Albuquerque's BEST Downtown Hotel? Homewood Suites Review!
Albuquerque's Best Downtown Hotel? (Let's Be Real…) Homewood Suites - My Gut-Wrenching, Love-Hate Review!
Alright, folks. Let's cut the BS and dive headfirst into the Homewood Suites downtown Albuquerque. I've stayed here, and I've… experienced it. And let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Buckle up, because this isn't your average travel blog fluff piece. This is real.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Homewood Suites in Downtown Albuquerque. Accessibility, amenities, quirks, and all. Is it really the "best"? Find out!
- Focus Keyword: Homewood Suites Albuquerque Review
Accessibility (Finally, Something I Can Rant About!)
Okay, so this is HUGE. Accessibility is crucial, and Homewood Suites gets a solid… thumbs up (with a slight wince). I mean, the elevator (essential, obviously) worked! Facilities for disabled guests, apparently they've got them, but I didn't exactly need them. Wheelchair accessible seems totally legit from the lobby at least.
- On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I didn't see a dedicated accessible restaurant or lounge, but the general layout seemed pretty open, unlike some of those awful, cramped spaces.
- Wheelchair accessible: Seems generally good, but always double-check with the hotel directly, yeah?
The Good Stuff (And the Almost-Bad Stuff)
Let's get the shiny stuff out of the way. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Lifesaver. Because, let's be honest, I have a problem, when the internet decides to die on you. Internet Access is covered, but I'm a modern person; Wi-Fi in public areas is a must too. Breakfast in room for those lazy mornings – YES (although sometimes the "buffet" looks like a food-fight aftermath).
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, here's where it gets tricky. The idea is great. Waffles, the works. But the execution? I've seen better at a 7-Eleven… Okay okay, it's not that bad.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Usually, it's decent. Sometimes it's lukewarm, and you want to cry.
- Pool with view: (Okay, this is a digression, but a good one). The pool… it's outside. It's fine. Nothing spectacular. Albuquerque views aren't exactly the Swiss Alps.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See above. It's there. It's wet. You can swim.
Cleanliness and Safety (Pandemic Edition)
Alright, I'm not going to lie, I have trust issues when it comes to hotels post-pandemic. Homewood Suites, thankfully, seems to take things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good to hear.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Encouraging.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. You can't escape it. Probably for the best.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Appreciated at the breakfast (if you dare).
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try. Sometimes the breakfast area gets a bit packed, but again, it's Albuquerque.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hopefully.
- Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out: Definitely a plus.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (Mostly)
The rooms are… okay. They're suites, so you get a bit of space, which is a huge win. A small kitchen/kitchenette, a living area, a bedroom. Good for longer stays, but:
Air conditioning: It works. Usually.
Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in, if you ever do.
Free bottled water: Yay! Hydration is key.
Internet access – wireless: Good!
Non-smoking: Thank GOD.
Refrigerator: Handy for storing… leftovers.
Seating area: Allows space to relax.
Wi-Fi [free]: Again, a godsend.
The sofa: Let's get real, the sofa in my room looked like it had been through a war. Stains, dents, looked like it could tell some stories. But hey, at least it was comfy enough for a nap.
The bathroom: The toiletries are standard hotel fare. Don't expect anything fancy. The shower pressure was… variable.
The Bed: Ah, the bed. It was comfortable enough. Not the best I've ever slept in, but not the worst. I remember sleeping well. I think.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Survival Mode)
This is not the spot to go for a culinary experience. You are not going to be blown away.
Restaurants: They have restaurants!
Bar: They have a bar!
Coffee shop: They probably do.
The Bar: The bar… well, it’s a bar. Adequate. The service was friendly, but the cocktails? Let's just say they were generous with the… ice.
Breakfast [buffet]: Oh, we talked about the buffet. It's a mixed bag. Some days, it's actually edible, some days… not so much.
Room service [24-hour]: I have used it, it has its moments.
Services and Conveniences (The Mundane Essentials)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Business facilities: Seems present and correct.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Concierge: Existed, seemed helpful.
- Elevator: Thank god.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Laundry service: Available.
For the Kids (God Help Them)
- Not a major point or a big deal.
Getting Around (The Real Deal)
- Airport transfer: Possible
- Car park [on-site]: Convenient, but sometimes crowded.
- Taxi service: Yep.
Things to Do (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
Albuquerque is a city with its own rhythm. There's a lot to see and, obviously, there are many things to do.
My Final Verdict (The Honest Truth)
Look, Homewood Suites downtown Albuquerque is… fine. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. It has its flaws. It's a bit of a mixed bag.
- The Good: Spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, the basics are covered. Location. Price is usually on the favorable side.
- The Bad: The breakfast buffet. Some staff might be more friendly than others. Nothing major.
- The Ugly: Nothing stands out terribly.
Would I stay there again? Probably. Because sometimes, "fine" is exactly what you need. It's comfortable, convenient, and hey, at least it has a bed. Just manage your expectations, pack some snacks, and be prepared for an experience, not a fairytale.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (with a lot of internal monologue about the imperfect breakfast).
LA's Hottest Hidden Gem: Hi-Way Host Motel! (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't some sterile, airline-brochure-esque itinerary, this is real life, Albuquerque style, hosted in the comfy embrace of the Homewood Suites Downtown. Let's get messy.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Downtown: The Messy Desert Adventure
(Day 1: Arrival, Exhaustion, and Spicy Regret)
3:00 PM - Arrival & Room Check-In (Plus: Panic!): Touchdown in Albuquerque! The airport was… well, an airport. Efficient, blessedly air-conditioned, and thankfully, my luggage wasn’t on a wild goose chase to… well, anywhere else. Hopped in an Uber, wrestled my way into the backseat, and mumbled, "Homewood Suites, downtown, please." The driver gave me a look. Okay, maybe I look a little worse for wear after that red-eye.
Imperfection Alert: The hotel lobby looked gorgeous online, but the reality? That faux southwestern decor is already starting to wear on me. But the complimentary cookies? Those are holding a special place in my heart.
Quirky Observation: The elevator music. What is it with hotels and the relentless, elevator-appropriate muzak? It’s like elevator-lite jazz, and it's already burrowed into my brain. Send help.
Emotional Reaction: Relief washed over me as I shoved open the door to my suite. Suite, you say? Well, a spacious room with a kitchen. That could come in handy. My initial glee at such a large space quickly faded when I realized, I'm alone and I need to unpack…and I’m already shattered.
4:00 PM - Exploring the Suite (aka: Staring at the Fridge and Feeling Impatient): Alright, I'm in recovery mode. I unearth my emergency snacks, trail mix, and…a lone banana. My stomach groans. The fridge stares back, empty and judgmental. I should probably hit the grocery store. But first…nap.
6:00 PM - Dinner at Sadies of Albuquerque (aka: Regret in a Bowl): Everyone says "get the green chile". Everyone. So of course, I order the green chile cheeseburger. It's…intense. The chile, the burger, the heat…okay, alright, I love it. Then I order the enchiladas. Way too much food, way too much delicious, potent green chile. Emotional Reaction: My mouth is on fire, my stomach’s about to explode, and I can feel the green chile creeping up to my brain. Worth it.
- Anecdote: I accidentally ordered a side of sopaipillas with honey. I took one bite. Then I ate another. Then I inhaled the whole damn basket. I’m pretty sure I’m developing a secret sopaipilla addiction.
8:00 PM - Stumbling Back to the Hotel (aka: The Green Chile Coma): Walked back to the hotel, feeling like a melting wax figure. Every step was a struggle against the inevitable green chile-induced nap. Made it. Collapses on the bed. Goodnight world.
(Day 2: Old Town Charm, Art Attacks, and the Quest for Coffee)
7:00 AM - Wake Up and…Search For Coffee: The first crisis of the day. Where, in God's good name, is the good coffee? The in-room coffee maker offers weak, brown water. Emotional Reaction: A near panic. I need caffeine.
- Imperfection Alert: The hotel, the sweet, sweet hotel, doesn't do coffee service. Time for the first expedition of the day.
8:00 AM - Exploring Old Town Albuquerque: Finally found coffee! A local spot with actual beans. The Old Town is a dream. The architecture, the cobblestone streets, the little shops…all truly charming. I spent hours wandering around, buying random trinkets, and trying to imagine life here.
10:00 AM - The Albuquerque Museum of Art & History (aka: So Many Paintings!): Okay, I’m not typically an art museum person. But the Albuquerque Museum is actually good. The art, the history…I spent ages staring at some paintings, letting my mind wander.
- Anecdote: I nearly tripped over a small child in a cowboy hat while marveling at a particularly vibrant landscape. Almost mortifying…until I realized I was the only one who saw and they kept happily skipping along.
12:00 PM - Lunch & People-Watching: Found a cute little cafe and spent an hour just watching people. Real Albuquerque life. Loved it.
2:00 PM - Back to the Suite / The Mid-Day Slump: Back to the suite. I'm starting to miss my real bed. Still… that giant suite is nice. I can stretch out and spread my mess all over the place.
4:00 PM - Explored Albuquerque's Downtown: Went for a stroll downtown. Saw some cool murals, checked out some vintage stores, and even visited the Albuquerque Convention Center.
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Show: This time, I’m opting for something lighter, something far from the green chile. I find a nice little wine bar and a local show.
- Quirky Observation: Every person in the show seemed to know everyone present. Albuquerque is a small town, but it has a real community vibe, regardless.
- Emotional Reaction: Happy and tired, I retreat back to Homewood Suites.
(Day 3: Balloon Fiesta Prep & Departure (Maybe?))
7:00 AM - Breakfast & Planning (aka: Maybe I Shouldn’t Have Eaten all those Sopaipillas?): The complimentary breakfast at the hotel is actually okay. Still, I make myself a piece of burnt toast and a single scrambled egg.
- Anecdote: I am still planning on attending the Balloon Fiesta tomorrow. But I’m starting to have second thoughts. The sheer mass of people…the early morning wake-up call…is it even worth it? I'm going to sleep on it today.
10:00 AM - Packing & Pretending to be a Real Person: This is the hardest part of travel. I try to pack smartly. But I also fail miserably.
12:00 PM - Relaxation and Reading (aka: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing): I'm a champion of the afternoon nap.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, the AC in this hotel room is trying to freeze me solid!
4:00 PM - Last Sopaipilla Expedition: One more delicious hit.
7:00 PM - Dinner: I ordered a simple salad for dinner. The calm before the plane.
9:00 PM - Bed: Good night, Albuquerque!
(Day 4 : Departure - Back to Reality)
- 8:00 AM - Leave Hotel: Check out was easy, thankfully. And I actually left the hotel feeling…refreshed? The magic of a good, albeit messy, trip.
- 9:00 AM - The Airport: The airport was still an airport.
- 11:00 AM - Take off: Bye, Albuquerque! Thanks for the memories, the green chile (and the regret), and the surprisingly comfortable stay at the Homewood Suites.
Albuquerque's Downright Awesome Downtown Hotel: Homewood Suites Review (Yeah, REALLY!)
Alright, spill the beans! Is this Homewood Suites REALLY as good as everyone says, or just hype?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. So... honestly? Yeah. It’s pretty darn good. I mean, look, I'm a notoriously picky traveler. I've got the standards of a queen (a slightly grumpy, caffeine-dependent queen, mind you). But this Homewood Suites? It surprised me. Now, before you roll your eyes and think "sponsored content," let me assure you... I paid for this. Full price. And I'm reviewing it, warts and all, like the glorious, imperfect human I am.
Here's the thing: the free breakfast is actually *decent*. Not just the sad, rubbery eggs and questionable sausage situation you get at some places. They had like... *real* scrambled eggs (sometimes!), plus those little pastries that you tell yourself you won't eat but then inhale three of. AND coffee. Always. Coffee is crucial, people. Seriously. If a hotel can't handle the coffee, I'm out. Consider this my first endorsement.
Speaking of rooms, what's the deal? Big? Clean? Cause I need space to spread out! I'm a cluttermaster.
The rooms… are genuinely spacious. Blessedly so. I'm pretty sure my particular suite was bigger than my first apartment. Okay, slight exaggeration, BUT it felt like a good-sized apartment. Separate living area, a proper desk (thank the heavens!), a little kitchen area with a fridge and microwave... It's brilliant for traveling solo or with a partner (or even with kids, though I wouldn't know about that, thankfully). And the *cleanliness*! Spotless, mostly. I did find one rogue Skittle under the couch, which, to be fair, might have been *mine*. Don't judge me. I was stressed.
Seriously though, more hotels need to understand the importance of space. I need a place to dump my suitcase, my ridiculous number of travel-sized toiletries, the book I swear I’ll read, and the bag of questionable snacks I bought at the airport. This place *gets* it.
Okay, location, location, location! Is it actually *downtown* downtown? Easy to get around?
YES! It really *is* downtown. Like, walk-to-restaurants, walk-to-stuff-to-do downtown. And the area felt reasonably safe, even at night (though, always use common sense, people!). You’re close to the Railrunner, which is handy if you wanna explore Santa Fe without the car hassle. Plus, there’s a cute little brewery a couple of blocks away... Pure research, of course. For the review. (Cough.)
Now, parking? That's always a potential nightmare downtown, right? But the hotel had parking. Granted, it wasn’t *free* parking (boo!), but it was there, and it was relatively easy to access. Worth the cost I think.
Anything... bad? Gotta have some dirt!
Alright, real talk. Nothing is perfect. I’m gonna nitpick like a pro now. The elevators? They were a little… slow. Like, "holding my breath, hoping I don't spontaneously combust before they arrive" slow. Could be a problem if you're perpetually late (like me). And the gym, while *present*, was tiny. I'm not a gym rat, but even I was a little underwhelmed. And... this is going to sound incredibly shallow, but the decor? A little… generic. Clean, but could use a splash of Southwestern flair. I'm talking vibrant rugs, art, *something* beyond beige and beige-adjacenet. More personality, please!
Let's double down on one particular stay I had, maybe a specific experience... spill your guts.
Okay. Prepare yourselves. One particularly stressful day, I was *completely* swamped with work. Deadline looming, emails overflowing, brain fried. I was holed up in my room trying, and I mean *trying*, to crank out a report when...the fire alarm went off. At, like, 2 a.m. Pure, unadulterated dread. I stumbled out of bed, bleary-eyed, and grabbed the only thing that made sense: my laptop. I knew it was important to leave it behind. I ran down the stairs, half-dressed, cursing under my breath. Turns out, it was a false alarm. (Thank God!)
But here's the thing. As I stood outside in the cool night air, half-asleep and feeling utterly ridiculous, one of the hotel staff members, bless her heart (I think her name was Maria?), came up and offered me a bottle of water and said, "Rough night, huh? Need anything? Coffee's brewing inside as soon as it's safe." That small act. That simple, empathetic gesture. It saved me. It turned a near-disaster into a mildly embarrassing, but ultimately manageable, memory. The care was actually really nice, better than most places. That's an emotional reaction right there. I was still feeling a mess but at least a refreshed, hydrated mess. That's when I knew this place was different.
So, the big question: Would you recommend it? Honestly? (And don't say "it depends"!)
Okay, fine. Here's the unvarnished truth, the raw, unfiltered opinion. Yes. Absolutely. I would. Despite the slightly slow elevators and the need for more personality in the decor, this Homewood Suites in downtown Albuquerque genuinely exceeded expectations. The rooms? Fantastic. The location? Perfect. The breakfast? Surprisingly edible. And the staff? (Maria, wherever you are, thank you!). I'd go back in a heartbeat. In fact… I might just book another stay. Don’t judge me and my Skittles-under-the-couch-situation! It's a solid choice, and I'm a tough critic, so that's saying something.
Any other helpful tips? Any hidden secrets?
Hmmm… Okay, here's a sneaky tip: scope out the breakfast buffet when you first get there. Figure out the prime croissant-to-fruit ratio BEFORE you're starving. And, be prepared for the sudden craving for more coffee. Also, consider a room on a higher floor, just in case of more potential fire alarms. I think that's it. Happy travels and have a good trip!
