Saratoga Inn

The Saratoga Inn is probably the best example of “Phony Colonee” (as its come to be known) Doo Wop Architecture ever built on our island. It doesn’t just use a name as the basis of a loosely defined theme, or only contain a few flourishes and details to give it some Colonial/Early American feel. Instead, the Saratoga looks like a large house built in the style, as much as can be for a Motel, without much compromise. I can remember that when I was younger, I wasn’t too interested in staying there because, while I liked the Motel itself, at the time I thought it might not give off the feel of being in Wildwood enough (if that makes any sense). I’ve since come around and realized that the strength in its execution of the theme is what makes it a standout, in look, feel, and the overall experience. This also ties in with the aesthetic of the motel not just providing a nice place to stay, but making you feel like you're somewhere, just by being at the motel itself. If you’re at the Saratoga, you get the chance to encounter what a Wildwood Mid Century Motel would be like if it could have somehow originally been designed and built much earlier in time.



The Saratoga Inn was built in 1960, and therefore celebrated a 50th Anniversary recently. It is located on the Northeast corner of Farragut Road & Ocean Avenue. It is not directly on the beach, but one just needs to walk past the Bal Harbor, with no streets to cross to get there. It is a two floor L-shaped structure, covered in red/brown/tan brickface. It features a pitched roof with a cupola on each part of the “L”. The cupolas were not an original design feature, but fit in so well that they look like they could have been. I believe the main sign is original – “Saratoga” placed centered above “Inn” – and is made of individual solid white letters that protrude from the building. It is positioned on the wall by the deck above the office. Two relatively small green and gold “Saratoga Inn” rectangular signs are on the walls, one to each side, near the lobby. These two signs are much newer than the Motel, but fit in pretty well, even if they're a bit redundant.

(The Saratoga's listing from the 1995 Greater Wildwoods Hotel Motel Visitors Guide, including an image of the vintage lobby decor):


Units are located on both levels along both inner sections of the “L” facing South & West (and the pool), on the outer part of one section of the “L” facing North, and one oceanview unit on the Southern end cap of the “L”. The restaurant/coffee shop is located below that unit. The lobby/office is at the base of the Westernmost point, with a deck above it that is formed as a continuation of the balcony for the units. A traditional white double doorway with long black hinges and divided glass on the doors serves as the entrance to the lobby, and is flanked by two bow windows with divided panes to its sides. Benches & planters are next to the entrance, and a date stone noting the year the Saratoga was built sits in the wall. Red brick pavers are used for the pathway here and by the first floor units. There are approximately 38 units in total.

The rooms have white louvered outer doors with long black hinges, white trimmed, divided pane windows with white shutters. Lantern style lights with black frames and clear glass are positioned high by the doors. Railings are white, plain but neat and compliment the overall look well. They appear to be relatively new, but don’t seem to stray too far from the style of the originals. Support posts double as decorative items. Stairs are provided in the middle of the “L” and midway across the North side. A section of the balcony/railing towards the Southern end juts out to form an additional deck, which overlooks the pool area. The pool and its surroundings are in the middle of the “L”. The pool area is fenced in from the parking area with a low rise wall, clad in matching brick-face, with a small bit of fencing atop. Except for a few spaces parallel to the lobby, parking is available along the perimeter of all units, which follows the tradition of a Motel allowing you to park your car and be able to see it from your room.

Overall, a very distinctive motel, which especially considering The Wildwoods' renowned collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture, is particularly impressive.