New York ‘divorce hotel’ offering packages for couples looking to split

A New York hotel renowned for its wedding ceremonies has added a new package available to customers – a divorce deal that allows couples a pain-free split.

The Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, in upstate New York, will charge $5000 for the service, the New York Post reports.

Divorcing couples are placed in separate rooms for the weekend and assigned a mediator to finalise their split in a signed agreement.

Customers will be effectively divorced on check-out, founder Jim Halfens said.

“After signing, all work is done and we send it to a judge who only puts a stamp on it to make it official,” he said.

The DivorceHotel website describes its vision as, "We see your separation not only as the end of your marriage, but would like to look at it very much as the beginning of a new phase in your life."

Mr Halfens has similar businesses in his native Netherlands and some clients will be subjects of a reality TV series surrounding the hotel.

A spokesman from the hotel dismissed concerns the new service might tarnish the venue’s reputation as a happy host of weddings.

“We welcome all kinds of guests,” Rob Sgarlata said.

“From our point of view, these are more guests with a specific need, and we have an opportunity to help them to fill that need.

“We don’t see it as different from any of our other groups.”