MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Where to Stay in Albuquerque

Albuquerque New Mexico, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels:

    Albuquerque has limited hostel options, like Route 66 Hostel, catering to plan your spending travelers.

  • Budget/Mid-range Hotels:

    Numerous branded hotels populate the city, including Days Inn, Motel 6, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and Marriott Courtyard.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Discover smaller, unique hotels like Hotel Andaluz, Hotel Chaco, and Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, blending local character with modern style.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    High-end chain hotels and resorts, like Hyatt Regency, Isleta Vacation spot & Casino, and Sandia Resort & Casino, provide upscale amenities.

Unique Local & Rental Options

  • Historic Inns/B&Bs:

    Explore charming historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts in Old Town and nearby historic quarters.

  • Native American-owned Resorts:

    Properties like Isleta Resort & Casino and Sandia Resort & Casino a blend of luxury and cultural experiences.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Platforms like Vrbo offer apartments, houses, and private rooms for families or long-term stays.

  • Camping & Outdoor:

    RV parks and campgrounds exist in and around Albuquerque. Nearby Cibola National Forest has developed and dispersed camping.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area a distinct character and proximity to different attractions.

Old Town

Pros:
  • Historic charm
  • Proximity to major attractions
  • Highly walkable
  • Quiet, peaceful ambiance
Cons:
  • Can be extremely peaceful at night
  • Unique accommodations might have higher prices
  • Limited nightlife
  • Fewer modern amenities

Downtown

Pros:
  • City's business district
  • Entertainment venues (KiMo Theatre, Popejoy Hall)
  • Urban and lively atmosphere
  • Access to public transport (ATC)
Cons:
  • Can be noisy
  • Some areas feel less safe late at night
  • Property crime higher late at night
  • Less traditional charm

Nob Hill

Pros:
  • Trendy, artsy district (historic Route 66)
  • Close to the University of The Land of enchantment
  • Diverse dining and shopping
  • Easy access to ART bus line
Cons:
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • Parking can present challenges
  • Further from historic Old Town
  • Limited larger hotel chains

Important Neighborhood Information

Safety:

General urban safety precautions apply. The Upper east Heights and Old Town areas are generally safe for tourists.

Proximity AND Atmosphere:

Old Town/Downtown provides great access to historical sites. Nob Hill/UNM: good for dining, shopping. Uptown/Northeast Heights: closer to Sandia Peak Tramway, more suburban.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodations at favorable rates, especially during peak times.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Balloon Fiesta - early October): Book 6-12 months in advance, or more. Accommodations sell out rapidly, prices skyrocket.
  • Other Peak Periods (Spring/Fall): Book 3-6 months in advance for the best selection and rates.
  • Off-peak Season: Booking 1-3 months in advance is usually sufficient.
  • Prices are significantly higher during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and generally increase during other peak seasons (spring, fall). Expect lower prices during winter (excluding holidays) and late summer.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Use Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor for a wide selection. Agoda is also a good option.
  • Direct Booking: Booking with the provider hotels via their official websites (IHG Hotels for example) can sometimes bring better rates or special perks.
  • Vacation Rentals: Vrbo are reliable platforms for apartments and houses.
  • Negotiation is not common practice for walk-in rates in the U.S. For established hotels. Prices are generally fixed.

Important Policies

Deposit & Cancellation:
  • Policies vary significantly by property and booking platform.
  • Review these carefully before confirming your reservation.
  • Many flexible rates offer free cancellation up to a certain date.
  • Non-refundable rates often come with a discount.
Local Taxes:
  • Expect city and state taxes on all lodging.
  • These apply to nightly rates.
  • Confirm total costs before booking.
  • These are usually added at checkout.

Tips for Your Stay

Last-Minute Deals:

You might find last-minute deals online, but direct negotiation is rare.

Guest Reviews:

Always read recent reviews for updated guest experiences and property conditions.

Emergency Contacts:

Contact hotel management for immediate issues. For emergencies, dial 911.

Accommodation Recommendations

Specific recommendations are subject to change and personal preference. These examples represent different types and budgets.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget-Friendly:

Consider Route 66 Hostel for a hostel experience or various Motel 6/Days Inn locations for basic, affordable stays.

  • Hostelworld for budget options.
  • Motel 6
  • Days Inn
  • Budget Inn
Mid-Range to Luxury:

Hotel Zazz an unique vibe. Hotel Chaco provides a distinct, culturally inspired experience. For full luxury, try Hyatt Regency Albuquerque or Sandia Resort & Casino.

  • Hotel Zazz
  • Hotel Chaco
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton
  • Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

Family & Long-Stay Options

Family-Friendly:

Homewood Suites by Hilton and Residence Inn by Marriott spacious suites with kitchens, ideal for families. Holiday Inn Express provides family-friendly amenities.

  • Homewood Suites by Hilton
  • Residence Inn by Marriott
  • Holiday Inn Express
  • Vrbo (vacation rentals)
Long-Stay Accommodations:

Extended Stay America, Homewood Suites, and Residence Inn are all-suite hotels with kitchens, good for extended stays. Vacation rentals also well for extended visits.

  • Extended Stay America
  • Homewood Suites
  • Residence Inn
  • Vacation Rentals

Solo Traveler Picks

  • Hostels:

    For social interaction and budget-friendly options.

  • Nob Hill:

    Hotels in Nob Hill offer easy access to activities, dining, and nightlife, convenient for solo explorers.

  • Downtown:

    Stay in Downtown for central access to entertainment and urban exploration.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Consider boutique hotels for unique character and personalized stays.

Culturally Significant Stays

  • Lodging Andaluz:

    A historic hotel downtown, known for its beautiful Moorish architecture and rich history.

  • Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town:

    Adjacent to Old Town, this property blends historical charm with modern amenities and local aesthetic.

  • Hotel Chaco:

    A luxury boutique hotel with modern design inspired by ancient architecture of Chaco Canyon.

  • Isleta Holiday resort & Casino:

    Experience a resort on Pueblo lands, blending luxury with cultural experiences.

Important Considerations for Your Stay

Local Taxes on Accommodation:

Expect city and state taxes on all lodging. These apply to nightly rates and are usually added at checkout.

  • Confirm total costs before booking.
  • Taxes are common in all booking types.
  • Budget for these extra charges.
  • No exceptions typically apply.
Accessibility Information:

Many modern hotels offer accessible rooms with specific features for travelers with disabilities.

  • Confirm with specific properties for your needs.
  • Book accessible rooms in advance.
  • Check for ramp access and elevator availability.
  • Call hotels directly for detailed information.

Additional Notes

Loyalty Programs:

Consider joining hotel points programs, especially when you reserve directly, for potential perks and discounts.

Travel Insurance:

For non-refundable rates or during peak seasons, consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

Early Booking Perks:

Booking early often means better room selection, more favorable rates, and greater peace of mind.

Where to Stay in Albuquerque. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation