On September 3, 2011 Crowne Plaza assumed control of the Albuquerque Hilton. We arrived on that date with advance Hilton reservations - imagine our surprise! Depending on which website I checked, there was a $14-$20 Million Dollar renovation in the past year. The hotel does not have covered parking. The hotel is somewhat isolated, with one restaurant off-property several blocks away, and several gas stations are nearby.
The renovation was apparent, new carpeting in the room, new furniture, paint, etc. Our room on the 8th floor was noisy as it faced NE and Interstate 40 was only a block away. The wall heater/air conditioner was covered with a faux-wood frame, and was noisy. They advertise the hotel as a business destination, but for starters there is NO Wifi in the hotel. The guest Business Center was also temporarily closed.
The old Rancher's Club Restaurant survived, but is highly priced for most visitors (ala carte steaks from the mid $30 range to high $70's for Kobe). There is a coffee shop restaurant which we did not try. The lounge was open and friendly and prices there were as you would expect.
After our first night, Housekeeping did not replace our water glasses, and we found an old used coffee pod in the room coffee maker. The second day we did not get any hand towels or washcloths after the room was cleaned, and tried to call Guest Services but the phone did not work. There was a second phone, and we got our towels but nobody came to replace the phone.
For a mid-range hotel, it is in the "Average" category. The renovation was OK, but no "wow" factor for us. There is still some work being done to the hotel, and to be fair the new management may be adjusting from the takeover, but that won't cure the general presentation.
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