Property
Charming, unique property that bills itself as “a one of a kind hotel” and doesn’t disappoint. 18th century decor reminiscent of colonial Williamsburg melds with kid friendly staff to give a taste of history without stuffiness (and longing for XXS straightjacket to avoid tiny-hand-caused mishaps) seen in some historical properties.

Location
Nearby Science Center of Tech Valley offers excellent Fetch! Lab programs (familiar to PBS lovers), space lovers will dig special Children’s Star Shows at Official NASA Space Place – Henry Hudson Planetarium, while artsy kids will dig the family programs at the Albany Institute of History and Art.  Be prepared for the begging to begin should you cross paths with an Albany Aqua Duck amphibious Duckboat, particularly difficult to distract from due to giggling crowds aboard blowing their duck quacking whistles at passersby before wheels up dipping into the Hudson.

Sleeps
A number of combos, including two level suites (Elmo can \’la-la-la-la\’ downstairs while you doze up), four poster beds, some fireplaces, all decor designed to bring you back in time to early colonial times.

Highlights
Facade of an Olde English village, cleverly disguising meeting/banquet rooms, captures little imaginations and makes for a nice backdrop to the large indoor pool (that’s actually warm enough to comfortably swim in!) surrounded by lush greenery in one interior solarium-like courtyard. Following the old fashioned street signs brings you to another lovely fountain’d green interior courtyard or to Simpson’s Grille, one of several on site restaurants (all fab, no ‘hotel food’ here), featuring a choose-your-own-adventure style kids’ menu — think Friendly’s, only healthy and way tastier (*Kiddo’s pick -Roast Sliced Turkey and Mashed Potatoes).

Good to know
I first stopped here thinking it was nothing more than a convenient airport hotel — quickly has become a destination in itself (and fave with kiddo) with such a unique pool set up, solid restaurants and charming interior courtyards. Massive glass panels above made you feel like you’re outside, without the chilly breeze post-swim.

Contact
http://www.desmondhotelsalbany.com/

Written by Sascha Zuger