Local hot air balloon companies offer rides all year long.Īs a four-season city with 300 sunny days a year, Albuquerque has an active community of golfers, hikers, skiers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and fishermen. Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta each October, an event that might be the most photographed in the world. It is also the ballooning capital of the world. Albuquerque retains connections to the past and its varied cultural influences in the architecture, artwork, and cuisine found throughout the city. Today, the city is home to more than 530,000 people of over 70 different ethnicities. The city was founded in 1706 by the Spanish as a colonial outpost in the New World. Guests interested in exploring outside the resort might want to investigate renting a car.Īlbuquerque sits along the Rio Grande at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. The location is somewhat isolated and there are no outside restaurants or shopping nearby.

A free shuttle service transports guests to and from the airport. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located 10 miles south of the Albuquerque Airport near I-25 on Isleta Pueblo land. Live entertainment is found at the Showroom, a large concert venue, or at the outdoor amphitheater that hosts many of the national touring acts.

The equally big and bright fitness center and La Bella Spa are next door to offer a break from gambling, and there's 27 holes of golf at the Isleta Eagle Golf Club. It is surrounded by dozens of lounge chairs, a pair of Jacuzzis, and a fire pit. The hotel also has a relaxing scene, found at the large pool with an indoor/outdoor design. This might be an unwelcome situation for guests that don't smoke or gamble. Cigarette smoke is an issue in the casino, and unfortunately makes its way to other areas of the building, too. Several restaurants and a pair of bars surround the casino, creating a lively atmosphere. A gift store next to the lobby sells Hard Rock merchandise and rock music can be heard in most common areas. Glass display cases showcase memorabilia such as an Elvis suit, guitar signed by the Rolling Stones, and photographs of Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin. The Hard Rock style is big, flashy, and brimming with the spirit of rock and roll. Although the line is lifted from a Guns 'N Roses song, it applies to this hotel, with its huge casino, 27 holes of golf, concert venues, large indoor/outdoor pool, La Bella Spa, and variety of bars and restaurants. Over the front doors of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Albuquerque is the quote: 'We got fun and games'.

Isleta resort and casino spa