Albuquerque trip report

Finally got a chance to visit New Mexico recently, beginning in Albuquerque and continuing to Santa Fe and Taos, doing the whole trip without a car. Had posted earlier for suggestions here:

[https://www.reddit.com/r/Albuquerque/comments/1jcjpet/a\_couple\_albuquerque\_travel\_questions/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Albuquerque/comments/1jcjpet/a_couple_albuquerque_travel_questions/)

and wanted to say thank you for the advice provided. Can confirm that despite looking, I couldn't find an Albuquerque hotel with an area shuttle -- and that included a place which claimed they did so but admitted not really having one under further questioning. You all were right about that. Stayed at the Hotel Andaluz for two reasons: close proximity to the downtown Rail Runner station and central location to several bus lines that go near the attractions. Only had to take Ubers to a couple spots, to the Balloon Museum and the Sadie's on Academy (food was just okay, but portions were huge). Saw the Plaza area, Albuquerque Museum, New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Nuclear Science Museum (the walk to and from the bus stop was manageable enough), Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (had lunch here: food was fine), and the UNM Museums (going to Frontier Restaurant for breakfast beforehand, was very good). The buses were useful and safe -- and, best of all, free.

Took the Rail Runner to Santa Fe for several days, then a bus to and from Taos (a couple days stay), finishing with a bus then Rail Runner then city bus to ABQ airport. Had no issues with altitude sickness in either city.

Stayed at the Sage Hotel in Santa Fe and El Monte Sagrado in Taos. The latter had a local shuttle that covered several area attractions -- coupled with the Chile Line and Blue Bus on demand, I didn't need a car at all. The Sage Hotel in theory had a shuttle that ran to the plaza and back, but it broke down the first day and wasn't fixed until the day before checkout; luckily their policy is to get free Lyft rides for guests to and from the hotel if the shuttle breaks down.

Uber runs fine in Albuquerque and, despite reports to the contrary, was reliable in Santa Fe the few times I had to use them. Getting rides wasn't always immediate, but I never got stranded, either.