For a first visit, stay downtown or in Center Square. The Albany County Code imposes a hotel occupancy tax of 6% of the per-diem rental rate for each hotel or motel room, effective January 1, 2020. A 2023 state Senate bill proposed raising it to 6.5% and we could not confirm any later change. We could not verify state or local sales taxes, resort fees or parking from an official source, so the calculator below includes only the 6% county tax; ask your hotel for its all-in total. This page does not rate individual hotels. Some booking links are affiliate links (see our disclosure).
Where to stay in Albany
Compare areas, see the hotel taxes and fees and calculate your total. Booking links come after the advice.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details.
Which area to choose
| Area | Best for | Trade-off | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown and Empire State Plaza | The State Museum and the Plaza | Quiet on weekends | Downtown guide |
| Center Square | Historic architecture and Lark Street | Few verified details | Center Square guide |
| Lark Street | A lively evening street | Busy at night | Lark Street guide |
| Delaware Avenue | A neighborhood night out | Few verified details | Delaware Avenue guide |
Our assessment from official descriptions. We have not inspected hotels and publish no nightly rates.
Albany hotel-tax calculator (Albany County 6% occupancy tax only)
This calculator applies only the Albany County 6% hotel occupancy tax (Albany County Code, as read October 16, 2026). It does not include sales tax or any other charges such as resort fees or parking, so your actual total will be higher. Ask your hotel for its all-in rate.
Booking notes
- Transport: see the transportation guide.
- Events: the Empire State Plaza lists the Diwali Festival of Lights on October 24, 2026; winter dates were not yet announced when we read the listings.
- Affiliate links: banners and "Compare" buttons may be affiliate links; they are labeled and never change our area advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Which area should I stay in Albany?
Downtown or Center Square for most first visits; see the neighborhoods guide for trade-offs.
How much is the hotel tax in Albany?
Albany County's hotel occupancy tax is 6%; other taxes may apply.
When should I book a hotel?
Book early around major events; we have no verified price-by-month data.
Are the hotel links affiliate links?
Some are, and they are labeled. See the affiliate disclosure.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 16, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Article III: Hotel Occupancy Tax (Albany County Code, Chapter 270) — Albany County, New York (eCode360)
- Upcoming Events — Empire State Plaza and New York State Capitol (NYS Office of General Services)
- FTC Endorsement Guides: What people are asking — U.S. Federal Trade Commission
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