The family-owned and operated Crowne Plaza hotel, which made its debut in the New York Capital Region in 1974, has successfully emerged from a comprehensive renovation.

Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel is now embarking upon an exciting new era.

Meeting modern travellers’ needs

Designed to meet the needs of modern business and leisure travellers, Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel is offering a transformed experience in its convenient location, just half a mile from Albany International Airport.

The hotel is home to 323 contemporary guestrooms and suites, including spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios, and ADA-accessible rooms. Guestroom balconies, moreover, overlook park-like landscaping.

Elsewhere, the property boasts the flexible Plaza Workspace, nearly 25,000 sq ft of meeting space and two indoor courtyards with high ceilings, large atrium skylights and a koi pond with fountains. The indoor pool has been modernised too and the 24-hour fitness centre has been expanded.

“The transformation of Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel demonstrates how a property with a rich history can modernise for the future of travel while maintaining its essence,” said Ginger Taggart, vice president, premium brands, global Crowne Plaza and Voco Hotels.

“This is an incredible example of how we are continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s modern traveller by creating a perfect balance of business and leisure spaces to connect, including flexible workspaces, a unique lobby area and rejuvenating, relaxing spaces throughout the property. When people are ready to travel safely, for work or leisure, The Desmond Hotel is a prime destination in the New York Capital Region.”

Combining old and new

Longtime guests can expect the same level of friendly service they’ve always been greeted by, alongside the safety, consistency and quality standards synonymous with IHG.

During the hotel’s modernisation, the property’s celebrated architecture, designed by original owner John K Desmond, Jr, also remained intact. Homages to Desmond’s affinity for aviation and the Capital Region can be seen throughout each bright and open space.

Meanwhile, Mr D’s Restaurant & Lounge’s new restaurant design incorporates a fireplace, a marble-top bar with built-in wireless phone chargers, and several seating sections including an outdoor patio. The hotel has also invested in a state-of-the-art filtration solution, providing a new level of comfort for guests along with enhanced environmental protections.

“This is a highly anticipated moment for The Desmond and for the region,” said Tyler Desmond, general manager, Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel. “It goes without saying that we have never been more excited to welcome guests back to our hotel – and given the current climate, that feeling is only amplified. Fans of our property will be positively overwhelmed by the updates and I’m sure first-time guests will be equally as impressed by their experience with us.”

The property will continue to be independently owned and managed by the third generation of the Desmond family.

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