When choosing a hotel many factors come into play: location, ambiance, price, etc. But what about luxury? Over the many years that we have operated the Century House, we have discovered that luxury is more than new-age decor and hip, at-the-moment trends. While decor may be the first thing that guests think about when they envision luxury, we know better. Luxury is about excellent customer service. It is about comfort and feeling like you are “coming home” when you step into an establishment. Luxury is authenticity. Luckily for guests, the Century House not only provides luxury in the broader sense, but our hotel offers a rich piece of Albany history. Let us explain…
Historical map of Upstate New York
It began in 1790, when the Stephen Van Rensselaer family paid a meager five schillings for several acres of Latham, NY property. The land extended to Cohoes Falls, and was soon rented to the Frederic Roff family at a rate of 25½ Skippels of saleable winter wheat, and four fat fowls to be delivered annually to Mr. Van Rensselaer.
“You’re crazy for trying to put a restaurant out there Jim” said the unbelieving. But Jim and Dorothy O’ Hearn knew that the only way from New York City to Montreal was to travel Route 9 through upstate New York, right in front of their new restaurant. Jim and Dorothy risked everything to buy this “Century old” farmhouse in the middle of nowhere on Albany-Saratoga Road in Latham, NY. The home had nothing but cows and orchards for neighbors. It was a beautiful golden autumn in 1949. America was surging in greatness due to the efforts of “the greatest generation”. The O’ Hearn family, along with their children and extended family were busy fixing, painting, patching, planting, decorating, and sprucing up the old farmhouse from the early 1800’s that was to be their new home and business dream.
In the restaurant, the O’Hearn family served their guests in their own living and dining rooms and provided a warm comfortable rest with excellent meals and service that made you never want to leave. From the very first meal, Jim, Dorothy and the family provided more than just an excellent meal at great value, they provided the experience of comfort and care for the body …and soul. Guests and staff became part of the family. The Century House became part of the community, a true “Public House” where friends could share a good meal, good company, and important celebrations in their lives. Working hard with their labor of love, the family grew the oasis to include larger dining rooms, banquet facilities and ultimately the Hotel and Conference center with pool, tennis court, wonderful half mile nature trail and more of the experience of spirit of service that they showed on that very first day.
To this day, the Century House continues to embody the values the O’Hearn family built their business around: exemplary service, the comforts of home and giving back to the community. Isn’t part of “luxury” knowing that you will be well taken care of wherever you rest you head? At the Century House, we believe this to be true. Capital Region history and our definition of luxury are inexplicably intertwined at the Century House.
Call the Century House in Latham, NY at 518-785-0931 to learn more about our establishment and reserve your spot at our table.
