ustwo

Looking for a motel in the Albuquerque NM area for a one night stop while traveling through on I-40. Been reading on Trip Advisor, and seems like there are bad reviews, such as saftely issues on so many of the 2 or 3 star hotels. Is it better to be West or East of town on I-40? Or would it be safer to stay in the Grants, or Gallup area? Any advice?

easytraveler

Grants or Gallup would be a bit too far, IMHO.

The better hotels are north of the airport on I-25. It's not that difficult nor far to get to the airport from any of these hotels.

What is your price range?

Also, ahve you ever tried Priceline?

Andrew

I've stayed at the Sheraton Uptown, which is about 1/2 mile north of I-40 on the east side of town. I got it via Priceline (non-refundable/non-changeable but paid under $50/night). If you can get it for around $50 via Priceline (do be sure you are committed to be going through that night), it's really worth it. It's in a very suburban area, quite safe, a bit worn but again, fine for the price.

There are a bunch of hotels/motels off of Carlisle and I-40, in what I believe is called Midtown. My friend lives nearby and I've walked around the area at night (even though it's not a real walking-friendly area). It's again perfectly safe in the area. I can't speak about any of the individual hotels, except that I wouldn't hesitate to stay in the area, other than worries about noise from I-40. There are plenty of restaurants around the area as well. The Sheraton Uptown might be slightly quieter, being off the freeway.

Andrew

(I meant Albuquerque FYI.)

ksucat

whatever you do, DONT stay at the BW in Grants..the worst motel ever with trash..etc stuffed in the beds.
GM/Owner yells at his customer too..
I thought I was in a MAD TV sketch or I was being Punked!

ustwo

Thanks all for the info. Andrew, did you submitt your own bid to get the Sherton? I just checked on Priceline, and they are showing that motel at $151.00. I have used Priceline, several years ago, also have used Hotwire, but not really comfortable not knowing what they will give me.

ustwo

I hit submit instead of preview. I meant to spell Sheraton correctly!!

Andrew

I did submit my own bid. I have used Priceline many times and always refer to sites like BetterBidding.com and BiddingForTravel.com for reference before making a bid, because then I can see what hotels are likely to be won in certain zones at what prices (so there are few suprises). A $151 regular price does not sound out of site to be winning at $50 or even less via Priceline, in my experience.

Of course, you can never guarantee 100% you'll get a certain hotel with Priceline's "Name Your Own Price." You're taking a small chance, which is part of why you get such a good deal with Priceline. I think when I bid (this was a year or two ago), the zones in Albuquerque were different. Now it seems the zones have changed a bit, and the former Midtown and Uptown zones have been merged into one, and there are five possible 3-star hotels you might get in the Midtown-Uptown zone. The Sheraton and the Radisson seem your most likely wins; you could also get a couple of others. Before any Priceline bid, I always look at the likelihood of getting any hotel I find unacceptable. You can kind of gauge from recent wins the chances of getting certain places. Some hotels once participated with Priceline in a particular zone but no longer do. But if you see people winning only the Radisson or the Sheraton in the last 3-4 months, it seems fairly likely you'll get one of those two.

ElendilPickle

The Sheratown Uptown would be a good place if you can get it on Priceline; their sign says they have recently renovated.

Any of the places Andrew mentioned near Carlisle and I-40 are fine, and there are several chain motels at Coors and I-40 as well which should be acceptable.

Lee Ann