TL;DR

Hip brand: ARRIVE Hotels by Palisociety with eclectic, contemporary design.
Local vibe: Focused on casual, community-rooted stays.
Traveler-friendly: Text concierge, pet-friendly, easy locations.
Independent spirit: Perfect for discovery-minded travelers in Albuquerque.
Check prices here

After extensive renovations, this 1965 boutique hotel tucked by the exit into Downtown Albuquerque is slated to reopen as ARRIVE Albuquerque in 2025.

ARRIVE Hotels are a subsidiary of Palisociety, a supremely hip boutique hotel brand slowly taking over the Southwest (they’ve fingers in a couple other pies as well).

The brand indicates an eclectic, super-contemporary approach to design, all Instagram-friendly surroundings with hand-picked luxuries.

What we like most about ARRIVE, however, is the casual, locally-entrenched style of accommodation.

Each property has local spots researched and accessible for guests, the vibe is luxury-without-effort.

From text-friendly concierge services to easy locations and pet-friendly spaces, everything is set out to make your trip personal, easy, and attractive.

It’s the perfect experience for an independent traveler with a sense of discovery. In our opinion, this attitude is perfect for Albuquerque.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 137 total in this renovated historic property.
Room types: King Singles, Doubles, Suites with kitchenettes, ADA options.
Design: Pastel walls, tiled floors, floral headboards, unique art.
Amenities: Plush linens, robes, Grown Alchemist toiletries, mini bars, TVs.
Work-friendly: Suites and Kings with desks, sleeper sofas in Suites.
See each room in detail here

Despite the renovation, we are looking at a historic property, so don’t expect to be doing cartwheels around the rooms.

King Singles are a super-cute option for couples, while Doubles provide the same for those not wishing to share a bed.

Suites offer more space and darling kitchenettes. ADA options come in Kings and Suites.

The decor is, we’re not surprised to report, en pointe. Walls are cool pastels that are somehow not Eastery, set against tiled floors, floral headboards and one-of-a-kind contemporary art you’ll want tattoos of.

Carpets, couches and plush armchairs add a friendly, cozy feel to the otherwise slightly impersonal base.

All rooms feature plush linens, cozy robes, and Grown Alchemist toiletries, alongside Bluetooth speakers, mini bars with mini fridges, and 50-inch TVs.

Suites have sleeper sofas, and both Suites and Kings offer desks for busy workers.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Restaurant: Onsite DWTNR serving American-Asian fusion.
Ambience: Chic, light-filled, plant-rich dining space.
Extras: Pool and Peloton-equipped fitness center.

The onsite restaurant, DWTNR, is bound to attract more than just hotel guests.

Without much evidence (common areas have not made it to the promotional photography), we can assume it will be chic, full of glass and windows and light and plants and things you’ll want to take photos of yourself in front of.

The cuisine is American-Asian fusion, served alongside cocktails that we can only assume will be clever and cute.

Besides the food, you’ll have access to a pool and a Peloton-equipped fitness center.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Downtown base: Albuquerque hub with attractions within reach.
Nearby: Cafés, Rio Grande parks, Tingley Beach, BioPark Zoo.
Old Town: Museums, art galleries, five minutes by car.
Day trips: Petroglyph Monument, Sandia Crest hikes, artsy Madrid.

While Albuquerque is mainly seen as a base for exploring the deserty beauty of the Southwestern US, Downtown is not without its attractions.

The hotel itself isn’t in the most walkable of all spaces, but as long as you head east or south you’re doing great.

There are cute cafés scattered around, and great places to eat can be found within walking distance.

It’s a 25/30-minute walk to the parks along the Rio Grande, where you can entertain yourself for hours.

Hang out around Tingley Beach, wander the trails near the river, or check out the BioPark Zoo and all it’s many attractions.

Old Town, is a definite must, just a five-minute drive. Here you can check out the Explora Center by Tiguex Park, the Albequerque Museum and the many different art galleries.

Or, make a nice brewery tour out by Wells Park, near the Steam Locomotive museum. It’s a great spot for local beers a five-minute drive, half-hour walk from the hotel.

It wouldn’t do to miss the outdoors, either. Once you get used to thinking about snakes, the Petroglyph Monument is worth a visit, and the hiking out by Sandia Crest is the perfect Southwestern adventure.

Madrid, New Mexico, about an hour away, is a great artsy day trip for anyone looking for exciting souvenirs. There’s plenty of live music as well.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Lovely decor and retro chic vibe. Rooms are spacious and Super comfortable beds! The bath toiletries were wonderful. Location was central and right on Route 66! And lastly very kind and friendly staff!….”

“Very cool renovated motel with a modern twist to the old style. Very friendly & stylish staff. Like stepping back into the ‘60s!….”