Albuquerque Hotels

and Things To Do

ABQ HOTELS CLOSE TO BALLON FIESTA PARK

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albuquerque North—Only minutes from Balloon Fiesta Park, where the exciting Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held each year.
  • Nativo Lodge—A cultural-themed hotel off I-25. It features hand-painted guest rooms by Native American artists, an indoor/outdoor pool, and on-site dining at Garduño’s restaurant, minutes from Balloon Fiesta Park. 
  • Quality Inn & Suites Albuquerque North—This 80-room, pet-friendly hotel offers budget-friendly accommodations close to Balloon Fiesta Park, featuring free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast.

Hotels Offering Tour Packages with Private Transfers

These premium and boutique hotels partner with official providers to provide multi-night stays paired with private luxury coach transfers that bypass heavy traffic:

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque—Offers specialized 2026 Balloon Fiesta Packages that include all-inclusive multi-night stays, event tickets, and private hotel-to-park transfers. Spacious suites in downtown Albuquerque, two miles from downtown Albuquerque and the historic Old Town. Balloon Fiesta Park, site of the Albuquerque hot-air balloon festival, is 11 miles away. 
  • Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque, Curio Collection by Hilton—Hosts premium 4-night packages through Insider Tours, incorporating round-trip transportation on luxury coach buses directly to the launch field alongside VIP on-site parking. Once Albuquerque’s tallest building, this hotel was the fourth by Conrad Hilton, built in 1939 with decor inspired by Spain’s Andalusian region. Located in the heart of the city, one block from the convention center.
  • Sandia Resort & Casino—Located relatively close to the park, this resort features luxury travel packages with daily shuttle transportation and premium viewing benefits. Owned and operated by the Pueblo of Sandia, Sandia Resort & Casino is a luxury Southwestern destination in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that honors and integrates its rich Native American heritage and Pueblo culture

Uptown Hotels Near TRAINING SITES & Official Balloon Fiesta Park & Ride Lots

These hotels are relatively close to our training site and are within walking distance of an official Balloon Fiesta Park & Ride lot. Tickets cost around $15 for adults and include round-trip bus transportation that utilizes expedited express lanes.

  • Hilton Garden Inn Albuquerque Uptown—Just off I-40, the hotel is within walking distance from ABQ Uptown, Winrock Town Center, and Coronado Center. The University of New Mexico and Historic Old Town are within seven miles, and Albuquerque International Airport is only 15 minutes from our door. Walking distance from the Balloon Fiesta Park & Ride lot.
  • Hyatt Place Albuquerque Uptown—Just off I-40, the hotel is within walking distance from ABQ Uptown, Winrock Town Center, and Coronado Center. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, delightful dining options, an outdoor pool, convenient parking and a delectable breakfast every morning when you stay at Hyatt Place Albuquerque/Uptown. Walking distance from the Balloon Fiesta Park & Ride lot.

Brief Schedule of the 2026 Ballon Fiesta

Saturday, Oct. 3 (Opening Day)

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Opening Ceremonies, Mass Ascension
  • Evening: Twilight Twinkle Glow, Drone Light Show, AfterGlow Fireworks

Sunday, Oct. 4

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Mass Ascension
  • Evening: Balloon Glow, Drone Light Show, AfterGlow Fireworks

Monday, Oct. 5 (New Mexico Day)

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Fly-In Competition, Chainsaw Carving
  • No evening session

Tuesday, Oct. 6

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Fly-In Competition
  • No evening session

Wednesday, Oct. 7

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension
  • No evening session

Thursday, Oct. 8

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Special Shapes Rodeo
  • Evening: Special Shapes Glowdeo, Drone Light Show, AfterGlow Fireworks

Friday, Oct. 9 (Kids’ Day)

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Special Shapes Rodeo
  • Evening: Special Shapes Glowdeo, Drone Light Show, AfterGlow Fireworks

Saturday, Oct. 10

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Mass Ascension
  • Evening: Night Magic Glow & Music Fiesta (featuring Russell Dickerson and Dasha), Drone Light Show, AfterGlow Fireworks

Sunday, Oct. 11 (Closing Day)

  • Morning: Dawn Patrol, Farewell Mass Ascension
  • No evening session

Things to Do Near the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center & Old Town

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

  • This museum and cultural venue tells the story of New Mexico’s 19 Pueblo tribes through exhibits, performances, and community events.
  • Offers traditional dance shows, rotating exhibits, arts programs, and educational experiences.
  • Includes the Indian Pueblo Kitchen restaurant, which features Indigenous-inspired dishes and local culinary traditions. (Tripadvisor)

Historic Old Town

  • Pueblo-style architecture
  • Art galleries featuring Native and Southwestern art
  • Local restaurants, boutiques, and craft shops
  • Walking plazas and historic sites

Albuquerque Museum of Art & History

Walking distance from Old Town or a short drive from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, this museum focuses on regional history, cultura and art.