Whether you’re escaping a cold northern winter or simply captivated by the desert landscape of New Mexico, Albuquerque is a fun place to visit at any time of year. Take one of the popular hot air balloon rides over the desert – if heights aren’t your thing, there’s plenty to see in the historic old town area!
Unfortunately, travel doesn’t come cheap, and your dreams can quickly outspend your wallet. To help save expenses, it’s a good idea to look for unique accommodation in Albuquerque; this way, you can still have a comfortable spot to stay without such a high price tag.
We’ve done some of the work for you by putting together this list of the best motels in Albuquerque. If you’re looking for basic accommodation – whether it’s for a longer family vacation or a one-night stopover – we’ve got you covered with something on this list!
In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Albuquerque for One Night
El Vado Motel
With a location and style that’s hard to beat, the El Vado motel offers high-quality accommodation for families, couples, or solo travelers. When you factor in the pleasant outdoor patio, the seasonal swimming pool, and the modern decor, it’s no wonder the El Vado takes the spot for the best motel in Albuquerque!
- New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
- Albuquerque BioPark-Zoo
- Old Town Plaza
Is this amazing Albuquerque Motels booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our other favorite properties below!
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Staying in a Motel in Albuquerque
Motels might have some negative stereotypes, but don’t let that stop you from looking at them as an option for unique accommodation in Albuquerque! Motels can be a great way to save money if you do a bit of research to find the right spot.
In our list of Albuquerque motels, we’ve taken the time to find the best options, which provide basic amenities like private rooms, parking, air conditioning, plus in some cases, swimming pools or a simple breakfast.
Like hotels, motels have small rooms better suited for single travelers or couples, or larger spaces which can accommodate families or groups. Although it’s not as common, it is possible to find motel rooms with equipped kitchenettes if you’re on a longer trip and prefer a self-catering option.
What motels may lack in fancy amenities compared to other accommodation options, they make up for with convenient location and price. When you’re done exploring at the end of the day, you’ll have the basic necessities and a comfortable place to spend the night at an Albuquerque motel.
What to Look for in a Motel in Albuquerque
Although you don’t want to get too picky when it comes to selecting a motel, you shouldn’t have to settle for something uncomfortable or inconvenient. Budget travel doesn’t mean dingy rooms or poor locations, but it does mean you might have to bring your own shampoo or purchase your own breakfast if it’s not offered at the motel.
Location is one of the biggest factors to consider. If you’re only staying for one night, it’s a good idea to find a motel close to the airport. For longer vacations, find a spot close to some of the top Albuquerque attractions you’re interested in visiting; check if there’s free parking if you have a car or are renting a vehicle.
Some motels go a bit beyond the basics and offer bonus amenities like free breakfast, swimming pools, or business centers. Price can sometimes be a bit higher for motels that offer these sorts of amenities, but never jump up tons in cost.
If you’re looking for a certain amenity, it’s helpful to use search platforms such as Booking.com where you can refine your search based on your preferences. Before making a choice about which motel to stay at, you can read reviews from past guests to get a better idea about what to expect at a particular site.
El Vado Motel
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Outdoor swimming pool
- > Garden and patio
Econo Lodge Downtown Albuquerque
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Continental breakfast
- > Swimming pool
Motel 6 Albuquerque North
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Coin laundry machines
- > Swimming pool and lounge chairs
Travelodge by Wyndham Albuquerque West
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Air conditioning
- > 24-hour reception
Monterey Non Smokers Motel Old Town
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Central location
Motel 6 Bernalillo
- > $
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Onsite gym and fitness center
- > Free casino shuttles
Sandia Peak Inn at Old Town Albuquerque
- > $$
- > 2-4 Guests
- > Swimming pool
- > Balcony or patio
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Albuquerque!
The Top 10 Motels in Albuquerque
Ready and set for a southwest adventure? From the spectacular landscape to the incredible historic district, there’s lots to see and explore. Everyone from families to solo backpackers can make use of one of these great motels and accommodation options in Albuquerque for a fun and budget-friendly trip!
1. Overall Best Motel in Albuquerque – El Vado Motel
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Garden and patio
Set aside your stereotypes for motels! The El Vado surpasses all expectations, offering cool, modern accommodation in white adobe-style units. Rooms range from single-occupancy spaces to family units, and all are equipped with a closet, private bathroom, and air conditioning.
The El Vado is also centrally located, and it’s less than 20 minutes on foot to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. Rooms have large windows for natural light and to enjoy the scenery of New Mexico, and nearby, there are plenty of activities like hiking and cycling.
2. Motel with Best Location – Econo Lodge Downtown Albuquerque
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Continental breakfast
- Swimming pool
Right in downtown Albuquerque, this Econo Lodge motel is close to top attractions and only 3.5 miles from the Albuquerque Airport. You can reach the attractions in Old Town Albuquerque within ten minutes by car, making it a convenient home base for your vacation.
Rooms can accommodate up to four guests, and there’s a seasonal outdoor swimming pool where kids can play and splash around. A simple continental breakfast is included each morning in the room rate to help you save on food expenses, and each unit has a coffee maker for an afternoon energy boost!
3. Motel with the Best Pool in Albuquerque – Motel 6 Albuquerque North
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Coin laundry machines
- Swimming pool and lounge chairs
Summer afternoons in Albuquerque get hot, so it’s always a nice reprieve to jump in the pool or just cool off in the air-conditioned rooms. Rooms can accommodate one to four guests, and the property is pet friendly, so it’s a great pick for families traveling with their animal companions!
There are numerous shops and restaurants within a mile of the motel, and rooms feature a microwave and refrigerator to store and heat leftovers. For longer stays or business trips, you can pick rooms that include a work desk and do laundry onsite using the coin laundry machines.
4. Best Motel near Petroglyph National Monument – Travelodge by Wyndham Albuquerque West
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Air conditioning
- 24-hour reception
Located on the west side of Albuquerque, the Wyndham Travelodge offers rooms for up to four guests and is a pet-friendly property. It’s a good pick for travelers who want to explore some of the natural wonders like the Petroglyph National Monument, but still be close to downtown attractions.
There are restaurants and shops within a mile of the motel, and the downtown area of Albuquerque is about 15 minutes away by car. Each room at the Travelodge has air conditioning, and free Wi-fi is offered throughout the entire property.
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View on Osprey View on REI5. Best Motel near the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science – Monterey Non Smokers Motel Old Town
- $$
- 2 Guests
- Swimming pool
- Central location
A simple and homey motel located in the Old Town area, the Monterey Motel is a great pick, especially for couples looking for a decent budget motel in Albuquerque. The motel has an outdoor swimming pool with patio furniture, and each room features a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and air conditioning.
The popular Natural History Museum is less than a mile from the property, and other attractions like the Albuquerque Zoo and Kimo Theater are under a ten-minute drive away. Monterey Motel is close to the famous Old Town Plaza, which has regular music and dance performances in the evenings, as well as numerous local restaurants.
6. Best Motel near Coronado Historic Site – Motel 6 Bernalillo
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Onsite gym and fitness center
- Free casino shuttles
Just outside of Albuquerque in the town of Bernalillo, this Motel 6 is a perfect option for solo travelers or families who want to explore some of the natural wonders of New Mexico. Plus, Motel 6 offers a free casino shuttle to some of the top casinos, like Sandia Casino and Santa Ana Star Casino!
Each room at the motel has a microwave and mini-fridge, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby to get what you need. The motel also has a business center if you’re traveling for work, as well as a gym so you can get in your daily workout even while traveling.
7. Motel with Best Breakfast – Sandia Peak Inn at Old Town Albuquerque
- $$
- 2-4 Guests
- Swimming pool
- Balcony or patio
Start off your day on vacation with a continental breakfast at the Sandia Peak Inn before heading out for a day of hiking or sightseeing! The motel is conveniently located close to numerous attractions like the Botanical Gardens, BioPark, and golf courses, so you’ll have a wide variety of activities to choose from.
Rooms range from single occupancy to family-sized, and there’s a swimming pool on-site for kids to splash around and play in. Sandia Peak Inn also has a fitness center, and rooms have work desks in case you’re traveling to Albuquerque for business.
8. Another Motel with a Great Breakfast – Days Inn by Wyndham Rio Rancho
- $$
- 2-4 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
Located about 15 miles north of Albuquerque, the Days Inn Rio Rancho motel is close enough to enjoy the downtown attractions while still having easy access to top casinos and natural landmarks like the Petroglyph National Monument.
When you’re done exploring for the day, the motel has a nice indoor pool to splash around in, and each room has a cable TV. The property is also pet-friendly and offers family rooms, making it ideal for families traveling to New Mexico and looking for a good budget motel in Albuquerque.
9. Best Motel on Interstate 40 – Desert Sands Inn & Suites
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Flat screen TV
- Balcony and view
Located on the east side of Albuquerque off Interstate 40, the Desert Sands Inn is a great option for simple accommodation, especially for short stays. The airport is only about 15 minutes away, and there’s free parking if you’re driving your own vehicle.
Each room at the motel has a work desk perfect for business trips, and air conditioning to cool off from the hot New Mexico afternoons. There are numerous shops and restaurants close by, and other attractions like the Albuquerque Convention Center and Cliff’s Amusement Park are less than 15 minutes away by car.
10. Another Great Motel on Interstate 40 – Econolodge Midtown Albuquerque
- $
- 2-4 Guests
- Breakfast included
- Refrigerator in room
Conveniently located off I-40 and close to the intersection of 1-25, the Econolodge Midtown is a great place for travelers passing through Albuquerque with their own vehicles. Rooms can accommodate single travelers or families, and the property is pet-friendly, so it’s a good option for road trippers traveling with a pet.
You can start each day with a continental breakfast (complete with waffles!), then head out to check out the nearby attractions like Old Town Albuquerque and the Rio Grande Zoo. Each room comes with a refrigerator and a coffee maker for refreshments throughout the day.
FAQ about Motels in Albuquerque
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Albuquerque.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Motels in Albuquerque
From the lively plazas of the Old Town area to spicy New Mexican cuisine, there’s a lot to see and do in Albuquerque. Whether you’re traveling to get photographs of the southwest landscape or on a family road trip, finding unique accommodation in Albuquerque is a great way to secure a memorable experience while traveling.
Thankfully, it’s possible to find a comfortable spot to stay without overspending your budget by getting a room at one of the best motels in Albuquerque. If you’re a traveler looking for simple but comfortable accommodation, motels are the way to go!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
