Escape to Albany: Your Dream Stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham!
Escape to Albany: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill some tea (and probably some coffee, knowing me) on the Escape to Albany: Howard Johnson by Wyndham. I'm not usually one for these fancy hotel reviews, but after my stay, I needed to get this out of my system. Let's be honest, the name is already a bit… optimistic, yeah? "Escape?" Albany isn't exactly the Maldives. BUT, hey, a girl can dream of a mini-break, right? So, here we go!
(Metadata/SEO Stuff - Gotta keep the Google Gods happy!) Accessibility, Albany Hotels, Howard Johnson Review, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Albany Accommodation, Family Friendly, Safe Stay, COVID Safety, On-site Parking, Pet-Friendly.
First Impressions & the "Getting Here" Hustle:
So, arriving in Albany… well, it depends on how you get there, doesn't it? I opted for a drive. Free Car Park [on-site]: CHECK! Huge win! Nobody wants to wrestle with parking meters. This was HUGE, especially because I'm a total space-hog. I had to, ya know, check the Car power charging station too, just in case.
The exterior… hmmm. Let's just say it's got a certain charm, like a friendly, slightly-worn teddy bear. It's got that Exterior Corridor look, which always gives me a slight sense of… adventure? Like you’re about to embark on a quest, or maybe just find your room.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag (as in life, really!)
Okay, this is important. Wheelchair Accessible: Definitely SOME. I spotted the Elevator right away, which is a huge relief. They even have Facilities for disabled guests. But, you know, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give you a detailed review about the nuances. Best to call and ask directly to be sure.
Check-in/out [express]: I’m all about speed. No waiting in long lines! They also offer Contactless check-in/out. Sweet! Efficiency is key in my book.
Rooms – My Sanctuary (mostly!)
My room! Let’s talk about the room. The Non-smoking rooms are a must for me, because, who even smokes inside anymore? (Sorry to the smokers, but my lungs are precious!) The Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane, which was fantastic because I’m ALWAYS hot. I'm a sucker for a good Blackout curtains and a bed with extra long bed and this one delivered. Seriously, sleep is sacred. And the Free Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi [free] everywhere was awesome. I could stream my shows without a hitch! The Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN worked perfectly.
Here's a confession: I tend to live in my room. So, amenities are important for me, and I felt that Desk, Ironing facilities, Coffee/tea maker, and definitely the Refrigerator was very welcome. They also have Complimentary tea, which is, you know, a nice touch.
One thing though: the Bathroom… It had a Separate shower/bathtub, which is great. But… and I'm going to get really specific here… I needed to stretch. You know, the usual. And there wasn't much space. Let's say I did a little dance trying to turn around. So, Spacious bathrooms not guaranteed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fuel for a Good Trip
Okay, food is life. The Restaurants are where the magic happens, right? I’m told there’s an Asian cuisine in restaurant option. I didn’t check it out as I’m not a huge fan of the Asian cuisines, but, you know, options are always welcome! They did a Breakfast [buffet], which is my kryptonite. Seriously, I can't resist a buffet. I ate so many scrambled eggs, I think I became an egg. They also had a Western breakfast, with buffet restaurant.
They have a Poolside bar as well (with cocktails!). I just loved chilling by the pool! Another great thing: Room service [24-hour]! Perfect for when you get the midnight munchies. Or the 3 am “I just need a cheese and pickle sandwich” craving.
Relaxation and Rejuvenation - Spa day, baby!
Now for the good stuff – getting pampered! They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. So I jumped in it! It was wonderful, and I did a few laps, and then I went into the Sauna. Ooh, I’d take that anytime of the day. They don’t have a Spa, and I think that’s a huge miss. I would have loved a massage!
Cleanliness and Safety – Essential in the Modern World
Let's be real: COVID is still a thing. This is where I got really, really impressed. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Room sanitization between stays? Affirmative! They even have Hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt genuinely safe. They are doing a good job, so, take that into account, and don't worry about the safety precautions. Nice!
Things to Do (Beyond the Room!)
Okay, so Albany… what am I supposed to do? Not a lot, I can tell you that. The hotel has Meeting/banquet facilities. And the surroundings are a bit… meh. But hey, I was there for the peace, the quiet, and to get away from the world.
Services and Conveniences – Making Life Easier
They had a bunch of services that I didn't personally use, but I noticed the Laundry service. And they have Daily housekeeping. This might be helpful. They also have a Cash withdrawal service, and they're able to provide an Invoice provided.
For the Kids (If You Bring 'Em!)
I don't have kids, so I wasn't exactly checking out the Babysitting service and Kids facilities. But it seemed they have the facilities to take care of them. But that’s what you can expect.
The Quirks and the Imperfections (Because Life’s Not Perfect!)
Okay, the elevator. It's slow. Like, really slow. But hey, it gets you there! Also, the lobby… well, it could use a modern touch but, overall, I loved it.
Overall Verdict – My Honest Opinion, No Bullshit!
Would I go back? Probably. For the price, the cleanliness, the free parking, and the fact that I could actually Escape (even if it was just for a little while), it was a good stay. It's not a luxury resort, but it's comfortable, safe, and well-managed. I'd say it's perfect for anyone looking for a decent, hassle-free stay in Albany. Now, if they just added a proper spa… well, then, we’d be talking about a real escape! Final Verdict - 4 Stars (with room for improvement on the spa front!)
Savannah Airport Escape: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to plan a trip to… Albany, New York! And not just ANY Albany, but the Howard Johnson by Wyndham. Don't judge, okay? Sometimes, you just need a… well, you’ll see. This is gonna be less "meticulously planned itinerary" and more "existential crisis interspersed with sightseeing and questionable food choices." Let's dive in!
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Lobby
- 1:00 PM: Arrival and Check-in at the Howard Johnson. (God, I hope it's clean. Reviews mentioned a certain… rustic charm which translates usually into "slightly horrifying"). Okay, the lobby. It's… beige. A lot of beige. And the smell… is a potent mix of chlorine, stale coffee, and a faint, lingering sadness. Okay, maybe I'm projecting. But seriously, the air is thick with the unspoken stories of road-trippers and weary travelers. I wonder how many people have cried in this lobby. Probably more than you'd think. Check-in is uneventful, which is a blessing, because I'm already teetering on the edge of a full-blown existential breakdown.
- 1:30 PM: Room Exploration and Initial Disappointment. Okay, room's… fine. The bedspread is… well, let’s just say it’s seen some stuff. The TV is ancient, probably from the Jurassic period. The view? The parking lot. The promised "free Wi-Fi"? Pray to the internet gods. But hey, at least there's a mini-fridge, right? That's where all the important decisions will be made.
- 2:00 PM: Snack Run and Internal Debate. Okay, I'm hungry. Should I hit up the vending machine? Or venture out? The vending machine offers a tantalizing selection of… stale chips and questionable candy bars. Okay, I’ll brave the outside world. Decision made. I just need to find a place that still has a good selection of snacks.
- 2:30 PM: Albany Quest: OK, so maybe Albany isn’t the hotbed of nightlife. Maybe the best thing to do here is to take a drive to a local bakery. I take a drive, the sky turns red and the radio is on. I get a great view of the area and a sense of peace I didn’t know I could have.
- 3:30 PM: Naptime: I can feel fatigue setting in already. Maybe I can go back to my hotel room and take a nap.
Day 2: Historical Hysteria and Questionable Culinary Choices
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the HoJo (if there's a free one): Free breakfast: The ultimate gamble. Will it be slightly edible continental fare, or a full-blown assault on my digestive system? (I'm betting on the latter. I'm a realist.) I get there. It's not terrible. But I think the yogurt is older than me, it looks a little concerning. Maybe I should have skipped.
- 10:00 AM: The New York State Museum: Okay, time for culture! I'm going to learn about Albany's rich history, or at least try. I'm hoping there isn't too much about… you know, the boring stuff. I want gold, silver, jewels, and anything else shiny. I'm also crossing my fingers for any exhibits about the history of… weird roadside attractions.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, and the Great Food Debate: Okay, lunch. This is where things could get… interesting. Options are limited, but I'm a culinary daredevil! (My stomach may disagree.) I'm thinking… something local. Something authentic. Something that might give me food poisoning.
- 1:30 PM: Capital Building Crawl, or, "Why Are All These Buildings So Gritty?": It's a capital building. It's full of stonework and columns, and it's… well, it reminds me of the opening credits of "Law and Order." I wander around. Maybe I can find some interesting stories. Or maybe I'll just get lost and start weeping in front of a statue.
- 3:00 PM: I. M. Pei's Empire State Plaza: The view is amazing. I stand there for too long, and think about getting a new job. Then I think about how it’s important to live in the moment. I take some pictures.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, The Aftermath: Dinner was definitely not the highlight of the day. I had a burger? The menu said "gourmet". It tasted like sadness. I spent the rest of the evening staring into the abyss of my hotel room.
Day 3: The Embrace of Mediocrity and the Longing for Home
- 9:00 AM: Repeat breakfast experience. (Spoiler alert: it's still not great.)
- 10:00 AM: Final Albany Expedition: I’m going to go… wherever I want. Maybe there's a quirky bookstore. Or a hidden park. Or a place that sells really, really good coffee. Albany is a mystery, but sometimes the best adventures are the ones you don't expect.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, The Grand Finale: The last meal. This is it. This is the final culinary stand. I am going to find something delicious. Or at least something that doesn’t make me question every life choice I've ever made.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the Hotel: I lay on the bed. I stare at the ceiling. I think about the world and the people I've met. I realize how truly tired I am, and the gravity of the fact that I’m still wearing the same clothes.
- 2:00 PM: Check out: The final moments. Check out is a mix of relief and sadness.
- 3:00 PM: The Drive Back: It is what it is.
Reflections:
Okay, so Albany isn’t exactly… Paris. But here’s the thing. This trip… it was real. It was messy, it was a little depressing sometimes, but hey, so is life. And maybe, just maybe, that's the point of traveling. To find a little bit of yourself in the most unexpected places. And to realize that a slightly dodgy Howard Johnson can be… well, an experience. Even if it’s an experience you’d rather forget. But hey, at least I have memories. And a profound appreciation for… well, anything that isn’t beige.
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Escape to Albany: Your Dream Stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham! (Or... Not?) - Let's Be Real, Folks.
Okay, so... Howard Johnson. In Albany? Spill the tea. What *really* is it like?
Alright, alright. Deep breaths. This ain't the Ritz, okay? Let's get that out in the open right now. This is Howard Johnson, circa... well, it *feels* like the early 90s, honestly. Think slightly faded glory, with the kind of carpet that's seen some things. But hey! It's ALBANY! And sometimes, just sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
I stayed there last month, remember? The whole trip? It was a whirlwind. I was in Albany for my cousin's *epic* wedding. Okay, maybe not epic, it was nice. And, well, it really *was* a whirlwind.
The Rooms: Are we talking actual hotel rooms or... repurposed storage units?
Okay, room time.. The rooms.. the room. So, the room. Let's be honest, my first thought as I fumbled with that rusty door lock? "Please let there not be bugs." (There weren't! Mostly). The decor? Um… it's a bold choice. Imagine beige. Now, triple it. Wall-to-wall, top-to-bottom beige. My cousin found it charming. I found it... practical. And that was fine!
The beds? Surprisingly comfy! I passed out like a log after the rehearsal dinner. And yes, the wifi actually worked (score!), but I swear, the TV had like, six channels. Six! And two of them were static.
Breakfast - The Most Important Meal! What’s the deal? Scrambled eggs or... something else?
Breakfast... Ah, breakfast. The holy grail of hotels, right? Okay, so the "complimentary breakfast" is... well, it's complimentary. You're not paying extra, so there's that! There's a waffle machine which is always a plus. I got a waffle! Delicious!
There were some plastic-wrapped muffins, and lukewarm coffee that tastes like it's been brewing since the Clinton administration. Again, it works. It's cheap. And the woman working the breakfast counter was the sweetest thing. She kept offering refills of that questionable coffee.Bless her heart, she was a doll!
What about the Pool? Because, let's be real, hotels and pools are a package deal. What the pool is like?
The pool... Oh, the pool! Okay, so full disclosure, I didn't *actually* go in the pool. I have a serious phobia of public water. But, I did stand by it. I watched other people. It seemed... clean-ish. The water was blue. There were some kids splashing around. It looked like it was open. It's also indoors! So you can swim, rain or shine!
The pool area itself? Slightly dated, chlorine-y smell (which is pretty standard, I guess) and a general feeling of "been there, done that." But hey! If you're looking for a quick dip? go for it! Don't go with high expectations however!
Location, Location, Location! Is the Howard Johnson actually *convenient*?
Location, yes! That's the gold star of Howard Johnson, Albany! It's pretty centrally located. Close to the highway which is great if you are driving. The wedding was about a 20 minute drive. Groceries? gas station? You're within a reasonable distance. Uber is available (for when you overdo it at the open bar). It's not exactly in the bustling heart of Albany, but it's perfectly functional. And, traffic in Albany isn't *too* bad. Depending on the time of day...
It's convenient, yes. It's not *charming*.
Customer Service - Did they at least *try* to be nice?
Ah, the staff! Well, they were all very pleasant. Always a plus! The front desk? Quick and efficient. The cleaning staff always smiled and were nice. They're not going to bend over backwards to accommodate some ridiculous request. I'm talking actual, real people, doing their jobs. And in this day and age? I'll give them that!
The place is what it is. Don't expect white glove service, but they'll be polite and helpful. Honestly, they were really nice!
Overall? Would you recommend the Howard Johnson in Albany? Give it to me straight.
Okay, the verdict. Would I recommend it? Okay, let's break it down for a second: If you are looking for a five-star experience, NO! You're going to be disappointed!
If what you want is a clean, affordable place to crash while you're in Albany, then yes! It's perfectly acceptable. The rates are usually pretty reasonable. The location is good. The bed was comfy. It got the job done. Would I rush back? Nah. But if I needed a place to stay in Albany again, I definitely would consider it... unless I had a LOT of money to spend!
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