El Vado Motel is a fun retro hotel on historic Route 66. The property has been restored and updated, offering a very nice place to stay with large, clean rooms and very good amenities, including a very nice pool. The motel plaza features a Costa Rican restaurant described as amazing, a little bar, and a pizza place with very good pepperoni pizza. The courtyard makes for a great evening, hosting music venues with good music, food, and drinks. Some guests note the experience is more modern than a classic Route 66 stay, and parking is in a lot behind the motel, not next to the rooms. A minor complaint from some is that windows do not open, which can make rooms feel hot.
Olivia the concierge was very friendly and extremely helpful. I would stay here anytime I am in town.
September 2026
We wanted to stay in a unique place when in Albuquerque and and this little motel right off Route 66 was one of those places. Great food, live entertainment, a fun little atmosphere, and sitting right beside the Rio Grande. They also surprised me with a Happy Birthday sign in the room. ❤
September 2026
What a beautiful motel! The courtyard and pool area make you feel like you're not even in the city. Rooms are lovely.
