Hotels in Albuquerque

Albuquerque's hotel glut is good news for travelers looking for quality rooms at a reasonable cost. Except during peak periods -- specifically, the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair (late June), the New Mexico State Fair (Sept), and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (early Oct) -- most of the city's hotels have vacant rooms, so guests can frequently request and get lower room rates than the ones posted.

A tax of approximately 12.875% is added to every hotel bill. All hotels and bed-and-breakfasts listed offer rooms for nonsmokers and travelers with disabilities.

Renovation of a Classic -- Built in 1939 by Conrad Hilton, La Posada de Albuquerque, now with the new name Andaluz, 125 Second St. NW, at Copper Ave. (tel. 800/777-5732 or 505/242-9090), was the famed hotelier's first inn in his home state of New Mexico. It's currently receiving a major makeover, with a hoped-for completion date of fall 2008 (my guess is well into 2009). The $30-million restoration to this hotel on the National Register of Historic Places will completely remake the guest rooms, lobby, and meeting spaces, utilizing a Mediterranean theme. The hotel will also have two restaurants and room for live musical performances and art shows. Call to see if they're booking rooms to coincide with your travel plans.