Top 10 Cool and Unique Hotels in Albany 2023

An endlessly fascinating treasure trove of art, architecture, culture, and history, Albany is the capital city of New York State and a delightful destination for a well-rounded cosmopolitan experience. The cityscape is a picturesque cornucopia of historic heritage sites, modern architecture, and government buildings.

Architecture lovers enjoy exploring the 1800s New York State Capital buildings, while history buffs can content themselves with an array of prestigious museums.

Art enthusiasts flock to Albany to attend captivating performances at The Egg, one of America’s finest performing arts centers, and to feast their eyes on Hudson River School artworks displayed at the Albany Institute of History and Art.

Our roundup will introduce you to the top-rated boutique hotels, historic inns, and luxury hotel chains for a memorable stay in Albany, NY (in no particular order)

Best For Couples

Renaissance Albany Hotel

Luxury Hotel Albany Elegant Hotel Albany

Renaissance Albany Hotel

Boutique hotels in Albany

The Renaissance Albany Hotel invites travelers to indulge in finesse and luxury in the capital’s heart, nestled at the foot of the Capitol Steps.

This elegant boutique hotel is the new face of the historic DeWitt Clinton Hotel, beautifully preserving the structure’s traditional beauty with thoughtful, modern upgrades.

The guest rooms and interiors play up an evocative blend of dark wood finishing, polished marble floors, and ornate lighting fixtures.

The Renaissance Albany offers 203 tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites equipped with luxurious bedding, elegant furniture, smart appliances, and sprawling views of the NYS Capitol building.

Guests enjoy dining at the onsite full-service restaurant and close proximity to Albany’s action-packed downtown area.

Pros

Dark wood finishing

Polished marble floors

100 meters from Albany City Hall

Great views

Cons

No kitchen

Parking is extra

Breakfast is not included

Best For Modern style

Hilton Albany

Popular Hotel Albany Modern-Chic Hotel Albany

Design Hotel Albany

Vacationers looking to stay in the bustling downtown area will find the Hilton Albany a remarkable spot to live, work and play.

This tasteful boutique hotel attracts corporate travelers, families, and couples with its extensive lineup of guest rooms, business-friendly amenities, and stellar location.

Nestled in the heart of the thriving Capital District, the Hilton is surrounded by fine dining establishments, retail outlets, and popular attractions.

The opulently appointed rooms are spacious and well-equipped with smart appliances, ergonomic workstations, and marble vanities featuring back-lit mirrors.

The Executive Room is an oasis of modern convenience and resort-like luxuries, and it comes with exclusive access to the Executive Lounge.

Pros

Premium comfortable chair for working

Backlit mirrors

Smart appliances

Fine dining

Cons

No pool

Restaurants not on a walking distance

No spa

Best For Indoor Swimming Pool

Hilton Garden Inn Albany

Modern Hotel Albany Hilton Garden Inn Albany

The Hilton Garden Inn is an excellent choice for travelers accustomed to the quality and hospitality of luxury hotel chains. Situated along Washington Avenue, the Hilton Garden is right across from SUNY Albany and the SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and within proximity to the glitzy downtown area.

The Hilton Garden combines the warmth of a homely inn with the lavish amenities synonymous with the world-renowned Hilton brand. Guests can explore 126 well-appointed guest rooms and suites to find the right fit for their accommodation needs and preferences.

The hotel offers an onsite fitness center, an indoor heating pool, a business center, a 3000-square-foot meeting area, and a full-service Pavilion Pantry.

Pros

Indoor heating pool

Fitness centre

Electric bonfire

Handcrafted interiors

Cons

The fitness centre might apply charges.

Self dining

TVs might be a little outdated

Best For Location

Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall

Quirky Chic Hotel Albany New Hotel Albany

Tru by Hilton is a luxurious haven of indulgence for cosmopolitan travelers seeking to enjoy home-like comforts from a prime location.

Situated a stone’s throw away from the Crossgates Mall, this chic venue is ideal for enjoying an abundance of entertainment, fine dining and shopping venues within walking distance.

Tru offers a collection of efficient and spacious guest rooms, sophisticatedly designed with elegant furniture, comfortable sleep stations and modern appliances.

Guests can’t stop raving about the hotel’s complimentary ‘Build your Own’ Breakfast bar, a lavish spread with over 30 staples and indulgent toppings.

The hotel is home to a state-of-the-art fitness center, a 24/7 market, an indoor pool, semi-private alcoves and an inviting lobby with designated zones to eat, socialize and work.

Pros

Relaxing sleep stations

Precious interiors with sophisticatedly design

Breakfast bar

24/7 open market

Cons

Self dining

Make your own breakfast

Fitness centre timings might differ

Best For Free Parking

Marriott Albany

Retro Hotel Albany Hotel Marriott Albany

Marriott is a world-renowned brand symbolizing extravagance and indulgence, and the Marriott Albany certainly upholds these values with masterful aplomb.

This high-end boutique hotel curates a personalized and dedicated experience for its patrons, from receiving them at the airport and settling them in luxurious suites to preparing their favorite meals and planning their events.

The guest rooms and suites are designed with a comfort-driven approach, featuring soothing color schemes, feather-like pillowtop mattresses, and smart appliances.

The Marriott is a popular choice for business travelers and corporate bigwigs planning to host meetings and events.

The hotel offers 19 distinguished event spaces to host conferences and meetings powered with cutting-edge AV equipment and indulgent meal spreads.

Pros

Artistic rooms

Pure leather desk chair

Soft comfortable texture carpet

Wallpaper on walls

Cons

Town might not be near.

Little noise

No packages

Best For Historic Charm

Morgan State House Inn

Unique Hotel Albany Boutique Hotel Albany

Travelers eager to connect with historical heritage will find the elegant Morgan State House Inn an extraordinary feast of old-world charm and vintage nostalgia.

Nested in the Washington Park Historic District, this tastefully renovated hotel is housed in a 19th-Century building, beautifully preserved and enhanced with contemporary innovations.

This traditional period-style inn offers an extensive range of spacious suites and fully-equipped apartments, highly suited for guests who desire autonomy and independence. The apartments feature state-of-the-art kitchens, living areas, and dining spaces. Guests have access to smart appliances, free WiFi, designated workstations, and multiple seating areas.

The central location positions travelers in the heart of Washington Park, within walking distance of the business district, popular entertainment venues, and the New York State Capital sites.

Pros

Historically themed

Vintage interiors

Wooden floors

Designated workstations

Cons

No pool

Restaurants might not be near

Pets might not be allowed

Best For Views

The Argus Hotel

Cute Hotel in Albany Argus Hotel Albany

The Argus Hotel, Albany is an urban boutique hotel with lots of charm. The rooms are finished to a high standard and have an old-world historic ambiance. 

The cocktail bar delivers an array of specialties served to you in a cozy area with couches and an open fire.

The chic and charming hotel is located just 600 meters from the state Capitol and is close to Albany City Hall, The Egg Center for the Performing Arts, and Corning Tower. There is free parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. Some rooms also offer a lake view.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a place for the whole family the Argus Hotel offers something for all.

Pros

Cocktail bar

Shared lounge with a pretty garden

Beautiful lake views

Perfect colour-themed walls

Cons

Large groups might not be a fit

No fitness club

No pool

Best For Pet-friendly

Albany Home with Fenced Yard and Patio

Albany Home with Fenced Yard and Patio Affordable House Albany

This delightfully decorated, pet-friendly holiday home is a terrific choice for families and large groups seeking accommodation near the New York State Capitol buildings.

Albany Home features 3 spacious and well-appointed bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and 1 bathroom with luxury toiletries.

The kitchen and living space are equipped with multiple appliances to ensure comfort and convenience, including a dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine. The fenced yard and sprawling patio make an idyllic setting to enjoy the cityscape and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

The central location makes this destination ideal for sightseers and corporate travelers as it offers proximity to the business district, heritage sites, and popular entertainment venues.

Pros

Fully equipped kitchen

Colourful lounge

Large spacing

Pets are welcome

Cons

No pool

No fitness club

Little noise

Best For Families

Spacious & Comfy 5min to Downtown Royal Beds

Affordable Hotel Albany Spacious & Comfy Apartment Albany

Downtown Albany is an excellent location to rent private accommodation and explore New York State’s vibrant capital at your own pace and schedule.

Spacious & Comfy is a remarkable choice for travelers and large groups seeking independence, privacy, and a central location to avoid long commutes.

This fully air-conditioned apartment offers 3 well-furnished bedrooms, a fully-functional kitchen with dining space, and 1 bathroom. The apartment is equipped with all appliances, towels, linens, and bedding required to set up a temporary home away from home and entertain guests.

The location is amazingly appealing, situated near the Corning Tower, the Egg Center for Performing Arts, the City Hall, and the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.

Pros

Black wood cabinets

Grey themed walls

Fully equipped kitchen

Cons

Pets might not be allowed

Self dining

Best For Gen Zs

Central Dtwn Albany Apt

Hidden Hotel Albany Affordable Apartment Albany

Nestled in the heart of central downtown, the Albany Apartment is surrounded by hip cafes, prestigious museums, art galleries, and elegant fine dining establishments.

Travelers eager to embark on cosmopolitan adventures and immerse in the cultural soul of Albany will find this location ideally suited.

The apartment is located within walking distance of the Corning Tower, the Egg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Times Union Centers.

Albany Apartment features two comfortable bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry area, living space, dining area, and 1 bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The accommodation provides an array of smart appliances, fine bedding and linens, free WiFi, and parking. 

Pros

Smart appliances

Fully equipped kitchen

Shining hardwood floor

Cons

No fitness club

No spa

Top Ten Hotels in Albany Ranked

In the table below we have ranked the top ten cool and unique hotels in Albany. 

HotelLocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (km)Nearby RestaurantsAffiliate Link
Renaissance Albany Hotel144 State Street$186-$449Yes0.63
Hilton Albany40 Lodge Street$118-$293Yes0.73
Hilton Garden Inn Albany800 Albany Shaker Road$118-$214Yes4.93
Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall1651 Western Avenue, Albany$11-$205Yes3.73
Marriott Albany189 Wolf Road$179-$259Yes4.33
Morgan State House Inn393 State Street$144-$274No13
The Argus Hotel8 Thurlow Terrace$206-$230No0.33
Albany Home with Fenced Yard and PatioAlbany, 12211$155-$198No3.13
Spacious & Comfy 5min to Downtown Royal Beds52 Irving Street$148-$296Yes63
Central Dtwn Albany AptAlbany, 12202$177 (fixed)Yes1.43