The Best Hotels to Book Near State Street, Albany

Where better to stay in New York’s capital than across from the New York State Capitol among marble, wood paneling and sink-into beds? The Capitol Steps are a few steps from the hotel, putting you within seconds of the Empire State’s landmarks. If politics and history aren’t on your menu, you’ll satisfy an appetite for Albany with Hudson Valley duck breast, Saratoga kettle chips and the Capital Burger at Wellington’s locally-sourced restaurant.

Whether you arrive by train or plane, the Hilton is one of the closest and most comfortable hotels you can book – under 2mi (3.2km) from the airport and Amtrak station. Unpack your bags in streamlined, light-filled rooms overlooking the Hudson River and New York State Capitol. We won’t pressure you into a suite, but we will say that the city views are well-earned after climbing the elegant circular staircase of the duplex executive suite.

One glimpse of this history-packed brownstone mansion circa 1884 is all you need to book a room here. You’ll feel like one of New York’s elite when you’re offered free reign of the parlor floor, mixing yourself a martini to sip by the roaring fire – before retreating back up to your queen library suite that overlooks the English Garden. Want to stay longer? The kitchenettes and kitchens in the studio suites will convince you to call Albany home for weeks.

Whether you’re a fan of the FireWolves or the Siena Saints – two blocks from the Times Union Center – a stay at this downtown dream will keep you close to every arena event. Your peach-hued homey Hudson Suite has space you could live in while the State Suite will keep you cosy with a fireplace. Stay a night or a week – either way, breakfast, laundry services and access to their fancy fitness equipment are on the house.

Need a place to rest up before a long ride along the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail? Holiday Inn Express is right at the trailhead, just a moment off the I-787. Drop your bags in your room – noting pops of bright color on feature walls and sofas – and keep the blackout shades up so you can wake up with the sun. Stretch out those calves on the stationary bicycle in the gym ahead of your power-packed breakfast before admiring the Hudson from two wheels.

Connected to the Albany Medical Center via a high-up walkway, keep yourself out of the hospital with fresh, healthy dishes at this pastel-painted hotel’s Recovery Sports Grill – before a few laps in the indoor heated pool followed by a hot-tub session. Then it’s time to exercise your cultural muscles at the New York State Museum, just over 1mi (1.6km) away.

Golfers may never leave this all-suite home from home with six courses within 3mi (4.8km). Extended stays in colorfully-decked out single and double bedrooms means families get space to spread out in – before trying out the hot tub and diving in the turquoise indoor heated pool. Fill up on continental croissants and jam over breakfast, before a jog around leafy Lincoln Park just across the way.

Follow the Hudson north a few miles and the Courtyard by Marriott will introduce you to riverside relaxation with ergonomic chairs in rooms with scenic views and a weight-filled gym. This relaxed waterfront hotel in Troy treats you to sunsets over the river with flat whites and cocktails at the Bistro – and the craft beer and local bites reward a wander along the river.