More seasoned faculty will also find plenty to interest them, with several days of educational programming, Association meetings and retreats, the Exhibit Hall, and much more. The city of Albuquerque is well worth a visit in its own right. The hotel is conveniently located in the University area of the city, five miles north of the airport, four miles east of historic Old Town, and three miles west of popular shopping malls. Other attractions near the hotel are the Rio Grande Zoological Park, the Albuquerque Museum, the University of New Mexico, and the Indian Cultural Center. The Albuquerque area is rich with Hispanic and Native American culture.
Many local pueblos encourage visitors, and Indian pow wows are often open to the public as well.
For outdoor lovers, New Mexico is blessed with outstanding natural beauty, and an enjoyable Saturday afternoon off can be spent on the hiking trails of local parks. The tramway will lift you to the breathtaking top of Sandia Peak, where you can view the expansive vistas of the Southwest. For a different perspective, there are several balloon companies in the area that can provide you with the otherworldly experience of floating above the earth. For more information on the city of Albuquerque, visit the Convention and Visitor's Bureau Web site . For more information on the hotel, go to the Albuquerque Hilton site .