RECENT AND UPCOMING DEVELOPMENTS
Welcome to the new Albuquerque, where the more than $300 million in hospitality investments are reshaping the city’s skyline, including the recent opening of the new luxury Hotel Chaco in the city’s Historic Old Town, and One Central—Downtown’s entertainment district—coming on line in early 2018. With increased air service at the International Sunport, there’s never been a better time to connect with Albuquerque.
Hotels
- Hotel Chaco – Heritage Hotels & Resorts recently unveiled a new multi-million dollar hotel in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque. The 118-room project broke ground in December 2014 and held its grand opening on May 26, 2017. The contemporary boutique hotel features a contrast of ancient and modern elements., and is located adjacent to Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (also a Heritage property) and shares Hotel Albuquerque’s pool, ballrooms and chapel. The hotel is the first New Mexico property planned by legendary global design firm, Gensler, who drew inspiration from the Anasazi people and the indigenous ruins of Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A sister company of Heritage Resorts & Hotels, Heritage Inspirations offers guided tours to and from the park, departing from Hotel Chaco.
- Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm – The property’s $15 million (bond) renovation and upgrade increased its room capacity from 22 to 50 guest suites, tripled the size of its Farm Shop thus increasing manufacturing operations for the bath, body and other value-added products made with the lavender and other herbs and produce cultivated on the grounds, and moved the onsite restaurant, Campo, (home to four-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Jonathan Perno) to a newly renovated barn space, which includes a new bar and bakery.
- Nativo Lodge – this lodge (also a Heritage property) offers travelers a place of authentic Southwest hospitality and attraction. Nativo Lodge is conveniently located off of Interstate I-25, and provides guests with unique accommodations and amenities, including an on-site restaurant and bar, an outdoor/indoor year-round pool and more than 7,600 square feet of meeting and event space. Nativo Lodge’s Artist Rooms program offers guests a very unique experience not seen in other hotels. Most people experience art in galleries or museum settings. Guests in these Artist Rooms get to sleep in a room that is an art piece in itself, as these guest rooms are designed by emerging local Native American artists. The artwork in the rooms is deeply rooted in cultural traditions but is expressed in surprising ways. The property recently unveiled 12 new Artist Rooms, bringing the current total to 24.
- Hyatt Regency Albuquerque – A $5.6 million renovation was completed in June 2016, and included updates to hotel meeting space, a new fitness center, renovated pool area (including transformation from chlorine to saltwater), larger jacuzzi, new guest room beds, updated phones, and much more.
- Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town – is now home to the Southwest’s first authentic Tablao Flamenco. The National Institute of Flamenco, in partnership with Heritage Hotels & Resorts, is proud to offer this intimate performance space, designed exclusively to feature the authentic artistry of traditional flamenco within Historic Old Town. The Tablao will continuously feature artists of the highest caliber—both local and international—at regularly scheduled performances on weekend nights (Friday to Sunday). The lounge serves authentic Sevilla tapas created by world-renowned Chef Mark Miller of Santa Fe’s Coyote Café and Hotel Albuquerque’s Chef Gilbert Aragon, as well as regionally inspired fine wines and spirits.
- Hotel Cascada transitions to Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel & Conference Center – Albuquerque’s indoor waterpark and hotel now has a new name and new look. The former Hotel Cascada has undergone a $5 million renovation., including a redesigned lobby, upgrades to meeting and guest rooms, a new 1,100-square-foot fitness center, new exterior paint and landscaping, the addition of on-site vendors, and more. Future phases will include work on the water park (ABQ Surf N’ Slide) and other improvements.
- The 107-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott – This property has completed an innovative renovation of its suites, as well as introduced a brand-new breakfast room. As part of an all-suite brand designed for travelers who need accommodations for longer stays, the TownPlace Suites Albuquerque Airport’s latest update helps guests live like locals and experience the comforts of home while on the road.
- The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North – The Marriott recently completed a $3 million renovation in September 2016. The renovation overhauled the Atrium, Restaurant, and Front Desk/Lobby area. Pyramid 51, the new, renovated restaurant, boasts contemporary décor, a daily breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order omelets and waffles, and nightly dinner specials. Furthermore, the Albuquerque restaurant's complimentary high-speed Internet access makes them a travel-friendly dining destination.
- The DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque – The DoubleTree recently underwent a $7 million renovation. Guest rooms were completely updated and now offer in-room safes, refrigerators and Hilton Digital Key door locks. All hallway/corridors were completely updated, along with fitness center and pool area. The hotel’s lobbies and outlets now provide a beautiful rustic yet trendy Southwestern look, and the lobby lounge and hotel restaurant have been rebranded and offer all-new menus. Lastly, the exterior has been painted, there is new signage for outlets, the parking lot was resurfaced and landscaping and the entryway has been updated.
- Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa – This property, located about 25 miles north of ABQ, recently completed a $5 million renovation of its accommodations. Updates were focused on the property’s 350 rooms, which were freshly painted in neutral colors reflecting the region’s landscape; new carpeting; new bedding, furniture and lighting fixtures; and Native American art pieces in each room.
- Isleta Resort & Casino – In April of 2017, Isleta Resort & Casino announced a $40 million renovation, to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months, and will include an expanded and redesigned casino floor, new concert venue, added food and beverage options, increased retail space, and much more.
Albuquerque International Sunport
Renovations and New Lift at the Albuquerque International Sunport
The Albuquerque International Sunport kicked off a major renovation project in April of 2017. Known as the Terminal Improvement Project, or TIP, the $30 million renovation will upgrade both the arrival and departure levels. Highlights of the 15-month project include new ceilings, lighting, ticket counters, a more roomy and open bag claim area and new signage throughout the terminal. The city has already seen a number of increased lift and expects to see additional new direct flight routes as a result of the airport renovation.
Albuquerque Civic Plaza
With an expected completion date of January 2018, Downtown’s Civic Plaza will receive a $4 million upgrade as part of a multi-faceted plan to reinvigorate downtown. Proposed plans include an interactive fountain, a playground, an enormous video screen for the stage, and an upgraded sound system. A new playground with play equipment, benches and tables will be added, as will a new shade canopy over the amphitheater next to the fountain.
Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex
In January 2017, the city broke ground on a $17.8 million baseball complex. The Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex opened in November 2017, and contains five baseball fields, indoor facilities, soccer field, concessions, community meeting rooms, and more.
ONE CENTRAL
One Central is Downtown’s anticipated entertainment district. The area will feature restaurants, retailers, entertainment, residences and a 423-space parking structure. The parking structure is slated for delivery in November 2017, and the retail and residential portions will be delivered in the spring of 2018.
Albuquerque Rapid Tranist
Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) will run from Unser to Louisiana and will include 19 stations along the 9-mile Central Avenue, providing enhanced transit service along the Route 66 corridor. The all-electric bus rapid transit system—the first in the nation—began limited service in November 2017, and is slated to be fully operational in early 2018.
