Hotel Chaco, inspired by the architecture and ancient civilization of UNESCO World Heritage Site Chaco Canyon, opened in the middle of Old Town Albuquerque, N.M. The 118-room property is the first ground-up construction project from Heritage Hotels & Resorts and is located adjacent to sister property Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
The building includes precise stone masonry, vigas and latillas for rooftop structures and is aligned to the sun’s movement. Hotel Chaco is architectural firm Gensler’s first design project in New Mexico, fusing modern design with sustainable building strategies. The Gensler team traveled to Chaco Canyon to draw inspiration from the ancient architecture.
The property has 25 different guestroom configurations. Many extend outdoors onto gracious terraces showcasing majestic views towards the Sandia Mountains and downtown skyline, while others overlook the gardens and pool terrace below. A rooftop restaurant and bar, called Level 5 in honor of Chaco Canyon’s Pueblo Bonito, uses local ingredients in the Native-inspired menu conceived by chef Mark Miller and Hotel Albuquerque executive chef Gilbert Aragon. Additional dining options include the lobby level Equinox Café and Bar, as well as roomservice. Plans for a 6,000-square-foot spa are in progress.
The property also has an art program whereby the hotel, in tandem with interior designer Kris Lajeskie, commissioned several contemporary Native American artists to create works for both public spaces and guestrooms.
“Typically hotels are built like stackable boxes,” Jim Long, CEO of Heritage Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. “But Hotel Chaco’s design, while very modern, captures the spirit of the civilization and the beautiful architecture of Chaco Canyon. The services, ambiance and accommodations this hotel provides embrace the native people’s artistic sensibility and oneness with nature.”