I visited this hotel as a guest because it hosted a conference I needed to attend. I stayed three nights in late July.

I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn since I was a kid, and I can't say this one lived up to my childhood ideal.

First the architecture of this hotel: it's downright odd. I don't know what this hotel aspires to. It looks like they converted an old motel to a conference center by installing a superstructure over the courtyard (where a parking lot would be), and laying down carpet. The carpet is worn and smelly -- both in rooms and in common areas.

AC was completely ineffective in my room -- I stayed in 195. The room smelled stale and musty. An extra ventilation fan was installed above the room door, which apparently aspired to clear the air a little. Didn't help much.

Iron in the room was smashed. I had to call for a new one, which burped red rust water.

Fitness room had aging equipment, with some pieces "out of order". If you waited in line, it was possible to get a workout. Just paper towels, though, for the cleanup.

Staff was friendly at check-in but not terribly helpful when looking for places to eat on Wolf Road ("Try room service.") After asking three staff, I finally learned that there was a great diner... next door!

I should say that there were "Please Excuse our Dust" signs posted throughout the lobby, promising renovations of conference spaces. Didn't see much renovation actually happening, but I'd hope that the renovations extend to the actual rooms.

Overall, in terms of layout and purpose, this hotel seems to want to be The Desmond -- a wonderful hotel and conference center further down Wolf Road. It doesn't even come close.

I've stayed at better and stayed at worse. Staff was friendly and courteous. Room was very clean and the bed comfortable. Bathroom was very clean and the water pressure in the shower was above average. The hotel's layout is a little confusing (must have added on once or twice). If you're traveling on business, this is a good place to stay. It is about a 15 (depending on traffic) minute trip to downtown
Albany.

I got one of the last rooms after my flight was cancelled and they closed the airport. I was dreading being stuck here for three days...but I was very very very surprised. I totally don't understand the bad reviews. Both restaurants were WAY above what you would expect at a Holiday Inn. The room was clean. VERY nice indoor pool area. Staff was cordial and informative. In the midst of a blizzard they had their act together.

I'm not planning on staying anywhere else when I come to Albany. I was that impressed.

The hotel is old and has had some "face lifts" but nothing can change the fact that it screams out loud 1980! There's only so much that can be done to mask the serious issues this hotel has. The Holiday Inn is on Wolf Rd in Albany and there are way too many options to choose from here. I advise everyone thinking about this hotel to please look at everything else on Wolf Rd first. This place is not worth it. The air flow in the guest rooms is lousy and the maintenance staff is less than accommodating...However, compared to the front desk staff the maintenance staff are angels...Go elsewhere!!!