The Top Rated Hotels in Schenectady, NY

As a native of Schenectady, NY, I am frequently asked by visitors what the top rated hotels in Schenectady are. Being the home of the General Electric Corporation and Proctor's Theater, Schenectady attracts international visitors in both business and the arts. Schenectady is home to 3 top rated hotels that can accommodate discerning tastes.

The most recent addition to Schenectady's downtown scene is the Parker Inn at 434 State Street. The boutique hotel is in the historic Parker Building and is right next door to the famous Proctor's Theater, a stunning 1920's vaudeville house, recently renovated, and the venue for touring Broadway shows.

For a wonderful night out, go to the Parker Inn Lounge for their pre-show buffet. The Lounge is decorated in elegant dark wood tables and chairs and sumptuous burgundy velvet drapes.The buffet offers 3 hot entrees, vegetables, potatoes, several cold dishes and includes non-alcoholic drinks, all for a mere $24.95 per person. Go through the door to Proctor's arcade and you are just steps away from your world class show. The bar is also open for after show drinks and lite fare. I especially like the spinach/artichoke dip.

The Parker Inn has 23 luxurious guest rooms and suites offering such amenities as: free cable TV, free high speed internet access, free parking, free continental breakfast, irons & ironing boards, in room coffee makers, hairdryers and voicemail. In addition there are business deluxe rooms with desks and dual phone/data lines.

There are 2 meeting rooms available with state of the art audio and video equipment and internet access.
The staff is always helpful. I've been treated well every time I have been there.

Another top rated hotel in Schenectady is the Stockade Inn located at 1 North Church Street in the historic Stockade area of Schenectady. I have been to the Stockade Inn on several occasions. The building was the mansion of a prominent Schenectady citizen and for many years was a private club. There are 16 rooms, each beautifully decorated with queen sized beds, lovely wallpaper, desks, comfortable chairs and all the modern amenities of internet access, cable TV, irons and ironing boards. You can also opt for 1 of the 2 available suites. Room 36, known as the Abraham Yates Room, is the bridal suite and has a heart shaped mirror in the bathroom.

The Stockade Inn also has 6 private function rooms, a billiard room -available for private parties, a dining room and bar/lounge with live jazz on Thursdays and Fridays. I've eaten in the dining room on several occasions and the food is excellent. My favorite appetizer is the dim sum plate for 2. It has a pork dumpling, spring roll, cocoanut shrimp, beef sate, crab roll, pickled veggies and 3 sauces for dipping. Sometimes I'll order it with the grilled asparagus salad as my dinner. If I do order a dinner, it's always difficult to decide between the Ahi tuna, cowboy ribeye or any pork special they might have. They also serve a Sunday Brunch to die for. Pastries and egg dishes, made to order omelets, 3 hot entrees, salads, fruit and the service is always efficient, helpful and happy.

My third recommendation for the top rated hotels in Schenectady is the Glen Sanders Mansion, 1 Glen Avenue, Scotia. Although it is not located in the city , it is across the river, just a mile from downtown Schenectady. The mansion dates from 1658 and sits on the bank of the Mohawk River. The views of sunsets from the outside terraces are stunning.

If you want to have a large, elegant wedding, this is the place to go. The grand ballroom is opulent with cream colored walls and gold chandeliers. If you prefer a natural setting, the gazebo by the river is a charming choice.

There are 22 deluxe rooms, each with a different theme and decor. Try the Glen suite with it's Jacuzzi or the Sanders suite with it's big 4 poster bed.
Don't forget the dining room. Fabulous food in an historic room with double Dutch doors, original fireplaces and brocade table cloths. The Chilean sea bass is my favorite.

The Parker Inn, The Stockade Inn, and The Glen Sanders Mansion are all top rated hotels and get my highest recommendation for lodging in Schenectady.