HISTORY OF CROWNE PLAZA ALBANY –
THE DESMOND HOTEL
The idea was born
Philadelphia native John K. Desmond, Jr. visited Albany for business and realized there was a need for a premier hotel in the area. While driving on Wolf Road, which at that time was still mostly farms, Mr. Desmond noticed there was prime land available near the Albany Airport.
The Americana Inn opens its doors
Originally named The Americana Inn, the new hotel opened on January 3 and was a joint enterprise between John K. Desmond, Jr. and American Airlines as part of their “Americana Hotels” division. The hotel featured 183 guest rooms, a large indoor courtyard called the Village Green, two restaurants the Green Tree Coffee House and the Tavern-on-the-Green, and the Patroon Tavern bar.
American Airlines leaves the hotel business
Shortly thereafter, American Airlines departed the hotel business nationwide in the decision to focus on their growing air service and Mr. Desmond began operating the hotel independently.
Scrimshaw is created
Recognizing the growing sophistication of its fine dining clientele and the need for a true upscale restaurant, management responded with the creation of the elegant Scrimshaw and renamed the bar Scrimshaw Tavern.
Hotel is expanded
Keeping pace with the continual growth of the Capital Region, the hotel was enlarged in a $4 million expansion project. The new additions featured 136 more guest rooms, including 20 in the front “mansion” section of the hotel, along with King Street Ballroom and Courtyard, High Street Conference Center, Town Hall Amphitheater, The Lodge, and Health Club. This expansion brought the hotel to the footprint it is today.
It was also at this time that the coffee house restaurant was renovated and became Simpson’s Grille. The original courtyard was also renamed Fort Orange Square, in recognition of the historical Albany area.
New name to highlight the Desmond family
The property was renamed The Desmond Americana to reflect Mr. Desmond’s commitment to the Albany area and the hotel’s reputation and service.
Hotel rebrands again
To highlight the importance of the growing meeting and convention business, six years later the hotel is rebranded again as
The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center.
Hotel becomes an IHG affiliate
In January the hotel joined IHG (InterContinental Hotel Groups) as an unbranded affiliate property The Desmond Hotel Albany, a decision made due to the increase in new hotels being built in the Capital Region and the growing demand from customers looking for a recognizable worldwide loyalty program.
Hotel joins Crowne Plaza brand
The hotel completed a large two year renovation project, and on April 15 became an official Crowne Plaza branded hotel within IHG (InterContinental Hotel Groups) with the new name of
Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel.
The property wide renovations included the remodeling of all 322 guest rooms and creating an enlarged 24-hour Fitness Center, a new dedicated High Street Boardroom, and the addition of signature Crowne Plaza amenities including the Plaza Workspace, Studio meeting room and lobby Marketplace.
It was also at this time that the restaurant and bar areas were completely renovated, rebranded and opened as Mr. D’s Restaurant & Lounge, in honor of the original hotel founder and 40 year owner –
John K. Desmond, Jr.
Current – 50th Anniversary
In 2024, the hotel is proud to be celebrating it’s golden 50th Anniversary. After 50 years the property continues to be independently owned and operated as an independent IHG franchise currently managed by the third generation of the Desmond family, General Manager Tyler Desmond who has been with the hotel since 2003.
The hotel remains one of a few privately owned and independently managed hotels in the Capital Region. Priding itself on outstanding hospitality, the Desmond family considers customer service among the utmost importance. We thank you for continuing to choose our family and hotel over the last 50 years, and invite you to celebrate with us throughout all of 2024.
OUR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
As a family operated business for 50 years, the hotel has a long and continuing commitment of actively supporting our local communities through both monetary contributions, and donations of time and services.
We are proud of our history of dedication to a wide array of charitable organizations as well as supporting our local arts, colleges, athletic programs, and various community outreach programs.
HOTEL DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
First time guests of the hotel often comment upon it’s uniqueness and beautiful indoor courtyards. Much of the architecture throughout the property was designed by the original 40 year owner John K. Desmond, Jr. who lived in Philadelphia all his life and had a passion for Shaker and Colonial styling.
The interior of the hotel was originally modeled after a village square complete with mock homefronts, brick pathways, fountains and balconies. There have been many renovations and updates to the building since it’s beginning in 1974, but they all stay true to Mr. Desmond’s original dream of building a premier hotel in Albany.