What’s New
Convention Center
The 600,000 square-foot Albuquerque Convention Center, managed by SMG, has completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Improvements include:
- Free wireless Internet hot zones in lobby areas
- 17 newly appointed meeting rooms
- Improvements on the west complex’s heating, ventilation & air conditioning.
- New purchases of tables, chairs, risers, lecterns, easels and trash receptacles.
- West complex kitchen upgrade including equipment, wall painting, ceiling & smallwares and replacement of the kitchen floor. SMG is now the official caterer.
- Interior improvements including: new flat panel LCD kiosks, new restroom faucets, fiber-optic cabling to all meeting areas, west complex entrance renovations, and lighting and ceiling replacements in the NW & SW Exhibit Hall entrance.
- New entry doors in the west complex, roof system renovations, and new exterior benches, urns, and trash receptacles.
- A renovated fire life safety system and an upgraded security system
Hotels
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Hyatt Regency Albuquerque has recently undergone a multi-million dollar guest room renovation. The enhanced rooms feature upgraded electronics including 32” flat panel TVs and iHome alarm clock systems. New guestroom carpet and wall covering add a contemporary contrast to the design. New light fixtures are more energy efficient. Guest bathrooms now include porcelain tiles, redesigned lighting, plus new wall coverings and bath fixtures.
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The Sheraton Uptown is currently undergoing an $20 million renovation that is scheduled to be completed in the Fall of 2008. The project includes renovation of the 17,000 square feet meeting space and furniture and furnishings upgrades to the 295 rooms and suites. Upgrades will be made to the ventilation, heating and air condition systems and the indoor swimming pool, as well as new additions including an Internet lounge and a media center.
The Link @ Sheraton is a specially designed communal lounge area featuring multiple broadband Internet-enabled Microsoft workstations complete with free Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests and visitors will enjoy comfortable seating and refreshment service in the TV, Search Bar, and games, books and magazines areas. http://www.sheratonabq.com/video.htm
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The Albuquerque Marriott Hotel in the Uptown area has recently finished a complete renovation of the sleeping rooms and bathrooms in all of their 411 guest rooms. Hotel corridors have also been remodeled with new carpet and lighting fixtures. Albuquerque’s Uptown has experienced tremendous growth with the recent addition of a mixed-use facility development called ABQ Uptown. The project includes high-end shopping and dining options and will eventually incorporate residential properties as part of the lifestyle center.
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The Doubletree Hotel is the newly renovated Downtown location which is the only hotel that is connected to the Convention Center and creates an enticing appeal never seen before in Albuquerque. Blending together the richness and diversity of New Mexico, the Doubletree offers a chic and modern atmosphere unparalleled.
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The historic La Posada de Albuquerque Hotel, located a block from the Albuquerque Convention Center, is currently closed for a $24 million major renovation with plans to open late 2008. The hotel will now be called the Andaluz. View media release on naming announcement. The new hotel décor will incorporate Moroccan and Spanish colonial influence and will feature a mezzanine-level cultural center, honoring New Mexico's museums, cultural institututions, performing arts groups, and other culturally significant organizations. The renovation will preserve the charm and history of the building, while modernizing the technology and environmental sustainability. La Posada is sure to become the anchor property of a vibrant and revitalized downtown Albuquerque. View factsheet for hotel details.
- The Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel (formally the Wyndham Albuquerque Hotel) is undergoing a $6.5 million total renovation. After the renovations are complete, the 276 room hotel will become a Sheraton property and earn itself a four-star rating.
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The Radisson Hotel Albuquerque (formerly The Park Plaza Hotel & Conference Center) has recently completed a $20 million complete renovation of its 312 guest rooms and meeting space. Their 23,000 square foot waterpark, featuring a boogie board water attraction, is scheduled to open late 2008.
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The MCM Elegante is currently refurbishing their pool and public areas, as well as making landscaping improvements.
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The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa will be renovating their suites, bar and spa facilities.
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The Plaza Inn Hotel is becoming a unique boutique hotel. All sleeping rooms now have upgraded furniture including armoires, upholstered chairs and marble topped nightstands. The pool area has also been refurbished. Future improvements include pillow-top mattresses, new carpets and lighting, and a full American hot cooked breakfast for each guest.
Other News & Venues
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Zoning ordinances were recently changed in the historic Old Town district. Historic Old Town provides a fantastic venue for experiencing the traditions of New Mexico during a reception or special event. The new rule allows for receptions and events at restaurants in the Old Town area to serve alcoholic beverages on outdoor patios. Patrons and event attendees may now enjoy Albuquerque’s beautiful weather all year round.
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For an evening reception, plan an outing to historic Old Town. The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, which recently added an 8,000 square feet gallery plus a large multi-function event space and an outdoor amphitheater, has a tremendous view of the mountains from a new balcony.
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Albuquerque’s newest museum, the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, located at Balloon Fiesta Park, provides a beautiful facility for special event functions with a mountainous landscape as the event backdrop. The museum hosts up to 500 people indoors or 1,000 including the outdoor space.
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The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will undergo a $2 million project, a 19,000 sq. ft. expansion, set to open in June 2008. A new grand entrance will include a two-story flagstone fireplace as a central interior feature in the entrance to the main dining area. The new building will feature authentic Pueblo artwork and natural Southwestern building materials. The Pueblo Harvest Café inside of the IPCC will have seating for 300 including an expanded private dining area. Two exterior Horno ovens will be used to prepare traditional (pueblo) oven bread daily. The café will expand its hours to include dinner service and weekend live entertainment with flute players and other musicians.
What's New in Albuquerque