Tru by Hilton Albany Crossgates Mall

Location: Frequently praised for being "close to everything," near malls, entertainment, and transportation hubs .

The TRU hotel is an unfortunate case of the desire for a high-tech contemporary look overwhelming good functional design. The rooms have minimal shelf space for luggage and other accoutrements, and not much other space for accessible storage. No closet. Most of the minimal shelf space available is occupied and overwhelmed by a huge tv monitor. Only a small pull-out desk, and that’s on rolling wheels and shifts position too easily if you lean against it. Only one desk chair on wheels, but no place else to sit except on the bed, even an improvised seat on something at the right height other than a chair. A second person wishing to sit must sit on the bed itself, not an ergonomically desirable place. And given that the desk chair and desk are on wheels, it makes leveraging a challenging physics problem for those of us who use it to help us stand up. A microwave and refrigerator are provided, but no coffeemaker or even cups for beverages or use in rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth. An icemaker is in the hall near the elevator, but there are no ice buckets in your room to collect ice in. There’s only a shower, no tub, and the showerhead is high up, making it difficult to adjust. Too bad there’s no hand-held shower wand. And the door to the shower (not a curtain) doesn’t close tightly enough to prevent a lot of water leaking out on the bathroom floor. The bathroom door opens up in a way as to obscure the only hooks to hang towels on (and no towel bars as alternatives). Nice reception. Decent breakfast. Clean room, except that the body lotion dispenser was empty. But good staffing can't make up for the fundamental design flaws.

The “lighter” side of the Hilton brand. Very clean and comfortable with colorful, contemporary decor. Rooms are spacious but tastefully decorated without heavy furnishings. The staff is extremely welcoming and accommodating; very responsive to any and all requests or concerns. Delicious breakfast served daily. Breakfast staff so friendly and eager to assist while keeping the dining area immaculate!