Unique Charm Not Usually Found in Upstate NY
Written: Dec 29 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean, comfortable, functional rooms. Botique hotel.
Cons: Minimal F&B options.
The Bottom Line: If your tavels take you to Schenectady, this is by far the best hotel in the area (outside of Albany).
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| belynch's Full Review: The Parker Inn |
This review is based on a one night stay during October of 2005. Reservations were made through expedia.com for $129/night. Average rates vary between $100 and $300 from what I can tell. www.parkerinn.com
About the hotel
The Parker Inn is a small hotel right in downtown Schenectady (State St.), next door to the famous Proctor’s Theater. At 23 rooms with 6 suites, even a full house won’t seem like one. Floors only have 3 – 4 rooms on them (depends on configuration) and each room is uniquely decorated and designed.
The hotel was recently restored and renovated and does a phenomenal job balancing history with modern chic.
There are two onsite meeting rooms at the hotel as well as a bar and, I dare say, restaurant. The restaurant only serves appetizers and desserts for the before and after theater crowd. However, due to the dearth of civilization in downtown Schenectady, there aren’t a lot of food options nearby (although the front desk will help you out).
Location
The location of the Parker Inn is one of its strongest and weakest points. Located right in the middle of downtown on State St. you’re in walking distance to everything in downtown Schenectady. The problem is, there’s nothing in downtown Schenectady. If you’ve never been there, it is probably the most economical depressed and vile city in the U.S. (rejoice Trenton)
If you’re staying at the Parker Inn for business you’re a quick walk to the NY Lottery building and about a 5 minute drive from the huge GE plant. Other area attractions are 20 minutes to the Albany airport. Union College is a quick 5 minutes away. Saratoga, a very nice Upstate community, is only 30 minutes away.
Parking wasn’t a problem on State St because there wasn’t a show at Proctor’s and no one else ventures downtown. We parked directly in front of the hotel where the front desk associate promised she’d “keep an eye on our car for us throughout the night.” If the street is full they’ll direct you to a municipal lot diagonally behind the hotel. Although the lot itself is well lit I wouldn’t leave valuables in my car and I wouldn’t make the walk to the hotel alone after dark.
Rooms
Our room was very nice, decorated in grey hues with dark wood accents. There was a comfortable queen bed in the center, a walk-in closet, TV with cable and stand (dresser), work desk (free high-speed internet connection if you bring your own Ethernet cable. If not I was kind of unclear about whether the money you pay the front desk for a cable is a deposit or a fee), phones and there was a little side table.
Everything was spotless and well maintained. There were large windows overlooking the city and the room was maintained at a very comfortable temperature.
Iron and ironing board are provided in the walk-in closet.
The room is more of a square then a typical hotel rectangle and although it appeared small at first I don’t think it really was. For our one night it was certainly ample and I don’t think anyone will have any qualms about the size.
One of the nicest features of the room was the bathroom. Decorated in white and black tiles with marble accents, it was spacious and the shower featured a dual option as either a “rain” shower or a standard nozzle. Pressure and temperature control was great. The provided amenities were nice. There were plenty of outlets in the bathroom.
Property
There isn’t much else to the hotel except for the small, but nice, lobby area and the rooms. On the first floor, just beyond the elevator (rickety old thing) is where you’ll find the Parker Inn lounge, where they server drinks and light food at night and the complimentary continental breakfast in the morning.
The breakfast wasn’t anything spectacular and was actually a bit of a letdown considering what a gem of a hotel this is otherwise.
Staff
We didn’t have much interaction with the staff, but from the couple of times we did we found them to be nice, helpful, and cheery. They always smiled and said hi when we came and went, which is always nice. We overheard the woman at the front desk providing another guest with dinner options, so it seems like they’re eager to provide assistance.
Bottom line
There isn’t much to the Parker Inn, but what’s there is great. It’s probably far and away the best option in the greater Schenectady area. Other folks that stayed at the Holiday Inn weren’t very impressed and found it to be “blah”. The rooms at the Parker are clean, comfortable, and functional. There’s charm in the hotel that you won’t find at the second rate chains around the city.
Where it lacks is in food and beverage and other amenities. There is not fitness room and of course no pool. The parking situation can be a problem, but it’s out of the control of the hotel. If downtown Schenectady ever revitalizes (it won’t) the Parker Inn will be instrumental in it and will certainly be a fixture for years to come.
If your travels take you to Schenectady, the Parker Inn should be at the top of your list. The only better options are in Albany and out by the airport. And who wants to stay there.
Travel safe.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
belynch
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Location: Nyack, NY
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 17 members
About Me:
A full-time consultant, a part-time writer, and a volunteer EMT.
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