Albuquerque Travel Forum

Husband wants to attend Balloon Fiesta this year (we've been before). We've stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn, but wonder if there's a better place to stay (closer to launch field)?

Great! An insider like Kymbanm always has valuable tips! My husband & I (as well as daughter) were fortunate enuff to crew for team a couple of years ago--what fun! Got a short balloon ride as a reward, but just being part of the action was worth getting up at 4 a.m.

there's a Hilton Garden Inn that's nice a few exits away, near the Journal center. you should also be able to see the balloons from your room.

FYI . . . called Hilton today (5/31), it's booked up w/a 100-name waitlist for cancellations!

ooops, I had no idea! I've also stayed at the Hampton Inn at the Univ. area. a bit farther away, but not too bad. I would suggest that you check kayak.com for ABQ area for those dates, and see what it comes up with....good luck!

got a lead on a couple of B&B's, including Adobe & Roses . . .

There are buses that will take you to the Balloon Fiesta, I like them becouse you don't have to fight the traffic and pay for parking. You might stay at one of the Hotels close to the bus stop. Winrock Shopping center is one place they pick up and a Church in the NE heights is another. But check this out for sure they could all change. I did hear the busses were only going to run on the week ends. Might check the Balloon Fest web site for all that information.

There are a few motels there and it's not far from the balloon site. Infact it's a better location since it's north of the site, so traffic will be somewhat lighter. Any of the hotels in Rio Rancho would be adequate.

Thanks, dmac733 and prometheus . . . we're busy checking out all the options--love the web for getting answers in advance! Corrales Country Inn has room for us (except for one night!) and it's the most reasonable rates we've found so far. Website sez it's 7 miles from the launch field, so it looks like that's where we'll be staying, providing that one night opens up soon!

Wow, I go to work for a few days, and miss all the action on this forum! :) Glad you found a place to stay. Also keep in mind that Sandia Casino is expanding right now, and are expected to have many more rooms available for Balloon Fiesta :)

BTW and FYI - the closest you can get to the field is the RV area at the edge of the property - so if you have, or want to rent, an RV for your time ...... it's an option ;) I believe the RV area is run by AIBF, so check their website if interested ........

Thanks for the tips, we checked out renting an RV last year, but decided against 'cuz still would have to rent a car (wouldn't want to lumber around in a big ol' RV (the price of gas!) should the weather turn uncooperative during our days there and the Balloon Fiesta a bust . . .

good point ... but I have to say that the RV park at Balloon Fiesta is one very long tailgate party at that time - so regardless of the weather, there's fun to be had :)