Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection By Hilton

Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque: Spanish Moorish Splendor at its Best I would be totally remised if I did not write and send my review of the Andaluz Hotel in Albuquerque – despite the fact I stayed there in late February while on business and genuinely enjoyed their terrific accommodations! Imagine, on my flight back to San Diego, I drafted notes of all the marvelous aspects on this spectacular hotel but never got around to writing this critique. Yes, guilt set-in! The ambience of the interior, rectangular-shaped lobby, a 2-story volume, is unmistakably New Mexico eclecticism. Picture a white one-story arched colonnade along two opposite sides with one-side featuring several exuberant inset “salas” (e.g., semi-private living rooms) with unique themes including one with a love-seat swing, and another befitting a sultan—no better place to entertain a dozen or so of your business colleagues or closest friends. At the center of the “courtyard” lobby was the ubiquitous fountain featuring a colored lighting display which created a nice splash. Not surprisingly, located on the other arched wall were a variety of support spaces, including a charming library, a sundry shop and a modest front-desk covered with colorful patterned glazed tiles. Similarly, the second level ambience certainly provided delightful views into the courtyard below from the pre-function galleria which ringed the meetings rooms, conference center and ballroom spaces. More to the point, this allowed me to exam some to the woodwork details especially the massive quasi-French curve corbelling over the bar as well as the guard railings which were designed with braided vertical pickets in alternating widths. Likewise, the dark stained wood ceiling and deep-set beams acted perfectly in contrast with the three, very large chandeliers. I should add, the following day, I spent most of the morning reviewing and editing my manuscript in solitude--my “private” seating area was divine. Although the 10-story hotel was constructed in the late 1930s by Conrad Hilton, and had undergone may renovations over the years, the present-day Spanish-Moorish aesthetic is bedazzling. My guestroom was small, but very clean and well appointed. All I needed was a comfortable bed, a desk to do some work, and a view of the mountains to the east. I arrived in the late afternoon and wanted to get to work immediately, knowing I’d be working well into the night. After perusing the menu, room service was quick – maybe they heard the “rumbling” of my stomach. I could not pass on the Cobb Jumbo Grilled Shrimp salad with multi-colored heirloom tomatoes on romaine lettuce. In a word: delicious! I took several photos of this dish which I sent to wife and kids. The next day the sun greeted me way too early, but I was ready at 7 a.m. to have breakfast at CHAR. I had scouted the restaurant and menu the previous night: Yup, the Blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and black coffee would be the order for an otherwise long travel-day.

I do enjoy the location of this hotel but the service is awful. Took 3 trips down to the front desk to have our room cleaned plus a meeting with the asst manager to have to wait another 30 mins for house keeping to arrive. Delayed our evening plans by a hour. Rooms are extremely loud you can hear everything. Your calls to the front desk and valet ring into eternity. For the cost of the room definitely not worth it. Such a shame.

The place is very beautiful very clean had a bar on the second floor with a balcony was amazing

No indoor parking for my motorcycle

The food at the restaurant located on the main floor. It was good.

Didnt like the small bed bench at end of bed. I walked into it a couple of times.

charming entrance

Very difficult to find and need better signage

Very disappointed. Room smelled like smoke. The tub did not drain so u were standing in three inches of water while taking a shower. No light in the bathroom. Apparently the lite in the mirror was broke and couldn't be fixed. Front desk was not helpful. In addition the room wasn't ready until 4 pm.

We are big fans of historic hotels, and Hotel Andaluz is one of our favorites. It was the third hotel built by Conrad Hilton and has maintained many of its beautiful original features. We enjoyed watching from our room hot air balloons rise each morning. Good musicians played in the Lobby Lounge three of the five nights we stayed. Staff were all well trained, helpful and friendly, especially Alyssa at the front desk. We will definitely return the next time we are in ABQ.