Dan

Hi

I was thinking about going to Montreal this coming weekend and surprise some friends...Albany is my chosen (and I think the wisest) middle point (i'll get to Albany by train from Baltimore on Friday and continue to Montreal the next day). I was thinking about either Pine Haven B&B or the Ramada. My question is: Does anybody know if there's anything special going on that I wouldn't be able to book a room in Albany at the last minute this weekend?

Thanks, DAN

PS Incidentally, if you ask, why don't I book now? Given that it's a long trip (even flying as i'd have to connect), I only want to go #1. if I'm feeling up to it and #2. if the weather's OK. I plan to book everything at the very last minute (all unreserved trains Baltimore-Albany, bus Albany-Montreal) given that the above is true.

carol

The week before Thanksgiving we were in Albany on business. We tried to book a room at the Desmond, it was full. We finally got a room across Wolff Rd. in a hotel (wish I could think of the name). It was $120 per night and really to be honest with you I would have rather stayed at a Super 8. I am not sure where the train station is, but there are plenty of hotel (motels) near the Airport. I know for a fact that downtown is so congested. Gee coming from beautiful Montreal, is there another route you can take? Albany may be the Capital of New York, but there is nothing there. Good luck

lisa

I gotta' agree with Carol -- there is nothing to see or do in Albany. Do yourself a favor and stay in Saratoga. At least it has a little downtown, some interesting shopping and a few funky restaurants.

Owen O'Neill

I forgot to mention - if you're looking in the area close to Latham and looking for more upscale use caution - the Desmond is there and I recently read that it's become a bit threadbare but is still pricey. You might consider making the whole weekend meeting in Saratoga. It's got plenty of good restaurants, a few fun clubs like the Metro (probably quiet at this time of year) and some cool shops plus some Victorian charm. Lodging choices on the better end of the scale include the Gideon Putnam and the Inn at Saratoga. The Adelphi has a very quaint and classic public area and a really cool antique bar area but I was not overly impressed byt the rooms. The Turf and Spa is a nice, very well maintained independent motel just out of downtown that has the added attraction of having its own mineral baths (rather than having to pay to use them at the Spa). Not sure if they're open during the winter. there are also some very nice B&B's in town. I stayed at Six Sisters and can recommend it - nice people and great food.

sandy

Dan,

The "Albany" train station is actually across the Hudson River in Renssalaer. If there are any hotels near there, you do not want to stay anywhere near them. You mentioned the Ramada; if you mean the one in downtown Albany, I wouldn't direct my worst enemy there. It's very run-down, next to the bus station; built in the 60's with no renovations since. If you're not familiar with Albany, take a 15 minute cab to one of the airport hotels. There's just about any chain you can think of. Can't comment on the Pine Haven as I've never heard of it; what's the address?

As for Carol, who has been bashing Albany every chance she gets in the past week, I've lived here for over 10 years. Although there are not many obvious tourist attractions in Albany, it's a nice place to live, and we residents can find lots to do, eat and buy without going to Saratoga.

Dan

I do appreciate everyone's input very much. Although I do look forward to checking out Lark St. while I'm there, I won't be spending much time in Albany itself. I'm really most curious if there's an event (convention, festival, etc...) that might book hotel rooms up this upcoming Friday night. Sandy, thanks for your words about the Ramada. Pine Haven B&B is on Western Ave. a block and a half north from Lark.

One day I'll check out Saratoga and spend time to enjoy it...for this spontaneous trip though, Albany makes much more sense (more buses to Montreal).

Thanks one and all. DAN

MaryJo

I really don't think that Carol is bashing Albany. She is just more familar with Saratoga. Sounds like she had some bad experience in Albany and would rather spend her time in Saratoga. Oh well Dan, hope you have a great trip here in Albany. You asked for opinions and I guess you got more than you asked for - Ciao

sandy

Dan,

I looked up where Pine Haven B&B is; I can't say anything for the B&B itself, but the location is about 1/2 a mile from my house. I have to admit that I drive or run past it everyday and I never realized it was a B&B. However, the neighborhood is nice; it's safe and you're only a couple blocks away from 3 bars, 2 restaurants, and a movie theater. Lark Street is 2 miles away from the B&B, not a couple blocks. If you're catching a bus in the morning, it will less than 10 minutes to get to the station from Pinehaven. Good luck; sounds like you're on a budget. As I said, I'm not familiar with the hotel itself, but it's in a much better location than the Ramada.

carol

Sandy - Please except my apology. My intent was not to Bash Albany. I guess living upstate with really nothing to do and really where I am from we have no tourist attractions, I suggest the resort towns. Sorry - I cannot belive how you have help Dan out Kudo's to you. Sorry -CA