The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Albuquerque, New Mexico

If you want to blend into your desert surroundings in understated luxury, a stay at the Gensler-designed Hotel Chaco is imperative. Pale stone masonry and wooden accents reflect the architectural elements found at Chaco Canyon and in the pueblos around the state, while artwork from Native American New Mexican creatives – from colorful paintings and grand sculptures to an antler chandelier – is highlighted throughout public spaces. Starting at 410sqft (38sqm) and featuring balconies, the guest rooms also mirror the vastness of the desert (without the aridity, thanks to oversize walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads).

Designers and gastronomes will love the Old Town location of Hotel Albuquerque, where they can walk right across the street to the sprawling Sawmill Market food hall or just down the block to the New Mexico Artisan Market at the Bazaar, a showcase of New Mexican makers. But with an on-site flamenco venue, an outdoor pool and hot tub, and rooms that feature views of the Sandia Mountains or a private balcony, you may have a hard time leaving the property.

You had us at rooftop pool. Stay hydrated under the desert sun at this luxury hotel in Albuquerque – one of the sunniest cities in America – with a classic cocktail from HQue taken poolside. Afterward, rinse off to enjoy another inside the intimate atrium bar, where films from the Hollywood golden age roll in the background to a soundtrack of live jazz. Soak in the Duke City – another city nickname – sunrise every morning with a caramel macchiato from the on-site Starbucks.

“Historic,” “boutique” and “locally owned” may be hospitality buzzwords these days, but they’re the real deal at Hotel Parq Central, a luxury hotel in Albuquerque that was a hospital for local railway company employees when it opened in the 1920s. (Some say the spirits that once haunted the hospital remain today as friendly hotel ghosts.) Get intimate in guest rooms adorned in shades of silver, ecru and cream, or experience expansiveness on the rooftop Apothecary Lounge, where sweeping views are paired with Prohibition-era cocktails and drinks crafted with flavored bitters, such as Aztec chocolate and rhubarb.

Although you can spend all your time gaming at the slots, table games, and poker and bingo rooms, you’d be remiss not to explore all the offerings at this immense resort, which mushrooms into its desert and mountain backdrop with grandeur. There are concerts, lounge entertainers, an 18-hole Scott Miller-designed championship golf course, an award-winning spa and more than 10 restaurants and bars to enjoy – not to mention cabana rentals at the seasonal outdoor pool and hot tub.

Farther south in ABQ is another gaming favorite – Isleta Resort and Casino, which rises from the desert floor with an airy glass atrium snuggled between honey-pink sandstone towers. Book a balcony king room for views of the Isleta Eagle Golf Course before relishing a hearty prime rib from Embers Steak & Seafood. Before you crash on your Simmons Beautyrest pillow-top mattress, book your complimentary shuttle to Albuquerque International Sunport, just 10 minutes away.

It’s not called “Albu-quirky” for nothing, and this Curio Collection property knows it. Built in 1939 and once the tallest building in the city, Hotel Andaluz features an eclectic design inspired by the Andalusian region in Spain. Throughout the property, you’ll find colorful lighting accenting rounded archways and recessed artwork, large sculptures of desert creatures, such as jackrabbits, warm wood tones and mosaic-patterned decor. Don’t leave without tasting the patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), carne asada bao buns, and duck fat-fried oysters – paired with sangria, of course – at tapas bar MÁS.