Albany hotel locations

Okay guys, trying to do Priceline for a hotel - no, its not a jinx, I'll go no matter what, gotta get my hockey fix before the long and painful off-season. And if Cornell's not in an eastern NCAA regional, then I'd probably stay home to watch them where ever they are, so this could possibly be my last chance at live hockey.

Anyway, on the Priceline site it divides hotel areas into:
- Downtown
- SUNY Albany/Thruway
- Airport
- Latham

I would usually try expanding my geographical region in that order, since that's the order of closeness to downtown, but I've never stayed in (or seen even?) the SUNY Albany area. The airport area was perfectly nice last year (yup, I went last year too, see I'm not lying about going even w/o Cornell).

So is the SUNY area decent? I figure a University area usually would be. Or is the Airport area more desireable even though its a little further on the map?

All opinions welcome... thanks!

Actually, IMHO Downtown is the worst choice except for convenience to clubs and the arena. University area is fine good spots in Latham as well. University area: Holiday Inn express on Western Ave is near some good restaurants and Stuyvesant Plaza, an outdoor shopping area with unusual stores; Besy Western Sovreign also good spot.

Turf Inn on Wolf Road and the Desmond near the airport are run by Cornell hotelies.

I'm staying at the Clarion, its not the Hilton but it all looks the same with the lights out.

Got a very good deal on the "3 star" Holiday Inn on Wolf Road, by the airport, via Priceline.

If anyone else wants to try, I got it for $60/night + fees/taxes.