The Hotel Blue

The hotel is trying, but it has a long wat to go. It's sort of a travel lodge "minus" facility.

Liked the tempurpedic beds. Breakfast was good and was extended as people strolled in from the balloon festival. Staff was friendly. Room smelled like smoke. Exterior not very appealing. Shower curtain smelled strongly of mildew. When my mother turned down her bed there was a looonnng strand of women's hair. Hotels I like to stay in do not need extra amenities- I just want to see and smell that they are clean.

The staff here will go out of their way to make sure your stay is a pleasant one.

The room was great and the TV selections pleased us. We did think we would have been closer to "Old Town." All in all, we enjoyed our stay.

This was a pleasant, if average hotel. The location was okay... close to old town, and within walking distance of a number of Route 66 type tourist spots. We walked to a restaurant, stopping along the way at a few bars. A lot of the bars were closed, though, which was shocking for a Saturday night. The park next to the hotel had a few homeless people in it, but wasn't too bad. The secure parking lot was a plus, as was the HDTV (DirecTV) in the room and the incredibly comfortable Tempurpedic bed. The staff was very polite and helpful. The free breakfast wasn't very good.

We knew we were in trouble when we drove up to the property. Its construction and lack of upkeep reminded me of the Soviet-inspired apartments I saw in the former East Germany. But because of the draconian cancellation policy, we were stuck. Trying to make the best of a bad situation, we noted the room had nice beds and a big flat-screen TV. But it also had weird things like a cabinet with its doors bolted shut that contained some kind of electronic equipment we could see through a crack. Spooky. Turned out the Direct TV remote was quirky to use at best, then at about 11:00 p.m., the TV froze on a horror flick we did NOT want to see. NO buttons on the remote would work, including the power-off button. We finally unplugged the TV. So much for the big flat screen. This morning, I put water & the coffee packet in the coffee maker, only to discover it wouldn't work. Tried it in several outlets. No luck. Took the TV remote to the desk clerk who said, "Plug in the machine and operate it with the Channel up & down button." Cool. Tried it. It came on frozen on the same channel as last night, and the remote was as functional as a stone. Called the desk. He told me that when his maintenance man came in he'd come up (which never happened while we were there). Then he told me the TV works; I just don't know how to work the remote. So much for a staff that cares. The much touted "Delux Breakfast" had no eggs or meat. The one selling point—location—was also misleading. Well over a mile to Old Town, and anyone who would walk back from downtown at night through that neighborhood is either braver than me or carries a gun. Cost? There is a first-class hotel we could see from the Blue that turned out to be priced just $10 more than Blue. We were on the road for 2 weeks staying every night in mo/hotels in AZ, CA, & NV. Blue was by far the worst of the lot. My advice: Avoid the Blue and the blues.

I don't use the pool nor fitness room so I can't comment. I did discover the really nice Italian restaurant across the street, but was advised by a member of your staff that they required upper class dress and I would not be accepted. Day before I left I decided to try anyway. The info I was given was a mistake and I really think you should capitalize on some joint ads and thereby promote each others' business as there are no other really nice restaurants close by. Old Town is further and tho really nice, I didn't feel I could walk in the late evening or night. The city is very clean, the climate enjoyable and I really enjoyed my stay.

After 5 incredibly NOISY days in Las Vegas, the Blue was a welcome oasis. Although an old building, with some old furnishings, an obvious attempt had been made to upgrade guest comfort - good bed, good TV, fridge with freezer, microwave, coffee pot, extra toiltries, etc. - MUCH better than accomodations that I had in Vegas and at the same price. This was just an overnight on the way home, but if I were to spend a few nights in Albuquerque, this hotel would be my choice - conveniently located, secure parking, comfortable, if not plush, accomodations, and reasonable price. Breakfast was good and help were friendly. For those not expecting luxury, this is definitely the place to be! bj

The hotel Blue was very nice, quiet and with friendly staff. The inside of the hotel was great, and the room extremely well kept, clean and inviting. But the outside of the hotel looks run-down, as do the balconies and the pool area. I had no trouble with walking around the hotel, and walking downtown to the convention center took 15 minutes, it's only 5 blocks away, but I was told by a friend who lives in Albuquerque that the location of the hotel is considered dangerous by locals. There were quite a few homeless people around in the park and on the streets, as well as "skaters" in the evening, but I never felt threatened. Friendly staff, nice they have two computers with internet access, and a printer! and the continental breakfast included waffles, fruit cups and yogurt, in addition to the ceral, danish, bagels and coffee found in most places. The free shuttle was great and quick; the hotel is very close to two bus lines that go down Central, the 66 and Rapid Ride, which take you to Old Town in 10 minutes. The downtown area is very empty of people, though. But this is the case in all of downtown, not just near the Hotel Blue. One major drawback is that the hotel has no dining room nor restaurant. However, Villa di Capo, an italian restaurant, is right across the street.

Good location for the price. Older, independent but clean and pleasant.