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My wife and I (ages 68 &69) are planning a vacation in 3 weeks to Albuquerque. We want to go to Sky City, Old Town, El Rancho de las Golondrinas & Fort Union in Las Vegas among other places we have not decided yet. We also want to travel on Hwy 14, the scenic route to Santa Fe.
In your opinion, where is a good place to stay? Out by the airport or closer in near Old Town? What motel in an area that is hassle free. Thanks.
We stayed for a three days at the University Quality Inn on Menual Blvd. We had one of the lesser rooms that was clean, quiet and reasonably priced. We spent most of this vacation in Truth or Consequences at an old fashioned Motel with hot spring fed baths. We were thawing out from a really tough New England winter. Once we returned to Albuquerque we drove up to the top of the Sandia ridge a couple of times. The first in a snowstorm and the second on a nice day. That is well worth the effort. We also drove to Madrid (Madrid) in Rt 14. Lunch at the Mine Shaft Tavern was really decent. Try the special cheeseburger or a steak made from local beef.
If you want to visit Santa Fe I strongly recommend taking the Railrunner from ABU. The ride is quite scenic through the unused farmland north of ABU. When in Santa Fe avoid the tour busses and get an all day pass for a couple of bucks on the city busses. We had a wonderful drive up Canyon Road and Museum Hill for a dollar for both of us. We also bough a beautiful black on black bowl from one of the vendors at the place of the Governors on the Plaza.
Next time we vacation in New Mexico we plan on visiting the Northwest part of the State.
A stop at the rug auction at Crownpoint is on the must do list. Watching Shiprock at dawn is another.
As always I suggest getting a copy of the Benchmark Maps "New Mexico Road and Recreation Atlas" as well as material from the State tourist office. The "Off the Beaten Path" book is also useful.
Enjoy your stay. New Mexico is a fascinating place.
There are some long-term motels (Residence Inn and Suburban Inn) near Menaul and Carlisle just north of I-40. I stayed at Suburban quite often and paid as low as $35 a night and it has a small kitchen. Prices vary. It is close to a state patrol substation on Carlisle. I picked up a few groceries at Wal-Mart on Carlisle. You can walk to Rudy's BBQ and a few other places. There's a Napoli Coffee shop across Menaul a block west. Sometimes it was noisy but not too bad. It has a laundry. Cheap and convenient.
I am looking at the Hampton Suites at 6150 Iliff Road NW. Easy on easy off Interstate. Good location - safe location? Your thoughts.
Motels are fine in and of themselves- popular with truckers (Fedex and UPS put their drivers up there).
The neighborhood itself ranks as pretty high in crime, particularly property crime. I'd pick a different neighborhood if I was concerned about break-ins.
Motels are fine in and of themselves- popular with truckers (Fedex and UPS put their drivers up there).
The neighborhood itself ranks as pretty high in crime, particularly property crime. I'd pick a different neighborhood if I was concerned about break-ins.
Thanks Zoidberg, As we have never been to Albuquerque, Any suggestions for a safer area?
Thanks Zoidberg, As we have never been to Albuquerque, Any suggestions for a safer area?
Most of Albuquerque's ok; I'd stay away from East Central and Coors/I-40 for property crime concerns if my budget wasn't tight; there's going to be a risk wherever you stay. Just exercise common sense.
Centrally located in the Old Towne area is a Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn that has a 3-Diamond rating from AAA. And a 4-star rating on Google search sites. It's located on IH-40 at the Rio Grande exit.
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