TownePlace Suites by Marriott Albany

The room was clean, comfortable, and nice and cool, with a comfortable bed and a shower that worked well. The lobby was nice too, and check-in was easy since I already had a reservation.

There were several problems that really affected my stay, so I'm giving it 2 stars. The bathroom had what looked like black mold or significant water damage near the shower. The breaker panel door was open when I entered, which didn't feel safe or properly maintained, and the TV wouldn't turn off. I asked for a bottle of water at check-in and was told it wasn't complimentary. I asked whether ambassadors got at least one, as they have at most hotels I've stayed at, but was told I would have to pay. After I reported the TV problem, a front desk associate came up and tried four different remotes, then tried turning it off manually. Nothing worked, so the TV had to be unplugged. This hotel needs to update, and it's only eight years old.

The staff have been amazing on both of my stays here for ASU homecoming weekend, always helpful and polite. That was the reason I gave 3 stars. The property needs substantial cleaning and some updating, though the people working there have consistently been nice and friendly. On my second visit, the weekend of October 17th, we booked a suite and had a terrible experience. The pullout mattress had huge red stains, and there were no sheets on it. We weren't comfortable using it even after staff provided sheets, so they moved us to another room. That room was hot and stuffy, had hair in the shower, and a smelly, dirty carpet. The suites are very small; three adults and one child felt cramped. A double queen room might have worked better. Since the suites already have a king bed, removing the pullout sofa could open up space. We changed our reservation and left a day early. This wasn't how things went on our first stay.

Really nice and clean, with friendly staff. It's definitely one of the better hotels I've stayed at. I come to town often and will stay here again.