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If flavor defines destinations, Albuquerque is an everyday buffet. One of the oldest southwestern towns in the United States, it is deeply rooted in rich Native American and Hispanic culture. With its spicy specialties, cobblestone streets, kitschy art scene, and warm high-desert temperatures that make for pleasant treks to the Sandia Mountains and the Old Town, Albuquerque is nothing short of spectacular.
Immerse yourself deeper into Albuquerque’s bona fide offerings with these boutique hotels that represent what the city is made of.
Hotel Cascada
An oasis-inspired hotel, Hotel Cascada features an indoor pool and New Mexico’s sole indoor waterpark. Well suited for families, it offers free accommodation for children under 18 and is located only 5 miles from ABQ BioPark’s zoo and aquarium, as well as Old Town’s souvenir shops and galleries
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Hearty New Mexican cuisine is served at the sports bar, the poolside snackbar, and café. Afterward, you can hit the gym or play hoops at the basketball court. Then, retire in your ultra-modern room with high-speed WiFi, a 42-inch TV, plush sheets, and a balcony overlooking the pool.
MCM Elegante Hotel
Near Interstate 40 and only 10 minutes away from downtown Albuquerque, MCM Elegante Hotel affords visitors easy explorations of central sights such as the University Art Museum and Highland Park. Best enjoyed by business travelers, the hotel’s no-frills rooms come with cable TV, Bath and Body Works toiletries, free WiFi, and work desks. There are wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers, too.
Plenty of complimentary amenities await guests, including breakfast buffet, happy-hour cocktails, gourmet coffee, and airport shuttle service. For leisure, there’s an indoor pool, a fitness center, a spa, and a restaurant.
Clubhouse Inn and Suites
The two-storey Clubhouse Inn and Suites is a highly rated inn lauded for its luxurious, earth-toned rooms and close proximity to both Interstate 25 and Interstate 40. The pool-fronting rooms are furnished with 32-inch TVs, high-speed DSL and WiFi, office desk, and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites include a living room with pull-out sofa, a microwave, and kitchen utensils.
Guests receive freehold access to the indoor hot tub, gym, heated outdoor pool, and a courtyard with barbecue grills, plus complimentary hot breakfast and happy-hour beverages.
Nativo Lodge
True to its name, Nativo Lodge combines contemporary luxuries with the Native American themes that Albuquerque is known for. The rooms, tastefully decorated with Native American art, feature coffeemakers, free WiFi, and private balconies that overlook the mountains or the city.
Guests are treated to a year-round indoor/outdoor pool, a restaurant, a fitness center, and an outdoor teepee for hookah nights. Walking tours to the Old Town are also offered on weekends. If you’re coming during October, be sure to drop by the Balloon Fiesta Park, just 4 miles away, for a spectacular hot air balloon display.
Isleta Casino and Resort
For an upscale casino resort experience in New Mexico, head to Isleta Casino and Resort. This sprawling four-star resort has over 200 rooms designed by Native American artists, each equipped with soaking tubs, free WiFi, pillowtop mattresses, LCD TVs, and iPod docks. Suites with a pool table and balconies overlooking the desert can also be booked.
Although the resort sits only 10 miles from downtown, guests will find there is plenty to explore on site. With its own golf course, casino, indoor and outdoor pools, nightly entertainment, gaming complex, full-service spa, and three restaurants, you’ll never run out of activities at Isleta Casino and Resort.
