ClubHouse Inn & Suites Albuquerque Hotel

2009-06-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

I am no longer with ClubHouse Inn and Suites, so there will be no more updates to this blog. I will still receive any comments submitted here.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey,
Barbara

Barbara Conley

2009-02-26T15:36:00.001-08:00

Test.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Sandia Peak Ski Area

2009-02-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have never been, Sandia Peak Ski Area is a must-go winter adventure. Just the trip up to the ski area is a wonderful drive, and the views once you get there are just breathtaking. The ski area does an admirable job of keeping the slopes well-groomed in our more temperate climate (so, glorious sunshine with your snow!), and there's a good selection of runs to choose from. The cafe has great hot chocolate, and tasty snacks for the hard-working skiers and boarders. On the way home, turn left and head to the top of the mountain for the completely gorgeous display of Albuquerue city lights - or even take a peek over at Santa Fe. You can see it from the peak as well. Stop in Cedar Crest for a bite to eat on your way back into town and, all-in-all, it's an excellent day.

This month is, of course, all about the love. Valentine's Day is upon us, and we have our annual special for the big day. For the rest of the month, we have our Romance to Remember for the rest of the month, in case you are planning to celebrate on another day.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Albuquerque Thunderbirds

2009-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.nba.com/dleague/albuquerque/

Happy New Year! It's a great new year for Albuquerque, and big on the winter scene are The Albuquerque Thunderbirds, our NBA D-League team. Their season has already started, but it not to late to join in on the fun. Games are held at Tingley Coliseum at Expo New Mexico. For a list of games and links to buy tickets, you can visit the Thunderbirds page on our website.

For our part here at the hotel, we are enjoying the new year. We've had a wonderful holiday season, and are looking forward to a great year ahead. Currently we have our Gift Card Deal running, where guests can receive a $10 gift card for each night that they are here. We are also gearing up for our Valentine's Special, a great deal on a lovely evening for two.

We hope to see you soon and until then we wish you a wonderful beginning to the new year.

Happy journeys,
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

River of Lights

2008-12-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

The River of Lights at New Mexico Botanical Gardens. Photo from http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/common/decemberevents.html#rol

Greetings New Mexico afficianados! This month has to be the most magical in Albuquerque. With our luminarias lining the walkways and our glorious Sandia Mountains glistening with new snow, there is beauty all around us every day and night. A particularily great way to spend a clear Albuquerque night (of which we have so many), is by heading on down to the River of Lights at the NM Botanical Gardens. Wear a few layers and bring a couple dollars for a hot chocolate (or bring your own!). I like to walk along the right side of the Common first. Make sure you go all the way back through the garden - it's a really exstensive display. Every year I see something new. Wandering amidst the gardens in the evening quiet, with these fantastic and beautiful sculptures of light around every corner, it's really quite breathtaking. I always save the train for last, and it's such a treat. Our model train around the Christmas tree was never like this! Lakes and bridges, tunnels and towns, it's a whole miniature community celebrating the holiday spirit. If there's still time, I'll head over to the Shark Reef Cafe for a tasty treat afterwards.

And for us this holiday season, we're celebrating in our special way. We have a few days left of the 25 days of Holiday Giveaway. Our Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Off Deal and our Gift Card Promotion are both good through next year.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

New Mexico State Fair

2008-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Can you smell it? Roasting green chiles, turkey legs, funnel cakes, fresh hay, and giant cups of lemonade? Or hear it? First rate musical artisits, the call of the midway, the laughter of happy families or the sounds of horses, baby ducks and lambs? Or maybe you can even see it - the expositions and competition entries, the big ferris wheel, the glittering Fair Queen's crown or the rodeo clown? That's right, it's Fair Time! And this year promises to be an amazing one at the Fair. Your source for All-Fair-all-the-time is http://www.exponm.com/fair/. See the amazing line up of free and paid concerts (the Gin Blossoms are a free concert!), the competitions and attractions and all that the Fair has to offer.

A few tips from the experienced:
1. If you want to see the competitions, especially the flower arranging, go on the the first few days. Even for the "non-perishable" competitions, once the judging is done, some entrants choose to take their entries home.
2. Spread your state fair visit out over a few days. Between the expositions, competitions, cultural activiities, rides, attractions, shows and rodeo, there is a LOT to see and do. One day is not enough to "do" the whole Fair.
3. Park close to the exit. Aside from a nice, healthy walk to and from the Fair, you'll get out quickly.
4. Bring $1 bills for snacks and goodies.
5. Go early in the day. A lot of the free shows and entertainment happens during the daylight hours.

Now, just a few facts to get you started:
Admission ~ $9 Adults, $5 Senior Citizens, $4 Children 3-12 (Children to 2 & Under Free)
Parking ~ FREE PARKING
Public Transportation ~ 243-RIDE or visit http://www.cabq.gov/transit/
Where is the New Mexico State Fair located? The New Mexico State Fair is located at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro Blvd. N.E. The best way to get there is to take I-25 and exit at San Mateo or Louisiana exit, follow the directions to Expo New Mexico.

So, all that being said, it's no surprise that the ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel has a State Fair Deal! It's a one king or one / two queen bed room, complete with full, hot breakfast buffet and evening reception included, and two tickets to the State Fair for $99.00. Our pool and hot tub are open, so bring your suits. We also still have our Big Splash Special until the end of September, and our Romance to Remember, Park -n- Fly and our Golf Packages year round. Visit http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com/specials.php for information on all our specials.

Wherever you find yourself this September, we hope you have a wonderful month.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

2008-07-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

photo: Loretto Chapel, http://www.visitsantafe.com/navigate.cfm?nav=businesspage.cfm_BusinessID=1579&CFID=15275849&CFTOKEN=94245692

Happy Summer! July is a great month to get out and travel. One of my favorite weekend vacations is a trip to Santa Fe. I can't believe it's taken me this long to tell you about it! First, the right accommodations make the trip. For us it will always be the Inn on the Alameda. They are right by the square and everything that we love about Santa Fe. And their old world charm mixed with modern amenities and first class service make every stay a memorable one.

But we don't spend all our time there - we go sightseeing! One of our regular stops is the Loretto Chapel. It's located at 219 Old Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe, NM. Visit their website for hours and admission. It's a beautiful church with a really interesting story about how their miraculous choir-loft staircase was built...

Next we like to preambulate the old town square. A definite destination there is the Palace of the Governors Museum. You can feel the history during your tour. And I always have to stop in at The Shop - A Christmas Store located at 116 East Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM. It's one of the country's oldest year-round Christmas stores, and it's a delight at any time of the year. But aside from our favorites, just wandering in and out of the stores and alleyways that surround the square is an adventure in itself.

And no trip to Santa Fe would be complete for us without lunch or dinner at Upper Crust Pizza located at 329 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM. Their salads, subs and pizzas are worth the drive to Santa Fe alone!

So, now we return to Albuquerque and to the home-away-from-home of our treasured guests, the ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel Albuquerque. July is one of our most favorite months, with courtyard in full bloom. And for us this means the Big Splash Deal ~ along with, of course, our year-round Stay and Play Golf Packages. And this summer we have an especially 'hot' deal - a $20 (or more) gift card that you receive at check out!! Click here for details. We invite you to visit the ClubHouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel website for more details about all our specials.

Wherever you find yourself this month, we hope it's a pleasant journey getting there.

Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Rio Grande Botanical Gardens

2008-05-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

photo and credit: The Rio Grande Botanical Gardens http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/images/IMG_0970.jpg

Another day in paradise - or more accurately, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is such a gorgeous place this time of year, it's easy to get confused.

I'm going to start this time with our hotel news, because I want to leave you with the highlighted attraction of the month. May is a beautiful month to visit, with Spring in the air and the courtyard in full bloom. And for us this means the Memorial Day Weekend Special and Big Splash Deal ~ along with, of course, our year-round Stay and Play Golf Packages. And just added, our Gift Card Deal. Stay two nights and receive a $20 gift card - and each additional night adds $10 to your gift card total!! We invite you to visit the ClubHouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel website for more details about all our sepcials.

For those of you who have been to the Rio Grande Botanical Gardens, you know it's a magical place. For those of you who haven't been - you need to go! They just opened up a new Japanese garden that is incredible! The moment you walk through the big bamboo gates, you experience a wonderful sense of peace. Whether it's while wandering among the extensive paths between the cottonwoods, or maybe when you're standing next to the rushing waterfall, or relaxing on a hand-hewn natural log bench, or perhaps even while gazing at the glimmering coi in the pond - you'll be transported from the rush of every day life to a quiet and contemplative space. Can you imagine such a wonderful place? Close your eyes and take a deep breath - and another. Imagine quiet sounds of water, birds and the breeze.... now, go to the Gardens and get a much bigger dose of the peace you feel right now.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Gathering of Nations Pow Wow

2008-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

April is nationally know as breast cancer awarenes month. And here at the Clubhouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel, we participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and we raise funds. Our goal this year is $3000. If you would like to participate, you can visit our team's webpage to make a donation, or to join our team!

It's April is a significant month for Albuquerque too - it means the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. If you haven't been, it's an experience not to be missed. You can find more details about the Pow Wow by visiting their website.

For the ClubHouse, upcoming for us is the Memorial Day Weekend Special and Big Splash Deal ~ along with, of course, our year-round Stay and Play Golf Packages. We invite to visit the Clubhouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel website to check them all out!

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Revolutions International Theatre Festival and Other Albuquerque Events

2008-01-01T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's a new year in Albuquerque, and that means new adventure and experiences!

The highlight of this blog entry is the Revolutions International Theatre Festival. Performers from places including New York City, Pakistan, Russia, Chicago, Israel, Canada, Los Angeles, Poland and New Mexico come together for this three-week festival. Revolutions, produced by Albuquerque’s own Tricklock Company, highlights the region’s heritage as a cultural crossroad of global exchange and artistic innovation. The 2008 festival will feature something for everyone including: •Eastern European Street Theatre Artists •Russian Dance-Theatre Performance •Outdoor Shows Geared to Children •Israeli Puppet Masters •Rock n’ Roll Acrobat •Stories of Cultural Collision and Hope from Pakistan •Burlesque and Clown Shows from New York •A Former “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” Correspondent.

And February brings an annual favorite: The Annual National Fiery Foods and Barbecue Show. Consumers will have a terrific time at the show tasting new product--and buying them if they enjoy them. There are cooking demonstrations by top chefs, cookbook signings by noted authors, plus many nonfood items such as clothing and other chile pepper memorabilia. It's a great time for the lovers of the spicier side of life!

Finally, this time of year is my favorite for hot air ballooning. The cold air, slowly warmed by the rising sun as you gather together on the launch field, scrutinizing the sky for signs of a promising flight. Then you warm up as the work gets under way, setting up the basket, hooking up the envelope and walking it out. If all goes well, a quick cold inflate, and - my favorite part in the winter - the burn. As the balloon rises quietly to stand upright, the heat from the propane tanks are a welcome warmth. Then, if you're lucky that day, hop in and go! An amazing ride, whether you're on the ground or in the air, you meet up again at the end of the flight and share stories about the adventure as you pack up. Then it's off for a little tail-gait party and perhaps a celebration if there was a first time passenger. Hot air adventures are definitely one of my most favorite things about Albuquerque!

So, back here at the hotel, we are gearing up for Valentine's Day. It's a wonderful time for us, filled with roses, delectable treats from Kiki's Krumbs and sweet sentiment. It's one of our favorite times of year here (though I must admit that we have several!). If you'd like to join us this year, we invite you to try our Valentine's Day Get-Away.

We hope you are having a wonderful new year, and we look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com/
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Grants, NM

2007-09-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

Photo from: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/cibola/districts/mttaylor.shtml

Hello and howareya? I can't believe how fast this year is speeding by. Has it been that way for you?

Summer is over, school has begun, and my favorite time of year is approaching: Fall. I love the smell of the green chiles roasting, the cooler weather, and the fall breezes that come our way.

One of my favorite fall trips is to Grants, NM. It's a small town in western New Mexico, with a lot of hidden treasures. First, I recommend a stop at the Northwest New Mexico Visitor's Center, to plan your trip. I like to make the first leg of my trip a visit to the New Mexico Mining Museum - this is a great morning adventure at an excellent museum that highlights the time when uranium mining flourished in the area - from the 1950s to about 1983. Their photos, displays, and real life-sized mine exhibit that you can walk through are a must-see. They combine the uranium mining industry with the history of the area, also displaying the many artifacts that were found during the mining heyday.

Stop for lunch in town, or bring a picnic and head to the hills - the Zuni Mountains to be exact, located in the Cibola National Forest, Mount Taylor Region. The logging industry exploded onto the scene here in the early 1900's as livestock trade declined. At the Mining Museum you can pick up a brochure that will take you on a guided tour of the history of the logging industry's rise in these mountains. There are marked stops along the way - I recommend getting out and walking around. You can really get a feel of what it might have been like. The entire trip is a lovely drive through terrain that changes as the elevation rises. There's red rock, volcanic rock, desert expanse, flower-filled meadows, cool forests, dramatic ravines, and much more. A truly delightful trek through the mountain - and through time - await you in the Zuni Mountains.

A fun side trip is a visit to "The Land of Fire and Ice: The Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano." The ice cave is the result of the volcano, actually. Grants was a very volcanic area, and as you drive along you can see miles of volcanic rock - lava trails that cooled to a rough, black texture and fill the landscape in and around Grants. The Bandera Volcano actually exploded outward and collapsed in on itself, creating a concave cone. The lava flowed out from the volcano for miles, and many of the flows ran under ground, creating subterranean tubes. Some have collapsed in places and can now been seen from the surface. Moisture will collect in these tubes at the surface opening and the fresh cold air that comes from the rest of the tube still sumberged deep in the earth will constantly cool the moisture, many times freezing it into ice. Such is the case with the Ice Cave. A steep staircase takes you down to an observation area where you can view the ice. Turn the other way and head up, up, to the top of the ridge that was formed by the collapsed bandera Volcano. Along the way, take your time to notice the rock-geyser that was formed by exploding lava spurting up that cooled into rock before it collapsed into the ground - leaving an amazing frozen lava-sculpture. The surrounding forest makes it a delightful climb. And don't miss the Trading Post - a great place to pick up a souvenir of your visit.

So now, returning to Albuquerque, let me tell you what's happening here at the hotel these days. We still have our golf Stay and Play packages and our Big Splash Weekends. This month ushers in our State Fair Extravaganza!

We hope you had a wonderful end to a lovely summer, and we look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Bosque del Apache

2007-08-01T23:22:00.000-07:00

Whew! Has it been a busy summer for you too? It's been simply amazing here. We've seen so many of you this summer, taking the time to relax and celebrate summer in Albuquerque. Good on ya! The Southwest is definitely meant to be enjoyed to it's fullest. Everything about summer in Albuquerque, from grand sunsets to unexpected glorious summer thunderstorms to the delicious heat that bakes you when stepping from cool air-conditioning urges us to stop and enjoy. So, take a deep breath and... now we're off!

For a list of what's happening in Albuquerque, visit our Convention and Visitor's website at http://www.itsatrip.org/events/default.aspx.

My highlighted activity for this post is a day trip down to Bosque del Apache. It's a National Wildlife Refuge located right outside Socorro, a little over and hour's drive from Albuquerque (depending on how fast you drive!). I went this past weekend and was amazed. I had no idea that anything like this existed in New Mexico! There's a visitor's center, and that's handy for getting oriented for the refuge. The refuge is a big place, and the map was a wee bit confusing to us. So it was handy to talk to the ranger before heading out. There's a great little gift shop that sold neccesities such as bug spray (thank goodness! the mosquitos were fierce!) as well as beautiful gifts, souvenirs and momentos.

Now, bring your camera, or a really good memory.

We first headed to the left after entering, where the rookery (nesting area) was, and we were not sorry it was our first stop. Much of the land is marshy (yes, in NM! - bring the bug spray, I didn't get bit once), and there are observation decks to look out on lush green marsh fields dotted with birds of many breeds. Birdwatching is not a hobby of mine, so I read the handy placards that told me what birds I was watching. I can tell you that while I was there I saw herons, egrets, geese, cranes, ravens, I think I saw a vulture, and many other un-named birds. Then we started around the 17 mile loop. There are observation decks along the way, so we stopped frequently and took in the peaceful sights and sounds of the refuge. We spent so much time at the boardwalk that crosses one end of the lake that we had to head home after that, so there are quite a few miles left for our next trip! A long boardwalk spans the far end of the lake, and was such a treat. We saw schools of fish, dozens of birds, a heron in flight, and an amazing little bird that chattered at us fiercely. We did not know why until we saw his mate nesting not 3 feet from where we were standing! We left them in peace.

So we headed home for the day, feeling peaceful and content to have discovered such a magical gem of a place. And a great perk (we had 3 children with us), there were frequent restrooms stationed along the loop.

But, wait - there's more! Here's what's happening here at the hotel these days: We still have our golf Stay and Play packages and our Big Splash Weekends. Our Back to School Special runs through August 20th, and looking forward to September we have our Labor Day Weekend Retreat and State Fair Extravaganza!

We hope you have a wonderful end to a lovely summer, and we look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet (again),
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

2007-07-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love the Southwest! And July and August are great months to be here. There's always so much to see and do in New Mexico and in Albuquerque in particular, but when the warm weather is upon us, hijole! the place gets jumping. (I'm not sure if I spelled it right, but it's pronouced ee-ho-lay, and it means ~ very roughly translated ~ whoa baby!). My favorite, but just the tip of the iceberg: balmy summer nights listening to music at the Botanical Gardens Thursdays or at the Zoo on Fridays.

For a more detailed list of what's happening in Albuquerque, visit our Convention and Visitor's website at http://www.itsatrip.org/events/default.aspx.

My highlighted activity for this post is a day trip down to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico (or, "T or C" to everyone in New Mexico). I actually don't really want to tell you about it, because I like that it's a well-kept secret. That way it stays quiet there for me! But I know you'll save some room for me, so here goes... Okay, now the story is too long for me to tell here, but suffice it to say that T or C got it's name from a game show dare. You can read the whole story at http://www.truthorconsequencesnm.net/area_TorC_ralph_edwards.htm. Now to the trip...

I start out mid morning and head south on I-25 towards T or C. My first stop on my next trip into town will be the Geronimo Springs Museum (see photo above). I have yet to visit, and I know there is vital information about this great little town that I am missing due to my not yet having been to the museum. When lunchtime arrives, I pick one of the many little restaurants that dot the downtown strip. There's a variety to choose from, and I have found them all good. Or I pack my own lunch and find a quite spot to watch the town life go by as I eat.

Then it's off to soak. The town was called Hot Springs before the game show adventure, and that is what I am there for! There are several places to soak. One of the best is the Firewater Lodge, Bed and Breakfast. So pack a suit!

At sunset I want to be at the Veteran's Memorial Park. It is the home of one of the two original Traveling Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Walls. It's a to scale size replica of the wall in Washington D.C. In addition to the Wall, there are plaques to all the major wars, with information on each, set into a star shaped walking path. When I was last there, it looked like a pond was also in the works. As the sun sinks down below the hills to the west, I walk over to the ceremonial area, to stand at the end of the path at the top of the hill overlooking the residential section of town and as the sky and air itself are infused with that lovely pink glow that we are known for in the southwest, and I listen to the quiet sounds of T or C settling in for the night, I know I've spent the day well.

So now I've spilled the beans, but I do wish you a wonderful trip to Truth or Consequences if you ever (or when you next) go.

But, what's happening here at the hotel? I'm so glad you asked! We still have our golf Stay and Play packages and our Big Splash Weekends. August brings our Back to School Special - let us make a hetic time easy and fun for the whole family.

We hope you have a lovely summer, and we look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet,
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

The Turquoise Trail

2007-05-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

Photo from http://www.tinkertown.com/

What do you really enjoy? History? Culture? Art? Outdoor adventures? Sports? Whatever is your idea of fun, you are bound to find it here in Albuquerque. May and June bring with them a long list of activities in and around the metropolitan area. The Isotopes, Albuquerque's AAA baseball team, is back in full "swing". It's warm enough to spend all morning at the Expo New Mexico Flea Market. The wine festivals are starting to come to "fruition", and, of course, Viva Cinco de Mayo! For a more detailed list of what's happening in Albuquerque, visit our Convention and Visitor's website at http://www.itsatrip.org/events/default.aspx.

My highlighted activity for this post is the Turquoise Trail. Here I will just be highlighting a few of the things to see and do along the Trail, but I recommend you visit their site for more! I love heading east on I-25 on one of our many beautiful spring days. Our first stop is always TinkerTown. I could actually spend the whole day here ~ I love this place. For almost 40 years, Ross Ward created and collected beautiful, interesting and unique works of folk art and curiosities, which are all on display in this rambling museum. It's a delightful trip that always leaves me thinking what MORE I can do in my own life.

Though there's more to do in the area, our guided tour today takes you next to the Mine Shaft Tavern for a bite to eat. After partaking of our my refreshment, I head over to The Old Coal Mine Museum. From side trips around the state I have learned to love the history of this area, and mining has played a large part in the development of the southwest. This is an outdoor museum, with lots to see, touch and explore. I always like to sit and imagine what life was like in those days. Definitely rougher than mine today, as I pop into my comfortable car and head to the next stop: Shona Sol.

I don't know much about Shona Sol, but I love going. Located outside, in a field next to a local artist's studio home, it's an arrangement of contemporary stone sculptures from Zimbabwe. There is a gallery of more stonework inside the studio. It's a wonderfully contemplative place to spend time. The official directions: 20 miles south of Santa Fe Plaza on N.M. 14 at Red Tail Rd. (505) 473-5611.

Next, if I'm feeling adventurous, is a stop at Broken Saddle Riding Company for a bit of high desert equestrian activity. If I don't have the time, maybe I just stop in to the What Not Shop for some serious browsing time (and buying!). (505) 471-2744.

There's a lot more available to you via the Turquoise Trail, not the least of which is a movie ranch where over 100 movies have been filmed! But today our tour ends here. I leave this tour today with and invitation for you to create your own adventure here in the Land of Enchantment.

But, what's happening here at the hotel? I'm so glad you asked! We still have our golf Stay and Play packages through September, and starting this month, we have our Big Splash Weekends! Stay any two consecutive nights over the weekend (Friday-Sunday evenings) and receive over 10% off our best available rate! This month bring our Family Memories weekend deal over Memorial Day. It's all the fun, rolled into one!

Whatever your reason for visiting Albuquerque, we look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet,
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

Salinas Peublo Missions National Monument

2007-04-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

(photo from http://www.nps.gov/sapu/)

Greetings! I hope you don't have too much trouble during April Fool's Day.

Did you know that... "The explanation of the origins of April Fools' Day was provided by Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for one day. Kugel passed an edict calling for absurdity on that day, and the custom became an annual event.

'In a way,' explained Prof. Boskin, 'it was a very serious day. In those times fools were really wise men. It was the role of jesters to put things in perspective with humor.'

This explanation was brought to the public's attention in an Associated Press article printed by many newspapers in 1983. There was only one catch: Boskin made the whole thing up. It took a couple of weeks for the AP to realize that they'd been victims of an April Fools' joke themselves."

So now that I've had my fun with you...
"It is worth noting that many different cultures have had days of foolishness around the start of April, give or take a couple of weeks. The Romans had a festival named Hilaria on March 25, rejoicing in the resurrection of Attis. The Hindu calendar has Holi, and the Jewish calendar has Purim. Perhaps there's something about the time of year, with its turn from winter to spring, that lends itself to lighthearted celebrations." Source: http://www.infoplease.com/spot/aprilfools1.html

Spring is here, and I feel very lighthearted myself. The sun is warm, the trees are budding, and our guests are here for their Albuquerque spring vacations! (Though there are still plenty of working travelers - and we're happy to have you with us too!) And I have to say that they have picked a great place to relax and enjoy themselves. I love Albuquerque! This city and the surrounding area has more to do than I can actually take in. I know to many we seem like a small city, but honestly, if you look at the list of events that follow this post, you'll agree that there isn't enough time in the day to see and do everything!

This past weekend my family and I did a day trip to the Salinas Peublo Missions National Monument (photo above). There are 3 sites with pueblo and mission ruins: Quarai, Abó, and Gran Quivira, but we only got to two of them this weekend: Quarai and Abó. The scenery alone is beautiful - the hour or so drive south and east from Albuquerque is really lovely. We stopped at the "Tunnel Canyon" on Route 337 and there's a great hike there through the canyon. You'll reach the Quarai ruins before you get to Mountainair, where the National Park Service has a welcome center for all 3 sites, including a 20 minute video on the history of the area. Be sure to bring your camera, some water, a good pair of hiking shoes and plan to spend the day exercising your body and mind. It's not a trip I would rush through.

As for what's happening at the hotel, we've got a St. Patrick's Day Promotion, Stay and Play Golf deals, a special for the Gathering of Nations Pow-Wow and May will bring the advent of our Big Splash Weekends. We look forward to serving you soon.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet,
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
866-345-0010
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

El Rancho de las Golondrinas, National Atomic Museum, Fiery Foods Show & Annual Chocolate Fantasy

2007-03-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

So - this gorgeous photo is of the UNM Championship Golf Course, one of the many Albuquerque and surrounding area courses. I can think of worse ways to spend a day than on a golf course! And we've got packages starting at $99 - call us today to book a golf getaway!

Our Valentine's Day Special went well - aside from the snow storm Albuquerque had, that is. There were 12 packages sold. Good to know that love is alive and well, even in the midst of inclement weather! (or maybe because of it....) We had several requests for "fire and ice" roses, which I never could find... :(

And I can't be forgettin' to invite ya ta celebrrrate ole' St. Patrick's Day with us! It'll be a foine celebrrrration for sure - and we're hopin' ta see ya there!

Oh!~ the CBS morning show is coming to Albuquerque! YOU can be on TV when the CBS Early Show comes to Albuquerque on Friday, March 23rd. Dave Price, the Early Show’s meteorologist will broadcast live from Albuquerque for the grand finale of their All-Access Tour promotion.
The broadcast location is to be determined and will take place from 4:30-7am.
Locals are encouraged to attend the broadcast to create a big, diverse, enthusiastic crowd. Albuquerque residents of all ages are invited to attend and bring signs, posters, t-shirts, school mascots, etc. Plan to join the fun! Let’s show the nation what Albuquerque is all about. Watch future newsletters and local media for information on where the shoot will take place.
Dave will whisk some lucky traveler away on the global adventure of a lifetime, and you can be there for the fun! There is still time to register for a chance to win one of the whirlwind weekend getaways at http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/earlyshow/main500202.shtml.
CBS would love to know if you and your friends will be joining Dave, so send an e-mail to LiveinAlbuquerque@cbsnews.com.
Learn more about the promotion

One more thing, and then I'll get to our "Concierge Corner" - We are participating in the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk in Albuquerque this year. If you would like to join our walking team or donate a gift towards our goal, click here.

Seeing as how Spring is just around the corner (or, if you are an optimist, already here), I wanted to talk about some of the totally groovy stuff happening in the Albuquerque area this Spring.

First up is El Rancho de las Golondrinas (Ranch of the Swallows). This place is amazing. It's an entire ranch set up as a living history museum. They grow, they harvest, they educate - you can walk the grounds, visit the houses, and enjoy a warm biscochito (the official cookie of New Mexico!). I've been to some similar-types places where they try to convey to you an aura of history, but this place is living history. Bring a picnic lunch or eat there - and don't forget to bring your camera!

Then there's the Navajo Code Talker exhibit at the National Atomic Museum. The Navajo Code Talkers made sure our communications during World War II were indecipherable if intercepted. I was privilidged to witness a presentation by one of the code talkers, the late Dr. Sam Billison, several years ago. If you've never know much about these brave soldiers, this exhibit warrants a visit.

The Fiery Foods Show is back! A tradition here in Albuquerque, the Fiery Foods Show is my test to see how the chile I'm eating this year compares to the chile I ate last year, on a hotness level! I now eat red and green, and I never have to send anything back because it's too hot (as long as I have plenty of tortillas)! That'll be in March at Sandia Casino and Resort.

Ok - so the Annual Chocolate Fantasy is at another hotel. I'll just have to live with that. Because it's an amazing event! You can actually go right from the Fiery Foods show...

And my final pick from the many, many, many, many things going on in the Albuquerque area for this Spring is....

(drumroll please)

The Annual Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival March 9-11. It's a regular pilgrimage for me. Getting up early that morning, maybe hitting a few yard sales before heading over to Expo New Mexico! Home of the State Fair. After perusing the Arts and Crafts Festival, I make sure to stop at the State Fair Flea Market for a bite to eat and to wander around and see what treasures can be found.

So - what are YOU going to do on your next visit to Albuquerque?

Following this post is a list of acitivties happening in Albuquerque in March. For dates past March, please visit our Current Events list on our website.

Wishing you a safe a prosperous journey until we meet,
Barbara

Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn and Suites Hotel
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com/
To reserve, call toll free 866-345-0010 or Book Online!

What to do in Albuquerque

2007-02-01T21:57:00.000-08:00

Alrighty then! You're going to figure out pretty quickly that most of what I talk about regarding the hotel will be about a month ahead of time. That's just how we roll in the tourism business... Mostly, there's not too much we can do to attract visitors for say, tomorrow. But next month, absolutely. So, with that being said, let me tell you what's going on!

Sporting tournaments are in full swing, actually starting this month, with volleyball tournaments and soccer (brrr!). March brings a slew of schools looking for accommodations for their teams. Since we have a cap on how many teams we can host, Submit Your Group Request Online, email us, or call toll free 866-345-0010 today and ask for Sales to reserve your blocks!

For those of us who are out of the scholastic season of our lives and are full-on into the daily grind, I have a balm for your hard-working soul: Golf Get-Aways! Starting at just $99 per person for one night at the hotel and one round of golf (based on double occupancy), these packages are a great way to really get away from it all. Email us or call toll free 866-345-0010 today and ask for Sales to make your reservations.

If you are looking for that perfect Valentine get-away for you and your honey, we do still have Valentine Packages available. Call toll free 866-345-0010 today to make your romantic reservation.

If you have stayed with us in the past and would like to leave a review or testimonial for us online, there are two venues for you. The first is TripAdvisor.com, a wonderful unbiased review site for travelers such as yourself looking for reviews of prospective properties. The other is our own Feedback Forum, where written and audio commentary are submitted, reviewed, responded to if requested, comments addressed and sometimes posted for our future guest's reference. I invite you to visit both pages and, if you are so inspired, leave us a review based on your experience with us.

OK - that's enough about the hotel. After my sign-off, you'll find a list of many events happening in Albuquerque through the end of February. For details on events past February, please visit our Albuquerque Current and Upcoming Events page.

Also, I invite you to create your own wonderful experience in Albuquerque. Spend some time researching what Albuquerque really has to offer. Ask the locals. There are so many great little day trips in and around the city - so much so that you can even have theme days!

1) Shopping: visit the Turquoise Museum to learn about the precious gem, then walk over to Old Town for strolling in galleries, shopping and eating.

2) Folk Art: Visit various artistic landmarks in Albuquerque - Art Museum, "Buick on a Stick", Barelas Neighborhood - with a stop at Barela's Coffee house for lunch. Then head out to TinkerTown in Sandia Park for the mother of all folk art displays!

3) Outdoor Adventure: Start with a morning hike and a picnic lunch at the petroglyphs. THen head up to the top of the Sandia Mountains, via the world's longest tram ride, for an afternoon hike along the top of the over 10,000ft above sea level Sandia Peak. Return at dusk, bathed in our magical pink-tinged sunset and have a bite to eat at Sandiago's at the base of the tram.

4) Start out at the Rio Grande Biological Gardens with a tour of their beautiful grounds - don't forget a visit to the Children's Fantasy Garden and Heritage Farms ( ! Then make a splash at the Albuquerque Aquarium, a great attraction for any age. Don't miss the new Koi pond - it's really cool! There are also shows on ecology and a theater that runs (7?) conservation and aquatic discovery films on a loop. Then hop the train to Tingley Beach and enjoy a picnic lunch by the model boat pond. After lunch, board the train again, this time to the Zoo! Spend the rest of the afternoon at our World Class Rio Grande Zoo. This Zoo is amazing, aside from all the animals there are to see, you can feed larakeets, stand protected inside a gibbon habitat and even take ANOTHER train ride through the back of the zoo to learn about new programs like the elephant mating program and the efforts to secure a panda (there's bamboo all OVER that place!). And be sure to catch the last train back to the Biological Gardens. Hmmm.... maybe take two days for this set of adventures...

There are hundreds of day trips just like these - discover what YOU can do in Albuquerque.

Wishing you a safe and prosperous journey until we meet,

Barbara

Barbara Conley

Director of Sales

ClubHouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel

bconley@clubhouseinn.com

http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com/

See next post for upcoming events.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all! If you are traveling to and around the Albuquerque area this month, please watch the weather and plan accordingly. We have had the largest snow storm in recorded history this month (pretty tho' isn't it?)! Luckily the warm sun melted most of the snow, but there's more due on the way. Keep yourself updated so your not caught by surprise.

Activities in the hotel are subdued this month, as it's generally a slow time for the tourism industry in Albuquerque. We have about 8 months of good weather for visitors (March-October), so I'm not TOO disappointed. Coming up for next month, we have a wonderful Valentine Special. Imagine checking into our 3-star AAA rated hotel on February 14th, and entering your room to be greeted by two dozen roses, a one pound heart-shaped box of chocolates and a bottle of champagne on ice with two glasses. To top it all off, in the morning you can choose to have your breakfast delivered to your room! All for just $109.00 per couple. If you are looking to come on a day other than Valentine's Day and want the same romantic atmosphere, we do have a Romance Package that would be perfect for you. To make your reservations, call 866-345-0010 today, or visit our hotel website to book online.

As for Albuquerque, there's nothing subdued about it this month! Below my sign-off is a listing of events through the end of January. To see events past January 31, please visit the ClubHouse Inn & Suites Albuquerque Hotel website. I, for one, will definitely be at the production of Mama Mia! at Popejoy Hall. I'm sure you will find much to interest you here. To make hotel reservations for any of these events, call 866-345-0010 today, or visit our hotel website to book online.

Take care, and may your journey be safe and prosperous until we meet,

Barbara Conley

Director of Sales

ClubHouse Inn & Suites Albuquerque Hotel

bconley@clubhouseinn.com

http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com/

All events are past. See current month's blog for an up-to-date list of events.

Welcome!

2006-12-31T20:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings! We are thrilled to be starting a blog. We are hoping this can be a resource for our guests and prospective guests. We'll be posting upcoming events in Albuquerque and our hotel, as well as copying here some correspondences with our guests that may answer a lot of questions for travelers coming to Albuquerque and the ClubHouse Inn and Suites Albuquerque Hotel. So thank you for visiting! Please let us know what you think about the blog by emailing us. You can also email us about any other questions or comments you may have.

We'll be posting here at least monthly, so please do check back for updates!

Wishing you a safe and prosperous journey until we meet,
Barbara Conley
Director of Sales
ClubHouse Inn & Suites Hotel Albuquerque
bconley@clubhouseinn.com
http://albuquerque.clubhouseinn.com