The Imperial — Attraction in Albuquerque

TL/DR, this is an amazing gem of a motel! We always prefer to stay in boutique motels like this, and this is arguably one of the best we've ever seen. It's definitely worth a trip by itself. ||This is one of the original "Imperial 400" locations. They were built back in the 1960s as a nationwide chain of stylish midcentury modern motels. Unfortunately, nearly all have either been demolished or renovated beyond recognition, but The Imperial went in the opposite direction. It's been completely gutted and restored, and is now a hip, unique stay in an excellent location.||The motel was easy to find with ample free parking. All of the exterior features of the original motel have been lovingly preserved (like the gullwing roof) or modernized (like the parking lot and walkway lighting). All of the public spaces were well-lit and we never had any concerns coming or going at night. The restored pool is flanked by a combination dining nook / cocktail lounge and what appears to be future space for galleries or retail businesses. Sadly we didn't get to visit the lounge but we did make heavy use of the full-blown coffee bar in the lobby. They have their own specialty espresso drinks, making this a huge upgrade over the free coffee most hotels offer! ||Our second-floor room was immaculately clean and spacious. The design of the room leans heavily into midcentury mod balanced with modern finishes like LED lighting and a very comfortable foam mattress. The room had no wardrobe or dresser, but a series of shelves near the bathroom provided hangers for our coats and plenty of space for our carry-ons. We had no trouble stashing our two large suitcases out of the way near the door. Just be aware there is no luggage rack so you'll be tossing them on the bed when you need to access your clothes. I'm normally not a fan of foam mattresses in hotels, but this one was perfect! We slept amazingly all three nights.||The bathroom was fully modernized and looked great. The tub itself appeared original but everything else (including the faucet and showerhead) was brand new. As an added bonus, the exhaust fan actually works! This is something most hotels / motels overlook, so it was a nice surprise to be able to step out of the shower and immediately have an unfogged mirror for shaving!||Right outside our room was a small balcony area with a firepit and seating for about 8-12. We didn't get to use the firepit but it was a great place to enjoy our morning coffee or decompress after after a day exploring all ABQ has to offer.||The fitness center and laundry were above average for what you'd expect at a boutique motel. There were three cardio machines, a basic set of dumbbells, a weight bench, and a water bottle filling station. The laundry and fitness center share a room, so you can get a workout while you're waiting for your clothes to dry!||Wifi was strong and fast throughout the property. We didn't watch much TV, but did confirm it worked.||There are only three things to be aware of. I'm not docking any points for these but they're worth noting:||1) I would have liked more / better outlet placement in the room. A charging station on the desk or shelves with multiple AC & USB outlets would be perfect! We made things work using our travel surge protector but in this era of charging two phones, two tablets, two power banks, two headsets, a GoPro with multiple batteries, and so on, it's easy to quickly run out of outlet space.||2) The motel is along a major thoroughfare (Route 66 / Central Ave) so you will hear traffic at night. This is to be expected, and there isn't really anything anybody can do about it. If you think this will bother you, install a white noise app. ||3) There are some excellent bars and restaurants within walking distance. We felt perfectly safe in the blocks immediately around the motel, and the on-site lounge looks great. However, if you plan to walk west of Broadway or east of Sycamore, I'd recommend taking a...

When I moved to Abq and I was getting on my feet ,I stayed with my 2 girls, 3 and 4 at the time ,in one of the bigger rooms with an actual little kitchen. I had to pay the same price per week as if it were 2 extra adults which I found kinda unfair, I mean we could have all slept in a twin bed even and been fine. The housekeepers pretend not to speak english or read the "Do Not Disturb" signs on the door. They would come in and basically scope out my stuff. I once moved from one room to across the hall and realized that one of my suede boots were missing. After talking and pantomiming and sending morse code, you name it, she finally said in perfect English "You do not strip your beds or ask for vaccum your room so it gone now" . She basically admitted to stealing it. I refused to throw the other one where she could get it so I went on a road trip to Utah and chucked it. Another time, I had to check out another time because funds needed raising for other week, and my check was a couple hours late, and of course, even though my girls andI had been there six months and had been a couple hours late a couple of times, they made us take all of our stuff out. I totally spaced having put all my ringsand bracelets in top of the closet. I remembered almost the instant i sat down to rest at the park but I called and was told curtly that there was no report of jewelry and that they would let me know. Speaking to the housekeepers was another waste of time since English was forgotten oncemore. The reason I brought the spanish thing up twice, is that they noticed I was a single mom that was struggling and started to be nice. Cool, sure, until their true motives were discovered. Using Rosetta Stone one final time, to master the language enough to ask me if I had foodstamps to sell for cash. I said thanks but no thanks and they iced me out for the rest of my stay. Shifty place where bums get shwifty all day...

Gem in Albuquerque – Modern Elegance Meets Classic Motel Vibes

I stayed at this incredible hotel in October during the International Balloon Fiesta, and I can confidently say it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning retro-modern aesthetic that pays homage to Albuquerque’s classic motel culture, but with a minimalistic, modern twist. The iconic signage, vibrant neon, and clean, stylish architecture immediately transported me to a timeless, yet contemporary atmosphere.

My room was a sanctuary of tranquility—beautifully designed with simplicity and care. Every detail felt thoughtfully curated, allowing for a peaceful and restorative stay. The amenities were also impressive. The pool area and breakfast bar were pristine and welcoming, and while I didn’t get the chance to dine at their new restaurant, it looked fantastic and seems to be a hit, based on the glowing reviews.

What truly stood out to me was the exceptional value for the price. At just $100 per night, this hotel offers an experience that far surpasses its cost. The location in a vibrant district made exploring Albuquerque easy and enjoyable. I felt completely safe and well cared for by the incredibly friendly and attentive staff, who went above and beyond to make sure my stay was perfect.

This hotel has done a phenomenal job modernizing the motel culture of Albuquerque without losing its charm. If you’re looking for a stylish, affordable, and welcoming place to stay in the heart of Albuquerque, look no further. I absolutely loved my time here and will be returning on...