Hi! I'm planning to be in Albany in early September. Have read that it's best to avoid the downtown.

Wouldn't I want to stay downtown to see the state capitol?

If not downtown, where else? Near SUNY?

Also do you have a hotel recommendation - at least 3 star/diamonds, either downtown or elsewhere. Or even a great place with a suite, like a Residence Inn.

Any help will be greatly appreciated!

There are a number of hotels near SUNY on Washington Avenue, however, few stores/restaurants VERY nearby. A Holiday Inn Express (or Select?) on Western Ave, also a Best Western, both somewhat near Stuyvesant Plaza and Crossgates Mall.

Probably the most popular area is on Wolf Rd, with many restaurants and shopping nearby ... some Choice family hotels on Central Ave, and also in Latham. The Crown Plaza is the only downtown hotel I'd stay at, but even then, would prefer a Washington Ave or Wolf Rd location.

Hi, rb! Thanks so much for your suggestions!

I've got a few more questions: isn't Wolf near the airport? I've been told to find something away from airports for this trip. Would we be bothered by the noise of airplanes?

The other instruction was to find a place to stay where we would be able to walk around at night - would this be Wolf again? I take it that downtown Albany is not good for night strolls.

Seems like the Marriott on Wolf would be the way to go - would you agree?

I'm sorry to pepper you with questions, but we have to make a reservation soon.

Thanks again for all your help!

Wolf Road IS near the airport (and SUNY and shopping...that's why almost all of the hotels are located there). I have stayed at the Hampton Inn...it was pleasant. I don't remember the planes bothering us much.

Whether you stay in downtown or somewhere on Wolf Road, you won't be walking around near the hotel at night. Downtown closes up at night (though nearby areas further west, where the college kids hang out, have lots of nighttime activity). Wolf Road, if I remember correctly, runs alongside the highway and is hotel after hotel...not conducive to a pleasant stroll.

Suzanne: Thanks so much for your input!

I'm going to do a bit more research and then bring out the monkey and have it throw a dart at the map - LOL!

When it's family, I just know that whatever I choose, someone is not going to be happy!

So, I might as well choose what pleases me - right?

Thanks again!

Marriott, or Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn (just off Wolf on Ulinski), HolidayInn Turf - all good choices. Desmond is the area's nicest (but most expensive) hotel just around corner from Wolf on Albany-Shaker Rd.

Sidewalks have been installed on Wolf Rd, making it a bit more friendly for walking, but since businesses are all set in from the road, you're just walking between the road and the parking lots. The town recently acquired a large parcel of land to the east of Wolf Rd and built a large park, but I've not been over to find out how good the access is from Wolf Rd, especially foot-access. There is a Comfort Inns & Suites on Central Ave that would be away from the airport, and on the bus route (#55) if you wanted to take a bus downtown & avoid parking. Those hotels near the airport were built with good sound-proofing.

rb: thanks for your rapid response!

I've made a reservation at the Marriott. Hope this pleases everyone. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks muchly!