Nativo Lodge Albuquerque

This mid-range property offers a unique take on the traditional Southwestern vibe by blending eye-catching Native American art with earth-toned contemporary decor. The lobby is a sight to behold, with a 14-foot shaman statue that looks like a great horned deity. Neon lights, stained glass, stylized light fixtures, Southwestern-style carpeting, rough-hewn wood banisters, and huge Native American rugs drench the lobby in color and spectacle.

A looping rock concert performed by local Grammy winner Robert Mirabal plays on large, flat-screen TVs above the small lobby lounge Club Nativo. On Saturday nights the club can become noisy with a DJ or live music -- keep this in mind when staying during the weekend. Also available on certain weekend evenings is the hookah lounge in an authentic teepee beside the heated indoor/outdoor pool.

The Nativo is charming to behold, and so are the views to the east (opposite I-25) of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With such a dramatic setting, Albuquerque sees its share of movie crews from Hollywood and the Nativo has hosted several crews and stars including Lou Diamond Phillips. The hotel has its own film liaison on the staff.

The Nativo sits along I-25 in central Albuquerque, making it a good choice for exploring different parts of the city. The Balloon Museum, Sandia Tram, and Old Town neighborhood are all within a relatively quick drive. Because the hotel is so close to I-25, the one drawback is traffic noise which may affect guests in west-facing rooms. The only shuttle service offered is a free shuttle to the Sandia Casino. A Starbucks is within walking distance next door.

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 more than 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
• 10-minute drive to Albuquerque Convention Center
• 10-minute drive to historic Old Town Albuquerque
• 10-minute drive to downtown
• 10-minute drive to BioPark (including the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach)
• 10-minute drive to Albuquerque Uptown (shopping area)
• 15-minute drive to Balloon Fiesta Park
• 20-minute drive to Petroglyph National Monument
• 20-minute drive to Sandia Peak Tramway
• 90-minute drive to Santa Fe

Rooms feature the same contemporary Native American theme that marks the lobby. Framed photographs of Native Americans adorn the walls, while brightly patterned Southwestern carpeting and understated wood furniture add an earthy feel. All rooms have small balconies.

• Coffeemakers with free tea and Starbucks coffee
• Mini-fridges and microwaves are available by request
• Pets are permitted (fees apply)
• Rooms facing east will have mountain views
• Rooms facing west will have a view of I-25 and possible traffic noise
• Upgrading to the Nativo Suite (also called Presidential Suite) gets you a full kitchen, separate living room, meeting space, and two flat-screen TVs.

• Hookah lounge housed in an outdoor teepee (open seasonally)
• Small, heated pool has indoor and outdoor sections
• Enclosed portion of pool deck features a Jacuzzi
• Fitness center is tiny, with a limited selection of exercise machines
• Eleven meeting spaces comprise 7,604 square feet, audio/visual equipment and banquet services available
• No spa; in-room spa services are available from outside provider
• View Full List of Amenities

• The Spirit Wind's Cafe specializes in New Mexican fare. Open for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant is very colorful with carved wood pillars depicting Native American motifs.
• Room service is available