstate New York was an easy sell. Saratoga has the hometown feel. I love Thoroughbred racing, the mountains and lakes – there isn’t much not to like.

How long have you been with The Saratoga’s parent company?

I’ve been with Blackstone Real Estate Advisors since January 2006. I joined them in Puerto Rico. I had worked with the managing director earlier in my career.

Had you ever been in Saratoga before taking this position?

I came here for a site visit in August and that was my first trip to Saratoga Springs. I got to see how beautiful the track was.

How do you like Saratoga Springs so far?

It’s been a smooth transition for me here at The Saratoga.

Are you looking forward to the Saratoga racing season?

I can’t wait until my first track season.

The Dance Flurry Festival was just in town, which drew more than 4,000 people. Being connected to the City Center, how did The Saratoga accommodate the crowds?

We had a waiting list for the Dance Flurry. An event like that requires all hands on deck. We have a great relationship with the City Center. We rely on each other – they need our rooms to accommodate conventioneers and we need them to bring people in with their meeting space. It is a great partnership.

Are there any plans for the hotel?

We are working with the Department of Transportation about acquiring land in front of the hotel on Broadway. We want to realign the front entrance to be our main entrance. We want more direct access from Broadway. Our parent company just purchased Hilton Hotels Corporations.

What does that mean for The Saratoga?

We are in the process of converting The Saratoga into a Hilton. The important thing to note is we are not changing our style or doing any physical renovations. We will be known as The Saratoga Hilton.

What changes does that mean for the hotel?

It is more of us becoming a part of their global distribution system. It will make it easier to get reservations and we will have the standard benefits and points of the Hilton. Being a Hilton will be very attractive for our guests that frequent Hiltons. It is an exciting time for us at The Saratoga; there is a lot going on.