Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown

The elevator doors were so hard to stop from closing that they could easily hurt someone. We talked about it on every ride. Both rooms were spotless and quiet, and I'm very grateful we were moved to one with a shower because a tub would've been impossible for me. The water pressure was great, though the temperature went from cold to scalding with only a tiny adjustment. Our first room had a tub, even though we had asked about that beforehand and were told all rooms were ADA compliant. The front desk agent was incredibly kind. She said all rooms were booked, but a few had showers only, and took my number so she could watch for cancellations. I stopped by after dinner and she had one available. The room may have been ADA compliant, but it didn't function well for accessibility. There was just one vertical grab bar on the long shower wall near the head. A long bar along that wall would be better. Bars on both sides of the shower door, outside and inside, would've helped, too. An adjustable vertical slide bar with a wand would also be better than the fixed shower head. Still, I'm so thankful we got the shower room.

The breakfast was amazing, and every associate we met was welcoming and helpful. The front desk staff were friendly and engaging, and the valet was patient, smart, and really helpful. People were supportive whenever we needed anything. One of the nicest hotels I've stayed at.

Richard at the front desk really made this a five-star stay. He was friendly, professional, and made a point of welcoming us every time we passed. He also reminded us that breakfast was complimentary from 6 to 10 a.m., and it was very good. The valet team was excellent, had the car ready whenever we needed it, and didn't charge for parking. I just tipped them. We were in town for Parent Weekend at my son's college, and campus hotels were full, so we chose the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Albany, about 15 minutes away. Parking is valet only, which makes sense downtown. Our room was clean and comfortable, if a bit small, and the bathroom was spotless. There was no microwave and not much closet space, but neither would keep me from returning. It's pet-friendly and felt organized and safe. I'd give the hotel a 4 on its own, but Richard and the staff bring it to 5. Management, Richard deserves a raise!

I had planned to stay here during a week of work training, but after missing my connecting flight to Albany, I changed hotels for convenience. While stuck at ORD, I arranged the cancellation through my travel agency and agreed to the cancellation fee. A week later, the hotel charged me for the whole stay. I hadn't checked in and had canceled, but they said they checked me in to hold the room, without my permission and while I wasn't even in New York. They wouldn't refund the charge, saying the reservation hadn't been canceled, so I disputed it with my card company. The company refunded the amount minus the cancellation fee. Then the hotel charged my card again for the full stay I never used. This feels like a scam, and after this kind of sketchy business I won't stay at a Hampton Inn again.