
Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Suites North! (NM)
Hold On To Your Hats, Folks! The Truth About Albuquerque's "Days Inn & Suites North" (Spoiler: It's a Wild Ride!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little coffee, let's be honest) on Albuquerque's "BEST Kept Secret:" the Days Inn & Suites North. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes hard when I saw that "Best Kept Secret" line. But after my stay? Well, let's just say my expectations… adjusted. And let's get one thing straight upfront: This ain't the Ritz. But is it a diamond in the rough? Maybe. Is it a chaotic, slightly charming experience? Absolutely.
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First off, the Essentials - Accessibility, Cleanliness & Safety (The Stuff That Kinda Matters)
Let's get the serious stuff out of the way. Accessibility? Okay, I’m no wheelchair user, but I saw elevators and ramps, and the word "Facilities for disabled guests" got a big checkmark on the list. Kudos for that. Important stuff, always.
Cleanliness & Safety? Hmmm… they’re trying, bless their hearts. You can tell they’re trying. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Room sanitization" notes gave me a little peace of mind. The "Daily disinfection in common areas" felt more like a suggestion than a guarantee, though. But hey, the "Hand sanitizer" stations were plentiful. And they definitely have the "Fire extinguisher" and "Smoke alarms" game down. Still, though, I'm not a huge believer in "Sterilizing equipment" that feels like it's been around since the Clinton administration. Still, you get that sense that they mean well, at least.
One thing that really stood out, for better or worse: the constant presence of people! The "Front desk [24-hour]" never felt abandoned. Good security overall, even if the CCTV felt a little… thorough. Like, they are watching you.
Room Sanity and Where I Actually Lived (Stream-of-Consciousness Rambles)
Okay, the heart of the matter: my room. And because, let's be honest, what you want to know is the vibe, the truth. Well, it felt… lived in. Okay, that’s vague. Let me level with you. I may have a weakness for "Non-smoking rooms," and this one definitely was. As far as the room itself went, it was… a room! "Air conditioning" got a big yep, mostly worked as expected. The "Blackout curtains" were a lifesaver (hello, New Mexico sun!). The "Complimentary tea" situation was, well, generous. They also added an "Extra long bed" and another blanket. I felt like they assumed I might be on a journey.
The "Internet access – wireless" (aka "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!") was a godsend, especially since I needed to upload a massive dog video to TikTok. (More on the dogs later, because… pets allowed – not exactly. But let’s get back to that.)
And now for the important stuff: the "Shower." Look, it had hot water. That’s a win. But the best part was the "Mirror." So many "Mirrors!" You could really study yourself in there! I digress.
The "Available in all rooms" List (The Gist):
- Air Conditioning: Check!
- Alarm clock: Check! (It was 1998, I swear.)
- Coffee/tea maker: Check and check!
- Hair dryer: There was one.
- Refrigerator: Small, but worked.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Definitely free, definitely Wi-Fi!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Culinary Adventure (Or, the Quest for Food)
"Dining, drinking, and snacking" – they're being optimistic here, folks. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was… interesting. Let's just say it leaned heavily into the "Asian breakfast" (I spied some questionable-looking wontons) and "Western breakfast" (think pre-made waffles and questionable sausage). The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was… well, it was there. The "Coffee shop" that I didn't personally see, but rumor has it, exists.
The "Room service [24-hour]"? I’m not even sure what that was. I have a feeling it was a "yes" on a very, very good day, but I never tested it.
There was also a "Snack bar". I took a look. It had potato chips. And "Bottle of water" – that's always appreciated.
I had a "Bottle of water" that I acquired on the way in.
The "Things To Do" (And the "Ways to Relax" – LOL)
Okay, the "Pool with view" and the "Swimming pool [outdoor]" were tempting (it got hot!), but I had a major suspicion that whatever "Pool with view" might mean here may have been a slightly optimistic listing. Still, "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was indeed there.
As for the "ways to relax"… well, you're on your own, buddy. There's no "Body scrub," no "Sauna," no "Spa/sauna," and no "Steamroom." The "Gym/fitness" was… a small room with some weights and a treadmill that looked like it was on its last legs, maybe.
The Services & Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Hilariously "Meh")
The "Concierge" felt more like the guy behind the desk. They seemed to be trained, and they all knew their role. They also had "Meeting/banquet facilities," but you've got to really be looking to hold a meeting here. The "Daily housekeeping" was on it, bless them. But I was really hoping for more of a "Food delivery" option. Though they advertised "Car park [free of charge]" so there's that.
The Kids Corner (And the "Family/child friendly" Truth)
Babysitting: Not necessarily. "Family/child friendly"? I mean, it's a hotel, so yeah. But, not something to write home about.
The "For the kids" List:
- Babysitting service: Unlikely.
- Family/child friendly: Yes?
- Kids meal: Doubtful.
Getting Around & The Outside World (Where the "Airport transfer" may prove useless!
They have "Airport transfer," but seriously? If you rely on "Airport transfer" to be on time, I suggest an Uber . No disrespect folks, I just can't see it.
The "Pets allowed" situation - a very complicated issue!
I didn't see any. I also didn't see anyone enforcing a rule, either. I'm not saying you could sneak a pet in… but I'm also not saying you couldn't.
The Quirky Observations and the Emotional Reactions (The Real Deal!)
Okay, real talk. This place is… human. It's not perfect. The hallways smell a little… stale. The carpets have seen better days. The elevator creaks. But the staff? They were lovely. Genuinely friendly. They were trying so hard. And, honestly? That goes a long way.
I was genuinely charmed at some point. It got very dark when you were trying to describe the "Hot water linen and laundry washing." And they were doing everything they could! That's a lot!
The Verdict:
The Days Inn & Suites North is not the height of luxury. It's not the most glamorous hotel in Albuquerque. But it's clean enough, safe enough, and the people are genuinely nice. It felt real. It felt like a place where people were trying to make the best of things. If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay with a touch of quirky charm and a whole lot of heart, this might just be your "Best Kept Secret," too. But temper your expectations, pack some good vibes, and maybe bring your own snacks. You might just have a surprisingly good time.
(Important Note: This review is based on my personal experience and opinions. Your mileage may vary. Always check the latest reviews and information before booking.)
Shore Club South Beach: Miami's HOTTEST Hotel? (You NEED to See This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel guide. This is the real, messy, hilarious, and occasionally disappointing truth of a trip – starting, rather haphazardly, at the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Albuquerque North. Buckle in, because the itinerary is, well, more of a loose suggestion.
Day 1: "Where Even IS New Mexico?" & The Great Breakfast Debacle
- 7:00 AM: Alarm SCREAMS. No, seriously. It's like a fire drill in my ears. I hit snooze. Five times. This is the start of our journey.
- 7:30 AM: Drag myself out of bed. Hotel room: functional. Beige. Smells faintly of chlorine and… well, "hotel." The usual. My travel buddy, bless her heart, is already bouncing around, full of beans and optimism. I, on the other hand, am fueled by lukewarm coffee and the lingering suspicion that I packed the wrong shoes.
- 7:45 AM: Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. The free breakfast. Behold, the culinary apex of… well, mediocrity. Think lukewarm scrambled eggs that look suspiciously like they pre-dated the dinosaurs, pre-packaged yogurt, and bagels that could double as building material. I bravely attempt a waffle. It tastes like sadness. My friend, however, seems rather pleased. "It's… adequate!" she chirps. I give her a look.
- 8:30 AM: We attempt to get out the door. "Attempt" because the car keys are, of course, missing. After ten minutes of frantic searching, they're found wedged between the mattress and the bed frame. Victory!
- 9:00 AM: Driving. We’re on the road! The drive itself is lovely. The New Mexico landscape unfolds like a Dr. Seuss illustration, all red rocks and endless blue sky. Okay, I'm starting to get it. New Mexico is kind of beautiful.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Tent Rock National Monument. The moment you get out the car, you are hit in the face with the power of the winds! I was absolutely terrified until I realized that there was no threat. However, what a scenery!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside diner that looked like it hadn't been remodeled since the Eisenhower administration. The food, however, was surprisingly delicious. I devoured a green chili cheeseburger with the kind of unadulterated joy I only reserve for really good pizza. My friend, bless her heart, ordered a salad. We have very different food philosophies.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the Days Inn. We check in and discover the delightful charm of a room with a view of the parking lot. I mean, the view is a riot of cars and the occasional stray tumbleweed. You know, the stuff travel dreams are made of. My friend is already on the bed though.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Pool time! The pool is small and overcrowded, but hey, it’s a pool. The water is a little cloudy, but the sun is shining, and after the long trip, it does the job. We just need to go out after the sun sets.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner – a chaotic, slightly drunken, and ultimately satisfying meal at a local Mexican restaurant, where the margaritas flowed freely (and my friend's pronunciation of "guacamole" was a consistent source of amusement).
Day 2: The Balloon Fiesta Mishap & The Search for the Perfect Chimichanga
- 6:00 AM: Another alarm. This time with some of the anticipation to witness the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
- 6:30 AM: This is it! The sun is rising, the sky is ablaze with color. The balloons! Oh, the balloons! It's a magical sight. Except…
- 6:45 AM: …we're stuck in traffic. For. Hours. Apparently, everyone else in Albuquerque had the same brilliant idea. The anticipation is completely killing me.
- 7:00 AM: We finally escape, but the balloons have already launched. I'm still smiling from the experience. I am so happy for this experience.
- 9:00 AM: After a slightly tearful goodbye, we manage to find a breakfast spot. Again. This time, I make it my mission to find the best chimichanga in Albuquerque.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: We visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. It's educational, it's beautiful, and it's a reminder that there is history!
- 1:00 PM: Chimichanga hunt, continues. We try three different restaurants. Each chimichanga is… adequate. But the Holy Grail, the perfect, crispy, melty, chili-soaked chimichanga? Still elusive.
- 3:00 PM: A bit of free time. The hotel room is the place to be!
- 5:00 PM: We go to the hotel restaurant. And we're very tired. But there's food and music, so it's all okay.
- 8:00 PM - Back at the Days Inn.
Day 3: Leaving New Mexico…and Some Thoughts
- 7:00 AM: Wake up feeling slightly hungover.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Again. Same lukewarm eggs. Same questionable bagels. Same… sigh.
- 8:30 AM: We check out. Reluctantly.
- 9:00 AM: Leaving Albuquerque. Driving.
- 11:00 AM: We're in the airport
- 1:00 PM: We're saying goodbye to Albuquerque.
- 3:00 PM: We're having some snacks.
- 4:00 PM: We're back home!
Final Thoughts (aka The Rambling Emotional Conclusion)
So, yeah, the Days Inn wasn’t the Four Seasons. But it was a base camp, a place to crash after days of exploring and eating. The breakfast was… well, it was there. The room? Adequate. The view? Meh. But the memories? Those, my friends, are priceless. Because even with the traffic jams, the mediocre chimichangas, and the questionable breakfast, this trip was ours. A messy, imperfect, utterly human adventure. And that, I think, is what makes travel truly worthwhile. So get out there. Embrace the chaos. Order the chimichanga. And don't forget to bring your own pillows. And maybe some decent coffee. And a sense of humor. You'll need it.
Cartersville Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Albuquerque's BEST Kept Secret (Shhh!): Days Inn & Suites North (NM) - FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, We All Have Questions)
Okay, Okay, Spill the Beans. Is This Place *Really* Good? Like, Seriously?
Free Breakfast? Don't Lie To Me. What's the Deal?
What About the Rooms? Are They… Clean? (My Biggest Fear)
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually Convenient?
So, the Pool. Is it a Swamp of Regret, or...a Pool?
What's the Wi-Fi Like? I need my fix!
Any Hidden Fees? I Hate Hidden Fees!
Is There Really a "Secret" to This Place? Why is it a "Best Kept Secret?"
Would You Stay There Again?


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