Destination Guides
New Mexico
by Lisa A. GrimaldiJanuary 1, 2012
Why Here?
New Mexico's high deserts, dramatic peaks and big skies, along with its numerous celebrations and festivals (such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, above), continue to attract groups looking for a unique Southwestern experience.
Hot Stuff
Who needs a hot tub when there's natural bubbling springs nearby? Soothing sites include Rock & McCauley Hot Springs, Black Rock Hot Spring, Frisco Box Hot Spring and Gila Hot Springs.
Albuquerque
The Albuquerque Convention Center will undergo a $20 million facelift. Plans for the first phase include a renovation of the building's façade, as well as modern upgrades throughout the facility, which debuted in 1972. The center also has launched a 360-degree virtual tour for meeting planners.
The Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched an incentive program for meetings and events that are booked and executed by Dec. 31, 2014. A full list of the enhancements and offerings, which are based on room nights, are outlined at itsatrip.org/meeting-planners.
The 261-room Albuquerque Hilton has reopened as the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque following $14 million in renovations throughout the property.
The 395-room Albuquerque Hyatt Regency has undergone a $2 million renovation. Included in the project were the hotel's corridors, lobby and restaurant, which reopened as Forque.
The Albuquerque Marriott Hotel in the Uptown area recently completed a renovation of all 411 guest rooms.
The 188-room Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town has opened a new special event venue, Casa Esencia, spanning approximately 8,000 square feet. The facility, housed in a landmark building, marries contemporary style with Spanish territorial origins.
The 107-room Hotel Andaluz has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The historic property, which underwent a renovation in 2009 to the tune of $30 million, has a total of 7,350 square feet of meeting space.
Meeting Hotels Major properties here include the 411-room Albuquerque Marriott Hotel, 395-room Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, 314-room Radisson Hotel Albuquerque, 295-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque, 295-room Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, 135-room Hotel Blue and 107-room Andaluz.
Historic Old Town is the site of the 188-room Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town and 173-room Best Western Rio Grande Inn.
In the Balloon Fiesta Corridor/North I-25, properties include the 311-room Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North, 168-room Clarion and 150-room Nativo Lodge.
The 276-room Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel and 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Albuquerque Airport are at Albuquerque International Sunport.
The 350-room Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is a 20-minute drive from downtown.
Convention Center Albuquerque Convention Center; exhibit space, approximately 167,000 square feet; number of meeting rooms, 30; (505) 768-4575
Airport Transit Albuquerque International Sunport, about five miles from downtown. Transfer cost by taxi, $15; by shuttle, $18
Taxes Room tax, 6%; sales tax, 7%; total tax on hotel rooms, 13%
Group VenueCasablanca, a 2,400-square-foot nightclub, has opened at the Hotel Andaluz. The venue, which offers high-tech acoustics and fiber-optic lighting, is available for private events of up to 200. (505) 923-9019
Contact Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 733-9918