Upstate N.Y. hotel completes renovation

In upstate New York, the Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel has reopened following a full renovation. 

The 323-guestroom property now includes Plaza Workspace, the brand’s work and meeting room, as well as nearly 25,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space. The two indoor courtyards have also been fully renovated with 30-foot and 36-foot-high ceilings with atrium skylights and a koi pond with fountains. The hotel’s indoor heated pool has been upgraded and the 24-hour fitness center was expanded to three times its previous size. The hotel also has spiral staircase duplexes, suites with private entrances and patios and Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible rooms.

The Desmond has also installed the Aerus IOT Shepherd Air Purification and Filtration system, which will be fully operational later this spring.

The hotel’s 1970s architecture from original owner, John K. Desmond Jr., has been maintained.

“The transformation of Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel demonstrates how a property with a rich history can modernize for the future of travel while maintaining its essence,” said Ginger Taggart, VP, premium brands, global Crowne Plaza and Voco Hotels for IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This is an incredible example of how we are continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s modern traveler 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.” 

The Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge also got a new design with a fireplace, a marble-top bar with built-in wireless phone chargers and several unique seating sections, including an outdoor patio.

The property will continue to be independently owned and is managed by the Desmond family. The hotel, located a half mile from the Albany International Airport, opened in 1974 and joined IHG in 2018.