Although we live here now, again, we lived out of area for a bit. When we came to ABQ, we stayed at Radisson on at least 3 occasions. This would be around 3 years ago, actually just before the Water Park opened. It was still a Radisson [I just noticed the other day that it had been rebranded at Park Inn.

We were very pleased with the hotel, the rooms were a good size, clean and really, there was nothing wrong with hotel at all. It has indeed lots of free parking, the [free] pool area is very nice and it is in a good location for seeing other spots in ABQ.

ABQ is not a walking town for visitors for the most part. You have a car? Drive to where ever you want to go, it is the easiest way. We do have buses here, mostly for local commutes, but I know there are some Fodorites that have used them for seeing the sights, but I wouldn't bother since you have a car.

Route 66 unfortunately doesn't really exist as a place to walk to/around. It is what is known as Central Ave and can easily be driven down to see what's left of some kitchy motels. Nob Hill is a better place to walk around and it is on Rt 66, so that will be best bet.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/albuquerque-restaurants-debitnms-picks.cfm It needs to be updated, but most of it is still valid.

FWIW, you would have had to pay for parking at Anduluz and Hyatt [not sure if they have in and out]. Sheraton Uptown [we have stayed there too] isn't all that much different than Radisson [location and set up, minus the water park]. And Hotel Albuquerque isn't anything special, except it is within walking distance to Old Town.

So, all in all, you did just fine and I am sure you will be satisfied with the hotel. Any other Q's; ask away.

Know nothing about the hotel and little about ABQ, just wanted to comment that tripadvisors ranking system is absolutely meaningless in most areas. I don't know how they come up with it, but in the Tampa Bay area, the top ranked hotels are way out in Timbuctu and nothing special at ALL! Check an area you are familiar with, such as your own town....it's a real eye opener!

Lots of good info here: http://cabq.gov/visiting

http://www.betterbidding.com and http://www.biddingfortravel.com are always good to check before bidding...

Thanks for the feedback, you guys!

I did check the bidding sites first. While I know there might be a better deal out there somewhere, there is only so much time I am willing to spend looking for it. $60 for a $139 room works for me! This is well within my travel budget. And if the hotel is good enough for DebitNM, I'm sure I will be fine.

I will have a rental car with me - which is why free parking at the Radisson is a big plus. Where is the best place to park when I visit Old Town and Nob Hill?

You did fine. I'm sure you'll be happy at the Radisson.

There is a big restaurant thread in the New Mexico forum - be sure to check it out. You're right across the street from Rudy's BBQ (a small Texas-based chain with great food) and Blake's Lotaburger, a NM institution.

For Nob Hill, there is a lot of street parking, plus there is a small free lot behind the Nob Hill shopping center at Carlisle and Central. In Old Town, we usually park at the lot next to the Albuquerque Museum.

Lee Ann