*JULY* New York Bar Exam

The Hampton is full. What is the second-best hotel near to the Convention Center?

Thanks to all the previous posters (from February) who gave excellent advice!

*JULY* New York Bar Exam

I just checked -- the Crowne Plaza, Cresthill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Towneplace Suites are ALL full already.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks . . . . . .

*JULY* New York Bar Exam

Your next best bet would be on Wolf Rd in Colonie, near the airport . On Wolf Rd there are many Hotels including, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Cocca%26#39;s, Best Western, Holiday Inn, Red Roof, Marriot, plus a couple of more.

Not a recommendation, just a note to say good luck!

I remember taking that test, its not too fun.

I just booked a room at Homewood Suites. The reservation agent has been working in Albany hotels for several years and thinks that this new hotel will be ideal for the candidate who wants to be close but away from the frantic energy of thousands of other bar exam candidates typically generate.

I just booked a room at Homewood Suites. The reservation agent has been working in Albany hotels for several years and thinks that this new hotel will be ideal for the candidate who wants to be close but away from the frantic energy thousands of other bar exam candidates typically generate.

I also ended up booking at Homewood Suites because it was the only place with availability. Also, since it just opened 2 months ago there is no way it could be dirty or uncomfortable.

I am just concerned that it is 10 miles away from the Convention Center.

For those of you from Albany, about how much time should I allow for a cab to get me from Homewood Suites? It is on Wolf Road 2.5 miles from the Airport.

Thanks for your help, everyone!

If you go to the Comfort Inn on 9W in Glenmont, you%26#39;re about 5 minutes by car from downtown Albany--(hotel is a 2 minute drive from I-787, which you can use to access the ramp to the Empire State Plaza)--Comfort Inn is NOT the Ritz Carlton, but rooms are clean, and it%26#39;s close---has all the basic amenities and hotel was recently (2005) renovated

If you are staying on Wolf Road it is not that far from the test center. Are you taking a cab? If taking a cab it will be a different answer from driving to the test. Driving to the test, the parking is insane that day. You have State employess all over the place downtown and you have all the other test takers coming in. Personally, so you don%26#39;t get caught in the traffic jam and so you get a space, leave at the very least an hour and a half ahead. If you are taking a cab, leave an hour ahead. I say this much time to just give yourself time to find out where you are going and get settled.

if you plan on taking a cab to the test center (much better than trying to find a place to park), remember that a lot of other test takers will be doing the same thing so cabs may be very scarce. Suggest you ask your hotel about shuttle bus possibilities especially if several test takers are staying at the same hotel. If your hotel is on or near a busline, take a Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)bus. Only a dollar, I believe, exact change. Most buses wind up in downtown right near the test center area. Albany is not a big city but the streets can be confusing. Study a city /area map before the test date so you%26#39;ll have some clue about the layout of the area.

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions. I am driving to Albany the Sunday before the exam so I will have a chance to familiarize myself with the area and decide whether to drive to the exam or take a cab.

Is there food at the Convention Center or should I bring my lunch with me?

soft lips