As I drive around the Capital Region I see hotels everywhere. On a closer look you realize many of the buildings you see have closed since the pandemic. So, would plans for a new hotel be a bad idea or is it a sign that things may be turning around?

According to Albany Business Review, there is a proposal to build a new hotel in Latham just off of the Northway.

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A restaurant and four-story, 122-room, hotel are proposed for 686 Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham. If you are unfamiliar with this area it is just off of Exit 6 of I-87. Currently there are hotel buildings in the same area. Some are open and some have closed.

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In the area of the proposed hotel there are restaurants, gas stations and department stores including those in Latham Center. This is just a short distance from Albany International Airport so a hotel makes perfect sense. Across the street from 686 Troy Schenectady Road is a Super 8 motel that is currently open. Next to Sake Japanese Steakhouse are 2-story hotel buildings as well.

Developers from New Jersey are hoping that the Colonie Planning Board will approve their plans for the 10-acre piece of land. Albany Business Review indicates that there would be a 5,700-square-foot restaurant and 100 parking spaces at the front of the structure. The 4-story hotel would sit behind the restaurant.

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This is the location for the proposed hotel.

According to NBC News, the hotel industry has rebounded to nearly 70% occupancy from their lowest points of the pandemic. Most of the rebirth appears to be from vacation traveling rather than business travel.

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