REVIEW: DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady [PHOTOS]

I live in Schenectady so I’ve never had to stay in a hotel in the area but I watched as the DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady was being built and finally had a chance to check it out inside.

Coming to Schenectady for the new Rivers Casino? Are you a student at Union College and looking for a place for your parents to stay? Take a look at the DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady (100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady).

The DoubleTree by Hilton in Schenectady opened in November 2015 and in a great location! You’re walking distance from Downtown Schenectady, a quick drive to 890/Thruway as well as Route 7 for the Albany International Airport. When I first walked in, I was welcomed by the front desk staff with smiles and a cookie. They have a magic heating drawer that keeps the chocolate chip walnut cookies gooey and warm. The first thing you see from the lobby is the restaurant Sammy’s Burger & Bistro so if you live in the area and meeting a friend it’s very convenient from the parking lot to share dinner and/or a drink together.

I had the chance to take a walk around the hotel as well as a quick peek into one of the rooms on the first floor. I was amazed by how modern everything looked. I think of chain hotels and how they’re cookie cutter and dated but this wasn’t the case here at all. The fitness center was state of the art with TV screens at each machine, you won’t find chlorine in the pool rather salt water and each room includes a smart TV. I also felt when walking in the room that I was exploring a chic hotel room in New York City. The wallpaper, the art, color scheme, down to the barn door-style entrance to the bathroom, the hotel had a really great feel to it.

There’s also the ability to have events in the hotel as well. The conference room is split into three parts, if you wish or you can hold a meeting in the entire space. Each space is equipped with a projector and screen as well as a space for snacks and coffee or a larger space for buffet-style eating if that’s what you’re looking for. The hotel also offers free WiFi which was one of my first questions. I don’t understand hotels who don’t in 2017.

After my tour, I was treated to a meal at Sammy’s. This week is Restaurant Week in Schenectady ($25/pp) but I chose to not eat from that particular menu to see what they offered regularly. I ordered a glass of wine (2013 Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon/ $9), Sammy’s Sliders (1 of each- Turkey, Beef, and Salmon/ $10) and Wings Your Way (Sweet BBQ/ $9).

The sliders were unexpected because they weren’t tiny burgers but instead looked like pieces of burger cut up. My favorite part of the sliders was the wasabi sauce on the salmon burger. They did put cheese on that burger which seemed really strange but I liked the flavor of the burger itself. The beef was pretty good but flavor-wise, I think because it was cut up that some of the juice may have been lost. My favorite though was the turkey. They offer a few kinds of beef in their regular size burgers and I don’t know which was in my slider but I did love the turkey. The wings were cooked really well. I wouldn’t have minded them a little crispier but that’s a personal preference. My favorite part of my meal was my server Donna who was the sweetest woman in the world. I’d go back just to see her!

Again, if you’re looking for a great, centralized hotel with a very convenient restaurant, take a look at the DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady. Room rates differ but can be found on their website.