Distilling 36 non-stop, spirit-nourishing hours into a succinct story about New Mexico’s largest city is a little like trying to put a genie back in the bottle.

Albuquerque is a living mosaic of cultures and landscapes — more than half a million residents strong, with multiple languages, one internationally beloved balloon festival, and all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Sandia Mountains.

Welcome Back to the Incomparable Hotel Chaco

I was thrilled to stay at Hotel Chaco, a place I’d only briefly visited during a past assignment for Texas Lifestyle Magazine. This time, I fully immersed myself in its stunning homage to Chaco Canyon, the ancient spiritual center of the Ancestral Puebloans. Everything — from hallway sconces made of sliced agate to simulated kivas and sacred artifacts — honors its cultural inspiration. Native art adorns every space, and the hotel’s proximity to Old Town made it a character in its own right throughout the weekend.

Did Somebody Say Margarita?

First stop: The Smoky Note, a charming cocktail lounge housed in the former Monte Vista Fire Station in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill district. There, I had a private margarita-making session with Lucas, a charismatic mixologist who brought the iconic cocktail’s Prohibition-era history to life.

Tequila took the lead in this classic, with house-made salts — including one crafted from mescal worms (surprisingly delicious) — lining the bar. The star of the show? The bright, freshly squeezed lime juice that elevated my creation to next-level.

Food With a View

Thanks to a timely Uber, I was soon back at Hotel Chaco and ready for dinner at its Level 5 Rooftop Restaurant. Chef Sean Sinclair served regionally inspired dishes that were as flavorful as they were beautifully presented. We devoured Chicken Liver Pâté, Wings, Tres Tamalitos, and a standout Sugar Snap Pea Caesar Salad. Somehow, we saved room for flan — a dessert so perfect, it would’ve made anyone’s abuelita proud.

Would You Like to Ride in My Beautiful Balloon?

A 4 a.m. wake-up call isn’t so bad when you’re about to check off a bucket-list item. I joined other early risers for a hot air balloon adventure with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. Watching the sunrise light up the Sandias while the balloons inflated was surreal. Soon, in the safe hands of our guide Chris, we were soaring peacefully at 8,000 feet — a magical, almost meditative experience, far more tranquil than I ever expected.

River Rocks to Ground Me

Back at Hotel Chaco, I indulged in a Rio Grande Hot Stone Massage at the spa. Fifty minutes of warm, smooth stones, sourced from the nearby river, helped me float between relaxation and bliss. By the time I returned to my room, I felt completely weightless.

A Living Homage to Chaco Canyon

Later, Hotel Chaco manager Mathew Trochee gave me a deeper look at how the property celebrates its historic namesake — from the hand-carved wooden door to the kiva-inspired lobby and curated Indigenous art. Every hallway and space tells a story, making the hotel more than just a place to stay; it’s a living tribute to a sacred past.

A Walk Back in Time

Historian and guide Dana Von Tilborg of Mezcla Walking Tours met me next door for a fascinating stroll through Old Town. With years of experience teaching New Mexico history, Dana was an encyclopedia of knowledge, pointing out adobe, Territorial, and Farmhouse architecture, the historic San Felipe de Neri Church, and High Noon, Old Town’s oldest bar. We ended the tour and I ventured off with a pineapple soft serve in hand and a smile on my face.

Flamenco, Olé!

Ever since moving to New Mexico, I’d longed to see a flamenco performance — and that wish finally came true. We walked over to Hotel Albuquerque for dinner and a front-row seat at Tablao Flamenco Albuquerque, home to the world-class National Institute of Flamenco as well as the annual Flamenco Festival. The dancers were fierce and elegant, the guitarist mind-blowingly talented. Flamenco here deserves a story of its own. But for now, just know, we were enchanted.

Grand Finale at the Sawmill Market

Our final morning brought us to Sawmill Market, just steps from our hotel. A vibrant collection of eateries and shops, it’s a feast for all senses. We landed at The Mercantile Café, where I savored a Breakfast Burrito, while my husband enjoyed a Roasted Veggie Omelet. It was a perfect send-off, both hearty and heartfelt.

Albuquerque packed more wonder into 36 hours than I thought possible. For first-timers or returning travelers, let Heritage Hotels & Resorts take care of the details. Just one tip: if you plan to write about it, ask your editor for more words — because 850 barely scratches the surface of this extraordinary city.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo Kim Weiss

Kim Weiss has worked as a PR Professional for decades, most notably heading up the publicity department from 1994-2019 for the major book publisher, HCI Books, best known for launching the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Currently, she runs Kim Weiss Publishing Services and freelances as a publicist for numerous authors. Kim is also the author of her own book, Sunrise Sunset: 52 Weeks of Awe & Gratitude (HCI – 2012). She lives with her husband John, and her cat Sachi in Santa Fe, NM.