You’ve seen the orange roof. Maybe you even remember the 28 flavors of ice cream from back in the day. But if you’re looking for a stay at the Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM, things are a little different than they used to be. Honestly, the biggest thing people get wrong is assuming the brand is a relic of the 1970s. It’s not. It has survived, morphed, and in the case of the Duke City, it’s basically a gateway to the University of New Mexico and the I-25 corridor.
Finding the right spot to crash in Albuquerque can be a headache. You’ve got the high-end resorts in the North Valley and the neon-soaked retro motels along Route 66. Then there’s the Howard Johnson—or what many locals and frequent travelers now identify as the Hotel 505 (which was recently rebranded from the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Albuquerque Midtown).
It’s a classic story of mid-century hospitality trying to find its footing in 2026.
The Reality of Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM Today
If you’re searching for the Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM, you’re likely looking for the property located at 900 Medical Arts Ave NE. For a long time, this was the standard-bearer for the brand in the city. It’s situated right at the junction of I-25 and Lomas Boulevard.
Location is everything here.
You are literally minutes from the UNM campus. If you’re in town for a Lobos game or visiting a student, it’s arguably one of the most convenient spots. But here is the kicker: the property has undergone some identity shifts. While it operated under the Wyndham umbrella as a Howard Johnson for years, it often pops up in current searches as Hotel 505.
Don't let that confuse you. It’s the same building.
The rooms are generally what you’d expect from a mid-range airport-adjacent hotel. You get about 300 square feet of space, usually with two double beds or a king. There is a specific kind of "Burque" charm to the area—it’s busy, it’s urban, and it’s very New Mexican.
What You’re Actually Getting
- The Pool Scene: There is an indoor pool. This is a big deal because Albuquerque winters are weirder than people think. It can be 60 degrees at noon and 20 degrees by 8:00 PM. Having an indoor spot to swim is a major plus.
- The Food Situation: Don’t expect the old-school Howard Johnson restaurant with the fried clams. Those are gone. Kaput. Instead, you get a standard continental breakfast. Kinda basic, but it gets the job done.
- Connectivity: Free WiFi is the standard. It’s usually fast enough for a Zoom call, though if the hotel is packed during the International Balloon Fiesta, all bets are off.
Why the Location Matters (More Than the Brand)
Let’s be real. Nobody stays at a Howard Johnson because they want a five-star spa experience. You stay here because you want to be close to the action without paying Downtown or Old Town prices.
From the Midtown location, you’re a five-minute Uber from the Frontier Restaurant. If you haven't been, you have to go. Get the sweet rolls. They’re basically a religious experience in Albuquerque. You’re also right next to the Presbyterian Hospital and the UNM Hospital, which makes this a primary hub for families traveling for medical reasons.
Then there is the other "HoJo" variation: the Sandia Peak Inn.
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Located on Central Avenue (the historic Route 66), this Howard Johnson affiliate offers a much different vibe. It’s closer to Old Town and the ABQ BioPark. If you want the "Breaking Bad" scenery and the neon lights, this is your spot. It’s a 2-star property, but it consistently gets higher marks for its vintage feel and proximity to the botanical gardens.
Breaking Down the Neighborhoods
The Midtown area is functional. It’s where business happens. The West Side/Old Town area, where the Sandia Peak Inn sits, is where the tourists go.
If you choose the Midtown Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM (Hotel 505), you are trading "scenery" for "access." You can hop on I-25 and be in Santa Fe in 50 minutes. Or you can head south and hit the Sunport (the airport) in ten.
Misconceptions and the Wyndham Connection
A lot of people think Howard Johnson is a dead brand. It’s not. Wyndham has actually put a decent amount of work into revitalizing the image. They’ve leaned into the "retro-cool" aesthetic in their marketing.
However, the Albuquerque properties are franchised.
This means the experience can vary. Some rooms feel fresh; others feel like they haven't changed since 1994. Honestly, the reviews reflect this. You’ll see one guest praising the "amazing staff and clean sheets" followed by someone complaining about a leaky faucet. That is the nature of mid-tier lodging in a high-traffic desert city.
The "Go Free" and "Go Fast" rewards from Wyndham still apply here. If you’re a points chaser, it’s a solid way to burn a few thousand points for a free night during a cross-country road trip.
Surviving the Albuquerque Sun
If you’re staying at any Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM location, you need to prepare for the altitude. Albuquerque is over 5,000 feet up. The sun hits harder. The air is drier.
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The hotel air conditioning is usually cranked to the max during the summer months. You’ll walk from 100-degree heat into a room that feels like a meat locker. It’s a bit of a shock to the system.
Pro tip: Use the in-room coffee maker for tea or hot water. The dry air will scratch your throat up overnight if you aren't hydrated.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
If you are booking the Howard Johnson Albuquerque NM, here is how you do it right:
- Check the Name Twice: Search for both Howard Johnson Midtown and Hotel 505. Sometimes the pricing differs between the two listings on sites like Expedia or Booking.com, even though they are the same property.
- Request a Higher Floor: At the Midtown location, the highway noise from I-25 can be a bit much if you’re on the ground floor. The higher up you are, the better the view of the Sandia Mountains anyway.
- Timing is Everything: If you plan to visit during the first two weeks of October, book at least six months in advance. The Balloon Fiesta triples hotel prices across the city.
- Security: Like any major city, keep your car empty. Don’t leave bags or tech in plain sight in the parking lot. It's just common sense for Albuquerque.
- Explore the Food: Don't eat at the hotel every night. You are within a three-mile radius of some of the best green chile cheeseburgers in the world. Head to Blake's Lotaburger or Lumpy's.
Albuquerque is a city of contrasts. You’ve got high-tech research labs and ancient petroglyphs. The Howard Johnson properties here fit right into that middle ground—affordable, slightly nostalgic, and perfectly positioned for whatever adventure you’re on.
Whether you're stopping through on a move across the country or you're in town for a graduation at the university, these spots provide exactly what a "HoJo" always has: a place to rest your head without breaking the bank. Just don't go looking for the 28 flavors. Those days are gone, but the New Mexico sunsets are a pretty good trade-off.