Hampton Inn Albany-Western Ave/University Area

Breakfast had lots of hot choices, from oatmeal to waffles, and the rooms and beds were clean. The welcome at reception was warm, too. A good stay, close to the university and about 15 minutes from downtown.

The pool was warm and not too crowded, and there's a nice fitness center. The place was spotless, the staff were great, and breakfast was really good. We loved it as a family, especially for the value. Down the street is the country's largest Walmart, a two-story store with an escalator for your shopping cart.

I tried to book a room online yesterday morning at 5 a.m. I thought I'd selected the dates I needed, but the system put me down for that same evening. I saw the confirmation and called about an hour later, around 6 a.m. They wouldn't cancel or move the reservation, so my only choices were to drive there for no reason or lose the money they'd collected. I work in lodging and hospitality, and this is ridiculous when I called within an hour. I have a high-profile sibling in the area and will steer people away from Hampton Inn and Hilton. I'll dispute the charge with my credit card, too. I expected them to do the right thing.

We meant to stay one night at the start of our time in Albany, then booked two more. The rooms were clean, the staff helpful, and breakfast was fantastic. We were too busy to try the pool or fitness rooms, but they looked nice. I'd definitely come back on another trip to the area.