Olde Judge Mansion: Troy's Most Haunted (and Luxurious!) B&B?
Alright, buckle up, because we're not just reviewing a B&B, we're diving headfirst into the Olde Judge Mansion: Troy's Most Haunted (and Luxurious!) B&B! and lemme tell ya, it's a wild ride. Get ready for a review that's less PR spiel and more… well, me. Think of it as your overly-enthusiastic, slightly-scatterbrained friend giving you the lowdown.
First Impressions (and a Ghostly Sigh)
Okay, so the Olde Judge Mansion… it's imposing. Seriously. It's got that classic Victorian vibe that simultaneously whispers "romance" and "where's the Ouija board?" Right away, I was kinda overwhelmed. Accessibility is, well, not its strongest suit. While they do have some facilities for disabled guests (elevator!), the sheer age and architecture make navigating it with a wheelchair a challenge (and there's no specific mention of Wheelchair accessible features beyond the elevator). They say they have an Airport transfer, but I got a sinking feeling that someone forgot to call for my ride. Ended up hailing a cab. Sigh.
But hey, let's focus on the good stuff! The place oozes history, and the staff, bless their hearts, try to make you feel like you've stepped into a time capsule (with Wi-Fi, thankfully – more on that later!). The Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend. Needed to find my room at 3 AM, a real test and the staff were surprisingly cheerful.
The Rooms: Haunted Elegance (and Questionable Coffee Makers!)
My god, the rooms! Think opulent, with Bathrobes, Slippers, Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub, the whole shebang. The decorations are… well, they're there. Sometimes it's lovely and evocative, then you're wondering if the mirror is reflecting something you don't want to see. Each room boasts Free, yes, free Wi-Fi [free]! And it works! Internet access – wireless? Check. Internet access – LAN? Also check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A massive win, especially for someone like me who needs to upload, tweet, and generally live online. The desk was great for work, and the laptop workspace was appreciated for all my blogging. The hair dryer was more effective than you'd expect. The refrigerator was a lifesaver for my late-night snacks, and the extra long bed was a blessing after my flight.
However, the coffee/tea maker was… challenging. Let's just say, I’m glad they have coffee/tea in restaurant! Otherwise I would be starving. The alarm clock was a bit of a mystery. Don't even get me started on the socket near the bed. Linens? Heavenly. Blackout curtains? Essential. Air conditioning? Yes! Thank goodness. You need it.
Now, the Haunted Part… (or is it just my Imagination?)
Okay, this is the part you probably came for. Did I see a ghost? Well… I'm not saying I saw a full-blown apparition. But I did hear a few unexplained noises. Like, a whisper in the hallway. The soundproofing is amazing! I mean, I could totally ignore any ghosts trying to wake me. Did I mention the smoke detector? I slept soundly.
They do put on a good show of it though. The pamphlets, the stories they share… it adds to the atmosphere. I didn't get up to any Couple's room.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized and… Spooky?
Look, I am a germaphobe. Always have been. Now the world is an even scarier place. The Olde Judge Mansion tries hard. They’ve got all the stuff: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment and so on. They are clearly taking this seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Paranormal Investigator
The food is mostly fantastic and if you have issues with the food provided, they have the Alternative meal arrangement.
The Breakfast [buffet] is pretty solid. But here’s my tip: skip the buffet and get room service! Their Breakfast in room is fantastic. I'm talkin' perfectly cooked omelets delivered right to your door. The Coffee shop is a good place to go. The Poolside bar, Bar & Restaurants are also great.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and More Luxurious)
Okay, they go all out with the pampering! There’s a Spa, and it’s incredible. They’ve got a Sauna, a Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. I had the Massage of a lifetime. And the Foot bath was an unexpected treat! They even have a Fitness center but after all the fine food I ate, I didn't get the chance to use it.
There’s a Gift/souvenir shop for your "I survived the ghost" t-shirt. They have Daily housekeeping and daily refills of the free bottled water. They’ve got Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange and a Concierge to get you that ride.
For the Kids & The Rest (Too) :
No kids for me. No comment.
The Quirky Stuff (Because Every Place Has It!)
- I swear, the Elevator has a mind of its own.
- The door to the bathroom was difficult to close. It wouldn't stay.
- The window that opens was a surprise.
- I liked the fact they have Pet allowed but my dog wasn't with me.
The Verdict (And a Quick Plea):
The Olde Judge Mansion isn't perfect. But its flaws are part of its charm. It's a place with character, history, and a healthy dose of the unexplained. It’s a unique experience, and if you're looking for a little luxury with your ghost stories, this is your place.
My Anecdote and emotional reaction: The Pool with View (and Me)
I have to share my experience with the Pool with view, I was skeptical at first, thought it would be a bit too much, pretentious even. But the next morning, I awoke early, dragged myself out of my comfy bed, and took a plunge into the pool. The view, well it was magnificent. The sun was peeking through the trees, and the world outside was coming alive.
The Offer (Because You Should Book This Place!)
Ready to Sleep with a Ghost (and in Style)?
Okay, listen up! The Olde Judge Mansion is offering a special deal (and I’m not just saying this because I want to go back myself).
Book a stay before [Date] and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local wine (you'll need it).
- A free spa treatment (choose from a soothing massage or a refreshing body wrap).
- A special “Ghost Story” package, including a guided evening tour and a personalized haunted history briefing.
Click here to book your truly unforgettable stay at the Olde Judge Mansion before it's too late! (And maybe, just maybe, you'll meet a ghost or two).
P.S. Don’t forget to tip the bellhop. He might know a secret about the ghosts…
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is real life, hitting up the Olde Judge Mansion in Troy, New York, and letting the chaos (and charm) of it all unfold.
My Olde Judge Mansion Meltdown (and Maybe, Just Maybe, Magic)
Day 1: Arrival and the Curse of the Suitcase
Afternoon (ish): Arrived at Albany Airport, felt utterly glamorous. Okay, no. I felt like a crumpled paper bag after a cross-country flight. Took the shuttle to Troy. Seriously, why do I always book the cheapest shuttle? It smelled faintly of stale donuts and regret.
Arrival at Olde Judge Mansion (roughly 3 PM): Oh. My. God. The place is gorgeous. Like, seriously gorgeous. Victorian architecture, a porch that screams "sip lemonade while judging everyone," and a grand staircase that almost made me faint. But then… the suitcase. My ancient, threadbare travel companion. The zipper of doom gave way the moment I tried to hoist it up the stairs. Cue a twenty-minute wrestling match with a rogue, spilling collection of socks, and the mortifying realization that my "emergency" chocolate bar had melted. It was stuck - the only way to get it was to use it. The lovely woman at the desk, whose name I immediately forgot (stress!), just gave me a knowing smile. Apparently, I'm not the first to be humbled by the Mansion's charm.
Room Reveal (around 4 PM): Up the staircase of doom and into… a room! Gasp It was even better than the photos. Four-poster bed, antique furniture, a working fireplace (a total win!), and a tiny, perfectly-formed window seat. I flopped onto that bed like a beached whale, sighing with utter contentment. For approximately 10 minutes. Then the allergies kicked in. Apparently, "antique" equals "dust bunny paradise."
Pre-Dinner Wandering (5 PM - 7 PM): Explored the mansion. Found a library. It was glorious! And, of course, I found out that this book-lover forgot my glasses. So now I just get to touch and smell books, and imagine whats inside of them. I almost walked into a suit of armor. Almost. Also, the B&B's resident cat, a fluffy Persian named Judgey, demanded head scratches. I complied. He’s judging me now.
Dinner at a Tavern (7:30 PM): Went with the recommendations from the B&B. Apparently, there's a great burger place nearby. Food poisoning, and a general feeling of impending doom is the real winner. Seriously, the burger's great, but the fries were the only saving grace. I asked for a cocktail, and was brought a wine instead. The waitress was friendly, but it was clear that she had, "seen it all," in the bar industry. After the burger, I decided to call it a night.
Nightcap (9:30 PM): Back at the mansion. I spent the last hour, watching a show on the TV in my room. The fireplace was lit. All was right with the world. Judgey, came to see if I had any food left. I did not. He left, judging me.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and a Helluva Breakfast
Breakfast (8 AM): Okay, this is where the Olde Judge Mansion truly shines. Holy cow. I won't describe it because it won't do it justice. I had a little bit of everything. It was all incredible. Like, "I might propose to the chef" incredible.
Troy Historical Society (9:30 AM - 11:30 AM): Spent the morning exploring the local history. Interesting, if a little, well, dry at times. I was particularly fascinated by the history of collar button manufacturing (yes, apparently, Troy was a big deal for that). But I must admit, after an hour of learning about rivets, my attention started to wander. I might have spent a good 15 minutes daydreaming about escaping to a tropical island.
Lunch at a Diner (12:00 PM): The waitress had seen it all. And was probably old enough to have been the waitress in the diner's heyday. I got a delicious, greasy cheeseburger and fries, with a side of, "You're not from around here are you?" which was a hint in my case, "Don't stay to long," and didn't tip too much. I loved it.
Afternoon Emotional Rollercoaster (1 PM- 5 PM): After Troy Historical Society, I had an existential crisis in front of a statue of a Civil War general. It’s okay, I got over it. I wandered through the downtown area, bought a weird, antique trinket I’ll probably never use, and then spent an hour just watching the Hudson River flow. This particular patch of river seemed to be a magnet for contemplation. I wanted to find a great bookstore, but it seemed there was only one left in town, and it was closed. That's when the sadness kicked in. I suddenly felt the vastness of the world, and how small a person can be.
Pre-Dinner Wander and Dinner (6 PM): I needed a pick-me-up. I went back to the mansion to freshen up. Judgey demanded attention. I gave it. I was feeling more cheerful now. After, I found a restaurant online. The menu looked amazing. The restaurant was closed due to an electrical fire. Seriously? This is the second time in a row this happened! I needed to go the first place that I thought I'd hate. Pizza. Lots of carbs. It was a hit.
Day 3: Farewell Fears and Future Fantasies.
- Breakfast (8 AM): Not quite as good as yesterday, but still a solid contender for the "best breakfast ever" awards. I tried to chat with the other guests. They didn't really know what to make of me. I didn't bother to try and clarify, and enjoyed my breakfast in peace.
- Packing (9:30 AM): The suitcase, thankfully, survived this round. I’m a master packer now (sort of).
- Departure (11 AM): Saying goodbye to the Olde Judge Mansion was harder than I expected. It felt like leaving a quirky, slightly dusty, but utterly comforting friend. I made plans to go back.
- Afternoon: The flight home was uneventful. I spent an hour in the bathroom, re-applying all the makeup I lost on the plane. It was a disaster. I smiled at the chaos, and knew that I'd have to come back again. Judgey, I'll be back, just for you. And the breakfast.
- Evening: Back home! I unpacked. I put my dirty laundry in the hamper. I looked at the little trinket, and laughed at myself. The next day I'll probably hate it. But I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.
Final Thoughts:
The Olde Judge Mansion isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a little bit of history, a lot of charm, a dash of mess, and a whole lot of delicious food. It might not be perfect, but that, in my opinion, it makes it all the better. Just pack an extra pair of socks, and maybe a spare suitcase. You never know what kind of adventure awaits.
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Olde Judge Mansion: Ask Me Anything (and Get Ready for Ghosts!)
Okay, so you're thinking of staying at the Judge Mansion? Buckle up, buttercup. I've been there. I *lived* there. (Okay, not *lived*... but you get the idea.) Prepare for stories. Lots of stories. And maybe... a little bit of existential dread. Let's do this.
So, is it *really* haunted? Like, for serious?
Oh, honey. Let's just say the Judge Mansion doesn't advertise "average." Haunted? Absolutely. I swear, you're *practically* guaranteed some kind of… encounter. It's not like the movies, though. No chainsaws (thank God). Mostly, it's things like cold spots that hit you like a rogue air conditioner, whispers when no one's around, and doors that mysteriously decide to open and close when you're *definitely* sure you locked them. One time, I was convinced I felt someone brush my hair in the middle of the night. Freaked. Me. Out. But beautiful, though, the hairbrush was smooth and the sheets were like clouds. It's a whole vibe.
What kind of 'ghostly activity' can you expect?
Alright, here's the thing: every experience is different. Some people get nothing. Lucky them! But then there are the more… active ones. It seems like they feed on fear. You'll hear footsteps on the stairs when nobody's there, sometimes a child's giggle (creepy, I tell you), and the scent of lavender, which sounds lovely, but when it happens at 3 AM while the wallpaper on the ceiling is staring at you, is not so lovely. Oh, and the shadows. Don't get me started on the shadows. They move, they shift, they… well, they just make you feel like you're being watched. I personally think the Judge himself is a big grump. He doesn't like noise. If you're loud, the chandelier *will* swing.
What's the best room if I *want* a haunting? (And, like, is that weird?)
Okay, first, no judgment. We've *all* got a morbid curiosity, right? For the full-on, "I'm-going-to-need-therapy-after-this" experience, book the Judge's Suite. It's the master bedroom, and honestly, it feels like the epicenter of… everything. The bed is huge and beautiful, the bathroom is gorgeous. But the energy in there is… thick. You'll feel it the minute you walk in. One night, I swear I saw a ghostly figure in the antique mirror. It was fleeting, a whisper of a man in period clothing. Goosebumps? Oh, yeah. It's supposed to be the judge's actual ghost. The other rooms… they have their own flavors. The library is great for a more subtle experience with lots of books and reading spots; the Garden Room is quieter, but sometimes you hear little girls giggle. It depends what kind of spooky cocktail you like!
Is it… luxurious? Like, besides the ghosts?
Oh, absolutely! The Judge Mansion isn't just about spooks; it's also about serious comfort. Think plush beds, antique furniture (some of it, I'm told, came from the Judge's actual era! Which is neat/creepy in equal measure), clawfoot tubs, and gourmet breakfasts. (The chef is truly magical). Even if you end up running out screaming in the middle of the night (hey, it happens!), you'll still have gotten a taste of genuine luxury. It's the kind of place where you can sip champagne in a silk robe while contemplating… well, the afterlife. It’s an experience.
What's the staff like? Do *they* believe?
The staff is fantastic! They're used to it. They are unfazed. They'll casually mention a "friendly presence" or a "cold spot" like they're talking about the weather. They're very discreet. They know the "regulars" – the ghosts, I mean – and they know how to handle them. They've probably seen it all, and I think they're all a little bit… resigned. I remember one time the housekeeper just shrugged and handed me a cup of tea after I told her about the phantom whispers. “Oh, Mrs. Gable, she likes to sing in the hallways at night. Happens all the time." It’s a very bizarre form of hospitality.
What about the food? Is it… you know, good enough to distract me from the impending doom?
The food is *divine*. Seriously, they know how to cook. The breakfasts are a work of art, the pastries are heavenly. And, honestly? It's a good distraction. When you're terrified of ghosts, you savor every single bite. It's like, "Well, even if a ghost is going to steal my soul, I'm going to devour this croissant first." The chef is incredible, honestly a very talented person. I had the best eggs benedict of my entire life there. The chef is probably a ghost whisperer too, so.
Have you, personally, seen anything truly frightening? Give me a good story!
Okay, okay, fine. *One* story. The *Judge's Suite*. I already mentioned I saw something in the mirror… but wait, there's more. The second night, I couldn't sleep. The air was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. I felt… observed. Suddenly, the antique wardrobe door *slowly* creaked open. I froze. My heart hammered against my ribs. I was praying to be asleep. I figured if I closed my eyes it wouldn't be real. Creak. The door opened further. Then… a puff of cold air, and a scent of pipe tobacco that wasn't there previously. Something brushed my cheek. Like, actually brushed my cheek. It felt heavy, like, like an old coat. I screamed. Then ran out of the room. Packed my bags at 4 AM, and checked out early. I'm still recovering. Seriously. That was the worst of my life. It was terrifying, horrifying, I couldn't even go back to the room. You know what they say: don't trust a judge.
Should I bring anything specific? Holy water? A Ouija board?
Look, I'm not going to tell you *not* to bring holy water, if that's your thing. But honestly? Just bring your normal stuff. A good flashlight, your phone (for documenting the spooky stuff, obviously), and maybe a good book. And a friend. Because misery loves company, right? Oh, and earplugs. You might need them.Roam And Rests
