Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Hotel Experience in Albany, NY
Since 1974, Desmond Hotel has been a cornerstone of hospitality in New Yorks Capital Region. Founded by John K. Desmond Jr., our property was conceived to fill a critical need for premium accommodations near Albany International Airport. Over five decades, weve evolved through strategic expansions and renovations while maintaining our founders vision of creating a village-like atmosphere with distinctive architecture and personalized service. Our team combines generational expertise with modern amenities, offering 322 pet-friendly guest rooms, 24,000 square feet of event space, and award-winning dining at Mr.Ds Restaurant. As an independently owned IHG franchise managed by the third generation of the Desmond family, we continue prioritizing community engagement and exceptional guest experiences through our 24/7 airport shuttle service, seasonal bike rentals, and commitment to local charitable initiatives.
Services
Guest Rooms
Event Hosting
Airport Shuttle
Dining Services
Fitness Center
Pool Access
Meeting Spaces
Wedding Planning
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Corporate Events
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of hospitality expertise in Albanys Capital Region
- Our 24/7 airport shuttle service ensures seamless travel logistics
- 24,000 square feet of flexible event space accommodates events of all sizes
- Third-generation family management ensures personalized attention to detail
- On-site dining at Mr. Ds Restaurant features daily happy hour specials
What people say
Out of this world service
Best wings ever
Spotless rooms
High-quality management
Fabulous dining experience
Services
Guest Rooms
Our 322 pet-friendly guest rooms feature plush bedding with triple sheeting, Keurig coffeemakers, mini refrigerators, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Specialized options include spiral staircase suites and private balcony rooms overlooking our two indoor courtyards. All accommodations maintain upscale amenities while preserving the hotels historic architectural character.
Event Hosting
With 24,000 square feet of flexible event space, we accommodate weddings, conferences, and galas. Our two grand ballrooms feature 30-34 foot ceilings, while dedicated event planners coordinate details from rehearsal dinners to farewell brunches. The property has hosted milestone celebrations for over 50 years.
Airport Shuttle
Our complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service provides roundtrip transportation to Albany International Airport. This service operates continuously to ensure guest convenience, with vehicles departing regularly to accommodate flight schedules and connecting guests to our Wolf Road location.
Dining Services
Mr. Ds Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with daily happy hour specials from 4:30-6:30 PM. The menu features contemporary American cuisine in a sophisticated setting, continuing the hotels legacy of culinary excellence established through multiple renovations and rebrandings since 1974.
Meeting Spaces
Business travelers benefit from 24,000 square feet of meeting space including the High Street Boardroom and dedicated Studio meeting rooms. Our Crowne Plaza Meetings Concierge assists with event customization, while the 24-hour fitness center and indoor pool provide recreational options for conference attendees.
People
John K. Desmond Jr.
Founder
Philadelphia native who established the hotel in 1974 after identifying a need for premium accommodations near Albany Airport. His architectural vision created the unique village-square design with indoor courtyards that remains the hotels signature feature.
Tyler Desmond
General Manager
Third-generation hotelier with 20+ years of experience, leading the property since 2003. Oversees daily operations while maintaining family commitment to exceptional service, guiding the hotel through its 2021 rebranding as a Crowne Plaza property.
Questions
What makes The Desmond Hotel unique?
Our distinctive architecture features two beautiful indoor courtyards and spiral staircase suites. The hotel maintains its original village-square design while offering modern amenities like 24/7 airport shuttle service and Crowne Plaza brand standards.
Do you offer event planning services?
Yes, our dedicated event planners coordinate weddings, conferences, and galas with 24,000 square feet of flexible space. Services include venue setup, catering coordination, and overnight room blocks for guests.
Is the hotel near Albany International Airport?
We are located half a mile from the airport with complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. The shuttle operates continuously to accommodate all flight schedules and provides convenient transportation to our Wolf Road location.
What dining options are available?
Mr. Ds Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily with happy hour specials from 4:30-6:30 PM. The menu features contemporary American cuisine in a sophisticated setting with exceptional service.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
Yes, we are a pet-friendly hotel. All guest rooms accommodate pets with no additional fees, though specific policies apply to ensure comfort for all guests and their animal companions.
What recent renovations have been completed?
The 2021 renovation included all 322 guest rooms, expanded fitness center, new High Street Boardroom, and rebranded Mr. Ds Restaurant. The project brought Crowne Plaza brand standards while preserving historic architectural elements.
Reviews (6)
Edward Komito
Jun 26, 2022
Report
Management clearly doesn't care about guests. Music blasting loudly at night is encouraged in the courtyard area (which is an interior space and is thus magnified.) You can't get anyone at the front desk to even pick up the phone. A total flophouse. Not worth your time or money.
Bc Pomales
Jun 25, 2022
Report
Hotel is pretty great, staff was really helpful and drivers were quick and friendly. Restaurant definitely needs some help with staffing. Great food but the night mgr? host? seemed pretty clueless
Susan Chan
Jun 22, 2022
Report
The hotel is absolutely beautiful and very clean. It is a bit noisy if you have a room that's facing their courtyards and they're hosting something but it's not the end of the world. I was lucky and my room faced the parking lot. However, I lost an item and after submitting a ticket and making 3 phone calls over the span of 2 weeks, no one has gotten back to me. It's been extremely frustrating and disappointing. I'd give the hotel 5 stars otherwise but the customer service regarding my lost item just doesn't exist apparently.
Barbara Finkelstein
Jun 11, 2022
Report
Beautiful since the renovation! Room was spotless, very comfortable bed and pillows. Service impeccable
Joyce Choe
May 31, 2022
Report
Hotels facilities are basic all the same; but it's the management and the team that makes your stay pleasurable! I want to compliment Mr. Johnson at the front desk for his dedication to excellence, following through with my needs with enthusiasm! He adds incredible value to the whole team!
Daddy Domrr
May 30, 2022
Report
I have never had a more pleasant experience. I was there this past Sunday and the staff made me feel beyond welcome, but the bartender Anthony went above and beyond what I would expect. He was fast, made amazing drinks and was extremely charismatic. I have never had more fun and felt more comfortable at any other bar! I would absolutely recommend going to Mr. D's you will not be disappointed.
