Luxury HotelWedding VenueConference CenterBusiness Meeting LocationsCrowne Plaza
Crowne Plaza® Albany - The Desmond Hotel is the perfect place to relax and recharge in its pet-friendly guest rooms with a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service, seasonal bike rental program, indoor pool and Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge, a local favorite known for its famous Desmond Bread Pudding.
Planning a meeting or wedding in Albany? Our hotel is designed to host events of any size, with 24,000 square feet of flexible space and 23 event spaces including 11 meeting rooms, three ballrooms, and unique courtyards with soaring ceilings and atrium skylights.
Whether you’re in town visiting the University of Albany or looking for your home-away-from-home near the Wolf Road Business District, our upscale hotel is a quick drive from major attractions including Crossgates Mall, The Crossings Park of Colonie, the MVP Arena, and downtown Albany.
Our family looks forward to welcoming you to Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel.
Overall, the hotel is reported as clean, but some guests noted issues with specific areas like carpets and bathrooms.
Service
Staff received high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with several standout employees mentioned for exceptional service.
Noise Issues
Multiple reviews highlighted noise disturbances from events and thin walls, impacting guests' sleep quality.
Dining Experience
While the on-site restaurant received mixed reviews, many guests enjoyed the food quality, though some criticized the service and pricing.
Location
The hotel is conveniently located near the airport, making it a popular choice for travelers.
NN
Nadeem
Jan 5, 2026
5.0
Rooms are spacious, clean and well manged. Bathroom is well lighted and clean. Bed is comfortable. Well manged hotel.
SE
S EDH
Dec 27, 2025
4.0
Hotel is unique and very clean. Very close to airport and they have 24 hour shuttle.
No complimentary coffee. No complimentary water in room.
Would stay here again. Suggestion, charge me $2 extra on the room and put in a couple bottles of water.
GS
G Santana
Dec 27, 2025
4.0
Old hotel well maintains, improvements can be made In cleanliness of carpet in the alley and details of dust and hair in tree room, overall good hotel in there area with beautiful architectures
TS
Tep Sharpe
Dec 20, 2025
5.0
I ended up staying almost 5 days eating exclusively at Mr. D’s for fun. Long story so I’ll make it short. I did see family but since almost everyone was sick I mostly I ate and watched “old” movies; like all the Godfathers! It was a luxury ! I honestly had the best time. I likened it to being on a cruise with no water ( or ship🤷♀️).
The staff was really exceptional, from the bartenders, to the front desk, to the housekeepers.
Unfortunately most of my meal pics were not good enough to post but I have a few apps to show you.
I ate all the salmon entrees which were perfect. Same with the scallop dinners. Amazing. And the salads- OMG! Add salmon or steak - shocked at the quality.
Happy hour is pretty unbelievable. Drinks and food. I had most of them. And so many shrimp shooters! ($3). Oh and the desserts are as delicious as they used to be ( bread pudding and lemon cake).
I’ll stop here but I could go on and on about how special the food ( and atmosphere) is.
When I lived in Albany the ( old!) Desmond is where my family ate very often. It’s pretty different now but still a special place.
MP
Ms. Lady P
Dec 16, 2025
4.0
I stayed at The Desmond hotel for a couple of days during my business trip. The lobby area was very nice and stylish. The service staff for check in was very professional and pleasant. There are multiple ways to get to the room and I thought that was creative. The courtyard was very nice from my room and walking through it to get to Mr. D's. They should consider having a bar in the area. It was very nice, quiet, and relaxing a bit. Mr. D's was very nice. The fireplace seating area is a great touch! Jada (waitstaff) was a great the service. She was attentive, professional, and so delightful.
The room was clean... there were some issues with closing my closet doors and the safe. There should be more channels available in the room for the television. Also, some complimentary beverages (such as water, etc) outside of the coffee machine should be available in the room. Also, I was unable to watch any sports events. Overall the hotel was pleasant. It may consider some renovations to some of their room. The convenience of the hotel is fantastic to the airport. Also, the shuttle service was a smooth process as well!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG for guests.
What is the cancellation policy at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
The cancellation policy may vary depending on the type of reservation. Please check your booking and contact the hotel or via the IHG One Rewards app.
Can I earn loyalty points for my stay at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Yes, we Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG participates in IHG One Rewards, allowing guests to earn points for their stay.
Does Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG have accessible rooms?
Yes, Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG has accessible rooms designed to ensure the comfort of guests with disabilities.
Is there a concierge service available at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Concierge is available at most of our hotels to connect with guests and assist them in their stay. Please contact the Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG front desk for more information.
Is room service available at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Yes, room service is available at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG serving delicious food and drink to your room.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Check-in time is at 4:00 PM and check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Does the hotel offer free airport shuttle services?
Yes, the hotel provides a complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle service.
Are pets allowed at Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel by IHG?
Yes, both cats and dogs are welcome at the hotel as it is pet-friendly.
Is breakfast available at the hotel?
Yes, breakfast is available for guests during their stay.
What fitness amenities are available at the hotel?
The hotel offers a fitness center with elliptical machines, treadmills, and free weights, all available for free.
Does Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel have meeting and event facilities?
Yes, the hotel has 23 event spaces including 11 meeting rooms and three ballrooms, suitable for meetings and weddings.
Is parking available for guests, and is it free?
Yes, parking is available and provided free of charge for guests.
What nearby restaurants can guests visit before or after their stay?
Guests can enjoy nearby dining options such as Mr. D's Restaurant & Lounge, Scrimshaw Restaurant, The Tavern at the Desmond, Blu Stone Bistro, and Calaway Grill.
How can guests utilize nearby transportation or attractions around the hotel?
Guests can explore the Wolf Road Business District or visit major nearby attractions like Crossgates Mall and the MVP Arena, all a short drive from the hotel. The hotel also offers a local shuttle service for convenient transportation.
Are there nearby coffee shops for guests to enjoy locally brewed coffee?
Yes, guests can visit nearby coffee shops such as Starbucks and Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary for a great coffee experience.