You’re driving through Latham, New York, and it mostly feels like a standard suburban sprawl of chain restaurants and office parks. Then you see it. A massive, brick-and-stone clocktower that looks like it was plucked out of a European village and dropped right into the Capital District. This isn't just a landmark; it's the centerpiece of The Clocktower Hotel at Century House Ascend Hotel Collection. Honestly, most people driving by on Route 9 think it’s just a fancy banquet hall or perhaps a historic museum. They’re halfway right.
It is historic. It’s also a hotel. But it’s the kind of place that defies the "cookie-cutter" vibe of the hospitality industry.
Staying here feels weirdly like visiting a wealthy relative's estate, if that relative also happened to be obsessed with 19th-century colonial architecture and modern luxury. The Century House has been a staple of the Albany area since 1949, started by Jim and Dorothy Hearn. It began as a simple restaurant in a farmhouse. Over decades, it morphed into this sprawling, sophisticated complex that somehow kept its soul while joining the Choice Hotels Ascend Hotel Collection. That "Ascend" label is important—it basically means the hotel gets the backing of a major brand but keeps its weird, unique personality.
The Architectural Quirkiness of The Clocktower Hotel at Century House Ascend Hotel Collection
Walking into the lobby, you aren't greeted by the sterile smell of industrial cleaner and glass. Instead, you get wood beams and warmth. The architecture is colonial-revival, but the Clocktower building itself is the real draw. It’s grand. It’s imposing.
The rooms inside the Clocktower wing are different from your standard Marriott or Hilton. Because the building wasn't designed by a corporate template, the layouts are often unique. You might find a room with vaulted ceilings or a window placed exactly where it needs to be to catch the morning light over the manicured grounds. People often mistake "boutique" for "small." That’s not the case here. The rooms are spacious, but they feel intentional.
What’s the actual vibe? It’s quiet.
Despite being minutes from the Albany International Airport and the busy Wolf Road shopping district, the property sits on enough acreage to feel isolated. There’s a nature trail. Not just a "walk around the parking lot" trail, but a legitimate path through the woods that connects to the local trail system. If you’re a runner or just someone who needs to decompress after a day of meetings, this is a game-changer.
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What Most Travelers Get Wrong About the Amenities
Everyone asks about the food. Usually, hotel food is something you endure because you’re too tired to leave. At The Clocktower Hotel at Century House Ascend Hotel Collection, the restaurant is actually the reason many locals show up.
The Century House Restaurant is famous in the region for its "Century House Prime" program. They take their steak seriously. But honestly, the real story is the "Enjoy One, Share One" initiative. For every meal served at the restaurant, the hotel provides a meal to a local person in need through the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. Since they started this, they’ve provided hundreds of thousands of meals. It’s not just corporate fluff; it’s a deep-seated part of their business model that dates back to the founders' philosophy of community service.
Breakfast and the "Not-So-Continental" Experience
Forget the soggy waffles and lukewarm cereal. The breakfast here—which is typically included for guests—tends to be a step up. We’re talking about actual prepared food in a dining room that makes you want to sit and stay a while.
Then there’s the pool. It’s outdoors. That might seem like a drawback in Upstate New York during the winter, but in the summer, it’s an oasis. It’s surrounded by greenery, far enough from the road that you don’t hear the hum of traffic. It feels private.
The Location Logic: Why Stay in Latham?
If you’re visiting Albany, why stay in Latham?
Albany's downtown is fine, but it can be a hassle. Parking is expensive and the streets are a maze of one-ways. Saratoga Springs is gorgeous but overpriced during the track season. Latham is the pivot point. From the Clocktower, you’re 10 minutes from the airport, 15 minutes from the State Capitol, and about 25 minutes from Saratoga.
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- Business Travelers: You have high-speed Wi-Fi that actually works and a desk that isn't a tiny sliver of wood.
- Wedding Guests: This is a massive wedding destination. If you’re here for a ceremony, staying on-site in the Clocktower wing means you can just walk to your bed after the reception.
- Couples: It’s one of the few places in the area that feels "romantic" without being a dusty, overpriced B&B.
The hotel also serves as a hub for the "Tech Valley" crowd. With GlobalFoundries and RPI nearby, you often see engineers and tech execs huddled over laptops in the tavern area. It’s a professional atmosphere, but it doesn't feel stiff.
Let's Talk About the Ascend Hotel Collection Connection
Some people worry that being part of a "collection" means the hotel has lost its edge. It’s actually the opposite. Choice Hotels uses the Ascend brand for properties that are "historic, boutique, or unique."
Basically, the Clocktower Hotel gets to use Choice's reservation system and loyalty points (Choice Privileges), but Choice doesn't tell them they have to change the wallpaper or fire the chef. You get the reliability of a big chain with the character of a family-owned landmark. It's a win-win. You can use your points to stay here, which is a great value considering the nightly rates for the Clocktower wing usually sit in that "premium but accessible" sweet spot.
Navigating the Room Options
When you book The Clocktower Hotel at Century House Ascend Hotel Collection, you need to be specific. There are different sections of the hotel.
If you want the full experience, ask for the Clocktower building. These rooms often feature the most updated decor and the best views of the property. The traditional rooms are perfectly fine—clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—but the Clocktower rooms have that extra bit of "oomph."
Check for the following features when booking:
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- King Suites: Often feature separate sitting areas.
- Workstations: Most rooms are optimized for the modern nomad.
- The Bathroom Tech: Surprisingly modern fixtures for a building that looks 100 years old.
The staff here is another thing that stands out. Many of them have been there for years. In an industry with massive turnover, seeing the same faces at the front desk or in the tavern says a lot about how the place is run. They know the area. They can tell you which backroads to take to avoid the Northway traffic during rush hour.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
Don't just stay in your room. The grounds are the best part. There’s a brick patio that’s perfect for a late-night drink.
If you're a history nerd, ask about the original farmhouse. The evolution of the property from a small dining room to a massive hotel complex is a classic American success story. They’ve managed to preserve the 19th-century aesthetic while integrating things like EV charging stations and high-end fitness equipment.
Also, keep an eye on the event calendar. Because they have extensive ballroom space, there’s often something happening—a gala, a corporate retreat, or a wedding. While the rooms are well-insulated, the lobby can get busy during "check-in" windows for big events. Plan accordingly.
Actionable Steps for Travelers
- Book Direct or via Choice: If you’re a rewards member, the points earn/redemption rate here is excellent for the Capital Region.
- Dining Reservations: Even if you’re staying at the hotel, the restaurant fills up with locals, especially on weekends. Call ahead.
- Explore the Trail: Bring sneakers. The nature trail behind the hotel is a hidden gem for birdwatching or a morning jog.
- Check the Clocktower Wing: Specifically request this wing if you want the high ceilings and the "signature" experience.
- The Airport Shuffle: If you're flying out of ALB, this is a much more dignified "airport hotel" option than the standard chains literally touching the runway.
The Clocktower Hotel isn't trying to be a trendy, minimalist Manhattan hotel. It's trying to be a comfortable, historic, and community-focused pillar of Upstate New York. It succeeds because it doesn't overcomplicate things. It provides a good bed, a great steak, and a sense of place that you just can't manufacture in a boardroom.