Getting around Albuquerque

Public transport

ABQ Ride Buses (tel: +1 505 243 7433; www.cabq.gov/transit) operates the city's bus service. Many of the routes terminate at the Alvarado Transportation Center, 100 First Street Southwest. Passes are available for one, two or three days; you can buy these from the driver.

Taxis

Main taxi providers include Albuquerque Cab Company (tel: +1 505 883 4888) and Yellow Cab Co (tel: +1 505 247 8888). Tipping the driver 10 to 15% is usual.

Driving

The city is divided into four quadrants, with I-25 and I-40 intersecting just northeast of downtown, at a junction known as the 'Big I'. Legendary Route 66 or Central Avenue runs east-west through the city, bisecting such prominent neighbourhoods as Old Town, downtown, and the Nob Hill/University District.

Downtown, there is meter parking on the street, along with several city-run car parks.

Car hire

The minimum age for hiring a car varies from 21 to 25 years. Car hire agencies change an extra premium to drivers under 25. A valid driving licence is required; check with the agency whether you also need an International Driving Permit. Costly insurance can be part of the hire arrangement, but you should check your car insurance to see if your policy covers hire cars.

Car hire providers include Alamo (tel: +1 888 826 6893; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: +1 505 884 6807; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +1 505 344 7196; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: +1 505 842 4235; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire

In and around Albuquerque, there are more than 650km (400 miles) of trails, bike routes and paths that provide bike riders with both scenic and practical alternatives to motorised travel. The city has one of the most extensive bikeway systems in the country. Download a copy of the CABQ Bike Map at www.cabq.gov/bike.

You can hire bikes from Routes Bicycle Rentals and Tours, 404 San Felipe NW, Suite B1 (tel: +1 505 933 5667; www.routesrentals.com) or The BikeSmith, 901 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Suite D-124 (tel: +1 505 242 9253; www.thebikesmithllc.com). Sandia Peak Ski Area (tel: +1 505 242 9052; www.sandiapeak.com) rents bikes in the summer for lift-accessed downhill mountain biking.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hotel Andaluz

Built just before World War II by local-born Conrad Hilton, as the flagship property for his new hotel chain, this magnificently restored downtown gem is a delightful place to stay. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and very comfortable, while the public spaces are superb, and include an excellent Spanish restaurant.

Hotel Blue

Just west of downtown along legendary Route 66, this four-storey 1960s hotel has spacious, airy rooms at reasonable rates, decorated with a certain Art Deco flair. The rooms are on the small side, but there's complimentary breakfast, coffee, and a free shuttle service to and from the airport, bus or train station.

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town

A short walk north of Old Town, this 11-storey hotel blends Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Western cultural traditions and includes a fitness centre, two well-respected restaurants and bars, and an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool. There's even a wedding chapel, should you decide to get hitched.

Embassy Suites Hotel Albuquerque

One of the city's most attractive hotels, on the northeast edge of downtown, this all-suite property features a full-service day spa and a lovely open atrium with a cascade and meandering water trails. Each of its sizeable suites features a separate living area with sofa bed, armchair and well-lit work/dining table, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.

Sandia Peak Inn

There's nothing very fancy about this modest low-slung motel, just across the Rio Grande from the Old Town, but it's clean and comfortable, and offers some of the best value rooms around.

Los Poblanos Historic Inn

Set close to the Rio Grande, amid lavender fields and lush formal gardens, Los Poblanos Inn is one of the most prestigious historic properties in the Southwest. Rooms are designed in a classic New Mexican style with kiva fireplaces, carved ceiling beams, hardwood floors, and antique furnishings. Relax in the enticing Spanish hacienda-style courtyard, or alternatively, explore the extensive gardens and organic farm. A very special place to stay.

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