The Albuquerque Hilton Hotel, a landmark in the city's midtown area for nearly 40 years, is undergoing a comprehensive $14-million "greenovation" that will incorporate energy and water conservation and feature a fresh, contemporary Western style inside and out.
Originally built in 1970–71, the Albuquerque Hilton is owned by Ocean Properties Ltd. and is part of the Hilton Hotel family.
Plans for the outside of the property include a striking new façade that is highlighted by stacked stone pillars, a completely redesigned porte-cochere (covered drive-up entrance) and a covered walkway.
Inside the hotel's entryway, check-in desk and lobby will be opened up to provide more light and an immediate connection to the Hilton's spectacular outdoor courtyard as well as better use of space. There will be areas for guests and visitors to check e-mail, surf the internet, or grab a quick snack or light meal.
Both existing elevators will be revamped to run more efficiently, and a new entrance to the award-winning Rancher's Club Restaurant will be added.
Outside, the courtyard will also get a makeover to create cozy outdoor rooms featuring fire pits and conversation areas. Xeriscaping will be blended with grass to achieve water conservation as well create a mix of colors and textures perfect for outdoor events.
Hotel rooms are being renovated to include updated bathrooms that incorporate high-efficiency, dual flush toilets; low-flow showerheads; and digitally controlled thermostats.
Clint Wilsey and Richard Braun of Studio Southwest Architects, who are designing the hotel's exterior and lobby areas, explained the new Hilton will present "a fresh point of view that is still clearly appropriate for Albuquerque and New Mexico."
"We want the Hilton to continue to be a recognizable landmark in Albuquerque for decades to come, and believe this renovation will carry the hotel well into the mid century as well as dramatically increase its impact in the local hospitality marketplace," Braun said.
Klinger Constructors is the general contractor for the project, and Landscapers Ground Management is the landscape architect for the entryway and the central courtyard.
