DebitNM, I was not picking on Albuquerque in particular. The question was about hotels, I added a piece of information I thought the OP might want to take into consideration when looking at any hotel, anywhere. Simple as that.

It suprises me how many people don't realize that bed bugs are becoming a big issue over the last 5-10 years. In regards to, " the reports on that website are not verified", that's true. However, if you spend a little time looking at the reports you will find that you quickly learn how to read between the lines, just as you do with say TripAdvisor reviews.

The Bedbugregistry has been online for quite a few years now and is the best known and most used. So the amount of data they have is probably the most reliable.

I look for how many reports and when were they reported. If I see a hotel has one report 2 years ago, I consider it meaningless. If I see 6 reports in the last year I eliminate the hotel from my list.

It doesn't guarantee you will not encounter bed bugs, they can appear anywhere tomorrow as you suggest and I still check my room on arrival every time but using the registry helps reduce the chances.

Anyone who travels today and does not know to check for bed bugs and how to check is in my opinion asking for trouble. It has nothing to do with Albuquerque DebitNM.

I just realized that our gathering will be over Cinco de Mayo weekend. What is Old Town Albuquerque like over Cinco de Mayo weekend? Are there major events then? Lots of partying? Thanks again for all those you have posted here. Your comments and suggestions have been most helpful.

This was from a few years back - should be similar next year:
http://www.adobenido.com/blog/2010/a...n-albuquerque/

http://www.itsatrip.org/events/featu...g/default.aspx

Central ave is great as suggested by others but beware " the states" (streets that are named after states in the u.s.) Where these intersect w/Central is a bad area. Stay further west, such as Nob Hill and west of.
If u bring a pet, I know a pet sitting company that will come to your hotel (if u want to go to dinner or day trip and not bring the dog) I was in Abq about 1 yr ago w/friends and my dog and this was helpful. Anyway Nob Hill or downtown is my advice for lodging. Avoid s.e. and east. Safest parts of town are north, northeast, west and s.w. based on what ive read and been told by locals there.

On a trip to NM/AZ last year we stayed our last night at the Best Western Plus Rio Grande partly because it was close to the Old Town area. I thought Old Town was very disappointing--as DebitNM summarized above, "Old Town is nice to walk around but honestly, it is filled with tourist oriented restaurants with so so food and the most shops are pretty shlocky."

janhana seems to be topping quite a few ABQ threads talking about this pet sitting service. IF I didn't know better, I would this they are trying to promote it. {no link, so guess not]

I would not stay in southwest part of ABQ. It is lacking services that a visitor would need/like - restaurants, motels etc.

The cheap motels that line Central in either direction are not the greatest and I would avoid them. Same for the cheap ones that flank I25 and I 40. You get what you pay for IMHO.

Checking back in...we are one month away now from our big cousins gathering in Albuquerque. We did book the Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town. Would you helpful folks offer up a few suggestions of restaurants that would be located in the general area of Old Town (we will have transportation) that would be suitable for a larger group (10-12) for dinner? This would be on a Saturday night and we are open for your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

DeeDee - we've stayed at the Hotel Albuquerque, and thought the location is good. Of course, we also liked walking around Old Town. Touristy - yes, of course, but nothing like it where we live. Kinda fun for a short visit.

Will let local fodorites recommend restaurants. But, if you go with the flow and shoot for Old Town style Mexican and maybe chile cheeseburgers, and don't expect fine dining, you'll probably do quite well.

I am traveling in Europe right now and limited internet. I will post info for you end of next week...lots to pick from. Price point for entrees? Do you want super casual, medium? Aim for NEW Mexican, not Mexican....You can do a lot better than Old Town.

Debit - Europe? Do we get a trip report when you come back? And pictures??? Enjoy!

I sort of have one going now. Photos will be posted when I get home. Too difficult on iPad!

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ence-today.cfm

DeeDee, do you want New Mexican food, or something different?

Lee Ann

Yes, we must all try New Mexican cuisine. Open for suggestions, maybe up to $25 per person for food as a guideline for prices. Thanks in advance.

DebitNM, I hope you had a wonderful trip. Can't wait to hear your suggestions about a group meal in Albuquerque. Thanks.

When we eat out, it usually isn't New Mexican food, so I hope DebitNM will have some good suggestions for you. :-)

Lee Ann

The St Clair winery and bistro is near Old Town and might be a good place to visit while you are in the area (not for the big dinner). There is a patio and live music

Lee Ann, I would love to hear your suggestions as it doesn't have to be New Mexican cuisine. Thanks.

Sorry - I meant to get back to this sooner.

If you are willing to eat a bit early [they close at 8 pm] this is probably the best place to get a real taste of New Mexican food at it's best. It isn't fancy or anything, by any stretch of the imagination. But it is consistently among the top rated NM cuisine restaurants in town.
Mary & Tito's Cafe.
It is actually a James Beard Award winner in 2010.

http://www.nmgastronome.com/?p=331

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-...?v=wall&ref=mf

Re. Mary and Tito's : we loved the food but they were constantly walking around spraying winded on all the tables which really was unappetizing.

This happened twice.

I haven't been to Mary and Tito's, but my family members who have say it's great.

Lee Ann