STR 411. ✌️ 2 new local TV shows.
PLUS: How to host an artist (Opera Saratoga is in need!)
Open houses, sneak peeks, gala invites, ticket sales…
There’s no denying it now — Saratoga summer is almost here.
Rest up, Dispatchers: Life is about to get a little messy.
In the best way.
— Abby
Good vibes all the time!
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What do I really need to know about short-term rentals right now?
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Last Friday morning, a business meeting I was at wrapped up the moment a stunning real estate agent floated in and was greeted like a visiting dignitary.
And that’s when I clocked that this already-wild racing season is also our first since the new Local Law No. 5 — the one that dominated the news last year — took effect.
Like those eager homeowners looking to rent, I needed some info. Fast.
I called my go-to, Allison Bradley of Four Seasons by Sotheby’s, to fill me in on the new law — and everything else happening with short-term rentals in Saratoga.
The 150-Day Hard Cap: No property can be rented for more than 150 days per year. If you self-manage and — oops — “waste” 20 of those days on low-value mid-week bookings in May, Bradley says, “you’ve permanently lost the ability to sell those nights during the peak track season or October wedding surge.”
ADR Insight: A professional manager uses dynamic pricing to ensure the 150-day window is filled only with the highest-possible ADR (Average Daily Rate) guests.
The Compliance Wall: In 2026, the city registry portal allows only owners to apply for the initial $750 non-primary license. “An agent’s value is taking over the second step,” says Bradley: coordinating the mandatory Saratoga Springs Fire Dept (SSFD) inspection and serving as the “Local Contact” who must respond to the 24/7 city noise hotline within 50 miles.
Mid-Term Rentals: In Saratoga, stays over 30 days are exempt from the 150-day cap and the $750 STR license fee. “A professional agent can find a single, high-profile racing family for 31-plus days,” says Bradley, for more profit and less regulatory headache than going for the weekend warrior party crowd.
For more info, contact Allison Bradley, Four Seasons by Sotheby’s.
House an artist. Be part of the magic.
Opera Saratoga needs three more housing hosts — and this is your chance to be on the inside.
“It’s a unique experience, as behind-the-scenes as you can get,” says the company’s executive director, Amanda Robie. “Plus, you have the opportunity to get to know one of the very talented artists who will take the stage all season at UPH.”
Dates: Monday, May 18 to Monday, June 29, 2026
Requirements: Private bedroom, kitchen privileges, access to laundry facilities, if they are available, WiFi access, no more than 30 minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs, non-smoking household.
Note: Hosts are NOT expected to provide food or transportation to their guests.
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to step up from being a spectator (it’s the Saratoga way) — this is it.
For more info: info@operasaratoga.org 518-584-6018
📺 ON THE SMALL SCREEN
Friendly competition?
It’s official: Two new local “positive vibes” (maybe the Dispatch is onto something!) TV shows are debuting the first week of June.
NEWS10 ABC’s Upstate Living (10 a.m.) will be hosted by none other than Billy Floyd, who told me he’s so “pumped” and “very ready to dive right in.” Expect high energy, exclusive interviews and super-fun lifestyle content.
Then flip the channel — at 11 a.m., NewsChannel 13 wades in with CRL. Co-hosted by Chris Onorato and Caitlin Irla, Capital Region Lifestyle promises to highlight “local people, local businesses, the things that make the Capital Region so great.”
📸 IN PICTURES
Earn those points
The beautiful Hotel Brookmere (500 Union Ave.) just celebrated its transition into a Marriott Hotels property during a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Hopefully, this doesn’t affect that bread basket (IYKYK) at the Regent. Meet you there for happy hour to find out?
For more info, visit hotelbrookmere.com.
📰 IN BRIEF
For more info…
After last week’s “highly contentious” City Council debate regarding the mayor’s proposed changes to Saratoga’s infamous preservation rules, a public information meeting about it all has been confirmed for this evening (double-check that I’m reading this right; it’s been a long day). According to the Times Union, it will take place at 6:30 at Spring Street Gallery. For more on what went down May 5 at the meeting, visit Saratoga Civic Pulse.
Preakness draw
Just 18 minutes ago, the Preakness field became official. Here’s what you need to know about the draw, from Yahoo! Sports.
📌 ICYMI…