Marriott Albuquerque — Photo by Marriott
Marriott Albuquerque — Photo by Marriott
Marriott Albuquerque — Photo by Marriott

Columbia Sussex, one of the largest Marriott franchisees in the country, is in the midst of an aggressive renovation program to at least 10 of its Marriott owned and operated properties, announces the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation to Marriott Albuquerque, which is known as one of the most centrally-located properties in Albuquerque and is often associated with its rich history of hosting high-profile political and musician guests.

The largest hotel in the Albuquerque area that doesn't fall in the casino or resort categories, the Marriott Albuquerque is centrally located to the city's shopping and dining center, including the Coronado Mall, ABQ Uptown and Winrock Town Center, as well as popular attractions and institutions such as the University of New Mexico and Sandia Peak Tramway. The property has played host to many celebrities in its 35-year history, including Styx band members, BB King, Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, as well as hosting the most recent five U.S. Presidents from President Ronald Reagan through President Barack Obama.

Each of Columbia Sussex's Marriott renovations feature the new Marriott Hotel (MH) standards focusing on architectural aesthetic, thoughtful design and visual dimension that includes simple, yet strong, focal points. Drawing inspiration from the city's 310 days of sunshine each year, Marriott Albuquerque's renovation reflects the myriad of brilliant colors visible in the Albuquerque sky on any given day - from the hot air balloons that dot the skyline to the rich colors of sunrise and sunsets against the exuberant New Mexico landscape. Discerning guests will notice that the sacred Sun symbol of New Mexico's indigenous Zia tribe and icons of the New Mexico chile pepper are integrated throughout the hotel's new design and aesthetic. Every detail of the Marriott Albuquerque's redesigned spaces have been thoughtfully curated to reflect the rich history and kaleidoscope of cultures that make up the fabric and quirky personality of the city.

Guest Rooms and Suites
The cool and calming palette of grays and blues provide contrast with the desert landscape. All 411 guest rooms, including hospitality and presidential suites, have been renovated to reflect this design philosophy combining a contrast of modern metal and wood tones. Contemporary finishes, sophisticated artwork and unique architectural touches reflect Marriott's modern aesthetic, which complement the astonishing Sandia Mountain views from many rooms of the hotel.

Each luxurious guest room is designed for optimal rest and productivity with architectural framing, contrasting finishes and wall cladding, upscale bathroom fixtures, and thoughtful solutions to enhance a guest's stay, such as:

  • Large temperature-controlled rooms with purposeful modern design features, including a sitting area with an oversized chair or sofa for enhanced comfort and a workspace featuring a desk, chair and convenient electrical outlet
  • Convenient wall outlets, lamp outlets and nightstands outfitted with USB ports for multiple electronic devices
  • 49-inch LED flat-panel Smart TVs with premium cable and movie channels to keep guests well-entertained
  • Strategically placed mirrors, including back-lit vanity mirror and full length mirrors
  • Spacious bathrooms complete with tasteful designs and This Works amenities

Hospitality and Presidential Suites also offer the same aesthetics but on a grander scale with more space to host events or to simply spread out and unwind.

The Concierge Lounge, located on the 14th floor overlooking the Sandia Mountains, offers exclusive access to personalized business and Concierge services, all-day dining options and evening cocktails. Open Sunday evening through Friday morning, Concierge Lounge dining options include a continental breakfast, grab-and-go snacks, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. It is an exclusive area for Marriott elite Bonvoy members and any guests who book designated Concierge level rooms. The Concierge Lounge will undergo a full renovation, which will be complete in 2020.

Event & Meeting Space and Lobby Great Room
The hotel's more than 23,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting spaces comprise 21 event rooms, accommodating up to 1,100 guests in its largest space. The newly-renovated Grand Ballroom, executive conference rooms and a unique lobby level meeting room, part of the Greatroom feature, can accommodate events and meetings of any size. The Greatroom also features a built-in registration desk, a mezzanine overlooking the hotel lobby, and extends into a tented poolside patio. The hotel's talented food and beverage team partners with event organizers to ensure that culinary offerings are appropriately paired with the social event or meeting taking place. Additionally, as part of the recent renovation, the meeting spaces offer state-of-the-art A/V services.

The Greatroom areas, located on the lobby level, are a highlight and hub of activity for guests. There is 3,000 square feet of lounging space to fit myriad guest needs from morning until night. Features designed to make guests feel at home in the new Greatroom include communal tables, charging stations, contemporary soft seating arrangements and flat screen TVs.

On-Site Dining
The hotel's on-site restaurant, Cielo Sandia, has been fully transformed as part of the hotel renovation. Cielo Sandia's menu and its Chef feature an eclectic array of New Mexico-inspired dishes offering guests a taste of local cuisine, as well as refreshing and locally-inspired beverages. Cielo Sandia is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations can be made by calling 505-881-6800.

Hotel website