Albuquerque - American Southwest - page 243

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comfortable mattresses and bright pine furnishings. Air travelers enjoy this hotel's loca-
tion, but because it has good access to freeways and excellent views, it could also be a wise
choice for a few days of browsing around Albuquerque. Of course, you will hear some jet
noise. The Rojo Grill serves a variety of American and Southwestern dishes.
2910 Yale Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106. & 800/227-1117 or 505/843-7000. Fax [phone].
www.albuquerquegrandairporthotel.com. 276 units. $79-$176 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking.
Small pets (15 lb. or less) welcome with prior approval. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; concierge; access to
golf course; outdoor pool; 2 tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

Nativo Lodge This full-service hotel provides comfortable rooms with a Native
American theme, utilizing high-tech elements as well. It's part of the Heritage Hotels &
Resorts group, which, in recent years, has renovated a number of New Mexico hotels
such as the Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces and Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. The five-
story building, renovated in 2004, has tan walls throughout the two-tiered lobby and
standard-size guest rooms. The rooms are tastefully decorated with Native American
geometric patterns creating a cozy feel, with comfortable beds and good linens, desks and
small balconies. The bathrooms are small but functional. Be sure to request a room well
away from the lounge area, which can be noisy on weekend nights. The service is
thoughtful and efficient. This is a good home base for the Balloon Fiesta, as well as to
explore the city. The property even has a tepee used for special events.
6000 Pan American Fwy. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. & 888/628-4861 or 505/798-4300. Fax 505/798-
4305. www.nativolodge.com. $79-$139 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restau-
rant; bar; health club; Jacuzzi; indoor/outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
Inexpensive
La Quinta Inn La Quinta offers reliable, clean rooms at a decent price. Rooms are
tastefully decorated, fairly spacious, and comfortable, each with a table and chairs and a
shower-only bathroom big enough to move around in. Each king room has a recliner,
and two-room suites are available. If you're headed to the Balloon Fiesta, this is a good
choice because it's not far from the launch site, though you'll have to reserve as much as
a year in advance.
There's another La Quinta near the airport (La Quinta Airport Inn, 2116 Yale Blvd.
SE); you can make reservations for either branch at the toll-free number.
5241 San Antonio Dr. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. & 800/531-5900 or 505/821-9000. Fax 505/821-
2399. www.lq.com. 130 units. $72-$79 double (higher during Balloon Fiesta). Children stay free in par-
ent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Pets welcome (free). Amenities: Heated outdoor pool
(May-Oct). In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
BED & BREAKFASTS
Böttger Mansion of Old Town Decorated with antiques but not overdone
with chintz, this Victorian inn situated right in Old Town is an excellent choice. It offers
a sweet taste of a past era. My favorite room is the Carole Rose, with lots of sun; also
lovely is the Rebecca Leah, with pink marble tile and a Jacuzzi tub. All rooms are
medium-size and have excellent beds; most have small bathrooms. The rooms facing
south let in the most sun but pick up a bit of street noise from nearby Central Avenue
and a nearby elementary school (both quiet down at night). Breakfast (such as green-chile
quiche) is elaborate enough to keep you going through the day, at the end of which you
can enjoy treats from the guest snack bar (try the chocolate cookies with a little chile in
them). During warm months, the patio is lovely.

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