One of the best—and for many years, only—places to stay in the heart of downtown is the Mansion Hill Inn (115 Philip St., 518/465-2038, www.mansionhill.com, $165–195 d, with breakfast), a friendly hostelry consisting of several historic buildings built around a picturesque courtyard, and an excellent restaurant. All the rooms are completely modernized, with queen-size beds, cable TV, and full private baths.

Also a good choice is the elegant, 19th-century Morgan State House (393 State St., 518/462-6780, www.statehouse.com, $160–260 d) on Washington Park. The B&B’s signature is its feather mattresses and down comforters.

In the Center Square district stands the neoclassical State Street Mansion (518/462-6780, www.statestreetmansion.com, $105–175 d). This 1881 townhouse offers a half dozen elegant guest rooms, all with private baths.

Just outside of town is the historic Century House (997 New Loudon Rd./Rte. 9, Latham, 518/785-0931, www.thecenturyhouse.com), a third-generation family-run property with a pool and tennis court. The mansion makes use of an 1800s public house as the base for its handsome restaurant and Federal-style Tavern, serving hearty, tasty meals with a gourmet flair and great attention to detail. The hotel features nice touches like organic vending machines, complimentary hot country breakfast buffet with chef on hand for special requests, 1.5 mile nature trail, and warmed homemade brownies upon check in.

Near the airport is Albany’s foremost hotel, the
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center (660 Albany-Shaker Rd., 518/869-8100, www.desmondhotels.com, $145–185 d), a lovely hotel-inn filled with period furnishings, artwork, rich dark-wood paneling and warm, top quality service. Faux Colonial Williamsburg villages form charming interior courtyards around airy fountains, garden seating, and poolside lounging. Many rooms feature balconies or private patios. Inside the deceptively large property are two very comfortably heated indoor pools, a health club, The Tavern, and several good restaurants, including Simpson’s Grille (casual), and Scrimshaw (fine dining), offering the same high level of service and the talents of five chefs.

Near Albany

About 15 minutes east of Albany is the Gregory House Bed and Breakfast, Country Inn and Restaurant (3016 Rte. 43, Averill Park, 518/674-3774, www.gregoryhouse.com, $115–125 d), a gracious 150-year-old homestead and modern inn with 12 nicely appointed guest rooms. On site are an outdoor pool, a popular Italian restaurant called La Perla, and a pub room serving coffees, desserts, appetizers, and drinks.