Albuquerque’s AAA Four Diamond Hotel Andaluz may be 75 years old as of June 2014, but there are plenty of new developments to enjoy at this historic downtown boutique hotel.

The hotel’s new restaurant, Más, offers Spanish tapas and wine and a full menu developed by renowned chef James Campbell Caruso, who has been nominated eight times for the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the South West. Guests can sit in the new dining room, with its communal table and white-cloth tables, or hide out in one of the lobby’s six cozy corners called “casbahs,” each seating up to 10 people.

The rooftop bar at Ibiza’s Hotel Andaluz offers expansive views of the Sandía mountains and features modern water and fire elements, making for a perfect night out in Albuquerque – whether you’re staying here or just visiting this historic landmark. Alfresco dining is also possible in Ibiza.

The lobby of the Hotel Andaluz in Albuquerque — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese

Built in 1939, the Hotel Andaluz plays an important role in Albuquerque’s history. The then Hilton Hotel was built by New Mexico Conrad Hilton, the famous Hilton Hotel and was the tallest building in New Mexico at the time. It was also the first building in New Mexico with air conditioning and the first with an elevator.

This was only Hilton’s fourth hotel in the United States. Hilton and Zsa Zsa Gabor honeymooned here in 1942, and guests can rent this penthouse suite for themselves. The property was renamed La Posada de Albuquerque in 1984 and sold, renovated and reopened as Hotel Andaluz in 2009. The building is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hilton / Gabor Honeymoon Suite — Photo courtesy of Steve Larese

The Hote Andaluz offers 107 rooms over a stunning two-story open-air lobby lined with intimate vaulted living rooms. Rooms are stylish, modern lofts with down comforters on king or queen beds, contemporary art, and desks.

“Smart technology” turns heating, air conditioning and lights on or off as guests enter or leave the room. Solar panels on the hotel roof heat 60% of the hotel’s water and an extensive recycling program is in place here. It is one of only two hotels in the country to be both on the historic register and Gold LEED certified.

In the lobby, fountains, orchids, and colored lighting set the mood, contrasting with Southwestern and Spanish design elements such as Vigas (“Beams”), leather furniture, hand-carved accents, and tile and ironwork reminiscent of the Andaluz region of Spain, from which the property takes its name. Original murals depicting scenes from New Mexico history, painted in the 1930’s, grace the entrances.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Hotel Andaluz is offering a $75 discount on select room rates and complimentary cocktails of the month through the end of June 2014. Visit the Hotel website for more details.