$138 Avg/night
Rate based on Check-in: May 26, 2013 Check-out: May 27, 2013

The Desmond Hotel

3 stars
660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.3
out of 5
37 reviews
Absolutely wonderful....

We LOVED this hotel. Everything was just simply amazing.............the atmosphere, the staff, the... See full review

  • my name is nick name
  • Feb 4, 2013
So glad we decided to stay here!

We were traveling back to Boston from Erie and wanted to stay at a nice hotel to break the trip up... See full review

  • Mom and Dad of the Groom
  • Oct 2, 2012
Today’s technology and an atmosphere of yesteryear in Albany
Designed to resemble a colonial village, The Desmond Hotel provides the perfect blend of historical detail and high-tech amenities. Interior courtyards are filled with plants and flooded with light from a four-story atrium. Fountains and brick walkways emphasize the feel of a colonial streetscape, fitting with Albany’s history as a 17th century trading post. At the same time, up-to-date services include free Internet access and extensive business facilities with multimedia capability. On-site parking is complimentary at The Desmond Hotel.
Highlights
  • Distinctive hotel design in the style of a colonial village
  • Two indoor pools
  • Two-story duplex suites available
  • AAA four diamond Scrimshaw restaurant 
  • Complimentary airport shuttle available

 

Rooms
Elegant furnishings, handcrafted woodwork and original oil paintings are features of all 323 guest rooms at The Desmond Hotel. Many rooms and suites include a private balcony overlooking one of two indoor courtyards. Suites feature four-poster canopy beds, wet bars and separate sleeping and living areas.

 

While historic charm is emphasized at The Desmond Hotel, high-tech amenities are not sacrificed. Guests take advantage of alarm clock radios with MP3 connectivity, cable channels including HBO and on-demand movies, and video games (fees apply).

Features
Guests at The Desmond Hotel take advantage of a billiard room, fitness center, Jacuzzi and two indoor pools. Departure information from Albany International Airport is broadcast in guest rooms and the lobby. Fireplaces in the lobby, Scrimshaw restaurant and Tavern give guests a sense of warmth.
Dining
Scrimshaw is the location for fine dining at The Desmond Hotel. Rack of lamb, filet napolean and pan-seared duck breast are some Scrimshaw specialties. Sunday brunch is also available. 

 

Simpson's Grille serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere. A prix fixe menu is available. The Tavern features pub food and a large selection of imported beers and ales. Room service is available.

 

Transportation
  • Adjacent to I-87
  • Albany International Airport (1 mi/2.1 km)
  • I-90 (3 mi/5.1 km)
  • Greyhound bus station (6 mi/9.9 km)
  • Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station (7 mi/10.8 km)

 

Attractions
  • University at Albany – SUNY (3 mi/5.3 km)
  • New York State Capitol (6 mi/9.1 km)
  • Empire State Plaza (6 mi/9.2 km)
  • New York State Museum (6 mi/9.5 km) 
  • Times Union Center (6 mi/9.6 km)   

 

Business
  • Business center
  • 20,000 square feet of function space
  • Amphitheater hall with multimedia capability and seating for 100

The Desmond Hotel Rooms

DELUXE - GUEST_ROOM
All 323 luxurious guest rooms feature hand-crafted woodwork, finely detailed fabrics, original oil paintings and elegant furnishings. Many of our rooms and suites offer a private balcony overlooking our two indoor, beautifully landscaped, all-season courtyards. Our elegant guest room suites feature four-poster canopy beds, wet bars, and separate sleeping and living areas. For the ultimate in privacy, space and luxury, choose from one of our unique and spacious two-story Duplex Suites. Each room is equipped with a writing desk and wireless internet. Our Room Service is exceptional featuring classic selections from Executive Chef Michael St. John and his award-winning culinary team. The Desmond guest rooms redefine comfort and luxury for full-service hotels. Elegant and sophisticated enough to impress the most seasoned travelers. Comfortable and casual enough to allow you to kick off your shoes and surf the Web or curl up with a classic novel.

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
  • Airport shuttle
  • FREE parking
  • Indoor pool
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
General
No smoking rooms/facilities
Elevators
Activities
Indoor pool
Fitness center or spa
Health club
Dining
Restaurant
Room service
Services
Business center
Laundry service
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Conference facilities
Gift shop
Internet
Wireless internet
Transportation
Airport shuttle
Parking
FREE parking
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities

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Hotel Map

42.7266 -73.794
Area served
Albany
Nearby airports
Albany International Airport just minutes away.

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
Walk into a room, stand on a stage, plug in your laptop, and talk to thousands. Advanced Conference Technologies define the meetings and conference facility at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. Hold a meeting for 10 people in an executive board room or talk with thousands in our Town Hall meeting room with powerful capabilities to keep your message within its walls or transport your ideas across the globe. No other meeting and conference destination in the Capital District can match our technology or our commitment to providing seamless interaction between attendees.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
0400
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (37)

Ratings and reviews for The Desmond Hotel

Overall score

4.3 / 5
37 out of 37
Amenities:
4.2
Room cleanliness:
4.5
Hotel staff:
4.6
Room comfort:
4.4
Location:
4.6
Value:
4

97% would recommend to a friend.

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Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

3
LauderdaleDude
Business
Florida
May 13, 2013

Convenient to airport

Location is perfect if you're traveling. Friendly staff and clean rooms. Room service was excellent and the food was great!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
3
Trip purpose:

Business

Dining tip: In Hotel

Room service

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

4
MaidMarion
North Attleboro, MA
Apr 8, 2013

GREAT HOTEL!!!

Let me start by saying that the only reason I gave 4-star rating vs a 5 star is becasue the carpeting did have a spot or two, which is certainly not the end of the world. Everything else about The Desmond was excellent. I must say that I've never run into such extremely friendly staff - in every part of the hotel & at every level. Very impressive. The "cherry on top" was the ultimate fabulous surprise ----- the food at the restaurant (1 of 3) we ate at was some of the best I've eaten. It was a VERY unexpected surprise. I was initially booked for 1 night but enjoyed my stay so much that I chose to stay a 2nd night.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: In Hotel

They have 3 restaurants: The Tavern (pub-style food), The Scrimshaw (elegant dining) and Simpson's Grille, which is where I ate and the food was unbelievable delicious and the portions were also very generous. Simpson's Grille is a MUST!

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

5
my name is nick name
NYC
Feb 4, 2013

Absolutely wonderful....

We LOVED this hotel. Everything was just simply amazing.............the atmosphere, the staff, the room, the food (we had breakfast in Simpsons both mornings) ....we felt very comfortable and relaxed.......one of my favorite experiences was having a night cap in front of the blazng fire in the lobby with my husband....it was FREEZING outside.......they even added more logs to make sure we had the prefect roaring fire.......it was very just so relaxing it felt like it was just the two of us there.... I would totally recommend this hotel.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

4
treeshrink
Business
Westchester, New York
Jan 31, 2013

Nice place for business travel

When in Albany for business, I decided to stay away from my downtown meeting place to get a better value. I was quite happy with my experience at the Desmond. The gym was nice, the room was clean, comfortable, and quiet, and I got a great night's sleep. I also was able to have a very good meal at one of the hotel's restaurants. All in all, a very nice hotel with very good service. I would (and have) definitely recommend it. It's a quick 15 minute drive to downtown.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
3
Value:
3
Trip purpose:

Business

Dining tip: In Hotel

Great salad

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

5
Mom and Dad of the Groom
Boston
Oct 2, 2012

So glad we decided to stay here!

We were traveling back to Boston from Erie and wanted to stay at a nice hotel to break the trip up and remembered the Desmond from a conference years ago. When we arrived, we were offered a "Mansion" room with a king size canopy bed, massive room, and wonderful decor. For dinner, their $28 fixed price menu was amazing... chowder, prime rib and apple pie....excellently prepared and literally to much to finish. We will definitely stay there again!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Rosie10
New York City
Aug 13, 2012

Very Convenient

This hotel is easy to get to--right off I87. The room was comfortable and the staff was helpful.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

5
iKitty
Guatemala City
Jun 26, 2012

Great Hotel to stay Overnight before an early flight

The Desmond Hotel was our #1 choice after learning that they offered a 24 hour Shuttle Service, as well as the Restaurant being available late at night. I was flying out of Albany International at 5:30AM so it was a perfect match to our needs. The staff was kind and attentive.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Time-saving tip: Short drive from hotel

It's a bit less than a 10 minute drive to the airport.

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

3
Biziguy24
Business
Utica, NY, USA
Aug 25, 2011

Business trip

close to the airport. Musty smell. Room not clean.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

4
MM's doubled
New Jersey, USA
Aug 15, 2011

Pleasant surprising Gem

The Desmond has delightful public space. The property is not missing anything for a nice pleasant stay.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Dining tip: In Hotel

Great service is offered throughout.

Review of The Desmond Hotel

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
New york
Aug 11, 2011

Great Location. very nice

Stayed at the Desmond after a concert at SPAC. Great location. Wonderful breakfast.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
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