Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Stay at Residence Inn!
Albuquerque's Best Kept Secret: Residence Inn (Seriously, I'm Telling Everyone Now!) - A Review That’s a Little Too Real
Okay, so, shhh – don’t tell anyone. But the Residence Inn in Albuquerque? It’s not just decent. It’s secretly amazing. And yeah, I’m breaking the code and blabbing about it. Prepare for a review that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "your (slightly frazzled) friend gushing after a genuinely good stay."
First Impressions (and Why I Almost Blew It):
The exterior isn't going to blow your mind. It’s… a Residence Inn. You know the drill, brick, maybe a little stucco, the typical Albuquerque sunshine glinting off the windows. My first thought? "Oh, okay. Another one." But then, I tried to find the entrance. I swear, I circled the building twice, narrowly avoiding a rogue tumbleweed. (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating about the tumbleweed, it was more like a particularly ambitious piece of trash.) But finding the right door—that was a minor adventure, worthy of its own "getting around" anecdote. Thankfully, the 24-hour front desk was, and I’ll tell you, they were super friendly and helpful, and I think they felt bad, so they just made the whole checking in process incredibly easy! Contactless, of course – because… 2024.
Accessibility & the Good Stuff:
Now, let's get real. I didn't need a wheelchair, but I did notice how thoughtfully this place is set up. Wheelchair accessible, absolutely. And not just the obvious stuff. Wide hallways, the whole nine yards. And the way the hotel incorporated things like the elevator and facilities for disabled guests made a huge impression. Thinking of the wider world and making it happen is huge. They have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, it's a must-have.
The Room - My Own Personal Oasis (Almost):
Okay, the room. This is where the Residence Inn really shines (and where I started to understand why people rave. I've stayed in my fair share of hotels, and this place? Was on another level.) Think: seriously spacious. My suite was a freaking palace. (Okay, maybe not a palace, but definitely bigger than my actual apartment.) My space had a separate living area made me instantly feel like an adult again, and not just a person collapsing onto a bed after a long day. The Air conditioning was flawless. The Blackout curtains kept me from waking up at dawn (a major win!). And that bed? Oh, that bed. I’m not even kidding, I think I legitimately slept better than I have in months. Seriously. I think I might ask them to teach me a thing or two about how to make a bed!
Getting Down to the Details (and My Little Annoyances):
- Internet Access: Yup, the Internet - LAN and Internet access – wireless were both solid. No buffering. No rage-quitting during streaming.
- Available in all rooms: Like a coffee/tea maker, perfect! Hair dryer, yes! And a Refrigerator and, of course, bathroom phone - you know, just in case you're about to collapse. Oh, and the alarm clock, right next to the reading light!
Now, the not-so-perfect moments? I am not going to lie. Some of the toiletries were generic. And… I did have a minor issue with the soundproofing. I think I heard a particularly enthusiastic party next door one night. But a quick call to the front desk, and it was sorted: handled quickly and with genuine concern. So, the imperfections were small.
The Food (Because, Let’s Be Honest, It’s Important):
Speaking of the front desk, the way they handled the Breakfast takeaway service was awesome. You know I needed my coffee early! The Breakfast [buffet] had the usual suspects, but the quality was a notch above. And, for goodness sake, there was an Asian breakfast. And I was still dreaming of that crispy bacon!
Okay, the Restaurants onsite? I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted. It was late. Maybe next time they will have Asian cuisine in the restaurant for some night time snacking! There was room service, though, and that was available 24-hour. Which I am totally grateful for!
Wellness & Relaxation – My One Regret:
I’m a sucker for pampering. And I totally didn’t experience the Spa. Or the Sauna. Or the Steamroom. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was there, but it was a bit chilly. But I made a mental note: Next Time – I’m going all-in.
Cleanliness & Safety – The New Normal (and It’s Appreciated):
Okay, let’s chat about safety. The place felt spotless. They clearly take Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas seriously. Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, and the whole nine yards. Room sanitization opt-out available – appreciated. Cashless payment service. I felt safe, and honestly, that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:
Seriously, the list is long, but a few things that really stood out:
- Daily housekeeping – A total lifesaver. I'm not used to making my bed, or cleaning up after myself!
- Laundry service – Because, let’s face it, travel can be messy.
- Concierge – Helpful, personable, and always had a recommendation.
- Car park [free of charge]. Which is amazing when you consider all the extra fees that Hotels usually have.
For the Kids (Because Life Happens):
I didn't have any kids in tow, but the Family/child friendly vibe was definitely there. Seeing them, I could tell, that the babysitting service was of good quality!
Getting Around – Easy Peasy:
You can arrange an Airport transfer, Taxi service, they allow Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge], and honestly, getting around was a breeze.
My Overall Verdict: (Yep, You Really Want to Know)
Look, I'm not one to gush. But the Residence Inn in Albuquerque is… exceptional. Is it perfect? Nah. But it's really, really good. It's the kind of place that makes travel easier, more comfortable, and (dare I say it?) enjoyable. It’s now my go-to spot in Albuquerque.
Final Thoughts:
Consider this your permission slip: Go. Check it out. You won't regret it. And maybe, just maybe, you can keep the secret with me for a little while longer. After all, sharing is caring – but I also secretly want it to stay a little less crowded. ;-)
Harrisburg Getaway: Your Dream Stay at Residence Inn Carlisle!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. This is the real-life, chaotic, sometimes-delicious, sometimes-slightly-soul-crushing (but hopefully mostly delicious) adventure at the Residence Inn Albuquerque North. Let's be real, expectations are low, and that's usually when the magic happens.
Day 1: Albuquerque Arrival & Mild Existential Dread (But Really Just the Airport)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). My flight was… on time. This is a win, people! I'm pretty sure the airlines are paid off at this point. Getting through baggage claim always feels like a high-stakes game of Tetris. I hope my suitcase isn't currently rocking around in El Paso while I'm here.
1:45 PM: Shuttle to Residence Inn. (Pro-tip: Do NOT assume it's a quick 15-minute hop. Albuquerque traffic is a creature of its own, and by "its own," I mean "utterly unpredictable.") This little shuttle ride? Oh, the conversations you can overhear! Today's masterpiece included a woman loudly complaining about the lack of decent "green chile queso" in the city. This made me both intrigued and terrified. I must find this queso.
3:00 PM: Check-in. Okay, the front desk person was… enthusiastic. Almost too enthusiastic. Maybe he's new? Anyway, navigating the hotel check-in is always a journey of hidden expectations. Is the room decent? Is the elevator working? Is there a decent coffee machine? Please let there be a decent coffee machine.
3:30 PM: Room Exploration. Okay, the room is fine. Standard Residence Inn fare. I'll try to find the "quirks" later. The kitchenette has possibilities… I've made some decent instant ramen in hotel kitchenettes in my time. The bed? Appears comfy. This is the most important aspect of the room so I appreciate it. The TV is… whatever. I'll be honest: I'm already itching for the real prize. The queso search.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: The QUESO QUEST BEGINS. This is my single-minded focus for the day. I'm consulting Yelp, Google Reviews, and the general aura of "New Mexico-ness" to find this mythical green chile queso. If I have to drive across town, I will. (Spoiler alert: It was a mild failure. But, more on that later!)
- First stop: A local place called Sadie's. Word has it: Great vibe, good food, and AMAZING queso.
- Reaction: It's a long wait. I am getting hangry.
- The food: The queso was good. Very good. But was it life-altering good? Jury's still out. Maybe because I was so worked up, but It was a very good queso. The enchiladas, however, were a revelation. I've never seen so much heat and flavor! What a start.
7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Exhausted, full of delicious food and the existential dread of knowing I haven't even started my vacation.
7:30 PM: Hotel room shenanigans. I'm really just watching bad TV and trying to recover from the long day.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM: Attempt to work out. I lasted 20 minutes before surrendering. This is a vacation, not a boot camp. I did, however, enjoy the view of the pool from the gym window; I may or may not have quietly watched the kids playing in the pool at the same time… I am not judging their fun.
10:00 PM: Sleep! I am so beat.
Day 2: Old Town Exploration & Unexpected Emotional Swings (Plus, More Queso!)
8:00 AM: The hotel breakfast. This is usually where the adventure starts. The waffles? Always questionable. The coffee? Usually watery. The fruit? Often sad. But hey, it's free. And I will eat it.
9:00 AM: Road trip! I head to Old Town Albuquerque. I'm pretty sure this is a must-see.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Wandering Old Town. It's charming, yes. But the sheer number of turquoise jewelry shops? Overwhelming. I saw some gorgeous pottery, but my impulse control is weak. I may or may not have indulged in a (very necessary) churro.
- Quirky Observation: The number of street performers with questionable musical abilities is hilarious. I'm pretty sure one guy was playing the recorder… badly. And loving it.
- Emotional Reaction: A sudden wave of longing for my dog back home washed over me. I needed a pet break.
12:00 PM: Lunch in Old Town. Found a place called "Church Street Cafe." Word is: Good green chile. Verdict: Yes. It was delicious, but not the BEST queso I've ever had.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the shops. I bought a weird trinket. Oops. I am weak.
3:00 PM: Time for a second quest. Queso! This time, I'm determined.
4:00 PM: Relaxing at the hotel.
7:00 PM: Dinner.
8:00 PM: Swimming is the best option.
Day 3: The Balloon Fiesta (Or, A Lesson in Patience) & The Final Queso Verdict
5:00 AM: Wake up! (Against my will, of course.) The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is… intense.
6:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Balloon Fiesta chaos. Traffic? A nightmare. People? Everywhere. Balloons, magnificent. The sheer scale is breathtaking. It's worth the early wake-up call.
- Quirky Observation: The amount of people trying to sell you balloon-themed merchandise is mind-boggling.
- Emotional Reaction: The sheer beauty of the balloons rising in the dawn light caused me to spontaneously weep. Beautiful.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Coffee and a quick snack back at the hotel. I need to recharge after being so early.
10:00 AM: I attempted more touristy stuff, but I'm feeling "Albuquerque'd out."
1:00 PM: Final Queso Stop. This is it. The last chance. I'm off to The Shed.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at The Shed. The place is a total landmark.
- Queso Verdict: AMAZING. This. Is. The. Queso. The Green Chile Cheese Enchiladas are amazing. It was a near-religious experience and I am ready to go home.
4:00 PM: A little more wandering before I check out.
6:00 PM: Pack. Sigh. Time to leave Albuquerque, and the queso.
8:00 PM: Shuttle to the airport. The most bittersweet journey: I'll miss this place.
10:00 PM: Head home.
The Verdict: Albuquerque, you are weird. And beautiful. And sometimes frustrating. And your queso… is perfection. I'll be back.
Escape to Columbus: Your Perfect Hilliard Stay Awaits!
Okay, spill the beans. What's so "secret" about a Residence Inn? Isn't that… just a hotel?
Alright, alright, you got me. It's not *exactly* Area 51 level of secrecy. But trust me, it's the *kind* of secret you whisper to your inner circle. And by "inner circle," I mean anyone who’ll listen, ideally over a really good margarita. See, the Residence Inn in Albuquerque is… different. It's not just a place to crash. It's a portal to a world of fluffy towels, endless coffee, and a breakfast spread that *actually* makes you excited to get out of bed. And trust me, when you’re dealing with Albuquerque sunshine, that’s a victory.
So, the breakfast is legendary? What's the big deal? (I'm a breakfast snob, judge me.)
Hoo, boy. Prepare yourself. The breakfast is… a *thing*. For starters, it's ALWAYS fresh. Like, I swear, they have little elves back there baking muffins around the clock. And it’s not the sad continental breakfast you get at some places. We're talking waffles (real waffles, not the frozen kind!), eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit that actually tastes like something, and enough coffee to jolt you into a caffeine-fueled state of pure bliss. I even saw someone build an entire waffle sundae creation one morning! Don't judge, I contemplated it myself. They're not judging. They *get* it.
Alright, alright, breakfast sounds good. But what about the rooms? They all look the same, right?
Okay, okay, I'll admit, the rooms *kinda* look like other Residence Inns. But here's the difference. These are… *clean*. Like, suspiciously clean. I'm talking you could eat off the floor (though, I wouldn't *recommend* it, but the point stands!). Spacious, too. You're not tripping over your suitcase. And the beds? Heavenly. I once slept so hard, I almost forgot I was in a hotel. (Almost!) Plus, the kitchenettes are a lifesaver, especially if you're staying for longer than a day and need a break from all the amazing New Mexican food everywhere. And the sofa... Oh, the sofa. I once made myself a comfy, oversized fort with it. Don't tell anyone. They were going to kick me out.
What's the deal with Albuquerque? Is this location actually convenient?
Okay, this is where the "secret" part really shines. The location is *perfect*. It's close to everything. Close to Old Town, close to the hiking trails, close to that amazing green chile cheeseburger place I can't stop thinking about. (Okay, maybe I'm a little obsessed.) But seriously, you're also near the highway so if you need to go anywhere quickly, it's easy. I've stayed here during peak balloon fiesta time, and it was *still* manageable. That's a win. A huge, glorious win. Because trust me, traffic in Albuquerque *during* the Balloon Fiesta is a special kind of… well, let's just say it’s an experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Asking for… well, myself.
Honestly? Very. We're talking spacious suites, a pool (with good hours, I might add, I think it depends on the season), and a staff that seems to genuinely *like* kids. They’ve got the whole “family stay” thing down pat. You'll be able to spend more time enjoying the hotel while your children have their own space to hang out and watch TV, and what's better than that? Oh, did I mention? Free Wi-Fi. Always a win.
Any downsides? Come on, there *has* to be a catch, right?
Okay, fine. I’m not going to lie. Parking *can* be a bit of a squeeze sometimes. Especially during peak season. I’ve had to circle the lot a few times, which is less than ideal, especially after a long day of exploring. And sometimes, the elevators are a little slow, which is a first-world problem, I admit, but still... And I do wish the pool was a wee bit bigger. But honestly, those are pretty minor gripes, right? Considering all the awesomeness? I’ve stayed in much, much worse places. This is a solid, comfortable, happy spot. If you're looking for perfection, go to a spa. If you're looking for a truly restful stay, this is your place. And hey, maybe you'll see me there. I'll be the one with the waffle sundae.
Okay, you sold me. How do I book? And… how much will it cost? (I'm not made of money!)
Ah, the million-dollar question! Booking is easy peasy. You can hit up the hotel's website, or go through your favorite travel site. As for the price? It varies depending on the season, and availability. But honestly, for everything you get, it's a pretty darn good value. I've found some amazing deals during the off-season. Just keep an eye out. And if you're really lucky, you might score a suite with a fireplace. (Swoon!) Just be warned, once you stay here, you'll be hooked. You'll be telling everyone. And possibly, just possibly, ruining its "secret" status. But hey – you're welcome.
The Fitness Center. Is it any good? I never miss a workout. (cough… maybe…)
Alright, alright, the gym. Look, it's not a five-star, state-of-the-art facility, but it gets the job done. Treadmills, ellipticals, some weights… all the basics. It's enough to keep you from going completely off the rails while on vacation. (We'll call it "maintenance mode.") The one thing is, it can get a bit crowded in the mornings, so your best bet to beat the rush is to go early. Or, you can wait until later in the day, when people are out exploring. Either way, it is worth it to have it right there when you need it.
The Free Cocktails? Tell me more…
Okay, here we are at the part of the conversation that actually lives up to the "luxury stay" description. I'm not going toHidden Stay
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