What's New in ABQ

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 opening of the luxury Hotel Chaco in the city’s Historic Old Town, and the development of One Central—Downtown’s entertainment district. With increased air service at the International Sunport, there’s never been a better time to connect with Albuquerque. 

Hotel Updates 

Heritage Hotels & Resorts ABQ Properties Welcome Updates, Developments and Renovations

Heritage Hotels & Resorts unveiled Hotel Chaco, a multi-million dollar hotel in the heart of Old Town, Albuquerque in 2017. The 118-room 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.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town is 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.

A few of Albuquerque’s Heritage Hotels & Resorts properties will also be welcoming updates and renovations in 2019. Hotel Chaco will introduce a new wine & spirits bar, estimated to open early summer 2019. Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town will undergo various guest room upgrades and a facade renovation. These renovations are planned for completion by early summer 2019.

The Restored El Vado Motel Opens on Route 66 in Albuquerque

This revitalized, historic property held its grand opening in July of 2018. When it initially opened in 1937, El Vado was one of the state’s first motels to greet Route 66 travelers. Today, the restored El Vado is a unique blend of historic character and charm, combined with modern comforts and amenities. The space not only features custom Mid-Century Modern furnishings and one of a kind local artwork, but a changing lineup of up-and-coming restaurants, the El Vado Taproom, featuring a rotating selection of New Mexican brews, and several local boutiques and shops—making it a must-visit destination within Albuquerque.

De Anza Motor Lodge Reopening Set for Summer 2019

Development of the historic De Anza Lodge broke ground in November 2017. The iconic Route 66 property has been closed since 2002 and will be rebuilt to house a hotel, apartments, restaurant and office space. As part of the $8.2 million renovation, the motel’s historic Zuni murals and artifacts will be preserved, along with its neon sign. The entire project should take about 18 months, slating the reopening of the De Anza for summer 2019.

University Lodge to Become The Avenue Hotel

A historic Nob Hill motel originally built in the 1960s is planned to be relaunched. University Lodge will be renovated into The Avenue Hotel, breaking ground in 2019 with a planned one year completion. 

Boutique Hotel, Arrive is Coming to Downtown Albuquerque

A boutique hotel group has purchased the former Hotel Blue, which will be returned to its mid-century modern glory with a full remodel. Arrive has plans to convert the ground floor into a new restaurant, bar and pool which will also get the mid-century treatment. Completion on the remodel is expected for late 2019. 

New Marriott Breaks Ground 

Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. (IPMI) recently broke ground on its new 92-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott, kicking off the next phase of development of Avanyu Plaza on 12th Street, across from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, part of the 12th Street Business and Cultural Corridor. The new hotel plans to open in the fall of 2019. 

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm Increases Room Capacity

Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm'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 Offers Authentic Southwest Hospitality

Nativo 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 has unveiled 12 Artist Rooms, bringing the current total to 24.

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque Updates Meeting Space and More

Hyatt Regency Albuquerque has undergone a $5.6 million renovation, which was completed in recent years. The renovations 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.

The 107-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott

The 107-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott 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 Sees Major Updates

The Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North completed a $3 million renovation in recent years. 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.

DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque Completes Updates and Renovations 

The DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque has undergone 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 Completes Renovations

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, located about 25 miles north of ABQ,  has 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 Completes $40 Million Renovation 

Isleta Resort & Casino  announced a $40 million renovation in 2017, now completed and including 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 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 International Sunport International Once Again

On Nov. 17, Albuquerque celebrated the first international flight out of Albuquerque International Sunport since 2009. The new non-stop service between Albuquerque International Sunport and Guadalajara, offered by Mexico’s largest low-cost carrier, Volaris, is an effort to make international tourism and trade more convenient out of Albuquerque International Sunport.

Starting June 18, the Mexico-based airline will begin twice-weekly flights with nonstop service to Chihuahua, expanding its reach from the Sunport to two cities.

Other Albuquerque Developments

The City of Albuquerque Breaks New Ground

The City of Albuquerque recently broke ground on several major downtown projects, including the groundbreaking for the new Zocalo Lofts Project, a three-story mixed-use building, which will have apartments and retail took place mid-May. The city provided a $250,000 grant to move the development forward and anticipate that the project will be completed by spring of 2019.

Downtown’s Civic Plaza will continue with its $4 million upgrade as part of a multi-faceted plan to reinvigorate downtown. Plans and developments so far have focused on replacing the fountain with an interactive, family-friendly, modern and sustainable water element, along with improvements to the surrounding area for shade, access and activities. Continued enhancement of Civic Plaza will continue in 2019. 

ABQ to Revitalize Historic Rail Yards

The City of Albuquerque will take over efforts to revitalize the historic Rail Yards. The first step will be to open the building adjacent to the already-updated blacksmith shop, which is home to the Rail Yards Market, and fill it with local vendors on Sundays.

Highly Anticipated One Central Opens Downtown

One Central, a mixed-use project located in downtown Albuquerque, is officially open for business. Located on the northeast corner of Central Avenue and First Street, One Central features 68 studio and two-bedroom apartments, a 423-space parking garage, and will house several local businesses that will occupy the ground-level space, including Deep Space Coffee.

Sawmill District Continues Development in Historic Old Town

This area, just north of Historic Old Town, was once dominated by warehouses and industrial buildings, but is expected to be the next hip neighborhood in Albuquerque and will be a hub for local art, entertainment, food and shopping. A warehouse, once home to the Paxton Lumber business, will be converted into the Sawmill Market, a 25,000-square-foot food and market hall. There are plans to renovate more of the buildings as well. The Sawmill District’s location, next to historic Old Town and the majority of Albuquerque’s museums, make it the perfect place for travelers to jump back and forth between historic and modern elements of the city. The district’s newest retailer, Spur Line Supply Co., opened in September 2017 and features clothing, a children’s shop, records, stationary and florals.

Avanyu Plaza Begins Second Phase of Expansion

Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc. (IPMI) recently broke ground on their innovative and functional 30,000-square-foot Avanyu Plaza North, with an estimated completion date of December 2019. This is Avanyu Plaza’s second phase of expansion and will also include 20,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space in three new buildings, plus a 2,000-square-foot security annex to ensure public safety throughout the vast entertainment and office complex.

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.