Destination Albuquerque:Just back from Albuquerque—What a Trip

Your conference committee spent three days in New Mexico checking out the hotels, sampling the menus and sightseeing with convention center and destination representatives. If you’ve never been to this small city and are planning to attend InspectionWorld 2004, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Cruising down Central Street we found shops, restaurants, clubs and one of the oldest theaters in this part of the country all within a block of our trio of hotels.

Yes, we’ll be staying at three hotels surrounding the Convention Center, each a different venue. The Hyatt Regency offers elegant restaurants, gift shops, a health club, exquisite views of the city and finely appointed rooms. The Doubletree Albuquerque offers mid-range pricing and a connecting corridor to the Convention Center. Southwest flair will be served up at the restaurant. La Posada, one of the oldest hotels in the city, offers our inspectors and their families a unique look and is a real New Mexican gem. A boutique hotel at very affordable pricing, it will fill its 100 rooms quickly. La Posada was Conrad Hilton’s fourth hotel, and the honeymoon suite was made famous by its first guests, Conrad Hilton and his new wife Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Hungry? At El Pinto, an authentic Mexican restaurant, we were tutored on the history of tequila, and how to know what to order. We sampled El Pinto’s fine dishes. In addition to wonderful food, guests can take lessons at the restaurant’s cooking school. There’s also a Brazilian Steakhouse with a wonderful “all you can eat” salad bar. It features 17 plus varieties of grilled meats carried by waiters to your table on huge skewers. Dinner was an incredible $16 without drinks or dessert. We felt guilty for eating so much for so little.

Like to gamble? Sandia Casino will keep you up until the wee hours listening to live music and playing the tables and slots.

Bringing the kids? I am. Hot air balloon rides, local museums, shopping and a spectacular tram ride are on our list for family outings. I could hardly believe how friendly and welcoming our hosts were. Your January date with ASHI is shaping up to be an extraordinary New Mexico adventure. Sunny days and cool nights make playing and sleeping comfortable. Outstanding, business-building seminars are in store for you, but try to plan a few extra days to really see a beautiful and exciting part of our country. Spice up your life and enjoy the ASHI Experience in Albuquerque this January. Your Conference Committee believes it’s going to be a winner. Book your room early by calling 505-766-9700, option #2.