When it comes to an airport hotel, my expectation is always basic – convenient and practical. All I’m really looking for is someplace close, so I don’t have to get up early for a long trek for that flight in the wee hours, at a price that doesn’t break the bank. And although my stay may be brief, I expect a certain level of amenities and services. If that describes what you need in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel makes for a worthwhile stay.
The hotel isn’t actually AT the airport, despite its billing, but it is connected via a walkway directly from baggage claim. If you have lots of luggage, or just prefer not to walk in what can be brutally hot weather, a complimentary shuttle runs 24 hours a day. With 276 rooms and views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Sandia Mountains, the hotel offers convenient access to the National Hispanic Cultural Center, the Historic Old Town, and ABQ Bio-Park. Nearby you’ll find the University of New Mexico and area golf courses.
While the lobby is fairly typical for a Sheraton, one fun feature is the checkerboard tables interspersed in the lounge area. My stay was very brief and I didn’t have time to enjoy the lounge, but I can envision a spirited game over a cold beverage. The adjacent restaurant is Southwest casual and offers a morning breakfast buffet. I didn’t have time to enjoy the outdoor pool or the fitness center.
Rooms, again, are exactly what you’d expect – flat screen TVs, coffee makers, work areas – and is well laid out. The work area is well laid out, I logged several hours at the desk, with lighting and plug-ins well located. I kept my drapes closed as I was on a lower floor and the view of the nearby parking lot wasn’t enticing. However, the hotel also has club rooms on higher floors with better views of the surrounding area. It’s a look at some pretty dramatic landscape. Club rooms also have access to a private lounge with a complimentary continental breakfast, snacks throughout the day, and happy hour appetizers.
The hotel is pet-friendly but does require an additional fee.
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What separates the good from the great airport hotels is often not room size or amenities, it’s their park and fly packages. These packages are perfect for locals that live just a bit too far out for a cheap car service and want to avoid the expense of parking at the airport. The Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel is perfect for those local travelers offering packages that include an overnight stay along with 10 free days of parking (if you’ll be gone longer than that, the fee is $5 per day). While Albuquerque isn’t as expensive as many cities across the country, this still provides a substantial saving and takes a little bit of sting out of the frustration and inconvenience that accompanies air travel.
The Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel is located at 2910 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rates start around $105 night, with a variety of value packages available. You can also compare rates and book through a site such as Hotels.com.
