Hotels in Albany

Hotels in Albany range from comfortable budget options at $70 per night to luxury stays topping out at $350, with over 75 properties available citywide. Travorio.com lets you book any Albany hotel using Bitcoin, Ethereum, over 100 cryptocurrencies, or with flexible Pay Later plans like Sezzle and PayPal. Guests can choose their ideal hotel and neighborhood while enjoying modern payment flexibility and secure transactions.

Albany, the capital of New York State, welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually for business, government, and leisure. Travelers benefit from the strong US Dollar, making budgeting straightforward for most international guests. Hotel demand peaks during spring and autumn, so book early for the best rates and availability. The city’s walkable downtown and vibrant neighborhoods make hotel selection key to your Albany experience.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Albany

Albany’s layout features distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and accommodation range. Whether you want to be near the action downtown, enjoy leafy parks, or find a quiet spot near the airport, Albany offers a neighborhood for every travel style.

Downtown Albany

Downtown Albany is the city’s historic and commercial heart, with a hotel price range of $120 to $200 per night. This area is best for first-time visitors, business travelers, and solo female travelers who want to be close to major attractions and government buildings. Landmark sites include the impressive New York State Capitol, an architectural icon that anchors State Street. For dining, try Jack’s Oyster House, an Albany institution serving classic American seafood since 1913. Cultural highlights like the Palace Theatre offer Broadway shows and concerts, while the Albany Center Station is the main transit hub with CDTA buses connecting you across the city in under 10 minutes. Downtown’s walkability, security, and proximity to businesses make it ideal for those who want a central base without needing a car.

Pine Hills

Pine Hills, with nightly rates from $70 to $120, is a favorite for students, families, and budget travelers. Located west of downtown, it’s home to the College of Saint Rose and features a friendly, residential vibe. Madison Theatre, a restored 1929 cinema, is a neighborhood landmark showing indie films and hosting community events. Grab breakfast at Café Madison, known for its creative omelets and pancakes. Pine Hills is also close to Washington Park, offering playgrounds and green space for families. CDTA bus route 10 runs through the neighborhood, reaching downtown in about 12 minutes. Pine Hills combines affordability with a collegiate, local feel.

Washington Park

Washington Park neighborhood surrounds the city’s grand Victorian park and offers mid-range hotels priced $110 to $170 per night. This area suits couples, families, and festival-goers, especially during the city’s legendary Tulip Festival each May. The park itself is a landmark, featuring 89 acres of gardens, walking trails, and a picturesque lake. For dining, El Loco Mexican Café serves up inventive tacos and margaritas in a colorful setting. The neighborhood’s leafy streets and historic brownstones evoke old Albany charm. CDTA bus route 13 links Washington Park to downtown in about 7 minutes. Proximity to cultural events and abundant green space makes this an excellent choice for travelers who want both relaxation and access to the city center.

Colonie

Colonie, with rates from $80 to $130 per night, is tailored to families, airport travelers, and those on road trips. Located northwest of Albany proper, Colonie is close to Albany International Airport (ALB) and major highways like I-87. Crossgates Mall, the region’s largest shopping center, is a major landmark offering shopping, entertainment, and dining. For a casual meal, stop by the Recovery Sports Grill for burgers and local brews. The Colonie Center transit stop provides direct CDTA bus service to downtown in about 18 minutes. Colonie’s hotels often offer free parking, airport shuttles, and larger rooms, making it ideal for travelers with cars or early flights.

Lark Street

Lark Street, priced $120 to $180 per night, is Albany’s bohemian and nightlife district. Young travelers, LGBTQ+ visitors, and art lovers gravitate here for its vibrant energy and walkable blocks. Lark Hall is a neighborhood landmark, hosting live music, art exhibits, and community events. The Daily Grind café is a local favorite for coffee and people-watching. Art galleries, vintage shops, and a thriving bar scene make this a magnet for creative types. The Lark/State CDTA bus stop connects you to downtown in just 6 minutes. Hotels here blend boutique charm with proximity to both nightlife and daytime attractions.

University Heights

University Heights, with hotel rates from $70 to $115 per night, is popular with students, academics, and medical travelers. The area surrounds Albany Medical Center and Albany Law School, giving it an intellectual, campus-oriented feel. The Albany Institute of History & Art, a landmark museum, is nearby and showcases the city’s rich heritage. Grab lunch at Iron Gate Café, set in a charming historic mansion with a leafy patio. University Heights is quieter than downtown, with a focus on extended-stay and value hotels. CDTA bus routes 114 and 214 connect the district to downtown in about 10 minutes. It’s a smart pick for those visiting the university or hospitals or seeking affordable rates with easy city access.

Average Hotel Prices in Albany by Season

Hotel rates in Albany shift with the seasons, influenced by weather, events, and university calendars.

• Spring (March-May): 3-star hotels average $115 per night, while 4-star properties run $185. Spring is shoulder season, with rates rising in May for graduation and the Tulip Festival.
• Summer (June-August): Expect 3-stars at $135, 4-stars at $210. Festivals, concerts, and school vacations drive demand, especially in July.
• Autumn (September-October): 3-stars reach $148, 4-stars peak at $235. Autumn foliage makes these months the most expensive, especially on weekends.
• Winter (November-February): 3-star rates drop to $95, 4-star to $160. Outside of holidays, this is the value season.

Major citywide events can cause sharp price spikes. The Albany Tulip Festival (early May), Alive at Five summer concerts (June-August), and university commencement weekends (late May) see hotel rates increase by 20-40%. Peak autumn weekends are especially costly, so booking three months in advance is wise. Travelers can save up to 35% by visiting in winter or booking midweek during shoulder seasons.

How to Book Hotels in Albany with Cryptocurrency

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Pay Later Hotels in Albany: Split Into 4 Payments

Sezzle lets you book an Albany hotel for just 25% upfront, with the remainder split into three biweekly payments. For example, on a $160 downtown hotel stay, you pay $40 at booking and three further payments of $40, interest-free. PayPal Pay Later offers similar flexibility but may allow longer terms or larger purchases, with payments managed through your PayPal account. Neither option requires a hard credit check, and both charge zero interest or fees. See all pay later hotels in Albany for the latest deals and payment options.

Getting to Albany: Flights and Transport

Albany International Airport (ALB) is the primary gateway, located 13 km (8 miles) northwest of downtown. The airport serves major US cities and is a convenient hub for upstate New York. Three main transport options connect ALB to the city center:

• Taxi: A taxi to downtown costs $30-35 USD and takes 20 minutes.
• CDTA Bus: The Route 737 bus runs from ALB to downtown for $1.50 USD per ride; travel time is about 25 minutes.
• Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate at ALB, with fares from $28-40 USD depending on demand and time of day.

Average round-trip flight prices to Albany from major cities:

• New York City (JFK): $210-320 USD
• Chicago (ORD): $250-380 USD
• Atlanta (ATL): $270-400 USD
• Orlando (MCO): $220-340 USD
• Toronto (YYZ): $280-410 USD

Book your Albany flights directly on Travorio for the best price guarantee. For live airport updates, consult the Albany International Airport website.

Albany Travel Tips for 2026

Visa: US citizens do not need a visa for domestic travel. UK and Canadian citizens can visit the US for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Australian and EU citizens also require ESTA, valid for two years and multiple entries. Starting in 2026, ETIAS is not required for the US, but travelers should always verify entry requirements with official sources.

Local transport: Albany’s public transit is managed by CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority). A single bus ride costs $1.50 USD, while a day pass is $4.00 USD, valid on all local routes. Buses run from 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays, with reduced service on weekends. The system is comprehensive within Albany, with routes to neighboring Troy and Schenectady.

Tipping: Tipping is expected in Albany, as in the rest of the US. Standard practice is 15-20% in restaurants and 10-15% for taxis. Hotel staff appreciate $1-2 per bag for bellhops and $2-5 per night for housekeeping.

Currency: The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). 1 USD is the standard exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but small businesses may prefer cash for purchases under $10. ATMs are plentiful around the city.

Best time to visit: May to October provides the most pleasant weather, with average highs from 18°C (64°F) in May to 28°C (82°F) in July. September and October are especially scenic, as autumn foliage transforms city parks and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Winter travel is budget-friendly, but expect icy conditions and average highs of -3°C (26°F) in January. Festival dates and university events can impact hotel demand and pricing.

For more visitor information, check the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Best Hotels in Albany for Different Budgets

Budget Hotels ($70-$120/night)

Budget travelers should consider chains like Red Roof Inn Albany Airport and Motel 6 Albany, as well as properties in Pine Hills or University Heights. Expect clean, compact rooms with basic amenities: free Wi-Fi, parking, and grab-and-go breakfast. Locations may be less central, but they offer easy transit access and excellent value for families, students, and road trippers.

Mid-Range Hotels ($120-$180/night)

Mid-range options include Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown and Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Washington Park or Lark Street. These hotels feature larger rooms, complimentary breakfast buffets, and amenities like fitness centers or small pools. The upgrade from budget means better locations, higher service levels, and a more polished guest experience, ideal for couples or business travelers.

Luxury Hotels ($200-$350/night)

Luxury stays in Albany are led by The Renaissance Albany Hotel, located in a restored 1920s landmark downtown, and the Hilton Albany, known for panoramic Capitol views and a full-service spa. Signature amenities include plush bedding, on-site fine dining, rooftop bars, and concierge services. Expect spacious suites, valet parking, and top-tier fitness centers, making these properties worth the splurge for special occasions or business executives.

Albany Food and Dining Guide for Hotel Guests

Downtown’s Jack’s Oyster House, Lark Street’s Bombers Burrito Bar, and Washington Park’s El Loco Mexican Café are standouts near major hotels. The Honest Weight Food Co-op is a popular market for organic groceries and deli fare, ideal for self-catering or picnics. Expect to pay $8-12 USD for street food, $18-25 USD for casual dining, and $40+ USD for fine dining per person. Local specialties like chicken riggies (pasta in spicy tomato sauce), New York-style pizza, and cider donuts are must-tries for foodies. Most mid-range and luxury hotels include breakfast, but budget properties may offer only coffee and pastries; nearby cafés like Café Madison or Iron Gate Café provide hearty breakfast options within walking distance.

Why Book Albany Hotels on Travorio

Travorio lists over 5 million properties worldwide, ensuring you find the perfect Albany hotel for any budget or style. Pay with crypto to sidestep currency conversion fees, or use Sezzle to split your bill into four manageable payments. Enjoy the best price guarantee, flexible payment options, and instant booking confirmation. Start your search for hotels in Albany on Travorio today.