Suggestions for family-friendly hotels and restaurants in New York's capital region and surrounds.
With so much to visit, Albany is definitely more than just a benchmark for car-weary travelers on their way through the state. In fact, families will need at least one weekend’s worth of hotel and restaurant recommendations to make their stay complete. For more information, visit the Albany County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau online, or call 800/258-3582.
Where to Stay
The Desmond Hotel
660 Albany Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211
518/869-8100
Conveniently located near the Albany International Airport and major highways, the greatest thing about The Desmond is that during your stay you can enjoy feeling unaware of the hotel’s advantageous placement (meaning, you don’t feel as though you are staying at an “airport hotel”). The Desmond offers 323 colonial-inspired accommodations, 2 indoor pools, an Adirondacks-style fitness center, and expansive landscaped courtyards (also indoors). For up-scale dining try the Scrimshaw, the Desmond’s award-winning restaurant, Monday through Saturday; for more casual dining, there is the Tavern and Simpson’s.
Courtyard by Marriott
1455 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
518/435-1600
This more ordinary hotel is located directly across from the SUNY Albany campus, but it’s a good choice because it has many weekend specials and spacious rooms.
Where to Eat
Albany Pump Station
19 Quackenbush Square
Albany, NY 12207
518/447-9000
An award-winning brewery (C.H. Evans Brewing Company) and restaurant in Downtown Albany, Albany Pump Station is a cozy spot for lunch or dinner. While waiting for your food, parents can down a pint while kids explore the active brewery equipment upstairs. And yes, they have a kid’s menu!
Jack’s Oyster House
42 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
518/465-8854
Proclaimed the area’s “Best Restaurant,” Jack’s Oyster House has been a part of the Albany cityscape for almost a century. Although on the fancier side (the restaurant caters primarily to the business crowd), this restaurant will accommodate younger diners and is a must-stop for a delicious gourmet meal. Make sure you try Jack’s specialty, Manhattan Clam Chowder.
Beff’s
367 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518/475-1111
Great place for family-friendly, casual dining. In addition to a Kid’s Menu, Beff’s is a burger-and-sandwiches kind of restaurant. The nachos come highly recommended.
Lou Bea’s
376 Delaware Avenue
Albany, NY 12209
518/463-1992
Hailed by locals as the best place for pizza in Albany, but I also can attest to its greatness.
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