I stayed at this property when I visited Albuquerque for Balloon Fiesta. Its bones definitely give motel. It's soul and vibe gives eclectic boutique desert resort. The staff are all friendly and worked to accommodate my needs. Their customer service was A-1. I appreciated the text check-ins. I didn't need anything, but it was nice to know that I could easily report my needs had I needed something.
I felt safe. I arrived at midnight. The grounds are well lit. The streets were empty. It was very quiet. During the day the street turned into a lively mix of locals. I felt comfortable walking the neighborhood and exploring shops and dining spots within walking distance of the hotel. The area was quiet again around 9/10pm when I took a late evening walk and found an open diner serving fresh hot pancakes. I will say there is a population of homeless people around. They are not loitering directly around the hotel, but if you walk you will see them. I had no problems. I travel frequently and I have lived around the world. The unhoused population here is no more prevalent than what you would encounter in any major metropolitan area.
My favorite part was the speakeasy. The bartender set a cool vibe with classic tunes and easy conversation. Be sure to read about or ask about the history of this hotel. I randomly came across this hotel looking for a deal amongst the outrageous Balloon Fest prices. I did not anticipate finding a little piece of magic, but here it is.