Unique and enjoyable
by A TripAdvisor Member
We thought this was a very unique qnd enjoyable place. The resort sits off by itself on the dramatic range/prairie land north of Albuquerque. The rooms are very comfortable, although not luxurious--slighlty larger than an average motel room and don't have the luxury bath fixtures found in many pricey motels. On the other hand, the beds and balconies were very comfortable and the staff is super friendly and helpful. This resort has good access to the Baloon Fiesta, being only about 15 minutes from the Fiesta highway exit. Despite being close to the city, it has a truely tranquil and private setting which allows you to soak up the desert ambience. It has a really nice pool area, if you have kids and this is important to you.
The "mountain view" rooms have a spectacular view of the rugged Albuquerque mountains poking up through a cottonwood grove. I'd say these rooms are definitely worth the extra expense if it's affordable to you. Because the resort was almost completely full when we were there during Balloon Fiesta, we had to take a "sunset view" room. "Sunset view" is a little euphamistic. You can see the sun set far to the left off of your patio and it would be more accurate to describe the rooms as "golf course view", as they look out onto various holes of the beautiful course. (We didn't plan to golf, but the course was definetely beckoning and not super crowded.)
We really enjoyed Tamaya Resort, but would like to share a little advice: First, all of the resort restaurants are closed on Sundays, so make other plans. Once you get cozied into your room, it takes a lot of effort to go out again, because of the long corridors and also the parking is somewhat remote. Second, because of the design of the building (like a fork with the rooms arranged in 2 long tines and the public rooms in the handle), it's a long, long, long walk from the elevator to some of the rooms. On the sunset side, (northwest tine) the farther out the room, the better view it has (on near rooms, the sun seems to set over the parking lot or the golf maintenance building). On the mountain side, (southeast tine) all rooms seem to have great views. If you want to stay in a pool side room (between the 2 tines), I suggest that those rooms nearer the elevator are quieter because outdoor parties are held farther down and the rooms also have great access to the pretty round kiva pool (one of 3 pools at the resort.) Third, I was a little dissappointed that the resort hadn't developed any walking trails that would allow guests to enjoy the landscape close up. If they had and the rooms were a little more luxurious, I would have given the place 5 stars, but it really deserves 4 1/2 as is.
Warning - Not a winter getaway
by A TripAdvisor Member
Hyatt touts this place as a winter getaway when it lumps the Tamaya with its other "sunshine on sale" winter getaways. I went in March of 2004 for 3 days and the temperature never got above 40 with the morning lows in the low 20s. When it wasn't snowing, the wind was blowing hard. The golf course looked nice, but my clubs never left the bag. The hotel was great, the food was great and the grounds were nice but after talking to the locals at the nearby casino, Albuquerque is more like Colorado in the winter than Phoenix. The locals say for nice weather, try from June to October.
Pretentious without the right.
by A TripAdvisor Member
While the bed was comfy, it was difficult to sleep with the drunk people running down the hallway screaming. Room service took FOREVER (promised 30 minutes, took over an hour). Everything was incredibly expensive but was NOT worth it. We ordered room service - 3 kids meals and one adult meal was over $90. At the restaurant, I ordered crab cakes and while they were delicious, they were expensive and the size of a half-dollar at best and there were only two of them. They charged for EVERYTHING and more than the quoted price. Parking was quoted at $10 but was $15/night. We were told internet service was free, but was $12/night. When we asked the cleaning crew to come up around 11:30 am, they wrote it down and promised to come back at that time and then arrived at 2 and we had to wait out in the hallway while they finished. They did a shoddy job - leaving the trash can on top of the toilet and no new towels even though requested. There is also a smell throughout - they burn a strong insence and have potpouri everywhere so I had a migraine the entire time. The spa is fantastic, but stay elsewhere and drive in for a day at the spa. The pools are all outdoors and it's worth a trip to the hot tub even when it's nippy, but the other pools are too cold to swim in if it's cool out. If you do opt to stay at this hotel, consider stopping at the grocery on the way and stock up - they have a little fridge in the room and it's a heck of a lot cheaper (and likely tastier) than ordering from room service.
I'm a Hotel Snob and had a great time
by TripAdvisor Member rucruizin
My husband and I went to the Tamaya for several days in celebration of our Anniversary. One night was booked through the hotel in conjunction with a New Years Eve Package, one night through Priceline, one night through Hotwire. I called in advance to request a "room type" and was happily accomodated. When we arrived we were very pleased overall with the property, the location, amenities and certainly our room. We had a beautiful view of the mountains from the East side of the property. There was a card and a box of chocolates from a local chocolatier expressing their wishes for a "Happy Anniversary." The staff bent over backwards in every way to greet us, accomodate us, ask if everything was ok, compliment us...not in an over the top way either...I wasn't ducking for cover everytime I saw one of them.
In referrence to some of the other reviews here I would like to say...I am a local and thought there was a nice balance of culture without having it shoved down my throat. I have reactive airway disease and asthma and while there was indeed potpourri and candles everywhere I had absolutely no problem. Probably due to the fact that smoking is NOT allowed in any areas of the hotel or restaurants. I'll take potpourri and candles any day over cigarette smoke. The workout facilities were very nice as was the spa facility. It was obviously winter but I would tout it as a winter getaway, temps were in the 50's during the day and the one day it rained we stayed in the spa and took a nap in the afternoon. What's not a getaway about that? You can't control the weather so make the most of it anyway. I did suggest a few minor changes in the spa that could have made my stay better but they were more conveniences than anything.
I dind't eat in any of the restaurants on the property but the Ballroom was absolutely beautiful for the NYE party. Way above and beyond anything else I have ever encountered.
I will indeed return and would prefer this spa getaway to any that I have had in Vegas, the food though pricey was much cheaper, more in room amenities ...and NO Smoke.
Fantastic family vacation!
by TripAdvisor Member sandywoman
We returned from Hotel Tamaya in late March 05 and it was fantastic. All the staff were top notch. Donald in the stables and the whole crew were first rate. The restaurants were great! When you go down - be sure to check out Sky City and the Jemez Trail - you'll also love Santa Fe. The hotel was five start in every way and I can't say enough about the activities coordinators, front desk staff, room service staff or concierge. Be sure to check the website for the free breakfast promotion. I would go back again and again!
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