El Vado Motel in Albuquerque shines as a charming and convenient destination for travelers seeking to explore the historic Old Town. The motel's location is lauded for its proximity to numerous attractions such as ABQ BioPark's aquarium, botanical gardens, zoo and picturesque parks along the Rio Grande, making it a prime choice for tourists and business travelers alike. Despite minor noise from the nearby highway, the ease of parking and central positioning are highly appreciated, allowing guests to navigate the city effortlessly.
The rooms at El Vado Motel receive high praise for their blend of vintage charm and modern comforts. Many guests delight in the spacious, clean and stylishly decorated rooms that reflect a distinctive New Mexico vibe. Comfortable beds with memory foam mattresses and high-end linens further enhance the stay, despite occasional mention of smaller room sizes and minor maintenance issues. The property's recent renovations marry retro 50s aesthetics with contemporary updates, adding to its unique appeal.
Cleanliness stands out as a hallmark of El Vado Motel with many reviews highlighting the immaculate condition of the rooms and fresh bedding. Visitors consistently laud the spotless environment and the motel's stylish, retro charm. Though some inconsistencies in maid service were noted, overall, the high standards of cleanliness impressed most guests.
The staff at El Vado Motel is often described as friendly, helpful and accommodating, significantly contributing to the positive guest experience. Specific employees, like Joe and Nate, receive commendation for their warmth and efficiency. While there are occasional mentions of less helpful interactions, the predominant sentiment is one of satisfaction with the staff's attentiveness.
Although breakfast is not available on-site, guests find solace in the convenient little fridge in the suites and nearby eateries with Kaufman's Bagels across the street being a favored choice for a morning meal. However, the on-site food vendors not opening early enough for breakfast and the early closure of restaurants is noted as a downside.
The outdoor pool and courtyard further enhance the motel's appeal, offering a relaxing and charming environment for unwinding. Despite occasional cleanliness issues and the pool's cool temperature, the well-maintained area and changing pool lights at night create a serene ambiance that many guests enjoy.
Parking at the motel, though free and convenient, can be limited, particularly on weekends and busy days. Guests often find the small shared lot poses a challenge and the lack of clear directional signage adds to the confusion. Nonetheless, the excellent location and walkability to various attractions often mitigate these concerns.
El Vado Motel stands as a delightful stop along Route 66, distinguished by its excellent location, retro charm and modern comforts, making it a memorable choice for travelers seeking a unique and enjoyable stay in Albuquerque.
Categories
Pool
Heated Pool
Outdoor Pool
Parking
Outdoor Pool
Accessible
Heated Pool
Room Types
Standard Queen Room with Two Queen BedsThis quadruple room features a pool with a view. Featuring free toiletries and bathrobes, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned quadruple room features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private entrance, soundproof walls, a coffee machine as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe King SuiteThe pool with a view is the standout feature of this suite. Offering free toiletries and bathrobes, this suite includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned suite offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private entrance, soundproof walls, a coffee machine as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Studio - Disability AccessThis suite offers a pool with a view. This spacious suite comprises 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The air-conditioned suite provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private entrance, soundproof walls, a coffee machine as well as garden views. The unit offers 2 beds.
King RoomGuests will have a special experience as the double room offers a pool with a view. Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The spacious air-conditioned double room provides a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private entrance, soundproof walls, a coffee machine as well as garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.8
Excellent
Review Summaries
Location
El Vado Motel offers a highly convenient location for travelers looking to explore Albuquerque's historic Old Town with many attractions within walking distance. Situated only a short walk away from the old town area, the hotel provides easy access to numerous shops, restaurants and cultural sites. Guests appreciate the proximity to the ABQ BioPark's aquarium, botanical gardens, the zoo and the picturesque parks along the Rio Grande.
The recently renovated facility maintains its charming pueblo-style architecture and old adobe style, blending historical ambiance with modern comforts. The property also features a unique courtyard with small shops, eateries and a well-loved taproom, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Many reviewers highlight the practical and advantageous setting of the motel, noting it as an ideal location for events, casual strolls and biking paths. The friendly staff, along with the welcoming and quaint vibe of the motel, adds to its allure as a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay.
Despite being at a busy highway intersection, which can contribute to noise, guests find the location's benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience. The ease of parking and central positioning allows for effortless navigation around the city, ensuring an excellent stay for tourists and business travelers alike. El Vado Motel stands out not just for its strategic location but also for embodying the genuine spirit of old Albuquerque.
Breakfast
El Vado Motel offers a unique experience with some key points to consider regarding breakfast. While many guests pointed out that breakfast is not available at the motel, the convenience of a small fridge in the suites was appreciated. For breakfast options, the highly recommended Kaufman's Bagels right across the street became a popular choice despite being a bit pricey. This bagel place received positive feedback for its delicious offerings and many guests enjoyed starting their day there with coffee and tea. It's worth noting that although there are multiple food vendors on the property, they do not open early enough to cater to breakfast needs. Additionally, some guests mentioned that the on-site restaurants close early, limiting dining options. The lack of breakfast at the motel might be a downside, but the proximity to nearby eateries like Kaufman's Bagels provides a satisfactory alternative for a morning meal.
Rooms
El Vado Motel has received commendable reviews for its rooms, blending comfort and style with a touch of vintage charm. Guests have frequently praised the rooms for being spacious, clean and stylishly decorated, capturing a distinctive New Mexico vibe. The rooms' vintage flair and quirky, colorful decor have been particularly noted for adding to the overall appeal. The beds are highly comfortable with many guests appreciating the use of memory foam mattresses and high-end linens.
Despite some mentions of smaller room sizes and minor maintenance issues, the rooms were generally regarded as functional and well-equipped with amenities such as A/C, water and coffee. The modern renovations have been well received, blending a retro 50's era aesthetic with contemporary updates.
The property itself, including the large welcoming structure and outdoor spaces, adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Rooms overlooking the courtyard and pool are a highlight, offering a serene environment. Cleanliness is a consistent theme with numerous mentions of immaculate conditions and well-kept spaces.
For those seeking a unique experience with a mix of modern comfort and vintage charm, El Vado Motel stands out as a well-maintained and stylish choice on Route 66.
Beds
El Vado Motel boasts a notable reputation for its exceptionally comfortable beds, often highlighted by guests. Reviews frequently emphasize the comfort provided by the memory foam mattresses and high-end bedding. The spaciousness of the beds adds an extra layer of satisfaction with many noting that they were some of the largest and most comfortable they have experienced. The consistent cleanliness and stylish decor of the rooms further enhance the overall appeal, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking a good night's sleep. Despite occasional comments about the beds being made every other night, the overall sentiment points to a consistently positive experience with the bedding at El Vado Motel.
Cleanliness
El Vado Motel stands out as a gem on Route 66, known for its superb cleanliness and charming retro aesthetic. Guests have consistently highlighted the immaculate condition of the rooms, describing them as super clean, spotless and well-kept. The bedding especially impressed visitors, noted for being crisp and even smelling freshly laundered.
The recent renovations have not gone unnoticed; the stylish rooms feature period furniture that adds to the motel's unique character. This blend of historical allure and modern comfort is a recurring theme in the reviews with many guests appreciating the motel's quirky yet functional decor.
The staff at El Vado Motel receive high praise for being friendly and accommodating, further enhancing the overall positive experience. However, there are a few mentions of inconsistencies in maid service, indicating that while the property generally maintains high standards of cleanliness, occasional lapses can occur.
Aside from cleanliness, visitors admired the comfortable beds and well-maintained facilities, including a newly added pool. The perfect location also made it easy for guests to explore their surroundings, adding convenience to their stay.
El Vado Motel's exceptional cleanliness and stylish, retro charm make it a delightful stop for travelers seeking both comfort and character on their journey along Route 66.
Staff
El Vado Motel boasts an exceptionally friendly and helpful staff, enhancing the stay for many guests. Visitors consistently highlight the kindness and attentiveness of the personnel, noting that the team is not only warm and welcoming but also goes out of their way to assist with various needs. The reception, particularly Joe and Nate, receive specific praise for their friendliness and efficiency during check-in and throughout the stay. Guests appreciate the super helpful and accommodating nature of the staff, often mentioning how they felt genuinely cared for.
While the majority of feedback focuses on the positive interactions with the staff, a few reviews note occasional brusqueness and unhelpfulness from certain members. Despite this, the predominant sentiment is one of satisfaction with the employee efforts, as they routinely assist with logistical needs like parking and room issues and create a welcoming atmosphere that complements the motel’s charming mid-century vibe. Overall, the staff's exceptional service stands out as a significant highlight for those choosing to stay at El Vado Motel.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi at El Vado Motel has received mixed feedback from guests. While some noted that the connection was good, others experienced sporadic and weak signals. There were instances where the WiFi did not work for the entire evening or night. Additionally, guests reported variability in access depending on the room with some rooms having no access at all. In certain cases, specific devices, such as laptops, had trouble connecting to the internet. Despite these issues, the motel staff acknowledged the problem, mentioning that sometimes computers just don’t connect.
Pool
El Vado Motel offers a remarkable pool area that guests have found delightful and inviting, perfect for unwinding after a hot day. Despite some occasional cleanliness issues and the pool being closed at times due to operational reasons, most visitors have appreciated the well-maintained and clean conditions of the pool. The ambiance is further enhanced by the pool lighting up in changing colors at night, adding to the charming and appealing atmosphere.
The surrounding area compliments the motel’s unique architectural style and provides a beautifully landscaped space, making it appealing for relaxation. Families and solo travelers alike have found the environment comfortable, whether for a quiet retreat or social gatherings.
While some guests felt the water was too cold, particularly for children and noted the pool’s shallowness at three feet, it still serves well for a quick, refreshing dip. The atmosphere, coupled with proximity to Old Town, makes it a memorable spot for travelers seeking both convenience and a touch of local charm.
On busier days, the pool area can get lively with other guests, which might not appeal to everyone. However, overall, the outdoor spaces, including the pool, are considered wonderful with many visitors expressing their appreciation for this aspect of the motel.
Parking
The El Vado Motel offers free on-site parking, which many guests found convenient and easy. However, parking can be quite limited, particularly on weekends and during busy times. The complex shares a small lot with neighboring motels and retail shops, often making spaces scarce. Some guests noted that finding parking could be confusing, especially for check-in and that the available parking is not always close to the rooms. Nighttime safety concerns were mentioned by a few visitors, who were unsure about heading to their cars after dark. While the staff is responsive to guest concerns, the lack of sufficient parking and clear directional signage often posed challenges. On busy days, like weekends, guests sometimes had to resort to parking in the neighboring lot or wait for spaces to free up. Despite the parking difficulties, the motel's excellent location and the ability to walk to various attractions were appreciated by many.
Outdoor Pool
El Vado Motel boasts a charming outdoor pool and courtyard that guests frequently praise. The pool, although small, is described as beautiful and set within a picturesque courtyard, creating a serene atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the pool area, noting that it adds to the overall fantastic outdoor environment which also includes seating areas for the nearby tap room and shops. Additionally, the courtyard's inclusion of food vendors and local restaurant pods is seen as a convenient and enjoyable feature, enhancing the guest experience right outside their rooms. Some guests mention that the pool can be on the colder side, expressing a desire for it to be heated to allow for year-round enjoyment. Nonetheless, the combination of the lovely pool and the well-designed courtyard area contributes significantly to the positive reviews of El Vado Motel.
FAQ
Yes, El Vado Motel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at El Vado Motel.
No, El Vado Motel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at El Vado Motel.
