Attended a party there today, everything was excellent, the service was phenomenal. The staff are…read moreamazing, caring, and helpfu!

"There's a beautiful full moon rising Above the mansion on…read morethe hill" (Bruce Springsteen -Mansion on the Hill) We went to a wedding at this mansion on a hill yesterday, and walked away pretty darned impressed. The mansion is a 12,500 square foot Italian Villa built back in 1907. Some of the features include a beautiful back lawn and semi-covered patio, a big room that hosted the wedding ceremony, and later on the DJ station and dance floor, and a very large and elegant dining room for our plated dinner. After the wedding reception. A cocktail hour was held outdoors on the patio. There was a full bar on the left side, and trays of hot and cold appetizers on the right side. I especially enjoyed the meatballs, bruschetta, and stuffed mushrooms. The outdoor component of the wedding was quite lovely -lots of scenic greenery, some opulent classically themed statues, seating on the patio, and an outdoor bar. Dinner was served in the big dining room for about 150 guests. We started off with big fluffy rolls and a nice strawberry, tomato, and goat cheese salad. Next up was the pasta course of mushroom ravioli and ziti with tomato sauce. The meal was three entrees (chicken, beef, and eggplant rollatini) and roast vegetables. The chicken was great -very moist and tender, and the eggplant was simply delicious. We really enjoyed our experience here, and the only quibble we had involved the huge portable vents that ran from the outdoor AC equipment into the room where the ceremony was held. They blew a tsunami of arctic air into the back of the room that was so cold, people literally relocated their chairs away from the frigid blast.

We arrived at 8:20 on a Saturday night. By 8:45pm, we had packed up our bags and left. There was…read moreonly one other guest staying in the whole place, and when I tried to ask the owner if we could switch to a less noisy room, we got a barrage of verbal bullying and abuse. I tried to explain that I wasn't complaining about the noise (car radios blaring and racing motorcycles), but was just asking about a room facing the back of the house. She escalated to banging on our door, and aggressively suggesting that we leave. Not sure what "normal" might look like to her, but that wasn't it. We left, and were able to quickly find lodging outside the area. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone!!

This was my first bed & breakfast experience and it did not disappoint. I was quite surprised to…read morefind this place so close to RPI and in a not appealing part of Troy. Despite the area this place satisfies my needs of a cozy place to sleep with the added bonus of a fully stocked breakfast home made by the innkeeper, Tina. It was quite a mansion and filled with items that almost reminded There are five rooms and a nice fenced off-street parking lot with assigned parking for each room. The front door is a keyless entry that uses a code provided by Tina before arriving. I stayed at the more inexpensive Oatman room on the second floor which requires sharing a full bath and a half bathroom on the first floor with the Dunphy room. A bit of an inconvenience but definitely manageable and both bathrooms were immaculate and had clean towels and a soap dispenser. For $60 a night, I can't complain. The Oatman room had two twin beds, a desk, dresser and a bit dated TV with VCR. Didn't really mind since the place included free wifi for me to connect my tablet. Also the closet had plenty of hangers and also bathrobes. One thing I should've brought were slippers and perhaps shower shoes. Morning breakfast was great and I got to meet the few other guests as Tina took our orders and made a delicious over easy eggs with ham and blueberry pancakes. There was also the continental breakfast variety of coffee, pastries, and juice but with the more personal touch. I look forward to booking a room again!

Washington Park Inn is a lovely bed and breakfast located in a nice area across from Washington…read morepark. It's close to everything so the location is good. The room we reserved was not the room we stayed in therefore making it difficult to work without a desk and the extra space we paid for but didn't get. No one apologized for this inconvenience. The amenities were not as stated on their website either. Only one bike available, no pressed coffee, no charcuterie either. Our bed was comfortable but our room either too hot or very cold. Easy parking and very clean. The cleaning lady was very nice! Make sure and stay upstairs, the rooms downstairs I think would not be very quiet. If the amenities were as they advertised I would stay here again.

My stay at the Washington Park Inn was a bit of a mixed bag…read more The good: -I love, love, loved the beautiful, ample front porch appointed with rocking chairs and small tables (large enough for a laptop or a plate/beverage). It's covered and raised, offering a beautiful view of Madison Ave and the skate park at Washington park. -The bed in my room was comfortable -The building itself is gorgeous. Built in the late 1800s, it's beautifully restored and wonderfully historic -The room was spacious The less than stellar: -I stayed in room #2. It was sparsely appointed. It had a desk that was all glass, very narrow, pretty wobbly, and ultimately not terribly functional. Other than a few hooks on the wall that had coathangers hanging from the hooks provided, there was no dresser, closet, or any other convenient spot to unpack and store clothing. Essentially, other than hanging up a couple dresses, I was relegated to living out of my suitcase. I travel often, so this is not super ideal for me. -The bathroom was also sparsely decorated. With a pedestal sink and a small table by the door (no where near the sink), there was no real good place to keep one's toiletries (the back of the toilet? It was kind of inconvenient). A table by the sink would have been appreciated (and plenty of room for one!). The kitchen is stocked with basics (bagels, eggs, cheese, salami, milk, juice). One morning, I attempted to make coffee, but was disappointed to find the only options for cream was a little Almond milk left in the fridge. While possibly not the ideal spot for me, for those into historical sites who maybe are a-ok with more basic accommodations, the Washington Inn could possibly be just the spot.

The first moment my husband and I toured Takk house we knew it was the venue. The building is…read moregorgeous, timeless, and the exact vision we had for our wedding. We chose to go with the all inclusive wedding package, which took care of so many details that would otherwise be stressful. Our wedding planner/coordinator Andrea is simply amazing. She was so easy to work with and took so much stress off of us, which actually let us enjoy the planning. She was there for us every step of the way and we're forever grateful for her hard work and dedication throughout the process. Sarah the in house florist is unbelievably talented, I honestly could've just given her our colors and let her take the reigns. Sarah's way of bringing a vision to life is breathtaking. Julie the in house designer was also a dream to work with! She executed our vision above and beyond and even suggested ideas we went with that were stunning! After all of the planning our wedding day came, and what a fairy tale it was. My husband and I, our families and friends are just speechless at how magical it was. The day from the very beginning to end was perfect. The timeline Andrea put together for us went smoothly. Her and her assistant Hayley were on top of everything, and also had anything you could think of on them. Shout out to the aprons with scissors, tissues, and anything else you would never think of needing during the getting ready process! We also did a first look on the roof top. I will remember that moment forever, it was so magical and breath taking up there. The private moment we got to share together really made us feel on top of the world. Now to the good part, the food! The in house catering meadowlark was perfection! There were so many options for those who had special dietary restrictions but also so many options for those who don't. Everything, and I mean everything was delicious. The way the Takk house team comes together for your big day is beautiful. You can tell that every single one of them loves what they do and will go above and beyond to make your day special. We can never thank them enough for such a perfect day!!

I got lucky enough to be invited to the All Over Albany birthday bash at the Takk House. I was…read morepretty excited to be going, both for the party and because my niece is getting married there this summer and I wanted to check out the venue. The building is pretty nondescript from the outside with a poorly done modern façade but the interior retains the charm of a 19th century brownstone. When you enter the building you can either go up the stairs or down to the coolest looking non working bowling alley. Upstairs is a large rectangular bar and a grand staircase to the second level. Straight ahead is the ballroom, with men's and ladies rooms in the hallway. Heidi, one of the owners, was kind enough to let us take a peak upstairs - there's a couple of rooms, one set up like a bedroom, the other with a dining table and chairs. I think further along is a balcony that overlooks the ballroom. The 3rd floor contains the owner's apartment and a gym that's under renovation. The place is not bright and shiny and brand new, instead it retains its 19th century charm along with some funky cool thrown in. I think if I was looking for a non-traditional (not cookie cutter) venue Takk House would be my pick.

On December 6, 2025, our wedding day unfolded inside the Polish Community Center in Albany, and it…read morefelt like stepping into a holiday dream brought to life. From the moment we arrived that afternoon until the last song played, this venue became the heart of our Christmas celebration--warm, glowing, and unforgettable. When we got engaged in October 2023, we searched everywhere for a venue that felt like "us." We visited beautiful places, but nothing gave us that feeling. Then one day, we saw an event at the Polish Community Center online and decided to go see it for ourselves. The moment we walked through the doors that December, surrounded by garlands, lights, and Christmas trees, it was like the universe said, "This is the one." We knew instantly this was where our story needed to be told. We were blessed to work with Barbara, Kelly, and Anna--three of the kindest, most dedicated people we've met. They listened, guided, reassured, and brought our vision to life in ways we couldn't have imagined. They cared about our wedding as if it were their own. During our tasting, we tried their vegetable lasagna with a white sauce for the first time, and it left us speechless. It was warm, comforting, and full of flavor--just like everything else they offered us. Every choice we made with them felt right. Because our wedding fell between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the timing was perfect. The venue became a breathtaking holiday wonderland. The stage was framed by Christmas trees glowing softly behind us. The garland around the mirrors sparkled with warm lights and festive bows. The bar area transformed with tall, beautifully decorated trees. One staff member even hand-designed ribbon and ornament themes for all the trees in the entire building--details we will never forget. The linens and custom-folded green "Christmas tree" napkins completed the look, making every table feel like a page out of a holiday storybook. On the day itself, everything came together like a perfectly wrapped gift. The appetizers during the cocktail hour--bacon-wrapped scallops, spinach artichoke dip, spring rolls, meatballs--were outstanding. Ted and the bar staff created magic with our signature drink, Lucky's Magic Mistletoe, named after our beloved dog. Guests absolutely adored it. Just before our grand entrance, my wife experienced a small wardrobe crisis. A staff member noticed instantly and called Kathy, who arrived like a guardian angel and fixed the dress with skill and grace. She didn't just save the dress--she saved the moment. While that was happening, more staff brought us plates of food to make sure we ate, knowing how easily couples forget to do that. They cared for us in a way that felt genuine and deeply heartfelt. When our guests first walked into the ballroom, the reactions said it all. Gasps, smiles, whispers of "wow." The 12-foot Christmas tree, the decorated bar trees, the glowing garlands, the gold plates reflecting the lights--everything shimmered with holiday warmth. Sitting together on the stage as newlyweds, quietly taking in the view of the room, we were able to breathe, smile, and truly absorb the beauty of the moment. It was a gift we didn't know we needed. Dinner was exceptional--flavorful, filling, beautifully presented. I still tell people that the vegetable lasagna is one of the best dishes I've ever had. Our dessert and candy tables were massive hits. The staff arranged everything perfectly and replenished items all night long. Guests still talk about how friendly the staff was and how incredible the bartenders were. We could never thank the Polish Community Center enough for what they gave us--a wedding that felt like walking into a living Christmas card. A night full of warmth, beauty, and love. A celebration we will cherish forever. To Barbara, Kelly, Anna, Ted, Kathy, and every staff member who helped create our dream: thank you. You gave us more than a wedding. You gave us a memory we will hold close to our hearts for the rest of our lives. We recommend the Polish Community Center without hesitation. If you want a wedding overflowing with heart, care, beauty, and magic--this is the place where it happens.

While this listing is for the Polonaise Ballroom, it is best known in the area as the Polish…read moreCommunity Center or the PCC. I'd been here several times over many years for luncheon meetings and other similar work gatherings. I was aware that there were times when the members of the PCC would make and sell Polish food to the general public, but I never took advantage of the opportunity. With so many restaurants closed or only selling takeout during the COVID-19 restriction period, I decided to take advantage of the PCC's announcement of what I now understand is a monthly event selling a variety of Polish food for takeout. How it works. They announce on their web page the date of the event and ask you to call a day or two ahead to place your order. During the pandemic you can choose between curb-side pickup or indoor pickup. You must wear a mask to be allowed inside. This event is so popular that you are likely to have to wait for your order even though you will have an assigned pickup time. The food for my 4:30 pickup time was not ready until 5:00. A friend with a 5:15 pickup time did not receive her food until 6:15. The menu includes pierogi, golumpki, kielbasa, and sauerkraut. The Polish Platter ($14) has a good portion of everything and comes with some rye bread. Only one filling is available for the pierogi and that is potato and cheese. I will say that even though the organizational effort could benefit from some improvement, if you're a patient person you'll survive the wait and likely believe, like me, that the food was worth the wait.

We had a wonderful stay at The Clocktower Hotel. The entire staff were extremely customer‑service…read moreoriented--friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful throughout our visit. The hotel was very clean and well maintained, which made the stay comfortable and relaxing. Everyone we interacted with was great, and you can tell they take pride in providing a positive guest experience. Breakfast was excellent with a nice variety and a great start to the day. Overall, a fantastic experience. I would absolutely recommend The Clocktower Hotel and would gladly stay here again.

Overall, the hotel was very clean, the staff were friendly, and the breakfast had a great variety…read moreof options. Chef Bruce was fantastic, and the new burrito he introduced was delicious! The waitress in the restaurant was also very warm and welcoming. The surrounding area was nice, the location was convenient, and there was plenty of parking. The only downside was that the Wi-Fi signal was a little unstable, haha.

We came here for drinks after dinner downstairs at Emry's Garden. They do not take reservations but…read morethere was plenty of space indoors. The vibes resemble a den/ men's cave. Lots of paintings, mirrors, red velvet, arm chairs. The drinks menu is limited but the bartender can make anything. We got a variety of drinks, they were all good. The music isn't as loud, which makes for a nice evening if you want good conversation.

What a gem in Troy! Dark, warm, cozy, lively spot. Perfect ambiance for a night with family and…read morefriends or a great couples date night. To find a speakeasy with a full food menu is unusual. We arrived slightly after it opened and it was already toasty warm with music playing and we were greeted right away. You can sit wherever you want at the little tables or on the couches. Food was great, drinks were even better and the service was friendly and prompt. The music volume was perfect for talking without shouting. After we ate we took our drinks to the couches and the waitress brought over games without us even realizing there were games. Such a fun night, highly recommend this spot for a really great night out!

Food selection very limited Server had an attitude when we…read moreasked to be seated in dining room rather than bar

It was our first time at The Hollow and we had a great experience having dinner before the Zac…read moreBrown show at MVP. It was a gathering of old friends, some who eat super healthy and others who are more into burgers and fries. Everyone was thrilled with their food and the vibe! Our waiter, Curtis, was the kindest human and added to our joy of being together. He felt like an old friend. Thank you for a wonderful dinner! P.S. to be fair, the bathrooms needed attention. That should be easily fixable.