TKing

I am looking for suggestions on hotels, # and what days to attend. Should I also see Sante Fe. Any info or thoughts will be appreciated.
Thanks
TKing

DebitNM

OK, for us to give you some answers, you need to give us some answers first so that we can reply with a bit more accuracy.

Where are you coming from and have you ever been to NM and/or southwest before and how much time do you have to visit?

What is your preferred price range and comfort levels for hotels? Do you want inexpensive motels; mid -range; luxury; B&B?

IF you have never been here before and have the time, you should definitely see other cities like Santa Fe, Taos and maybe even sw Colorado which is an easy drive.

You always need to plan for a few extra days as the balloons fly only when conditions are good/safe. That means if you only alot 2 days/nights, you might miss seeing them airborne.

What other types of activities do you like? The balloons fly VERY early in the morning and then by 10am are done; you have lots of free time to explore the area.

May I suggest that you type in Albuquerque balloon into the "search this forum" box at the top of the page to read some threads that have been on here to see what others asked and the trip reports that have been left to get a feel for what there is to see and do.

Again, if you give us a bit more info on your likes etc, we can give you some more ideas.

Hope this helps...
Debi

TKing

Hi Debi,
We reside in CT and would go for a week.Traveled to AZ(Phoenix, Sedona and Grand Canyon). Never NM. Our hotel should be mid-range and we like scenery,shopping, and a little hiking.
Are some days @ the Fiesta more popular than others. Thanks TKing

DebitNM

Weekends are usually more crowded than weekdays; I like these days in particular [as do lots of others, so they will be crowded too]:

Wednesday, October 10
Day -
Flight of the Nations & Mass Ascension Flying Competition

Thursday, October 11
Day-
Wells Fargo Special Shape Rodeo; Flying Competition & Prize Grab
Evening-
Wells Fargo Special Shape Glowdeo
AfterGlow™ Fireworks Show

Friday, October 12
Day - Wells Fargo Special Shape Rodeo;
Key Grab Competition
Evening -
Wells Fargo Special Shape Glowdeo
AfterGlow Fireworks Show

Full schedule:

http://www.balloonfiesta.com/Balloon...a/schedule.php

There is plenty of time in between morning and evening activities so you can explore ABQ or Santa Fe. There is a really amazing hike at Tent Rocks that could easily be done between morning and night.

There are lots of chain hotels around and near park; I like Embassy Suites which in convenient to the park and ABQ. Book rooms as soon as you known when you will be here; they go fast.

I would fly into ABQ on Saturday and then maybe do Sunday morning at balloon fiesta, then head up to SW colorado and spend 3 nights up there. Then head back down to ABQ and do the fiesta on Wed, Thurs and Fri and then head home on Sat. You can add another day in CO and cut back in ABQ or go home on Sunday.

If you live near Hartford, I suggest going on Southwest, they usually have the best deals.

Here are some places to stay - [they are from 2006 which is why the say sold out]:

http://www.nmtravel.com/bfres/listings.asp?area=NE

I would definitely suggest you come up to SW Colorado/ Durango for a few days. Do the Million Dollar Highway and see Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde.

Hope this helps...
Debi

DonnieD

We stayed in the Marriott Pyramid North ... which was OK, but very close, and provided a quick entry in/out of the park. I would stay 3 days/2nights ... and attempt to see one Dawn Partol and one Fireworks show ... the ending Thurs/Fri/Sat is the best time ... and if you're really adventurous, and it's in your budget ($250 PP) , reserve a flight from the park during a Dawn Patrol ... and lift off with everyone else.

I have some pics from the 2005 Fiesta ...

http://pbase.com/bigsac

Definitely spend a few nights in Santa Fe. Lots to do and see, in a more relaxed atmosphere.

BeachGirl247

What fodorites are attending this year? We should try for a GTG if possible. I know 3 of us are going -- Travel_Addict, Moldyhotelsaregross and yours truly.

TKing, are you still going? I'll be there Fri Sat departing Sunday for Santa Fe (Oct 5-7 in ABQ 8-11 in Santa Fe). Not sure of the other's schedules.

Also, DonnieD, liftoff sounds incredible. Are there many companies or just one? Who did you use? Thanks.

Anyone else going??
BeachGirl

BeachGirl247

Here is the GTG thread :

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35059750