Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Andaluz is a luxe, contemporary hotel with outstanding Spanish-style decor and modern touches such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It’s one of the coolest hotels in Albuquerque, with a stylish design that blends Moroccan and Southwestern elements. The rooftop bar Ibiza is a local hangout that draws the young and hip on weekend nights.

Originally built in the late 1930s by Conrad Hilton (making it one of the first Hilton hotels in existence), the Andaluz is one of the few historic hotels in the country with a Gold LEED-certification. Solar water heaters provide 60% of the hotel’s hot water, and all furniture, carpeting, and paint (nontoxic) are recycled products.

The lobby is a charming space filled with muted colors, old wood beams, soft lighting, and unique decorative flourishes like a tiled fountain. Arched doorways lead to six private rooms with Moroccan-style decor and flowing drapes that create an intimate ambience. There is also a mezzanine- level cultural center and a library with books and artwork celebrating New Mexico’s diverse culture.

There’s no pool or fitness center. However, guests can get passes for the gym across the street from the hotel.

The Andaluz sits in downtown Albuquerque, so guests can easily explore the area on foot. It’s one block from the Albuquerque Convention Center and within easy walking distance to several restaurants and shops. No shuttle service is offered, and a fee is charged for both self-parking and valet service.

Downtown Albuquerque tends to be a bit sleepy, but it does liven up on the weekends. A number of clubs and bars can be found along Central Avenue (Route 66), as well as restaurants, trendy shops, art galleries, and entertainment venues such as the Pueblo Deco KiMo Theatre.

Sitting along the Rio Grande at an elevation of 5,312 feet, Albuquerque occupies a high desert environment. The city was founded in 1706 by the Spanish as a colonial outpost in the New World. Today, Albuquerque is home to more than 530,000 people of over 70 different ethnicities, including Native Americans, Latinos, and Anglos, making it the largest city in New Mexico. Albuquerque retains connections to the past and its culture in the architecture, artwork, and cuisine to be found throughout the city.

Albuquerque is known as a center of high-tech industry and research. The Sandia National Laboratory, General Electric, and Kirtland Air Force Base all call the city home. It’s also the ballooning capital of the world. Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta each October, an event that might be the most photographed in the world. Local hot air balloon companies offer rides to visitors year-round.

As a four-season city with 300 sunny days a year, Albuquerque has an active community of golfers, hikers, skiers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and fishermen. The Sandia Mountains just to the east provide a high-altitude respite from the summer heat and many miles of forested trails, and a winter playground featuring Sandia Peak Ski Area. Any visit to Albuquerque is incomplete without a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, the longest tram in the world, ascending 2.7 miles from the outskirts of the city to the Sandia Mountains at 10,378 feet.

Whatever you do in the outdoors here, be sure to stay well-hydrated -- mild temperatures can be deceiving and the high elevation can take its toll on the fittest adventurers.

• 10-minute drive from the Albuquerque International Airport
• 5-minute walk to Albuquerque Convention Center
• 5-minute walk to KiMo Theater
• 5-minute drive to historic Old Town Albuquerque
• 5-minute drive to BioPark (including the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach)
• 10-minute drive to Albuquerque Uptown (shopping area)
• 20-minute drive to Balloon Fiesta Park
• 20-minute drive to Petroglyph National Monument
• 25-minute drive to Sandia Peak Tramway
• 90-minute drive to Santa Fe

The rooms feel fresh, but not quite luxe. Decor is minimal and modern, with an earthy palette and understated furniture. Bathrooms have stone floors and green countertops that add a pop of color to the neutral color scheme. Robes and slippers are included with each room.

• Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Sheets and pillowcases are made by Italian luxury brand Frette
• Pillow menus are available by request
• Coffeemakers are available by request
• Allergen-free carpeting and bedding
• In-room safes are big enough for laptops
• Upgrading to the Premier gets you a king-size bed, more space, and a small sitting area.
• The Executive Suite is the largest suite and includes a lounge area and office.

• Martin J. Chavez Library offers comfy chairs and a nice selection of books
• Mezzanine-level cultural center has extensive art collection
• Free Wi-Fi
• Six private rooms off the lobby feature Moroccan decor and intimate vibe
• Event spaces encompass nearly 7,000 square feet, can accomodate up to 150 people
• Paid self-parking or valet parking, with in-and-out privileges
• No fitness center or pool; passes are available for nearby gym
• View Full List of Amenities

• Lucia restaurant uses local ingredients in their Mediterranean-inspired menu. Lucia is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Outdoor patio seating is available and dogs are welcome (dogs will be served a meal).
• Ibiza bar is open nightly Monday through Saturday and offers tapas, happy hour specials, films, and weekend DJs. This is a hotspot in downtown Albuquerque and a good place to view the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
• Room service is available.