Albuquerque Hotels

With few exceptions, Albuquerque's lodging options fall into two categories: modern chain hotels and motels, and distinctive and typically historic inns and B&Bs. Of larger hotels, you won't find many that are independently owned, historic, or especially rife with personality, although Central Avenue—all across the city—is lined with fascinating old motor courts and motels from the 1930s through the '50s, many of them with their original neon signs and quirky roadside architecture. Alas, nearly all of these are run-down and substandard; they should be avoided unless you're extremely adventurous and can't resist the super-low rates (often as little as $18 a night).

If you're seeking charm and history, try one of the many excellent inns and B&Bs (including those in Corrales and Bernalillo, just north of Albuquerque, listed in the Side Trips from the Cities chapter). Although the cookie-cutter chain hotels may appear largely interchangeable, there are several properties that stand out above the rest, and many of these are described below. Two parts of the city with an excellent variety of economic plain-Jane franchise hotels (Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, Courtyard Marriott, etc.) are the Airport and the north I-25 corridor. As opposed to many other cities, Albuquerque's airport is extremely convenient to attractions and downtown, and the north I-25 corridor also offers easy access to sightseeing and dining as well as the Balloon Fiesta Park. Wherever you end up staying in Albuquerque, you can generally count on finding rates considerably lower than the national average, and much cheaper than in Santa Fe and Taos.

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