Great service from Haddi. Will come back. Was staying for a work trip only one night but if the project goes well I’m probably going to come back a few times and great to know that there’s a guy like Haddi at this hotel who can help to make sure that my stay is enjoyable.
Excellent experience. I really felt pampered. I think we were booked in one of the higher quality rooms. There were excellent meals included for both the evening and morning. The location was excellent. The desk staff was cheerful and professional. Not easy for them when I saw what the person checking in ahead of me put her through. Everyone of the staff made every effort on my behalf.
This was one of the more expensive places I have stayed in the past year. But they made sure I felt my money was well spent.
Avoid. Pick a different hotel. Second time here. The first time was during Covid and it was just a sad hotel. Thought it was Covid. So I’m back. First room they gave us, we got there and the door was open. Yeah. No good. Front desk upgraded us to a nicer floor. Yay for that. Also, zero security. Modern hotels, you need a room key to go to the rooms. Not here. Anyone can walk in and go up to the rooms. And after long, day and night, finally back in the room to find out they didn’t give us coffee mugs. I would have used a glass but they don’t have glasses. There’s a plastic cup. So I had to go to the bar down stairs and ask for mugs. I know it’s a small thing but I asked the front desk for a restaurant suggestion and she said she didn’t know. She’s not from around here. Asked the other front desk person for best restaurant around hotel and she send us to a beer joint. I dunno, maybe I’m asking too much but this hotel is kinda lousy.
It’s hard to believe this is a Hilton as it is badly in need of serious maintenance or more likely a full renovation. The desk chair had a large hole in the upholstery and the curtains were torn in a few places. Peeling paint and wallpaper and worn finishes throughout the hotel. Not very clean. Upholstered chairs in the halls and lounges were dirty and worn looking. To their credit, the sheets were clean and soft. Nice staff but otherwise not a nice place.
I travel weekly for work and prefer Hilton brand over the HGI or Hampton brands. I have stayed away from this hotel when coming to Albany because of bad past experiences (prior to 2000). I decided to give it another try on this stay, and I am glad I did. The rooms still need a lot of work, but the service and amenities have improved exponentially. As such, I am going to break this review into two sections:
Service/Amenities: The front desk staff was amazing, answering all questions, providing recommendations, etc. This is such a welcome change. Rachel is just the type of person you want to interact with when you are tired from a work trip. I wish I knew the name of the wonderful woman who was working in the concierge lounge. The breakfast was wonderful, and it was so nice to start the day with a friendly hello and a warm smile. The light snacks available in the evening are a welcome treat as well.
The mattresses were wonderful, and I definitely prefer the bedding to what is used at the HGI/Hampton Inn hotels.
Room Quality/Maintenance: This is where I have to give some warnings. The room was very clean. I was not concerned with the quality of housekeeping, but the room itself needs serious maintenance. The intake vent for the HVAC system had missing slats and you could see the standing water/rust/mold inside. This was really quite gross. The ceiling also had a lot of areas where the paint/plaster/concrete - not sure what the material is - were buckled and peeling. The carpets were quite stained, but again clean and smelled nice. It just seemed very dated. I will say I am surprised that rooms that are listed as being on the executive floor and are either more money or are upgrades don't at least have issues like this touched up.
All in all - it was a nice stay, and I will be staying there again. I hope that the company makes some updates and this will definitely bring this to a 5 star rating.
