Albany Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn Review!
Microtel Inn at Albany Airport: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Take - The "Best Kept Secret" Really?
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the tea on the Microtel Inn at Albany Airport – a place that, according to some, is a "best kept secret." Listen, I’m a traveler, a self-proclaimed expert in finding deals and getting by, and I've definitely seen some things. So, is this Microtel a hidden gem, or just…well, you'll see. I'm going to break down EVERYTHING, from the germ-busting protocols to the potentially dodgy coffee. And let's be real, hotels are always an adventure.
SEO & Metadata Schmancy:
- Keywords: Albany Airport Hotel, Microtel Inn, Albany NY, Budget Hotel, Airport Accommodation, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast Included, Clean Hotel, Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly, Albany Hotel Reviews, Airport Shuttle, Gym, Restaurants Near Albany Airport.
- Meta Description: My uncensored review of the Microtel Inn at Albany Airport: Accessibility, cleanliness, breakfast, and more! Is it really the best kept secret? Honest opinions and quirks!
Let's Get This Show on the Road (Or, The Road to the Hotel):
First impressions matter, right? Because honestly, sometimes getting to a hotel sets the tone.
- Getting Around: Airport transfer? Yep, the hotel has one. That’s a massive win after a red-eye! Now, I've taken those airport shuttle experiences before where you're crammed in with luggage like sardines – thankfully, this one wasn't too bad. Efficient enough, but don't expect a luxury limo. Car parking is also free, which is a HUGE plus, especially compared to the rip-off prices some places charge.
- Accessibility: Okay, this is important. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always look for good accessibility options because…life happens. And this hotel appears to be decent or having accessibility features.
- Check-in/out: The website says contactless check-in. I didn't use it, though. I like the personal touch, I guess. The front desk team was friendly, but look, it is a budget hotel, so don't expect the Ritz Carlton treatment. It was efficient, and that’s what matters after a long flight, right?
- Security: Cameras! Lots of them. Exterior and interior. Makes you feel safe, which is good. Also, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers – always a good sign!
The Room: My Personal Digs (and a Few Whines):
Now, the rooms. This is where the Microtel starts looking… Microtel-y.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Alright, this is where it gets interesting. The website boasts of "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Rooms sanitized between stays," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Fine. BUT, and this is a big but, I definitely saw a slightly-off smell. I’m trying to be objective, but it's there and lingering. Was it just me? Maybe. Was it the smell of cleaning products? Maybe. But it was there. It’s a solid "C+" for cleanliness.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Blessedly, yup. Free Wi-Fi? The lifeblood. (More on that later.) Coffee/tea maker? Yes! Oh, the joy of hitting that button at 5 am.
- More Room Details (The Fine Print): They have an alarm clock (thank god!) they have a desk, a refrigerator, and an in-room safe. It met all the requirements, but it didn’t excite me, if you get what I mean.
- Internet: Okay, Wi-Fi is supposed to be "free in all rooms!" Thank goodness, because I had a ton of work to do. The good new is it works! Sometimes a little slow in the middle of the afternoon, but at least I'm not paying extra.
Eating, Drinking, and Avoiding the Bathroom Coffee:
- Breakfast: Yes, they offer it. I think they're trying. It's on the budget side, like, very budget. I’m pretty sure they have a breakfast buffet, if you are into that sort of thing.
- Restaurants/Drinking: There is a coffee shop (the coffee was surprisingly passable, a small victory!), a snack bar (needed a sandwich after I flew in), and a bar. All accessible without leaving the hotel.
- Food Delivery: They offer this. Considering you're at the airport, that's good.
Spa, Gym, and Things to Do… Because, Well, You Can't, Really:
- Fitness Center: Yeah. It exists. I'm pretty sure it was pretty decent. If I were staying for a little longer, I'd go in, but I'm just passing through to go to work.
- Spa/Relaxation? Not so much. There is no spa, sauna, or anything like that. This is a no-frills experience!
The Verdict: The "Best Kept Secret?" Maybe… Kinda…
- The Good: The location (airport proximity is HUGE), the free parking, the free Wi-Fi, and the (mostly) functional rooms. The staff were decent, and the price was right.
- The Not-So-Good: The slightly-off smell (or maybe I was just grumpy), the basic breakfast, and the lack of… well, anything extra.
- Bottom Line: The Microtel is a solid choice if you need a quick, cheap, and convenient place near Albany Airport. If you're expecting luxury, well… keep dreaming. This isn't the Taj Mahal. But, if you just want a place to crash, watch some movies, and catch your flight, it’s a reasonably good deal. Is it the "best kept secret"? Maybe not. But it's a well-kept secret for people on a budget who don't want a hotel that can be too fancy. The budget traveler in me would recommend it.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your perfectly-planned spreadsheet of a vacation. This is…well, let's call it my journey, a slightly-unhinged look at a sojourn at the Microtel Inn by Wyndham Albany Airport in Latham, NY. And frankly, probably not very helpful if you're looking for practical advice. But hopefully, at least entertaining.
Day 1: Arrival of the Slightly-Jaded Traveler
- 1:00 PM – Arrival at Albany Airport (ALB) & the Great Car Rental Fiasco: Right off the bat, things went south. Got to the rental car place. "Oh, we're out of the car you reserved." Eye roll. "But we have a…a purple minivan?" Reader, I almost wept. A purple minivan? I'm on a quest for…something…and I’m rolling in a vehicle that screams "soccer mom gone wild." Accepted because, well, what choice did I have? On the bright side, even though I am very late, I’m finally on my way to the Microtel.
- 2:00 PM – Microtel Check-In - The Welcome: The front desk guy at the Microtel…he seemed nice enough, in a "I've seen things, man" kind of way. The lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and something vaguely floral trying desperately to overcome it. The room? Clean. Functional. A bit…beige. You know, the hotel aesthetic of "we've never met a color we didn't want to avoid." But I'm not complaining…too much. Finally just a bed, I can crash on!
- 3:00 PM – The Quest for Caffeine & the Semi-Broken TV: First order of business: caffeine. Luckily the hotel has an on-site vending machine. First try…nothing! Second attempt…nada! And finally… I somehow got the can. Phew! Survival rate: 50%. The TV, however, was a nightmare. Remote? Dodgy. Channel options? Limited. Reception quality? Picture quality: fuzzy. But, hey, for now, the world could wait!
- 4:00 PM – Explore the hotel: Let's explore the amenities. I'm going to the pool. Wait – the pool? The pool! I can't wait! But. It's… closed. Closed. Now I'm starting to look around more. Uh oh. Looks like the gym is also closed… Looks like there's nothing to do! What a waste of time
- 6:00 PM – Dinner at a Nearby Restaurant - A Taste of… Disappointment: I had to go out and find food. I have a bad habit with this kind of situation. The restaurant was busy, and I was hungry. I end up ordering some pasta, which sounded relatively safe. The pasta arrived, and I won’t mince words: it was flavorless. It was like the chef had a personal vendetta against seasoning. I ate half of it, mostly out of principle. I'm starting to think I should have just gotten room service…
Day 2: Embracing the Beige (and a Glimmer of Hope)
- 8:00 AM – "Complimentary" Breakfast - The Sad Symphony of Pre-Packaged Goods: Breakfast time! The "complimentary" breakfast at the Microtel. Let's just say it was an experience. Think sad cereals, pre-packaged pastries that taste like a distant memory of actual baking, and a coffee machine that gurgled like an ailing walrus. There was also a fruit cup. I might consider it if it weren't the cheapest fruit.
- 9:00 AM – Embarking on a Sight Seeing Drive… or Was It? I decided to explore! The car was still a lavender, and… well, let's be honest…I was starting to get used to it. I was driving towards The Empire State Plaza. That's right! I was going to see the New York state capitol! But then I missed the turn, went down the wrong street, and found myself…lost. Lost in the middle of nowhere! I had to get the GPS up and running. Finally, I arrived.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at the Empire State Plaza (A Brief Moment of Redemption): I arrived at the Empire State Plaza! I went to the top! Pretty! But, after, I got hungry. I went to a cafe. The food was… well, it was better than last night’s pasta. The coffee, however, was delicious. It actually gave me hope!
- 2:00 PM – Return to the Microtel - The Lull Before The Storm: The room. The quiet. The beige. I decided to go back to my room and get some rest. I rested for a while. I watched TV. I felt sleepy. I took a nap. I woke up!
- 6:00 PM – Dinner Delivery - The Simple Pleasure: Fine! I'm not leaving the hotel. I was tired. I had some pizza delivered. It was cheesy and I don't care.
Day 3: Abandoning All Hope (and Embracing the Departure)
- 8:00 AM – The Final Breakfast…or, Was it? Another breakfast. Another disappointment. Another fruit cup!
- 9:00 AM – Packing and…Contemplations: I started packing. I had to leave relatively soon. I started thinking… What was the trip's purpose, exactly? Was it to see the sights? Escape? Try something new? I'm not sure! But I'm glad it's over.
- 10:00 AM – Check Out. The front desk guy, still radiating that "seen some things" vibe, checked me out. We didn't exchange words. I was grateful.
- 10:30 AM – Saying Goodbye: Goodbye, lavender minivan. Goodbye, beige walls. Goodbye to…mostly disappointment. And off to the airport. Goodbye. But I feel good. I'm still alive.
Post-Trip Musings:
So, yeah, the Microtel Albany Airport…It wasn't a disaster, but it wasn't exactly paradise. It was functional, forgettable, and a little bit…beige. But hey, I survived. And the story? Well, it's made for a mildly entertaining anecdote. Would I recommend it? Maybe. If you’re looking for a place to sleep, and you’re not too fussy, and you promise not to eat the breakfast. Also, if you're looking for an adventure, you'll definitely have one. In any case, I'll never forget my time there. And I'll definitely order pizza next time.
Martinez Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
Is the Microtel at Albany Airport *really* a "Best Kept Secret"? Like, seriously?
Okay, okay, hold your horses. "Best Kept Secret" is a *bit* of a stretch. More like, "Surprisingly Decent Option That Doesn't Break the Bank When You're Stranded in Albany and Your Flight's Delayed Until the Apocalypse." Look, let's be honest, Albany Airport itself isn't exactly the Eiffel Tower of airports. So, finding a decent, affordable place to crash nearby? Yeah, it's a win. I've stayed there twice now (more on that later...). The first time, post-red-eye with a connection from hell (that had NOTHING to do with ALB, it was just a bad travel day), I practically *crawled* into the lobby. The desk clerk, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen every weary traveler imaginable. So, "Best Kept Secret"? Maybe. Or maybe just a lifesaver when you need one.
Okay, so, what's the room *actually* like? Don't sugarcoat it.
Alright, here's the lowdown, warts and all. The rooms... are rooms. They're clean. Mostly. Let's say *mostly* clean. The first time, I was so zonked, I honestly could've slept on a pile of rocks. The second time, I noticed... a little something-something on the bathroom tile. Nothing nuclear, just, you know, *life happens* stains. But the bed? Surprisingly comfortable. And I *hate* hotel beds. They're usually like sleeping on a trampoline made of concrete. Microtel's... were okay. Not luxury, but okay. There was a TV, the usual suspects (cable, remote that probably hasn't been cleaned since the Clinton administration), and a mini-fridge that, thankfully, worked. I NEED a cold water. Otherwise, it's a pretty basic. Don't expect the Ritz. Expect... functional.
And the AC? Crucial. Because Albany can get humid.
What about breakfast? Is it that sad continental breakfast situation?
Ugh, the dreaded "free breakfast." Yeah, it's... continental. Don't go in with high hopes. I mean, there are usually some sad-looking pastries that have seen better days. Bagels. Cereal (the dry, crunchy kind). Coffee that resembles brown water (bring your own instant!). Maybe some yogurt. Fruit that's often... overripe. The first time, it was fine. I was just so happy to NOT be at the airport, I didn't even care. The second time? I grabbed a bagel, took one bite, and went straight to Dunkin' Donuts down the street. Yes, *down the street.* It's that bad. But hey, it's free. It's fuel. And if you're truly desperate, it'll do the trick to get you to the coffee shop.
Is it noisy? I can't sleep with noise.
Noise... that's the wild card. I've gotten lucky both times. The first time, I think everyone there was as exhausted as I was, so it was relatively quiet. The second time... well, I'd swear I heard a whole convention of snoring. Could have been the walls, though, not particularly thick. The airport is nearby as well. So airplanes might be heard.
Earplugs are your friend. Seriously. Pack 'em. Never underestimate the power of a quality pair of earplugs. They’re lifesavers.
How far is it from the airport *really*? And what about the shuttle?
The website says it's "minutes" from the airport. And it *is* minutes. Maybe 5-7 minutes, tops. But... the Albany traffic gods are fickle. Depending on the time of day, that five-minute drive can feel like an hour. But the shuttle? Okay, the shuttle is key. It's free. It's reliable. You call when you land (or even before, if you know your flight's on time). Then you go to the designated spot (which, let's be honest, is usually pretty obvious). The shuttle comes, you hop on, and you're whisked away to affordable slumber. I have *zero* complaints about the shuttle. The drivers have always been friendly and helpful, even when dealing with frazzled travelers. One time, a driver was just *incredibly* nice to a woman who was having a full-blown meltdown about her baggage. Kudos.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the *second* stay like? Did something happen?
Oh, the second stay. That's where things get interesting. Or, you know, mildly chaotic. I was stuck. Again. This time, a blizzard. Albany was getting *dumped* on. The airport was a mess. Absolute pandemonium. So, Microtel, here I come! Got the room fine, everything was... acceptable. But then, around 2 AM, the fire alarm started. Yep. Screeching, blaring, the whole shebang. Panic ensued. It turns out... it was a false alarm. Some idiot burned popcorn. Yes, *popcorn*. In the middle of a blizzard. So, there I was, bundled in my coat, standing in the freezing cold with dozens of other bleary-eyed (and, let’s be real, grumpy) guests at 2:30 in the morning. We all shuffled back inside, half asleep. It was hilarious and awful at the same time. The staff apologized profusely. I got an extra packet of instant coffee the next morning. So... good recovery, Microtel. Good recovery. Though I might hold a lifelong grudge against burnt popcorn.
Is it worth it? Would you stay there again?
Worth it? Yes, *absolutely* worth it. Especially compared to sleeping on a bench at the airport. Would I stay there again? In a heartbeat. (If my flight is delayed drastically, of course.) It's not glamorous. It's not luxurious. But it's clean enough, it's cheap, it's close to the airport, and the shuttle is a godsend. Plus, the staff, even when dealing with popcorn-induced fire alarms, are generally pretty decent. So, yeah. Microtel at Albany Airport: your best bet when travel hell breaks loose. Just... maybe pack extra earplugs and skip the breakfast. And for the love of all that is holy, *don't* make popcorn.
Post a Comment for "Albany Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Microtel Inn Review!"