Albany-Rensselaer — Attraction in City of Rensselaer

I'm a traveling nurse and had a case in Stony Point New York so when I called the Amtrak to make arrangements seeing that I've never been there I gave them the location and area code and they told me that the closest they could get me to my location was Rouses Point N.Y they also informed me that after arriving at that location it would only be a 1.7 mi right to the actual location so I was delighted and booked the ticket only to find out once arriving that there was a horrible mix up apparently there is a Stony Point but I believe it's was in Vermont because I arrived in the Adirondacks and it was horrifying it was a drop off station so it was abandoned and the next train didn't come until 2:00 the very next day remind you I arrived at 5:00 so I found a motel which was relatively close only to find out that there were no vacancies so I didn't have anywhere to go thank God that he has Angels everywhere I'm at this really nice guy and put me up for the night and he didn't even try anything after arguing with Amtrak they refuse to refund my ticket even though it was their mistake so I had to buy another ticket but this time the catch was 14 hour layover so here I am in Albany New York my train got here at 7:00pm and I won't be leaving until 9:00 a.m. so now you got a 14-hour layover and then the security guard just informed me that this station is in 24 hours I guess they close at 2:00 so everyone here will have to wait outside I quote until I try and come I've never heard of anything like that because they don't do things like that in Buffalo I do know our Amtrak is 24 hours so now I'm just curious because I could have sworn Albany was supposed to be the capital of the United States so how is their train station so inconvenience for travelers to top it off this was my first time riding train the ride was very nice but I would have gladly road the greyhound at least I know what to expect, the security guard turned out to be a cool guy he let us stay until 3:00 so we only had to wait outside a hour that was...

With spacious waiting area, numerous shops, and noteworthy architectural value, the Albany train station is a station whose ambition outstrips the community it was built for; that fulfills its purpose by offering easy access to trains and acting as a centerpiece to a city that it demands more of than vice versa. A structure that puts to shame that of Buffalo and especially Rochester, even after their rebuilds, which I can only speculate were partially motivated by the sheer embarrassment of their cities at the marvel of eastbound travelers must have previewed Albany after viewing the efforts at stations of her more cultured neighbors further west, and the shock that westbound travelers must have felt after leaving such a station before passing through Western New York's great cities only to find what were and arguably are still by comparison desperate, savage huts...

Albany-Renassler offers a fairly large train waiting area with a full service ticketing counter as well as a self service kiosk close to the entrance and numerous convenience shops for visitors. information about incoming trains is available in electronic billboards throughout the interior, though the displays can be on the smaller side. The interior of the station offers a small post office self service area as well as some on-site car rental services and rendezvous with area busses. Access to train platforms is straightforward and provided by enclosed overhead corridors, so travelers are not exposed to the elements until imminently boarding. The waiting area offers a few standard outlets for charging devices, though the...

One should not complain heartily about not receiving that which there was really no reasonable expectation to receive, so I don't have a problem with their or not being a lot of amenities at a relatively small train station like this one. I would have preferred it if there had been a little place to buy souvenirs related to Albany, but there were still waters for sale and assorted chips and snacks, so I can hardly complain. The atmosphere of the station is cozy and comforting. It is a place in which one is happy to spend a little bit of time, even though it is not a monument to eternity and permanence, not some glorious statement of architectural and cultural authority and wonder.

Reds and soft browns imbue the station with a warm, soothing feel. Enough light floods through the arched windows to feel bright and luscious. I only wish that the station were placed slightly closer to the center of Albany. I understand wanting to serve Rensselaer as well, but I greatly prefer being able to walk from the train station to my destination within a reasonable time frame, and traveling from the train station to Albany city-center without a car is quite inconvenient and time-consuming. Still, as a quiet, gentle haven that welcomes one into the embrace of Albany, it could certainly...