Where is the best area to stay in Albuquerque?
The best area to stay in Albuquerque is the Old Town, which is considered to be the heart of the city, since it was founded in 1706 by a group of Spanish families. This area is full of hidden terraces, brick-lined windy streets, beautiful gardens and unforgettable balconies. Most museums, attractions, restaurants and sightseeing in Albuquerque can be found within the old town.
If you are hoping to do a bit of shopping, you may not have enough time to visit the more than 150 gift shops and galleries that are unique to the southeast, but if you like arts and crafts, take a trip to Old Town Portal Vendors, where local artists sell their work at an open air market. Some great recommendations for dinner are Backstreet Grill, Billy The Kid Beer Garden, Candy Land Of Old Town and the Hacienda del Rio Restaurant & Mexican Cantina.
The most interesting places to visit in the Old Town are The Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, Old Town Plaza, the San Felipe Neri Church, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, and one of the most highly recommended; Explora, which offers science, art and technology exhibitions in an incredible environment. Finish the day off with an intimate concert in the Casa Flamenca, starting the night with some drinks and mariachis in Garduño´s at Old Town.
If you venture outside of the Old Town, you will find the Aquarium and Botanical Gardens just 3 minutes away by car, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Centre 5 minutes away, and the Río Grande Zoo just 10 minutes away by car.
The Old Town, the area encompassing the city´s historic quarter, is without a doubt the best place to spend the night in Albuquerque. The streets of the Old Town offer a large variety of restaurants and are great to go for a wander and discover all the little nooks and crannies. The accommodation options here are surrounded by all kinds of shops, bars, art galleries, parks and museums. Local street vendors sell jewellery and handmade crafts on improvised markets along the side of the road and the colonial style buildings and churches are also lovely to visit. 
Although downtown Albuquerque doesn't have as many hotels and restaurants as the Old Town, it's a good place to stay if you're looking to enjoy the Albuquerque nightlife, as you will find a multitude of lively bars and clubs along the Central Ave (which makes up part of the famous Route 66). This area is also home to the Albuquerque Convention Centre, where many conventions, concerts, conferences and events are held, as well as the KiMo Theatre, which boasts beautiful architecture and an ample offering of entertainment options.
Midtown is the best option if you are looking to stay in an authentic American motel whilst travelling Route 66. Here you will find the largest University in New Mexico, which is one of the most important cultural centres in the city. The university offers a symphonic orchestra, theatre and dance shows, art exhibitions as well as conferences and sporting events as part of its busy agenda. 
Uptown Albuquerque is a modern and upcoming area with numerous hotel options for all types of traveler. Shoppers will be in their element here, as the Uptown area is the home of Albuquerque’s shopping and business district. Indeed, there are plenty of shopping malls and boutique stores here, particularly in the huge ABQ Uptown Retail Center. You could easily spend a day alone just in here.
If you’ve traveled to Albuquerque to see The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, then you should stay close to Balloon Fiesta Park. The park is 12 miles north of the airport, and only 7 miles north of downtown Albuquerque. The Hotel Andaluz and The Hyatt Regency are two great options, a short drive away.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?