Where to Stay in Albuquerque – A Guide to “Duke City”
Albuquerque is the largest city in the state of New Mexico. Its wealth of institutions, including its university, botanical gardens, Biopark, galleries, and 16 museums, make it the cultural and intellectual capital of New Mexico. In this post, we will discover the best areas to stay in Albuquerque.
This New Mexico city enjoys blue skies and sunshine 310 days out of the year, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s heaven and a perfect place to enjoy concerts, festivals, and outdoor sporting events.
To the northwest of the city, you’ll find the Sandia Mountains, an attractive mountain range connected by the Sandia Peak Tramway, an aerial tramway stretching from the northeast edge of the city to the crestline of the Sandia Mountains.
As mentioned above, Albuquerque is home to many cultural institutions, including the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, the National Atomic Museum, the Albuquerque Museum, the University of New Mexico Fine Art Museum, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History.
The Albuquerque International Sunport is New Mexico’s largest commercial airport. It connects the city to most major US cities and also serves a handful of international destinations.
If you’re traveling the Historic Route 66, it will take you directly to the heart of Albuquerque, along Central Avenue.
Albuquerque becomes a world-renowned destination every October when the world’s largest balloon show is held: The Albuquerque International Balloon Festival.
Every corner of the most populated city in the state of New Mexico has a unique atmosphere. However, when it comes to the best areas to stay, You can choose between the picturesque Old Town, with its Spanish colonial architecture and old pueblo charm, or the Downtown area, with its lively nightlife and easy connections.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Albuquerque.
Hotel Chaco has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a bar in Albuquerque. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. An American breakfast is available each morning at the hotel.
Best Location in Albuquerque, New Mexico: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Albuquerque depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular area.
- Best location in Albuquerque for sightseeing: Old Town Albuquerque
- Best location in Albuquerque for nightlife: Downtown Albuquerque
- Best location in Albuquerque for first-time visitors: Old Town Albuquerque
- Best location in Albuquerque for a budget trip: West Albuquerque
- Best location in Albuquerque for business travelers: Downtown Albuquerque
- Best location in Albuquerque for nature lovers: West Albuquerque
Best Hotels in Albuquerque by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Albuquerque. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection By Hilton
- Best mid-priced hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Albuquerque
- Best budget hotel: Rodeway Inn Albuquerque Downtown on Rt 66
- Best luxury hotel: Hotel Parq Central Albuquerque
- Best boutique hotel: Hotel Chaco
- Best hotel with a pool: Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
- Best inn / B&B: Casas de Suenos Old Town Historic Inn
The Best Areas to Stay in Albuquerque, NM
1. Recommended area: Around Plaza Vieja & New Mexico Museum (Old Town)
The Plaza Vieja (Old Square) area and the popular New Mexico Museum belong to the Old Town district, which is located between Rio Grande Boulevard, Mountain Road, 19th Street, and Central Avenue.
Plaza Vieja is one of the most attractive landmarks in the city. It is an area with Spanish colonial buildings and, in its center, you’ll find the historic church of San Felipe de Neri.
The surroundings of the Plaza feature the largest concentration of museums and galleries in Albuquerque, including the Museum of Natural History and Science of New Mexico.
The Old Town is only a three minutes drive away from the downtown area, with connections from the Central Rio Grande bus station, located on Central Avenue.
Albuquerque’s Old Town is the best district to stay for sightseeing.
The surroundings of the Plaza Vieja have all types of accommodation. Here, you can find luxury B&Bs, 3-star chain hotels and a few budget options.
Why we love this area:
- Museum of Natural History and Science
- Plaza Vieja
- Galleries
- Best area for sightseeing
2. Downtown Albuquerque (Near the Amtrak Station)
Downtown Albuquerque is the heart of the city and, as expected, has a privileged and central location.
Also known as the Albuquerque business district, the Downtown district is an area of commerce and offices. However, it is also home to some of the best restaurants, cafés, and hotels in town.
Central Avenue, a section of Historic Route 66 has the best nightlife in the state of New Mexico. Along this popular thoroughfare you can find bars, clubs, restaurants and theaters.
A few minutes away, you’ll find the convention center.
Downtown Albuquerque is the best-connected area of the city; all public transportation of the district operates from the Alvarado transportation center, located on 1st Street SW.
The Downtown district is the best area to stay in Albuquerque for business travelers and nightlife lovers, as well as those who are looking to stay close to public transport stations.
Why we love this area:
- Best area for business trips
- Best area for nightlife
- Great transport connections
- Central location
- Luxury-type hotels
- High-end restaurants
Accommodation in this area
-
Top Choice
Comfort Inn & Suites Albuquerque Downtown
This hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Albuquerque Sunport International Airport, just off I-40, near Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Budget
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Albuquerque Midtown
Located in Albuquerque, this hotel is 3 miles from the Albuquerque International Airport and offers an indoor pool.
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Luxury
Home2 Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Downtown/University
Home2 Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Downtown / University is 5 minutes’ drive from the University of New Mexico and features an indoor pool and fitness center.
3. West Albuquerque & ABQ BioPark
West Albuquerque is bordered by the Plaza Vieja and, a 20 minutes drive from the Downtown area.
West Albuquerque is the perfect district for family trips as it concentrates some of the largest parks in town.
This area is home to the ABQ Biopark, one of the top Albuquerque attractions. This large complex hosts an Aquarium, a Botanical Park, the Rio Grande Zoo, and Tingley Beach, also called Fishing Lake.
The Aquarium Botanic and Tingley Beach train stations, which are located on the outskirts of the Biopark, connect these attractions with the rest of Albuquerque.
Around ABQ Biopark, you’ll find hotels that are cheaper than those in Downtown and Old Town Albuquerque, so it’s a great area to stay in Albuquerque on a budget.
Why we love this area:
- ABQ Biopark
- Best area for family trips
- Cheap hotels
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