74 State, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member

74 State, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, presents a unique and boutique lodging experience in the heart of Albany, New York. Located at the historic address of 74 State St, Albany, NY 12207, USA, this hotel is a compelling option for local users searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" who are looking for accommodations that offer more character than a typical chain hotel, combined with the assurance of a recognized brand like Ascend Hotel Collection.

The hotel's location on State Street is undeniably one of its strongest assets. It places guests in the vibrant downtown Albany district, just steps away from major landmarks. The New York State Capitol Building, a magnificent architectural marvel, is within easy walking distance, offering guests stunning views from some rooms and immediate access to the city's governmental core. Similarly, the MVP Arena (formerly Times Union Center), a popular venue for concerts, sports, and other events, is also very close by, making the hotel an ideal choice for event-goers. The area is rich in history, with other significant sites like the Empire State Plaza, the Palace Theater, and various museums and cultural venues all within a short stroll. The hotel itself is set in a charming brownstone building, contributing to the historic ambiance of the neighborhood. While the general location is highly praised for its convenience and accessibility, some guests have reported a persistent natural gas smell in the lobby, which, despite staff efforts to address it, did not dissipate for the duration of their stay. This is an important environmental factor for potential guests to consider, though it does not reflect on the overall cleanliness or comfort of the individual rooms once inside.

74 State strives to provide a comfortable and welcoming stay with a range of services. The staff, particularly at the front desk and in the lounge, consistently receives high praise for being "attentive," "friendly," and "great." This dedication to customer service often mitigates other concerns. The hotel offers complimentary high-speed wired and wireless internet access, ensuring guests can stay connected. For guests who wish to maintain their fitness routines, a 24-hour fitness center is available. The hotel also provides a 24-hour business center and meeting technology, catering to corporate travelers. Dining options include an on-site restaurant, Marche, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a trendy hotel lounge, Bar at 74, which features a piano bar with live jazz music and a selection of liquors. However, the complimentary breakfast has received mixed reviews, with some guests finding it "basic" or consisting of "granola bars, oranges, and frozen breakfast sandwiches," which may not meet expectations for a hot breakfast. Valet parking is available, though it is noted as being "pricey." Other practical amenities include daily housekeeping and complimentary toiletries.

The hotel features 74 individually decorated rooms and suites, each offering a distinct style. Rooms are generally described as "very nice," "excellent," and "extremely comfortable," with comfortable beds, premium bedding, and generously sized bathrooms often featuring granite countertops. Some rooms come with additional features like DVD players, sofa sleepers, fireplaces, surround sound stereo systems, and whirlpool bathtubs, indicating a diverse range of accommodations. Flat-screen HD televisions with cable and OnDemand viewing are standard. While the hotel aims for "extraordinary first impressions through cleanliness, presentation and style," and guests largely agree on the cleanliness of the rooms, one review mentioned a "very dark room with no windows" and issues with a non-working TV and broken coffee pot in a specific room, suggesting some inconsistencies. Another review noted a "smelly room" and poor tile grout in the bathroom, indicating areas where maintenance might be needed. Despite these isolated issues, the overall impression of the rooms is positive, particularly concerning comfort and cleanliness. The hotel's unique decor and the architectural appeal of its brownstone setting are defining features, setting it apart from more generic hotel designs.

As an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, 74 State is part of Choice Hotels International's portfolio, allowing guests to earn and redeem points through the Choice Privileges loyalty program. This can offer benefits like member-exclusive rates and perks. Guests can book directly via phone at (518) 434-7410 or +1 518-434-7410, or through the Choice Hotels website and other major online travel agencies. Given its downtown location and specific features, 74 State often appeals to travelers seeking a more personalized and charming experience than large corporate hotels. While pricing is considered "reasonable given the high quality of accommodations" by some, others have found it "average" in comparison to the amenities provided. It's advisable for potential guests to inquire about the specific room features if they have preferences for amenities like microwaves or mini-fridges. Transparency regarding the breakfast offerings is also helpful for managing expectations. Despite some noted areas for improvement, particularly concerning the lobby smell and the consistency of breakfast, the strong positive feedback on the staff and the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms indicate that 74 State, an Ascend Hotel Collection Member, remains a highly recommended option for a distinctive and conveniently located stay in downtown Albany.