"The grounds are immaculate and a fun place to hang out."
Fred F from United States
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"The best food available in the food court in front of the hotel!!"
Pascale from United Kingdom
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"My bed was more comfortable than many hotels."
BEN-HUR
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Rooms and Suites
El Vado Motel offers air-conditioned rooms with a desk, coffee machine, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Room options include Standard King rooms and Double Queen rooms. Double Queen rooms include green conscience Paya Organics bath products, a blow dryer, and a 1-cup coffee maker. Suites feature separate bedroom and living room areas, two flat panel HD TVs, free WiFi, and a mini fridge. A secretary desk with a task chair and USB ports is available. Guests can use a custom-made growler for refills at the El Vado Taproom. ADA suites are available with a roll-in shower. Select rooms feature a pool view, terrace, garden furniture, and soundproof walls.
Dining Choices
Guests can grab a bite to eat in the restaurant or a drink at the bar. The motel features seven unique eateries onsite. A Heavenly Taste Cakery, voted Top 5 Best Of The City Bakery by Albuquerque The Magazine for three years, offers desserts and sweet treats. MERC 66 offers globally influenced food. Nearby, chefs with 30+ years of experience offer sushi and Asian dishes.
Leisure and Amenities
El Vado Motel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy activities like hiking and cycling near Albuquerque. The Plaza includes a water feature, regional artisans, and live entertainment. An indoor/outdoor fireplace acts as a central sculptural focus. The Event Center doubles as an art gallery showcasing local artists. Over 500 light displays and animated sculptures are viewable during New Mexico's holiday production. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Other Amenities include free parking, complimentary local calls and 800 access, El Vado Taproom (Onsite), Retail Shopping. and a hair dryer.
Location Highlights
Located in Old Town, El Vado Motel is 1.5 km from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. The Monterey Motel, a sister property, is in the heart of Albuquerque's Old Town on Route 66, within walking distance of the Old Town Plaza, galleries, museums, and shops. Nearby landmarks include Explora (2 km), the Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes monument (0.5 km), ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (0.5 km), Albuquerque Biological Park (0.5 km), ABQ BioPark Aquarium (0.5 km), Albuquerque Old Town (1 km), Albuquerque Museum (1 km), and ABQ BioPark (0.5 km).
Services Offered
El Vado Motel provides free private parking, concierge service, and a shared lounge. The Event Center, with three combinable rooms, suits milestones or professional events, offering audio/visual technology and a warming kitchen. The logia opens onto an outdoor event patio. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and facilities for disabled guests.
“This motel presents a mixed bag: charming retro design and a comfortable bed are offset by inconsistent upkeep. I noted concerns about cleanliness and maintenance that need addressing, such as worn outdoor seating and dysfunctional in-room outlets. While the staff are friendly, and the location on Route 66 offers undeniable appeal, potential guests should consider these factors.”
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
Select your room type
El Vado Motel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Studio Disability Access
2 persons
271 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
King Room
2 persons
231 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Deluxe King Suite
2 persons
351 sq. feet
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
El Vado Motel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
Safe deposit box
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Cycling
Golf course
Services
Tours/Ticket assistance
Happy hour
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Saltwater pool
Seasonal outdoor pool
Heated swimming pool
Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Sink
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At El Vado Motel, guests are treated to a delightful array of dining experiences that celebrate local flavors and culinary artistry. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere, ranging from lively food stalls to cozy lounges, where travelers can indulge in everything from fresh sushi to gourmet burgers, all while soaking in the essence of New Mexico.
Buen Provecho
Local cuisine
Ambiance
Vibrant and casual
Key Offerings
A showcase of delightful dishes from local food vendors, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
Happy Chickenzz
Chicken specialties
Ambiance
Casual and lively
Key Offerings
A variety of chicken dishes, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
El Vado Taproom
Craft beer and casual dining
Ambiance
Modern and relaxed
Key Offerings
Artisan beers paired with tasty bites for a perfect evening.
Reservation
no
Open for dinner.
Streetfood Sensations
Street food
Ambiance
Casual with outdoor seating
Key Offerings
A creative twist on classic street food from various regions.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
Heavenly Taste Cakery
Bakery and sweets
Ambiance
Charming and sweet-filled
Key Offerings
Decadent pastries and desserts, perfect for indulging in a sweet treat.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
Cafe Chica
Cozy café dining
Ambiance
Inviting and laid-back
Key Offerings
Delicious coffee, light bites, and a relaxing space to unwind.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
5 Star Burger
Gourmet burgers
Ambiance
Casual and fun
Key Offerings
Handcrafted burgers made from fresh ingredients, a must-try for burger lovers.
Reservation
no
Hours vary.
El Vado Motel Location
2500 Central Ave Sw, Albuquerque, NM 87104,
Explore Albuquerque
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
ABQ BioPark Aquarium
8 minutes walking
Aquarium featuring exhibits on local aquatic life. An ideal spot for families with interactive displays for kids.
Albuquerque Old Town
15 minutes walking
Historic plaza with shops and galleries showcasing local art and crafts. A great area for leisurely strolls.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
15 minutes walking
Museum dedicated to natural history with impressive dinosaur exhibits. Perfect for educational outings.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
25 minutes walking
Cultural center highlighting Native American history and culture, featuring art, cultural events, and educational resources.
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park
25 minutes driving
Nature park ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the outdoors. Great for nature enthusiasts and serenity seekers.
Bike rentals at Central Grill
8 minutes walking
Bike rentals available nearby for cycling through the scenic routes. A fun option for thrill-seekers and explorers.
Central Grill and Coffee House
8 minutes walking
Cozy café offering breakfast and lunch options with local flair. Popular for its friendly service and farm-to-table ingredients.
Lam's Chinese Restaurant
6 minutes walking
Authentic Chinese cuisine in a casual setting. Known for dumplings and a variety of traditional dishes.
Albuquerque Museum
15 minutes walking
Art and history museum showcasing local heritage. Features rotating exhibits and regular events for all ages.
Old Town Plaza
15 minutes walking
Vibrant hub with shops and live performances often happening. A lively spot for families and couples alike.
Getting around
City Centre
Albuquerque 33 min · 1.7 mi
Airports
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) 28 min · 11.5 mi
Santa Fe Municipal (SAF) 139 min · 57.6 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 01:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
22
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about El Vado Motel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 648 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
5.8/10
Cleanliness
9.2/10
Comfort
9.2/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.7/10
Pros
Retro design
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Convenient location
Pool area
Cons
Weak WiFi
Tiny bathroom
Guest reviews
based on 651 reviews
8.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About El Vado Motel
What is the distance between the motel and the Hot Air Balloon Festival grounds?
10 January 2025
The property is located approximately 19 kilometers south of the Balloon Fiesta Park.
How accessible is the convention center from the motel, and is it possible to walk there?
22 February 2025
The event center is about a 16-minute drive away, while walking would take closer to 30 to 40 minutes. There's no fitness center on the premises.
Are pets allowed to stay at the motel?
15 March 2025
Only service animals are permitted on the premises. Pets are not accepted.
Can you confirm if the rooms are equipped with curtains for privacy, as some images suggest otherwise?
03 April 2025
Yes, the rooms are fitted with curtains to ensure privacy.
Is the pool open year-round, especially during the colder months?
12 May 2025
The pool is outdoors and not heated, so it closes when temperatures drop significantly.
How close is the motel to the nearest airport?
08 June 2025
The airport is just about 19 minutes away by car.
Are there additional fees or deposits required when booking a stay?
25 July 2025
There are no resort fees, only a $50 authorized hold on the credit card for incidentals.
Is parking available near the motel?
14 August 2025
There is public parking located adjacent to the building for guests.
Can guests host reception gatherings or meet-ups at the motel?
30 September 2025
The El Vado Events Center can be booked for private parties, and there's a lovely outdoor plaza available for mingling and enjoying food from local vendors.
Are there options for food and beverages close to the motel?
20 October 2024
Yes, there are several unique eateries on-site, including the El Vado Taproom and other dining options perfect for a quick meal.