I may be going to a convention in ABQ next September and my discounted hotel choices are the Hyatt Regency and the Doubletree. The Hyatt looks a lot nicer but I'll welcome any opinions!

I've found some great threads here with lots of help but I'm always open to anything anyone wants to add, especially restaurant recommendations - food and fun being equally important! Thanks!

I'd say it's 6 of one, half dozen of another. They are both in Downtown area.

I just replied on a thread about ABQ check it out [there some other stuff on there too]:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34920469

Lots of restaurant suggestions on other threads; use the search box at top of page and type in Albuquerque restaurants

Also, the DESTINATION link on the top of page has good suggestions for things to do in ABQ.

As for fun, need to know what that means for you so suggestions can be made.

Be sure to check out that duke city link I the thread I've got linked above.

Hope this helps...
Debi

The Doubletree just started renovations a month or so ago; you might want to make sure they'll be done before you decide where to stay.

The Hyatt's restaurant, McGrath's, is supposed to be good - I haven't eaten there, though. A friend of ours likes the Standard Diner just east of downtown, and Mr. Pickle and I like the Artichoke Cafe, also on Central at Edith.

Lots of bars, theaters, etc. downtown if you're interested.

Lee Ann

I meant "fun" places to eat as well as nice restaurants. I'm not sure how much time I'll get for fun but I do plan to spend at least several hours in Santa Fe based on recommendations from this board.

I've decided to stay at the Hyatt since the convention rate is only $99. Will we need a car for the entire time we're there or are there restaurants within walking distace of the Hyatt? Their website says there are, but I want to know for sure!

Yes, there are restaurants near the hotel on Central. You could also take a bus [or taxi] to the University/Nob Hill area and there are lots more restaurant there.

You will need a car to go to Santa Fe. It is an hour + drive, so you should get a good overview of the city in a day.

From the Fodor's Desination Guide:

"A Good Walk

To get started, drop by the information booth at the northwest corner of the plaza, across the street from the clock, where Palace Street meets Lincoln Street (in front of the bank) to pick up a free map. From there, begin your walk around the plaza. You can get an overview of the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico at the Palace of the Governors, which borders the northern side of the Plaza on Palace Avenue. Outside, under the Palace portal, dozens of Native American craftspeople sell their wares. From the Palace, cross Lincoln Street to the Museum of Fine Arts, where the works of regional masters are on display. The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, on nearby Johnson Street, exhibits the works of its namesake, New Mexico's best-known painter.

From the O'Keeffe Museum, return to the Plaza and cut across to its southeast corner to Old Santa Fe Trail, where you can find the town's oldest hotel, La Fonda, a good place to soak up a little of bygone Santa Fe. One block east on Cathedral Place looms the imposing facade of St. Francis Cathedral. Across from the cathedral is the Museum of the Institute of American Indian Arts. A stone's throw from the museum is cool, quiet Sena Plaza, accessible through two doorways on Palace Avenue.

Timing

It's possible to zoom through this compact area in about five hours -- two hours exploring the Plaza and the Palace of the Governors, two hours seeing the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of the Institute of American Indian Arts, and an hour visiting the other sites."

Will put together some specific restaurants suggestions for you and post back later.

Hope this helps...
Debi