Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by Hilton

"Why book? A luxury hotel overflowing with character, Hotel Andaluz lives up to its lauded place in hotelier history and seamlessly integrates sustainability measures.  Set the scene A downtown landmark, the boutique hotel is in the center of the action, whether that’s business and government meetings by day or the nightlife scene. Briefcase-totting guests share elevators with laidback actors in town to film their latest flicks. Spanish-inspired lobby casbahs and the second-story roof deck bar Ibiza attract locals celebrating special occasions.  The backstory Fledgling entrepreneur and New Mexico–native Conrad Hilton opened the original property in 1939. It was his fourth hotel and the first he built in his home state. The high-rise towered as the state’s tallest building for many years, just one reason it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It shuffled between owners over the decades until it landed in the hands of Albuquerque businessman Gary Goodman who oversaw the renovations and reopened it as Hotel Andaluz in 2009. Goodman flawlessly wove new Andalusian-inspired details with original features, like lobby murals and key slots lining one wall of the reception area. A decade after reopening, the hotel joined the Curio Collection by Hilton. The rooms Soothing sage accents and chocolate brown furniture warm contemporary surrounds in the 107 guest rooms. Families love the junior suites, which come with sofa beds. Guests looking to indulge can opt for the Presidential Suite. Its touches of Hollywood glamour match its history: Proprietor Hilton honeymooned here with actress Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1942. Food and drink Classic Spanish small plates like patatas bravas and fusion dishes like carne adovada egg rolls star on the tapas menu at Más. Head to Ibiza Urban Lounge for craft cocktails. If the weekend crowd seems overwhelming in the main bar, reserve a private casbah in advance. Each of the intimate, lobby alcoves have distinctive décor and come with table service.    The neighborhood/area As with any metropolitan downtown, Albuquerque’s city center can have a disheveled side. Guests who can navigate the big city feel will find restaurants for every palate, craft beer tap rooms, and art galleries within easy reach. The Duke City boasts one of the oldest and most robust public art programs in the country with more than a thousand pieces in the collection; more than half are clustered downtown, so a neighborhood art walk is a must.   The service The staff is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about Albuquerque. Eco effort During its $30 million dollar renovation, Hotel Andaluz achieved LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, a leader in high performance sustainable buildings. Hidden from guests’ views, the hotel uses solar-heated water, insulated windows, LED lighting, low-flow water fixtures, and an energy management system. All lessen the hotels impact and never compromise the guest experience. The hotel invites guests to recycle, use refillable water vessels, and reuse linens throughout their stays. Accessibility Guests with disabilities will be able to navigate common spaces easily. Queen rooms are ADA compliant and feature roll in showers and other amenities. \" - Ashley M. Biggers