Hotel Andaluz – Albuquerque`s hidden gem

 News from Hotel Andaluz
Brigette Breitenbach, [email protected], 414.750.3098
Meghan Welch, [email protected], 920.427.7788
Hotel Andaluz – Albuquerque’s hidden gem
Hotel Andaluz brings sense of
history and one-of-a-kind experiences to Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico (April 29, 2011) – Hotel Andaluz was always destined for greatness. Built in
1939 by New Mexico native and famous hotelier Conrad Hilton, it was the tallest building in New
Mexico, as well as the first building in the state to feature air conditioning. Only Hilton’s fourth hotel, it
also offered state-of-the-art windows and elevators. At the time it was truly a remarkable sight and by
1984 the hotel had earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places.
When Albuquerque developer Gary Goodman purchased the hotel, he was committed to retaining the
sense of grandeur and innovation Hilton first put into the place 70 years earlier. The hotel underwent a
$30 million renovation in 2009 and Goodman was adamant about maintaining the history and integrity
of the space. He toured Africa and southern Spain in order to incorporate true Moroccan and Spanish
colonial influences into the original lobby, creative a true and authentic space for people to connect to
and explore. In keeping with the Spanish influence, Goodman renamed the hotel Hotel Andaluz after
Andalucía, the Spanish region that helped inspire the hotel’s look and feel.
The hotel remains steeped in history that can be seen everywhere – from the lobby to the rooms;
however, Goodman also made great effort to be as innovative as possible when it come to
environmental sustainability. The property is the only historic Gold LEED certified hotel in the
Southwest and environmental responsibility is kept top of mind through the hotel – from the
housekeepers to the chefs, Hotel Andaluz’s staff is committed to being as environmentally conscious as
possible.
In addition to standard green initiatives such as towel recycling, low-flow toilets and energy-efficient
light bulbs, Hotel Andaluz takes environmental responsibility a step beyond. Solar panels on the roof
ensure that 60 percent of the hotel’s water is heated naturally and the hotel’s rainwater collection
system ensures the hotel is making the most of its natural resources.
Hotel Andaluz’s sense of environmental responsibility extends beyond the hotel itself – its premier
restaurant and bar maintains the same sense. The 4-Star Lucia features chef Michael von Blomberg
who takes menu inspiration from Albuquerque’s many fresh ingredients and local farmers. The
restaurant features local goat cheese, milk and raspberry jam. Their beef comes from cows raised in
New Mexico. Sustainable products, such as oysters and clams, are used whenever possible. Lucia’s
menu also features a wide vegetarian selection, including “Gary’s Garden” (named for the hotel’s
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Hotel Andaluz
125 Second Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
www.hotelandaluz.com
owner, a vegetarian himself). The herbs used in these dishes are grown in Lucia and can be seen on
the counter of the spectacular exposed kitchen.
For those who like a cocktail at the end of a long day, Hotel Andaluz’s Ibiza provides an eco-friendly
cocktail list in a captivating environment. The rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the Albuquerque
skyline and mountain ranges. Local and international DJs can often be spotted entertaining the crowd
of both local and hotel guests.
Hotel Andaluz seamlessly combines state-of-the-art environmental awareness with local and historical
touches. What was an innovative hotel in 1939 is now continually redefining the idea of innovation.
Background
Hotel Andaluz is the only Historic Gold LEED Certified hotel in the Southwest and the only AAA Four
Diamond Hotel in Downtown Albuquerque. It’s the only lifestyle hotel in New Mexico and the only
boutique hotel in City Center. The hotel contains 107 rooms and suites with a variety of meetings
spaces for corporate needs. Several spaces are available for parties, events and weddings.
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Hotel Andaluz
125 Second Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
www.hotelandaluz.com