El Vado Motel
Last night I had a little “stay-cation” of sorts. I had to be in Albuquerque early in the morning for an appointment so I thought I would make the most of it and stay somewhere fun and new (to me at least). I checked out rooms at the ever popular, and possibly haunted Hotel Parq Central. Hotel Parq was a good option but after realizing the price to amenities ratio I was a bit turned off. I also considered the extremely chic Hotel Chaco. Hotel Chaco is high on my list of places to stay in ABQ, but it wasn’t quite right for this quick, overnight trip. Then in my searching I stumbled across the hip and retro El Vado Motel.
El Vado seemed inviting and charming with just a hint of nostalgic flare. I was in! I booked a room and found it was the last one available on the 22-room property.
The El Vado Motel originally opened in 1937 and was one of Albuquerque’s first motels along the historic route 66. When it first opened, the motel boasted a generous 32-rooms. Today, 10 of those original rooms have been converted into “food pods,” local merchants, and a tap house. The food pods remind me of something similar to food trucks with a permanent residence. The pods offer a variety of food, from chicken dishes, to burgers, to sushi and more! Grab a bite and a pint to eat in your room our at the spacious outdoor seating area.
The El Vado Motel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. The Motel was originally design in “the Spanish Pueblo Revival style. Purposely-designed irregularities give the motel the look of the nearby Pueblos. These include curvilinear and straight parapets, irregular massing, varying buttresses, and exposed vigas (nps.com).” I love this style. It reminds me of quintessential Albuquerque and old apartments I lived in there in my early 20s.
After it’s opening in 1937, El Vado was a jewel in Albuquerque’s crown along route 66, but like most things of its age and significance, it began to dull over the years. In 2006 the motel property was purchased by Metropolitan Development Agency – Palindrome Communities. in hopes of bringing it back to its former glory. Revitalization of El Vado was completed in 2018 and the motel was opened to excitement and promise.
It is now considered a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown ABQ. Personally, I loved staying there! The space was cute, inviting and felt very secure for being right along Central Ave. The room was small but clean and comfortable, with one of the best beds I’ve ever slept on (in a hotel or a home). I was pleasantly surprised by how sweet and charming everything was. It was quiet and relaxing, as well as convenient to everything I needed to get to in the city. I’d highly recommend it if you’re planning a trip or even just passing through Albuquerque.
Even if you don’t need a place to stay, stop by the food pods lunch and drop into one of the little shops. You won’t be disappointed!