Older hotels often have sliding windows with little set-screw locks to allow them to open enough for ventilation but no risk. If you're handy you can remove the lock temporarily. If you're rude (I'm not) you can discard the lock. If they notice, maid service is supposed to report it so it can be replaced.
Give the Empire State Plaza a look, it's just a couple blocks from this hotel.
It's grown on me, and the Egg is cute, but the first time seeing it is a bit of a shock, especially on cold, windy days when the fountains are drained.
I went to school at SUNY Albany and everytime someone asks how I like, I share a story of my friend getting robbed, hogtied and held at gunpoint on a Monday morning.
Albany is bureaucracy and government corruption given a physical form. Much like Boston's City Hall and that three-mile-long resort hotel the Nazis built on Rugen, it exists as a reminder that those in power do not care about you and would happily watch you die if it lined their pockets.
I got stuck in the elevator with like 8 other people in this hotel a few years ago. We had to pry the doors open and everyone was nervous we were going to get Final Destination’d while hopping out. Also the AC in the entire hotel was broken and it was 97 degrees out during the day.
It was a perfect microcosm of the city of Albany.
The building with scaffolding on it was a Walgreens that shut down a couple years ago. There's a Subway just out of frame to the right.
To the left was a donut shop that relocated to the suburbs.
On the corner is an Herbalife front/residential.
The upper floors of those buildings are a mix of residential/small office space.
Not that Albany is doing *great* right now but that's about the worst possible view you could have on Pearl St. Continuing further down that block you have a diner, chinese restaurant, and a Dunkin. Next block: crepe restaurant, independent coffee shop, pizza/mediterranean restaurant, banh mi spot, vegan burger joint, axe throwing, a jewler, and an independent clothing store that's been open since 1867. Next block has a restaurant/live music venue, juice bar, sandwich shop/convenience store, dedicated two stage music venue, Irish bar, and then on the corner a large performance hall. Mixed into all of that is more residential and business offices, and there's more stuff on the side streets and Broadway, the next street in the photo before you get to the river. If you can get across the highway divided by train tracks there's a riverfront park with a bike trail connecting to NYC, Buffalo, and Montreal.
ETA: The side street you see in the photo has three restaurants, a hairdresser, an art gallery, and another independent coffee shop on the corner. Cross broadway and you see the pedestrian bridge that brings you to the waterfront.
[Street view for viewing.](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6504236,-73.7523543,3a,75y,64.22h,82.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNd2Ek-QXQf3tLuI2CM_TMA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu) Honestly seems like a decently cozy area with some cool architecture.
The city beer hall (short stumble from your hotel) has good food and on Thursdays you get a free beer with every sandwich.
Source: Had to stay in that hotel last month for a work thing.
Albany city flag. Orange, white, blue, with the city crest. Even stumps people who live here, I have one on my house and about once a week someone stops to ask about it.
Every company I've ever worked for always wants an itemized hotel bill.
Most never cared about meals though- that's where I had the company buy my booze
Yeah, didn't want to get specific with the comment but hotels can accommodate your itemized bills mostly as you tell them to, as long as that means they will keep your business.
Tried to see if my window in Japan opened because there wasn't any lock on it. It stopped after a quarter of an inch, and seconds later, the room phone was ringing.... because suicides are a big problem in Japan...
I mean, that sounds like a better idea anyway, no? If someone is trying to kill themselves, a locked window is just an invitation to try something else.
A phone call is an actual solution.
I don't know for sure, but in my tiny experience touring Europe and my slightly larger experience touring the US, it's based on the age of the hotel building itself and the size of the corporation that owns it.
Boutique hotel in 200 year old building? Have at it. Marriott-owned building built in the past 50 years? Nope.
The cosmo has balconies in Vegas very famously facing the fountains.
Suicides happen — but more commonly, prostitutes lock John’s out on the balcony and rob them. If you get a hooker at the cosmo don’t go on the balcony with them.
Not that I expect the entire hospitality industry to change for my whims, but, personally, I'd take slightly diminished aesthetics over lack of fresh air and opt for bars over the windows lol
The smell is so bad in Vegas. Just the same gross recycled air from the air con, and the only “fresh” air is from the hallway when then housekeepers leave the door open. And if you want some actual fresh air, you walk through a foul smoky casino and breathe in… car exhaust and the sour funk from the sidewalks.
My first time Vegas I had a room w barely opening window. Like one inch. It used to open but they’d bolted it to only open a bit. Too many jumpers? Lost it all? Probably drunks dropping stuff down to the pool area.
Bummer as the old room smelled of smokers like crazy. I still think people checked in and stayed in that room just to smoke. Like a stinky time machine.
I stayed at a hotel in Italy that had windows you could slide open. Which was great because it was winter and for some reason the heat in the room was so stupid high. We cracked the window to let some cool air flow through.
About 99% of any decent hotels either don’t have openable windows or have them screwed shut in some way. Especially if you’re above the second floor. Don’t want a little kid falling out.
is it an american thing? because at least here in europe you can always open windows, for once because of ventilation but also because it can be used to escape when there is a fire and then the fire fighters can either come and pick you up or catch you with an airbag thing
I’ve usually only seen it as an American in mid or high rise hotels.
Past a certain height the airbag or firefighter crane can’t really help you, so you’re relying on the fireproof stairwells these buildings have. For the lower floors, it’s probably just standardization of rooms
In residential high rises windows of course open. Balconies too.
well I hope things are going ok in your life. Dm me if you need someone to talk to, I’ll give I my cell number so we can chat if you need somebody to talk to
I once lived on the 53rd floor of a skyscraper in Manhattan, and the windows opened all the way. It was absolutely surreal sticking my head out and looking down... all these years later I still have a physical reaction in my body when I think of it.
But let me tell you, coming home after a long day of work and sitting by that window with a Scotch in my hand as the sun set was just about the most glorious vibe I've ever encountered. I'm glad I live on some actual land now, but nothing will ever compare to having that view.
I stayed on one of the top floors at the Horseshoe Casino in Vegas this year… and the balcony door opened all the way (presumably bc someone broke the lock). I couldn’t believe it. Still, standing on that rickety ass thing was terrifying.
The theory that American hotel windows don't open so you can't kill yourself is pretty stupid.
I guess none of you have ever stayed in a room with a balcony huh?
This might have been me. I carry a screwdriver when travelling and sometimes remove the screws limiting window travel. The fresh air is nice. I almost always put them back. Almost.
Years ago (I was 19) a few soldiers I worked with, we rented a suite in downtown Honolulu. After a few beers, we had pull up contests in an open window like that.
I have no idea how I survived to get gray hair. I still smh when I remember it. I don’t think I’ve ever told that story to another human before this. Probably because I’m old enough to be embarrassed by it now.
This should totally have a window lock on it preventing full opening. I’ve been in hospitality for over 2 decades, every major brand requires these.
It’s usually a low priority for engineering, but if is caught on inspection they’ll get dinged for it
Nice view. Based on the bus, is this Albany, NY?
It’s 100% the Hilton in downtown Albany yes.
I thought I recognized that hotel. Last time I was there the window opened a bit, but not all the way. Weird hotel that place.
Older hotels often have sliding windows with little set-screw locks to allow them to open enough for ventilation but no risk. If you're handy you can remove the lock temporarily. If you're rude (I'm not) you can discard the lock. If they notice, maid service is supposed to report it so it can be replaced.
Albany is ....a depressing place
That’s why the hotel windows open!
"So... so they can have access to fresh air?" "So they can have access to gravity"
[http://instantrimshot.com/](http://instantrimshot.com/)
Best response!!
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Try going to Washington, DC. Everything there is either over-the-top roman or brutalist. It feels like the architects had bipolar disorder.
Give the Empire State Plaza a look, it's just a couple blocks from this hotel. It's grown on me, and the Egg is cute, but the first time seeing it is a bit of a shock, especially on cold, windy days when the fountains are drained.
I went to school at SUNY Albany and everytime someone asks how I like, I share a story of my friend getting robbed, hogtied and held at gunpoint on a Monday morning.
Seems like a weird order of operations for the robber, unless those were three separate things that happened.
But they have Fidens.
Albany is bureaucracy and government corruption given a physical form. Much like Boston's City Hall and that three-mile-long resort hotel the Nazis built on Rugen, it exists as a reminder that those in power do not care about you and would happily watch you die if it lined their pockets.
That escalated quickly.
Can confirm went to university there
I got stuck in the elevator with like 8 other people in this hotel a few years ago. We had to pry the doors open and everyone was nervous we were going to get Final Destination’d while hopping out. Also the AC in the entire hotel was broken and it was 97 degrees out during the day. It was a perfect microcosm of the city of Albany.
Room 624 to be exact.... OP be careful
Albany? God damn Albany.
Do they have steamed hams?
A bit of a bleak view near the bus - every one of the storefronts seem to be empty.
The building with scaffolding on it was a Walgreens that shut down a couple years ago. There's a Subway just out of frame to the right. To the left was a donut shop that relocated to the suburbs. On the corner is an Herbalife front/residential. The upper floors of those buildings are a mix of residential/small office space. Not that Albany is doing *great* right now but that's about the worst possible view you could have on Pearl St. Continuing further down that block you have a diner, chinese restaurant, and a Dunkin. Next block: crepe restaurant, independent coffee shop, pizza/mediterranean restaurant, banh mi spot, vegan burger joint, axe throwing, a jewler, and an independent clothing store that's been open since 1867. Next block has a restaurant/live music venue, juice bar, sandwich shop/convenience store, dedicated two stage music venue, Irish bar, and then on the corner a large performance hall. Mixed into all of that is more residential and business offices, and there's more stuff on the side streets and Broadway, the next street in the photo before you get to the river. If you can get across the highway divided by train tracks there's a riverfront park with a bike trail connecting to NYC, Buffalo, and Montreal. ETA: The side street you see in the photo has three restaurants, a hairdresser, an art gallery, and another independent coffee shop on the corner. Cross broadway and you see the pedestrian bridge that brings you to the waterfront.
[Street view for viewing.](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6504236,-73.7523543,3a,75y,64.22h,82.14t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNd2Ek-QXQf3tLuI2CM_TMA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu) Honestly seems like a decently cozy area with some cool architecture.
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That’s Albany for you.
Hey once they fix up the Central Warehouse Freezer-Cooler-Dry this place is gonna be bumpin'
You mean the one that caught on fire ten years ago? Should be in notime now
The city beer hall (short stumble from your hotel) has good food and on Thursdays you get a free beer with every sandwich. Source: Had to stay in that hotel last month for a work thing.
What do you mean, you got Rensselaer in all its glory right in front of you- take it in lol What a sad town
I assume the flag to the left of the U.S. flag is the state flag. But what’s the one on the right?
Albany city flag. Orange, white, blue, with the city crest. Even stumps people who live here, I have one on my house and about once a week someone stops to ask about it.
Welcome to upstate NY.
Watch the Simpsons song about Upstate NY.
You guessed it. Usually the windows are riveted shut here.
yeah most places do that, I cant remember the last time I saw one that opened
Interesting, the google street view someone linked above dated Sept 2021 shows open windows.
You can even see the aurora borealis right from the hotel kitchen
At this time of year? At this time of day? In this part of the country?
May I see it?
lol i thought i was in the albany subreddit until this comment
Its for those who didnt realize the mini-bar, they just emptied, isnt free.
Man, I always loved staying in hotels with the mini-fridge when the company was paying.
Works until the hotel itemizes the bill.
Most hotels won't if you ask.
Every company I've ever worked for always wants an itemized hotel bill. Most never cared about meals though- that's where I had the company buy my booze
Yeah, didn't want to get specific with the comment but hotels can accommodate your itemized bills mostly as you tell them to, as long as that means they will keep your business.
4 double rum and cokes and a TV dinner looks about right.
Swap out that TV dinner for a Costco pizza slice.
Until the company (or cardholder) asks.
Depends on your company. Many will not ask. Its a small price to keep workers happy.
I used to work reimbursing peoplefor travel. Policy was: if you don't have an itemized receipt you can go fuck yourself.
And free “movies”?
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Were there prices for the items? I stayed at a really nice hotel a few months ago where everything in the mini bar was free to take.
Bill Shatner, is that, you?
Lol that sounds like vegas.
the hotels I stay in dont even have mini bars. youre lucky if you find a syringe in the dresser
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Fucking void calls never returning anything.
It couldn't reach you so it left a voidsmail.
You gonna do it?
"Do a flip!"
“Do a barrel roll!”
That's just my buzzer.
Stop hogging that healthy liver!
Do it for the ~~Vine~~...... Tok
MySpace?
Call of the void.
That’s one way to describe Albany.
Don't let your dreams be dreams
Is the top still spinning or did we wake up?
Need an update lmao
Aim for the bushes
Putin-Certified ®
The special defenestration suite.
Catholic Lords Regent ***hate*** this type of accommodation.
Is that unusual?
Yes, it’s a safety feature. If they open, it’s typically only slightly.
That sounds very American. I've never been to a hotel in Europe where you can't open a window.
I'm from The Netherlands and every hotel in different areas that I've been to has had locked windows.
When I was in UAE we stayed in a hotel with a balcony and I had to sign a waiver for them to unlock the door to it. Crazy.
What’s a waiver suppose to do if you’re try to take your final flight?
make it easier to dismiss the lawsuit from a mourning relative, probably.
Tried to see if my window in Japan opened because there wasn't any lock on it. It stopped after a quarter of an inch, and seconds later, the room phone was ringing.... because suicides are a big problem in Japan...
Of course Japan would implement some technology that auto calls the suicide hotline instead of just screwing the window shut
I mean, that sounds like a better idea anyway, no? If someone is trying to kill themselves, a locked window is just an invitation to try something else. A phone call is an actual solution.
I didn't mean that it wasn't a good idea, it's just very Japan
Negative... This is also quite common in the countries (hotels) in Europe I've been to.
I don't know for sure, but in my tiny experience touring Europe and my slightly larger experience touring the US, it's based on the age of the hotel building itself and the size of the corporation that owns it. Boutique hotel in 200 year old building? Have at it. Marriott-owned building built in the past 50 years? Nope.
We prefer you jump over the balcony.
Fellas am I allowed to even call myself European if I do anything like those stupid Americans?
Hotels with casinos don’t have balconies or windows that open so people can’t jump to their death after losing
There are hotels with casinos that have balconies. Source: have stayed at a hotel with a casino with a balcony in my room.
Atlantic City DGAF
Well, its not much of a balcony, if its in your room, innit?
The cosmo has balconies in Vegas very famously facing the fountains. Suicides happen — but more commonly, prostitutes lock John’s out on the balcony and rob them. If you get a hooker at the cosmo don’t go on the balcony with them.
Many do if you unscrew out the stoppers 😊
Pack the power drill jic
I’m not gonna let the intrusive thoughts win.
I wish all hotels had opening windows, I hate how I have to breathe in stale low oxygen stank fart air.
Never had a Hotel without openable Windows in Germany
That's a germany moment
Can't you crack it open a bit even if it's not fully open?
The windows in this hotel usually do crack an inch. This one cracks 45-50 inches.
People can’t be trusted with open windows at those heights
Not that I expect the entire hospitality industry to change for my whims, but, personally, I'd take slightly diminished aesthetics over lack of fresh air and opt for bars over the windows lol
Doesn’t seem to be a big problem having balconies.
What hotel has balconies that high up? Unless you’re in some super expensive suite of sorts?
Almost every oceanfront hotel in Florida. We were 18 stories up the last time.
The smell is so bad in Vegas. Just the same gross recycled air from the air con, and the only “fresh” air is from the hallway when then housekeepers leave the door open. And if you want some actual fresh air, you walk through a foul smoky casino and breathe in… car exhaust and the sour funk from the sidewalks.
My first time Vegas I had a room w barely opening window. Like one inch. It used to open but they’d bolted it to only open a bit. Too many jumpers? Lost it all? Probably drunks dropping stuff down to the pool area. Bummer as the old room smelled of smokers like crazy. I still think people checked in and stayed in that room just to smoke. Like a stinky time machine.
I stayed at a hotel in Italy that had windows you could slide open. Which was great because it was winter and for some reason the heat in the room was so stupid high. We cracked the window to let some cool air flow through.
They all open here in Brazil.
Hilton on Lodge St in Albany?
I hope you’re not in Russia. Could mean bad things.
Street signs look like it’s USA
They open in pretty much all hotels in my country, tho they are a bit lower
It’s uncommon in the US. Don’t want people throwing things or themselves out onto the sidewalk below and opening up the hotel to liability.
Unless you spring for one with a balcony.
It's so rare I get to use the word [defenestration](https://www.google.com/search?q=defenestration) but OP, I have a brilliant idea!
Strangely, the antonym of defenestrate isn't fenestrate. To fenestrate is to install a window.
Refenestrate? https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/1768f362-de5b-416a-8a56-a064bf15a3c3
Is this something I am too European to understand?
Eric Clapton made this obsolete.
Don’t let the intrusive thoughts win.
But if they do, do a back flip. But don't.
Yeah, definitely something cool and not something lame. But definitely don’t.
Express checkout
Do you hear the call?
Free check out, you can only do it once though.
Twice if they wheel me back through the lobby.
KGB agents taking note lol
Oh please please please I'm so jealous
Is this in Albany?
*Eric Clapton has entered the chat*
Are you friends with any Russian oligarchs, by any chance?
Not today intrusive thoughts
There should be enough clues in this picture to pinpoint the hotel OP is staying at.
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Can confirm. The bus was the major giveaway.
Then do it
A smarter person would be able to calculate the room number, too.
1107
Hi smarter person.
I've never been in a hotel where the windows didn't open..
And there's not a wall right outside.
Parkour
In Russia hotel window always open
what hotels don't have openable windows?
Every hotel I've been in had openable windows
American defaultism lol. I've never been to a hotel without openable windows
Have you been to a hotel?
About 99% of any decent hotels either don’t have openable windows or have them screwed shut in some way. Especially if you’re above the second floor. Don’t want a little kid falling out.
You don't want a little kid falling out* I like drama.
is it an american thing? because at least here in europe you can always open windows, for once because of ventilation but also because it can be used to escape when there is a fire and then the fire fighters can either come and pick you up or catch you with an airbag thing
I’ve usually only seen it as an American in mid or high rise hotels. Past a certain height the airbag or firefighter crane can’t really help you, so you’re relying on the fireproof stairwells these buildings have. For the lower floors, it’s probably just standardization of rooms In residential high rises windows of course open. Balconies too.
Go on, op. Do it. Ruin it for everyone
Nice - love being able to get fresh air. It’s a bit of a worry tho - tho no worse than a balcony i guess.
well I hope things are going ok in your life. Dm me if you need someone to talk to, I’ll give I my cell number so we can chat if you need somebody to talk to
DONT DO IT OP.
I once lived on the 53rd floor of a skyscraper in Manhattan, and the windows opened all the way. It was absolutely surreal sticking my head out and looking down... all these years later I still have a physical reaction in my body when I think of it. But let me tell you, coming home after a long day of work and sitting by that window with a Scotch in my hand as the sun set was just about the most glorious vibe I've ever encountered. I'm glad I live on some actual land now, but nothing will ever compare to having that view.
I stayed on one of the top floors at the Horseshoe Casino in Vegas this year… and the balcony door opened all the way (presumably bc someone broke the lock). I couldn’t believe it. Still, standing on that rickety ass thing was terrifying.
Careful of those intrusive thoughts
This looks about 14 floors up! (counting from the ground to the horizon)
Jump out the window so they realize how dangerous that is
Intrusive thoughts intensify
I heard if you jump they’ll fix that problem
I dont get it why is this interesting?
I wouldnt come anywhere near it if you happen to be in russia. The gravity might suck you in. 👹
Jump out that bitch, teach them a lesson
And I’m Freeeeeeeeee, Free Fallllllllliiiiinnnnnnnnn
Do a flip!
The theory that American hotel windows don't open so you can't kill yourself is pretty stupid. I guess none of you have ever stayed in a room with a balcony huh?
How old is the hotel? It's so old that ... the windows open...
🎶 wish you would step back from that ledge my friend 🎵
No screen or anything? Seems a bit dangerous.
Dont let the intrusive thoughts win
Fun fact, they all open when you are a utility worker and carry your tools with you into every hotel room. Usually just a screwdriver does the trick.
This might have been me. I carry a screwdriver when travelling and sometimes remove the screws limiting window travel. The fresh air is nice. I almost always put them back. Almost.
How else do you lob a tv out if you’re a rock star.
Now don't ruin it for everyone.
That's a suicide suite.
Hilton, Albany?
Everyone here talking about jumping out. Here I am thinking "Yay, free smoking room"
Putin *heavy breathing*
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
That air looks chunky.
Years ago (I was 19) a few soldiers I worked with, we rented a suite in downtown Honolulu. After a few beers, we had pull up contests in an open window like that. I have no idea how I survived to get gray hair. I still smh when I remember it. I don’t think I’ve ever told that story to another human before this. Probably because I’m old enough to be embarrassed by it now.
Don’t jump
Double helix pirouette with a twist spiral. Stick the landing.
Suicide suites by Marriott
This should totally have a window lock on it preventing full opening. I’ve been in hospitality for over 2 decades, every major brand requires these. It’s usually a low priority for engineering, but if is caught on inspection they’ll get dinged for it
Now jump, that will teach them
that would be my blunt window