Webster's Corner neglected, forgettable.(Life-Today)(Restaurant review)

Byline: RUTH FANTASIA - Executive features editor

When Webster's Corner at the Crowne Plaza opened a little more thanfive years ago, it was to be the next dining destination for Albany's business set. The big banquettes kept from the restaurant's previous life as Fitzgerald's were reupholstered in trendy berry fabric, and a martini bar was created to draw the after-five crowd.

Since then, a number of innovative restaurants have opened in the city, including McGuire's, Angelo's 677 Prime, Yono's and DP, and Marche at 74 State, and Webster's Corner has become a mere convenience for hotel guests, much like in-room Internet service and hair dryers.

Not only is Webster's missing verve and inspiration, it's missing the basics -- like a hostess.

When a colleague and I planned to meet there on a recent weeknight, she arrived …