Phoenix Inn Suites - Albany

It's sad that this is the last Phoenix Inn, since the chain was my favorite in Oregon for a couple of decades. The hotel itself is very clean, with a triple-sheeted bed, helpful and friendly staff, and a generous noon checkout. There's a big parking lot with wheelchair-accessible spaces. Breakfast had plenty to choose from: make-your-own waffles, biscuits and gravy, fresh fruit, cereal, juice, coffee, and tea. My only drawback was Albany, which doesn't have much to do. Salem is close by and offers a few more options.

The rooms are fine, but the people at the front desk really made our stay. They were so nice, and there were fresh cookies when we checked in. We couldn't get to breakfast during its hours, so they offered to pack a bag for us to pick up when we left. It's harder to find customer service like that these days.

The local story about Room 418 was a wild extra on top of a great stay. I heard that the hotel's founders supposedly made a deal for lasting success, on the condition that one top-floor room stay unavailable for a mysterious guest seeking knowledge. That room was said to be 418, a number linked to esoteric traditions and “The Great Work” (ABRAHADABRA). For decades, the room was supposedly marked “Out of Service.” Then, on my last night, I heard its status had changed to “Occupied.” The Stranger had finally arrived, fulfilling the old covenant and securing the hotel's prosperity. Ask the staff if they've heard about the King Suite that was never available, and remember Room 418 when you look up at the fourth floor. As for the stay itself, the Phoenix Inn Suites Albany staff were terrific, especially the night shift. The rooms were spotless, spacious, and quiet even though the hotel sits right off I-5. The indoor pool was pristine and breakfast fantastic. A wonderful stay, plus an epic bit of local lore.

The staff were the best part, and they made the stay worthwhile. Breakfast was good, and the Jacuzzi room was spacious and pleasant enough. The rest felt middle of the road compared with what the online description and price had led me to expect. I've often stayed in luxury motels, so I thought this might be high-end. The beds were hard and the place a little run-down, though the room was good enough. Compared with places I stay in Salt Lake City, Denver, Colorado Springs, and elsewhere, I expected more. Still, Albany may not have much better to offer. I wouldn't tell people to avoid it, just to keep their expectations in check and enjoy the wonderful people who work there. Thanks to the staff, I can't say it wasn't worth the money.