Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel
660 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie, NY 12211
Full view
View all photos(150)150
Room & Suite (41)
Videos (1)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
Avg. $363 /night, 1/14 - 1/15
$446
per night
$346
per night
$245
per night
Jan
Feb
14 Jan
Today
16 Jan
18 Jan
20 Jan
22 Jan
24 Jan
26 Jan
28 Jan
30 Jan
1 Feb
3 Feb
5 Feb
7 Feb
9 Feb
11 Feb
13 Feb
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
#3 of 3 hotels in Colonie
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Full service Crowne Plaza conveniently located 1/2 mile from Albany International Airport at Exit 3 of the I-87/Northway, and next door to the busy Wolf Road district with shopping, dining and entertainment. Hotel amenities include an onsite restaurant and lounge, 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool, free high speed WiFi, free parking and free 24-hour roundrip airport shuttle service. Our 322 renovated guest rooms and suites include everything you need to recharge and relax including individual Keurig coffee machines, laptop sized safe, and plenty of charging for all of your devices.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Kids stay free
Highchairs available
Parking
Wifi
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Vending machine
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Free airport transportation
Free shuttle or taxi services
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
ATM on site
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Radio
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Business
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 60 out of 100
60
Albany Intl Airport
2.2 km•
See all flights
John F. Kennedy Intl Airport
231.7 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
Reviews
4.5
110 reviews
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
The Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel garners praise for its clean and comfortable rooms, with numerous guests appreciating the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the premises. The hotel's value is lauded, considering the complimentary breakfast and parking, though a few have noted billing discrepancies. Its service stands out, with staff members receiving accolades for their hospitality and efficiency.
The atmosphere is generally well-received, offering a pleasant environment and vibrant events. Despite some concerns over noise and mustiness, the hotel's location near the airport and interstates is a boon for travelers.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveller reviews and learn more about how the site works.
Traveller rating
- 73
- 20
- 6
- 6
- 5
Time of year
Traveller type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Popular mentions
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
Nice property. All was quite clean and organized with the exception of sporadic maid service. They cleaned one day and not another etc. Pandemic or not, you pay full price for service including housekeeping so there is no excuse for not supplying full housekeeping. Rates should have been reflected otherwise. Other than that, I can’t say anything too bad about this place. It was a nice property and hopefully as things ease up, service will return to normal and will perform as it should.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel was very nice. This would have been a 5 star review but there were a couple hiccups. There is no daily room turndown unless you put a request sign on the door. We were not told this at check in. No biggie really, when we asked for fresh towels the next evening they were promptly brought to the room.
The restaurant staff was very friendly. But, they were converting to breakfast settings at 9pm on the Friday night we checked in. They happily changed a booth to a dinner setting for us, but I was a little surprised that they were making that conversion so early.
The room was very nice. The hotel was remodeled within the past couple years. It has a very classy feel with the occasional hint of character from the old look.
The restaurant staff was very friendly. But, they were converting to breakfast settings at 9pm on the Friday night we checked in. They happily changed a booth to a dinner setting for us, but I was a little surprised that they were making that conversion so early.
The room was very nice. The hotel was remodeled within the past couple years. It has a very classy feel with the occasional hint of character from the old look.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
The hotel was clean and nice. My requests were met (I have several allergies and require foam pillows, etc.) The curtains and stuff were dust free (which is rare at most hotels) and there were no outdated items in the room. We went for a wedding and the food and experience was very good. *Staff at the wedding was very accommodating as well.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When booking my reservation, I requested a pet free and odor free room as I am very odor sensitive. Plus, we were attending an event so I spoke at length with the assistant catering manager.
I also called the day before we were to arrive to check on room request and found that only pet free had been put into our profile and obviously the scent portion was still ignored! When we arrived and got to our room we found it heavily scented. We immediately called the front desk and Sean,I believe a manager, arrived to help. He brought me up to show me 2 different rooms and fortunately neither one had any odors. I’m still puzzled by what happened in the first room but it was inexcusable! We were ready to check out and find another hotel to stay.
As for the dinner at the event I was told to speak with any server and explain I was 1/3 getting a special meal in accordance to my food allergies. I spoke with a wonderful server (Sam) who couldn’t have been nicer. She Offered to wait until she saw my table getting up to go to the buffet before bringing my food. I saw her coming over with an armful of plates! One being my dinner, the second lettuce and the third a plate of melons and sliced pineapple. She assured me the chef was aware of my allergies and took every precaution! Well, not so much. Dinner was fine and I didn’t even touch the salad. But I was looking forward to the fruit until I saw the sliced pineapple. I told the catering manager, Amanda, I couldn’t eat any citrus as well as putting it in writing. Pineapple is in the citrus family which I believe the chef should have known. Thank goodness I spotted that before I took some of the melon. A potential disaster that fortunately was averted because I’m so cautious!
Food allergies must be taken seriously.. please!
All in all certainly not a facility I would rush back to staying or eating.
I also called the day before we were to arrive to check on room request and found that only pet free had been put into our profile and obviously the scent portion was still ignored! When we arrived and got to our room we found it heavily scented. We immediately called the front desk and Sean,I believe a manager, arrived to help. He brought me up to show me 2 different rooms and fortunately neither one had any odors. I’m still puzzled by what happened in the first room but it was inexcusable! We were ready to check out and find another hotel to stay.
As for the dinner at the event I was told to speak with any server and explain I was 1/3 getting a special meal in accordance to my food allergies. I spoke with a wonderful server (Sam) who couldn’t have been nicer. She Offered to wait until she saw my table getting up to go to the buffet before bringing my food. I saw her coming over with an armful of plates! One being my dinner, the second lettuce and the third a plate of melons and sliced pineapple. She assured me the chef was aware of my allergies and took every precaution! Well, not so much. Dinner was fine and I didn’t even touch the salad. But I was looking forward to the fruit until I saw the sliced pineapple. I told the catering manager, Amanda, I couldn’t eat any citrus as well as putting it in writing. Pineapple is in the citrus family which I believe the chef should have known. Thank goodness I spotted that before I took some of the melon. A potential disaster that fortunately was averted because I’m so cautious!
Food allergies must be taken seriously.. please!
All in all certainly not a facility I would rush back to staying or eating.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Check shower curtains, number or towels skimpy and don’t take the room facing the courtyard.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from IHG Service, Other at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel
Responded 16 Aug 2022
Hello, trudys234 It's always a pleasure to read the opinion of our valued guests. And it helps us understand better your needs in future stays. We are pleased to see we are your primary choice for accommodation. I would like to take this chance to apologize for the situation you have encountered. Don't worry, I have shared your sentiment with our management for further attention. Nothing makes us happier than delivering the best experience to our beloved guests. We look forward to serving you again. I'm sure you'll love the changes and improvements. Alejandro G. Case Manager IHGService
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My company has used the Desmond as our hotel in Albany for almost 5 years now. It is still quite unique. The guest rooms surround a large enclosed courtyard area that is used for banquets and other large gatherings year round. Want an "outdoor" wedding or convention in winter in Albany? You can do it (sort of) with the Desmond.
Prior to the large scale renovations, the Desmond had an early American/ Old English feel to it, including the tavern and restaurant. I have eaten in the bar and restaurant many times and while it isn't inexpensive (what hotel restaurant is?) the food is of very good quality and taste. I've never had anything bad at the Desmond in terms of food.
The renovation of the rooms was sorely needed and is much appreciated. Gone are the tall, four post beds (with their stiff mattresses) and large TV cabinets, replaced with modern furnishings. Everything is new and modern and much improved in terms of comfort and usability. Customer service, always a Desmond hallmark, is still very good, which is not true in many places now.
But, as usual, with advancement comes loss. Prior to the renovation, The Desmond was known as "Grandmas House" by those at our company. It looked like the last true update had been about 1992 and was something my Greatest Generation grandparents would have deemed "classy". It felt like you were at grandmas house and there was a certain charm and comfort to the old decor and style.
The place had a soul and when you spend 150+ days on the road in cookie cutter hotels, it was a nice change, even if it was dated. Having to fit IHG/Crowne Plaza standards has ripped the soul from the Desmond.
It's a much better property, much more fashionable and comfortable and I can't recommend it enough. But I miss the soul of the old property. ( End rant.)
Prior to the large scale renovations, the Desmond had an early American/ Old English feel to it, including the tavern and restaurant. I have eaten in the bar and restaurant many times and while it isn't inexpensive (what hotel restaurant is?) the food is of very good quality and taste. I've never had anything bad at the Desmond in terms of food.
The renovation of the rooms was sorely needed and is much appreciated. Gone are the tall, four post beds (with their stiff mattresses) and large TV cabinets, replaced with modern furnishings. Everything is new and modern and much improved in terms of comfort and usability. Customer service, always a Desmond hallmark, is still very good, which is not true in many places now.
But, as usual, with advancement comes loss. Prior to the renovation, The Desmond was known as "Grandmas House" by those at our company. It looked like the last true update had been about 1992 and was something my Greatest Generation grandparents would have deemed "classy". It felt like you were at grandmas house and there was a certain charm and comfort to the old decor and style.
The place had a soul and when you spend 150+ days on the road in cookie cutter hotels, it was a nice change, even if it was dated. Having to fit IHG/Crowne Plaza standards has ripped the soul from the Desmond.
It's a much better property, much more fashionable and comfortable and I can't recommend it enough. But I miss the soul of the old property. ( End rant.)
Read more
Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Upper floors on the outside of the hotel (not overlooking courtyard) will be quieter when...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Food in the restaurant was expensive and not worth the price paid. I had to leave a credit card number at the desk, which is not unusual. However, two weeks later there is still a $30 charge attached and two phone calls have failed to get them to remove it, though nothing was charged to my room. The bed and room was just OK, nothing special. Also, the hotel is isolated and nothing is within walking distance. There were no obvious walking paths.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Hotel Management, Owner at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel
Responded 31 Aug 2021
Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing your feedback, we are very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your recent stay. As explained by our front desk staff, the $30 charge is an authorization hold only which falls off your credit card within 3-5 business days depending on your credit card company. The hotel does connect to a paved walking/biking trail at our entrance, and we are at the intersection of Wolf Road which has numerous shopping and dining establishments. Your comment have been shared with our team and we hope that you will visit us again in the future.
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have stayed at this hotel twice inn two years. My reason for visit was to attend a conference for the American Legion. My first experience was not the best, and let me explain that it was in no way due to the staff, or cleanliness or operation of anything associated with my room. It was the room location. My last stay had me in a room adjacent to the elevator. This caused a sleepless night since the elevator was running up and down until the early hours of the morning. This time I requested a room away from that area. My room was clean and comfortable with a large bed, coffee maker that accepted K cups, and I was close to the elevators and ice but not so close that I heard them all night. The conference areas were large and plentiful. entertainment and amenities were also. for January my room was of perfect temperature for sleeping or just watching the TV and it was easily adjustable. My one concern was small and ordinarily not worth noting since this hotel has continued to make improvement each year, and that was the water pressure in the shower was not as I am used to. it worked I got refreshed and clean each time, it just wasn't what I am used to. I ate at the restaurant for breakfast and a lunch it was pricey but not if compared to other city fare. The portion was good, I didn't finish any meal I ate there. The bar was expensive but cozy. they had plenty of interesting things to see inside the hotel and the staff was above accommodating. Free coffee in the lobby a nice warm fireplace that burned real wood, and comfortable seating. We had fine dining at our last meal there in the banquet hall and it was ok, not the best I've had but it was probably catered by our organization. so I would recommend staying here if in the Albany area for business or pleasure. its adjacent to major shopping dining chains, the airport and the major expressways. and if you like the scenic route , one turn puts you on a road that drives straight into the capital city.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel is amazing, the food is out of this world and the staff is quick and accommodating. We had the rooms reserved for an event that held 300 plus people and for the last 10 years check in has been a nightmare. Several advisors and students (including us) were waiting for rooms well past 6pm. This year I would completely understand because of the pandemic and the extra care the staff must take with each room and I am sure they are understaffed like so many venues are BUT this has been going on WELL before the pandemic. If rooms are ready after 4 then comp some of the cost back to the organization paying for them. Otherwise, our stay was magnificent!
Read more
Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for one night with my son to visit SUNY Albany, which is less than 15 minutes away and right near the airport. Our room was clean, comfortable, spacious and recently updated. It has charging ports, a fridge, digital thermostat, and even a magnifying mirror in the well lit bathroom. This place is really large, took while to walk and find our room. There was a conference of high schoolers going on during our stay, so they were a little noisy in the halls after 11 pm, but thankfully they were quiet by midnight. The front desk was willing to send security if needed. On site there is a small pool and fitness center, which we didn't use, but probably would have if they had a hot tub. The lobby has a nice seating area by a real wood burning, cozy fireplace. The free breakfast at the restaurant was great, and the woman server there (Jean or Vern?) was excellent. My omelette was so fresh and delicious and so was my son's French toast and smoothie. There is a nice size bar on site too to relax and enjoy a cocktail. Evan at the front desk was very friendly and helpful upon checkout. Decent stay, but they should take requests seriously for a quiet room and put guests away from the conference guests, which I'm not so sure the young kid did when we first checked in.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After being stranded in Albany during the recent storm without a place to stay, the Desmond staff immediately found a room for us and let us settle in early. When our flight was delayed two more days, they accommodated us even though they were packed with March Madness students. Everyone from the front desk staff, the housekeeping supervisor to the restaurant staff have been incredibly helpful and made our stay as comfortable as possible. The hotel is beautiful with well appointed, immaculate rooms and comfortable beds.. Huge common areas and the welcoming wood fireplace offer ample areas to relax and the hotel Is so large that we could get our exercise without going outside. Mr. D’s Restaurant has an excellent selection of menu choices and the food is delicious and artfully prepared. Plenty of free parking and a 24 hr shuttle only five minutes to the airport make this a must stay location. The next time we travel to NYS, we will definitely book our stay at the Desmond.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Be sure to eat at the on-site restaurant, Mr. D’s . Prices are comparable to the national chains...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel claims to be pet friendly, however the pet is not allowed anyplace in the hotel except your room, and they have a block of rooms they use for guests with pets and our room was gross. Find another pet friendly hotel is my recommendation.
Hello! If you book directly through The Desmond Hotel website or by calling our Reservations department, then a free Rise & Shine breakfast is included Monday - Friday in our Simpson's restaurant.
Had a wonderful experience in this hotel. Room was clean and beautiful with a great view of the courtyard. Gorgeous bathroom and very spacious. Would go again!
The last time I was at the Desmond I reserved through a hotel reservation website. This was the stated cancellation policy (but it's possible that this applies only to that website?):
If canceled or modified up to 1 day before the date of arrival, no fee will be charged.If canceled or modified later or in case of no-show, 100 percent of the first night will be charged.
Any cancellation or modification fees are determined by the property. Additional costs will be paid to the property.
Our entire property is non-smoking. There are smoking stations outside of each entrance for your use.
"Welcome families, bartender at Mr. D’s was very rude, didn’t offer anything to drink when the kids over, tried cashing us out every time."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$239 - $326 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the desmond albany hotel albany, desmond americana, the desmond hotel albany, desmond hotel albany
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
The Desmond Hotel Albany
LOCATION
United StatesNew YorkColonie
NUMBER OF ROOMS
322
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingCROWNE PLAZA ALBANY- THE DESMOND HOTEL | UPDATED 2024 Reviews & Price Comparison (Colonie, NY) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Colonie Center (1.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and blackout curtains.
What food & drink options are available at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Mr. D's Restaurant & Lounge, Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary, and KOTO Japanese Restaurant.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Crowne Plaza Albany- The Desmond Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.