The Imperial

This is a really awesome hotel and restaurant collective in Albuquerque. There are several small restaurants in the hotel lobby area and the restaurants are open for anyone ( not only hotel guests). This is a unique and cute, nice vibes- place to grab a bite to eat ( with many yummy options) or to stay at the hotel as well. There are indoor and outdoor seating options available.

I spent a night here recently for a little staycation. Check-in was super friendly. My room was appealing and very comfortable, with a nice big bathtub. I didn't try it on this trip but I was told there's a laundry room onsite as well. Definitely a pleasant place to spend a night.

I finally stopped by this newly renovated Motel. What a sweet gem located close to UNM, downtown, and the airport. I was impressed at how well the renovations turned out. The Motel has a cool 60's retro style that gives a nostalgic yet trendy kind of vibe. The unique design offers a food hall with different dining options including a cocktail bar. As I walked in I was greeted by the bartender. She was very friendly and good at making old fashioned. I then ordered a pupusa from La Cocina de Maria. Maria was so sweet and her pupusa was so good. On her recommendation I had the chicharrón pupusa. The masa was crispy on the outside with a soft tender and savory inside filling. The pork was seasoned perfectly giving each bite that mouthwatering you hope to get from a chicharrón. It was also perfectly accompanied by a delicious tangy purple slaw and spicy salsa which elevated the dish. I definitely enjoyed this place. Everyone was so friendly!

So we stopped by one evening, but they were all closing down, so we went back for sunday brunch, empanadas were a little charred but they were the last, and still quite good, would have preferred green chile with the huevos ranchos, but the red was good, the flatbread instead of tortilla was odd, but worked well after stopping up the egg and chile.

Six Stars! The food hall and cocktail lounge are top of the line. Didn't stay here, but it is newly renovated. If the rooms are anything like the lounge they are great. Max the bartender is so good. She truly knows how to build a good drink. The specialty cocktail menu is not to be missed and the craft beer selection is extensive. This is the type of business Albuquerque needs to support. The place is clean, bright and the pool parties are supposed to be epic. A great idea for an old classic. The food court has amazing options. Try everything. It will not disappoint.

Great place to have out. Live music and the bartender, Eric, took amazing care of our large group. He's friendly and made the best drinks. The food hall has great choices and the live music was perfect.