Find answers to common questions about Hotel Zazz, the women-owned boutique hotel in the heart of Nob Hill on Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque — from check-in times, parking, and pet policies to our hidden speakeasy, Monet's Spa, and the Zazzy Swim Club. Can't find what you're looking for? Call or text us anytime at (505) 266-7663.
Hotel Zazz is a women-owned, mother-daughter designed boutique hotel on Historic Route 66 in Albuquerque's Nob Hill district. Founded in 2021 by Dr. Sharmin Dharas — who grew up in the building when her family ran the property as the University Lodge — Hotel Zazz blends Route 66 nostalgia with bold, colorful design across 48 imaginatively designed rooms and suites, a hidden speakeasy, a full-service spa, and a heated pool with a poolside theater. Learn more on our About page.
Yes. Hotel Zazz is proudly women-owned and was designed by a mother-daughter team. It was founded in 2021 by Dr. Sharmin Dharas, an Albuquerque and Nob Hill native whose family has owned the property since 1996.
Hotel Zazz has 48 imaginatively designed guest rooms and suites, including six custom-designed suites. You can explore all room types on our Rooms page.
Hotel Zazz has earned the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award, the 2022 New Mexico Route 66 Heritage Preservation Award, and multiple New Mexico Hospitality Top HAT Awards, and has been featured by Forbes. See our Awards page for the full list.
The Gold Ledger is one of Hotel Zazz's most beloved traditions — a living memory archive kept in a weathered leather journal in the lobby. Inspired by the Route 66 spirit of movement, freedom, and reinvention, guests are invited to pause before the road carries them onward and leave behind a single core memory, feeling, or moment they never want to forget. It isn't a guestbook or a review log — it's a nostalgic roadside tradition where your story becomes part of the greater Route 66 journey. Before you go, take the brass pen and stay gold.
Hotel Zazz is located at 3711 Central Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 — directly on Historic Route 66 in the heart of the Nob Hill entertainment district, surrounded by vintage neon, over 200 shops and restaurants, and the kind of Americana nostalgia that only Route 66 can offer.
Hotel Zazz is just 0.7 miles east of the University of New Mexico main campus — about a 3-minute drive or a 16-minute walk — making it the closest hotel to UNM and an ideal boutique option for visiting families, faculty, and university events. The University of New Mexico Hospital is 1.3 miles away, roughly a 5-minute drive.
Hotel Zazz is 3.4 miles from the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) — about a 10-minute drive.
Hotel Zazz is 11 miles from Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Park, about a 20-minute drive. Hotel Zazz is a popular place to stay during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — we recommend booking early, as rooms fill quickly during the event.
Hotel Zazz sits in the heart of the Nob Hill entertainment district on Historic Route 66, with over 200 shops, restaurants, bars, and local retailers within walking distance, all wrapped in vintage neon and Route 66 character. Award-winning local restaurants are just footsteps away. The hotel is also centrally located near many of Albuquerque's top destinations:
University of New Mexico — 0.7 mi, 3-min drive
Popejoy Hall & KiMo Theatre — 1.1 mi, 6-min drive
Downtown Albuquerque — 3.3 mi, 10-min drive
ABQ BioPark — 3.9 mi, 13-min drive
Old Town Albuquerque — 4.4 mi, 14-min drive
Kirtland Air Force Base — 4 mi, 10-min drive
Balloon Fiesta Park — 11 mi, 20-min drive
Sandia Peak Tramway — 33 mi, 57-min drive
Check-in at Hotel Zazz is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
Early check-in at Hotel Zazz is available for a fee, based on time: $35 for check-in before 12:00 PM, or $25 for check-in between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability — please call or text us ahead of time to arrange it.
Late check-out until 2:00 PM is available at Hotel Zazz for a $50 fee. Check-out after 2:00 PM will be charged as an additional night. Please arrange late check-out in advance when possible.
A late check-in fee of $100 applies for arrivals after 2:00 AM. Hotel Zazz is happy to accommodate late arrivals — please call or text us in advance so we can prepare for your stay.
The Hotel Zazz lobby is open from 8:30 AM to 2:30 AM. Security is on-site 24/7, even when the lobby is closed.
If the lobby is closed when you depart, simply text (505) 266-7663 to confirm your checkout and provide your email address to receive your receipt. If you're checking out before 8:30 AM, just make sure Hotel Zazz has your email on file at check-in so we can send your receipt — you can leave whenever you need to.
In addition to your room rate and applicable taxes, Hotel Zazz charges two mandatory fees:
Curated Comforts amenity fee: $10 per room, per day (see below)
2% occupancy fee
These charges only apply if you use the service:
Parking: $12 per night
Early check-in: $25–$35 (depending on time)
Late check-out until 2 PM: $50
Late check-in after 2 AM: $100
In-room microwave: $25 per stay
A refundable $150 incidentals hold is also placed at check-in (see below).
Curated Comforts is a mandatory $10 per room, per day amenity fee at Hotel Zazz — similar to a resort fee — that gives you access to elevated amenities and experiences during your stay, including the heated pool, daily Popsicle Happy Hour, hidden speakeasy experiences, the poolside outdoor theater (for special events), plush robes and slippers, premium bathroom amenities, the Hydrate Room with infused waters, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Yes. A $150 incidentals hold is placed on your card at check-in to cover any unexpected charges. It is fully refundable and released after check-out, provided there are no incidental charges or damages.
For direct bookings, reservations must be canceled at least 48 hours in advance, unless your specific rate code or room type states otherwise. For reservations made through third-party sites, please contact that provider directly for any changes or cancellations.
For no-shows, 100% of the reservation will be charged. Please note you must arrive before 12:00 AM (midnight) or your reservation will be treated as a no-show. If you can't make it for any reason, please call Hotel Zazz directly as soon as possible.
Hotel Zazz does not allow pets. One service animal per reservation is permitted at no charge, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Please note: if a non-service pet is found to have been in a room, a $300 restoration and cleaning fee will apply.
Absolutely — and many solo female travelers tell us it's exactly why they chose us. As a women-owned, mother-daughter designed boutique hotel, Hotel Zazz was created with a level of thoughtfulness and warmth that's easy to feel the moment you arrive. You'll find a friendly, attentive front-desk team, a vibrant and social atmosphere at ZEMA Vinyl Lounge and the pool if you want company, and the comfort of a brand built by women, for everyone.
Hotel Zazz sits in Nob Hill, one of Albuquerque's most walkable and well-lit districts, surrounded by locally owned shops, restaurants, and Route 66 neon. The property maintains 24/7 on-site security and extensive cameras throughout. While any city environment calls for the usual awareness, our security team is on-site around the clock — and you can always reach the front desk during lobby hours with any questions or concerns during your stay.
Yes! Hotel Zazz is home to ZEMA Vinyl Lounge, a hidden speakeasy serving craft cocktails with curated vinyl and live music — a nostalgic nod to a bygone era. Finding the entrance is part of the fun: keep an eye out for the golden banana in the lobby, which holds the key to discovering the way in. Learn more on our ZEMA Vinyl Lounge page.
ZEMA Vinyl Lounge is open 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour runs daily from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Yes — minors are welcome inside ZEMA Vinyl Lounge daily until 9:00 PM when accompanied by a guardian, and anyone can enjoy mocktails until 9:00 PM. After 9:00 PM, the lounge is 21 and over.
There's almost always something happening at Hotel Zazz. We're known for poolside live music all summer long, our signature Dive-In Movies at the poolside theater, and a rotating lineup of gatherings and soirees in ZEMA Vinyl Lounge and at our Zazzibar event venue. Check our Events Calendar for what's coming up, and follow @zazzaquaticsandrecreation on Instagram for the latest poolside happenings.
Dive-In Movies are one of our most popular experiences — grab a spot by the heated pool and watch a movie on our giant poolside theater screen under the New Mexico stars. It's a nostalgic, only-at-Zazz twist on a classic night at the movies. Check the Events Calendar for upcoming showings.
Yes. Hotel Zazz features a heated outdoor swimming pool (weather permitting) with a giant poolside theater screen — take a dip and watch a movie! All hotel guests can use the pool. Hotel Zazz is also home to the Zazzy Swim Club, open to Nob Hill neighbors and lounge patrons — you can learn more on our Swim Club page.
Yes. Monet's Spa is located on the Hotel Zazz property and offers massages, facials, body treatments, and a jacuzzi. To book a treatment, please call Monet's Spa directly or visit their website. If you have a spa appointment, check in at the front desk in the lobby and park along the pink curb facing Central. Learn more on our Monet's Spa page.
Yes — a jacuzzi is located within Monet's Spa at Hotel Zazz. Please call Monet's Spa directly or visit their website to book this experience.
To remain an environmentally friendly property, Hotel Zazz provides housekeeping upon request rather than automatically. Just let us know at check-in if you'd like daily housekeeping during your stay.
While Hotel Zazz does not have washing machines on-site, EZ Wash Laundromat is located directly across the street at 3900 Central Ave SE and offers drop-off service.
No problem — call or stop by the Hotel Zazz front desk when you arrive. There's a good chance we have what you need available for purchase right at the hotel. Ironing boards, hair dryers, and steamers are also available upon request.
Yes! The Hotel Zazz R&R Club is our way of rewarding guests who keep coming back for more. Learn more and join on our R&R Club page.
Yes, Hotel Zazz offers limited self-parking for $12 per night. Because we're located in the historic Nob Hill district, parking is limited — we strongly recommend calling or texting ahead to reserve a spot. If a spot isn't available, the surrounding streets offer public street parking. Please note that Hotel Zazz is not liable for vehicles parked off-property. During the Balloon Fiesta and other peak periods, parking rates may be higher.
Yes! We regularly run seasonal specials and exclusive direct-booking offers — and you'll always find our best rate guaranteed right here on our website. Browse our current deals on the Specials page, and book direct to lock in the lowest available rate.
Yes! Hotel Zazz would love to host your group. Please call us to inquire, or use the contact form on our Plan Your Event page and we'll help with your group reservation. You can also host weddings, parties, and corporate events at Zazzibar, our outdoor event venue — learn more on the Zazzibar page.
Yes! Hotel Zazz regularly hosts rotating local food trucks on the property, giving guests a taste of Albuquerque's local food scene without leaving the hotel. Because vendors rotate, the lineup changes — reach out before your stay to ask which food trucks are scheduled. You're also in the heart of Nob Hill, with over 200 shops and restaurants and award-winning local dining within walking distance.
Yes! Hotel Zazz has its own illustrated children's book, The Zazzy Adventures of Roozy and Raffie. If you purchase a copy, you'll receive a lifetime 15% discount at Hotel Zazz — just bring your book with you when you visit. You can find it in our Shop.
With over 99 Instagrammable spots, Hotel Zazz is a popular place for photos! If you're not currently a guest, please call us first to inquire — most of the time we're happy to work with you to make it happen.
Please call or text Hotel Zazz at (505) 266-7663, or email stay@hotelzazz.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
