Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall

When searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" with an emphasis on extended stays in Albany, New York, Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall frequently emerges as a prominent choice. Situated at 1651 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203, USA, this hotel is designed to cater to travelers requiring more than just a typical overnight stay, offering amenities that support a comfortable and convenient longer-term visit. For inquiries or reservations, the hotel can be reached at (518) 704-4040 or +1 518-704-4040.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall boasts a strategic location directly across from the popular Crossgates Mall, providing guests with immediate access to a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This proximity is a significant advantage for those looking to stay in an area with vibrant local amenities. The hotel's position on Western Avenue also places it conveniently near the University at Albany and offers relatively easy access to Albany International Airport (ALB), typically less than a 15-minute drive. The surrounding area is generally bustling, reflecting its commercial and academic importance. The hotel itself features an urban, contemporary design, aiming for a modern and inviting atmosphere across its 123 suites spread over five floors.

As an extended stay property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall provides a comprehensive suite of services and amenities tailored for guests staying for several nights or longer. Check-in time is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. A major draw is the complimentary hot breakfast offered daily, featuring a variety of options to start the day. Additionally, the hotel hosts a complimentary evening social with light fare and drinks Monday through Thursday, fostering a sense of community among guests and providing a convenient dinner alternative. For recreation, there's an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center, allowing guests to maintain their routines. Business travelers benefit from a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms, with 1,029 sq ft of event space, accommodating up to 60 people for conferences or 40 for banquets.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property, including in all suites and public areas. For convenience, complimentary self-parking is available on-site. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, laundry facilities, a convenience store/mini-market, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Housekeeping services are typically offered a few times a week for extended stays, balancing privacy with cleanliness. The hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing pets for an additional fee, making it suitable for guests traveling with their furry companions. Hilton Honors members can also enjoy benefits and earn points during their stay.

The suites at Homewood Suites are designed with an emphasis on comfort and functionality for extended stays. Each suite typically includes a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and stovetop, along with cookware, dishes, and utensils, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. This feature is particularly valuable for controlling food costs and maintaining dietary preferences during longer visits. Separate living and sleeping areas are common, providing ample space for relaxation and work. Suites generally feature flat-screen TVs with premium channels, a work desk with an ergonomic chair, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Private bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Some suites may offer accessibility features such as roll-in showers or grab bars. The suite configurations range from studios to one- and two-bedroom options, catering to solo travelers, couples, or families.

As a "Hotels Near Of Me" option specifically for extended stays, Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall actively promotes its home-away-from-home atmosphere. Key promotional points often include the complimentary hot breakfast, the evening social, fully equipped kitchens, and the spaciousness of the suites. Its proximity to Crossgates Mall is a major selling point for leisure travelers, while its location near the University at Albany appeals to those visiting the campus or involved in academic pursuits. Business travelers benefit from the ample workspace, reliable Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities. The pet-friendly policy broadens its appeal. The hotel emphasizes value for money, especially for longer durations, and the ability to earn Hilton Honors points further incentivizes stays.

An objective introduction necessitates acknowledging customer feedback, both positive and negative. While Homewood Suites by Hilton generally aims to provide a high standard of extended-stay accommodation, recent customer reviews highlight significant concerns that potential guests should be aware of. Issues related to cleanliness appear to be a recurring problem, with specific mentions of dirty rooms upon check-in, greasy fingerprints, "weird stains," and even "blood on the curtains." These accounts suggest a disparity between expected cleanliness standards and actual conditions. Additionally, some guests have reported problems with facility maintenance, such as water stains in bathrooms and rips in shower curtains. Beyond cleanliness, there have been serious safety and service concerns, including a guest getting stuck in an elevator for an extended period, with reports of emergency buttons not functioning correctly and a lack of proper communication or compensation from hotel staff. Furthermore, an instance of alleged theft by housekeeping has been reported, along with dissatisfaction regarding the hotel's lost and found policy and management's response. While the location near Crossgates Mall is consistently praised, these critical reviews indicate that the overall guest experience, particularly concerning cleanliness, safety, and staff responsiveness, has been highly problematic for some, leading to strong recommendations against staying at this particular location despite its brand affiliation and stated amenities. Prospective guests should weigh these serious concerns carefully against the advertised features when considering this hotel for their extended stay needs.