The Imperial

2.5 star property
Motel near University of New Mexico in Albuquerque

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Imperial

Restaurant
Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchen | Private kitchen | Coffee/tea maker
Seasonal outdoor pool
Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchen | Hypo-allergenic bedding, memory foam beds, free WiFi, bed sheets
Reception

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
701 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102
  • Place, Fresenius Medical Care at Lovelace Medical Center
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Albuquerque Convention Center
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, University of New Mexico
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Albuquerque, NM (ABQ-Albuquerque Intl. Sunport)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Albuquerque

Heart of Albuquerque.You'll be steps from Fresenius Medical Care at Lovelace Medical Center and within a 10-minute walk of Fresenius Medical Care at Heart Hospital Of New Mexico with a stay at this Huning Highland Historic District motel. Sunshine Theater and The Box Performance Space and Improv Theatre are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Fresenius Medical Care at Lovelace Medical Center - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Albuquerque Convention Center - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • University of New Mexico - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • University of New Mexico Hospital - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • ABQ BioPark Zoo - 4 min drive - 1.7 miles

Getting around

  • Alvarado Transportation Center - 14 min walk
  • Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪66 Diner - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Tucanos Brazilian Grill - ‬11 min walk

About this property

The Imperial

Motel near University of New Mexico in Albuquerque
There are 3 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/café. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Imperial also features a seasonal outdoor pool and laundry facilities. Self parking is free.

This Albuquerque motel is smoke free.

  • 56 guestrooms or units
  • 3 dining venues
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
The Imperial offers 56 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Beds feature memory foam mattresses. Televisions come with premium digital channels.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered on request and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • 3 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 2 accessible parking spaces
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with premium digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from October 15 to April 30:
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. 

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open May 31 and close October 01.

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Imperial to the airport?

The Imperial is 4.2 mi (9-min drive) away from the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Imperial ?

As of Nov 28, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Imperial on Nov 30, 2025 start from $91.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Imperial have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Imperial .

Does The Imperial offer free breakfast?

The Imperial does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Imperial ?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but The Downs Racetrack and Casino (9-min drive) and Sandia Casino (13-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at The Imperial ?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Imperial ?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does The Imperial have a pool?

The Imperial features a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is closed seasonally each year from October 15 to April 30.

Does The Imperial have a restaurant?

Yes, there are 3 restaurants on site.

Does The Imperial have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is The Imperial to downtown Albuquerque?

The Imperial is 0.3 mi away from Albuquerque.

Reviews

The Imperial Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 212 out of 259 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 259 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 259 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 259 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 259 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great locatio, quiet, clean, great fridge and amenities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I feel like I've discovered a hidden gem! Throw back to a simpler time - the motel style reminds me of trips with my family as a kid with each room having its own entrance and the walkup to the 2nd floor. The clerk at check-in was friendly and efficient - after traveling most of the day, that was very welcomed. 100 numbered rooms are upstairs (just part of the charm :) and my room was cool and inviting. Lights and AC on and i love tbe decor. 60s mcm style but not over the top. Bed is comfortable and im looking forward to a restful night. For those wondering, I did see security on property making sure everything was secure.
Love the little coffee bar - think I need to find out how to get a water bottle!
Great sign for those lovers of nostalgia
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect Stay

A absolutely WONDERFUL place to stay! Our room was really cute, super clean, and the bed was so comfortable! The pool area is awesome, and there are a few places to eat/have coffee/yummy yummy cocktails right outside your door (including vegan options). The staff was super welcoming, friendly, and helpful! After a rough day on a long road trip, we had to change plans last minute and found this hotel, which really felt like a happy accident because we loved it so much. Would absolutely stay here again and again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sidney R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent. Clean facility in a quiet and convenient area. Try the burger joint across the street. The food and service there were great.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was really friendly. Room was cozy and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hotel was great but the location is scary fore a solo traveler
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cassandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hip Route 66 Renovation

Love this modern renovation on Route 66. Great job all around!!! Beautiful pool area, food court, even the parking lot is adorable! Lobby has a coffee shop too :)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Layne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome hotel. Quaint, quiet, affordable and fun.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay

Cool retro environment. Very comfortable bed. Latte bar in office with some pastries. Very friendly staff. Restaurant across the street was so yummy. Friday pool party. Restaurant on the property but only open certain days. Will be staying here every time i come through to and from Denver.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an adorable, wonderfully retro-themed motel. You can tell it was renovated with thought and whimsy. Very, very comfortable and sparkling clean. You can tell that the cleaning staff truly cares about the property and their guests. Wonderful place to stay in Albuquerque. Close to university and hospital. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Such a fun place to stay!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kelly

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joab

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hidden Gem

A Downtown Albuquerque hidden gem. I’ve stayed here multiple time and it is a clean, quaint, and comfortable property with all the amenities. The location of the property provides easy access to nightlife, restaurants, shopping and historical locations. Above all, the bed are so comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Imperial was a great choice for our overnight stay in Albuquerque. The room was pleasantly decorated with thoughtful touches including a cool mini fridge -a nice change from chain motels. The staff was really nice and quick to supply extra towels. Comfy bed. Only problem was tight parking.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Holly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it. Modern funky vibe. Lots of amenities. Laundry, pool, gym, coffee shop, restaurant.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I really enjoyed staying at The Imperial in Albuquerque this past week. My stay was short and lasted only a day, but nonetheless, The Imperial showed out. The room we stayed in was clean and had the most comfortable beds. The staff was great, and the place was genuinely the nicest motel I have stayed in.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Keigo

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Reasonable price for a decent room
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joe C

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Safe and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025