ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Dec. 1, 2016) – Hotel Chaco, a contemporary luxury hotel inspired by the architecture and ancient civilization of Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on schedule to open in Old Town Albuquerque in April, 2017. The property – the first from-the-ground-up design/build project from Heritage Hotels & Resorts — marked its topping off in August, and its exterior façade will be completed in January. Hotel Chaco, located adjacent to sister property Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town (with whom it shares a pool, ballrooms, and wedding chapel), is now accepting group and individual bookings.
In addition to these milestones, Heritage Hotels & Resorts has announced major collaborations that will shape key aspects of the guest experience at Hotel Chaco. Legendary chef Mark Miller will consult on the concept for Hotel Chaco’s rooftop restaurant, Level 5. And together with interior designer Kris Lajeskie, the hotel has commissioned an elite cadre of contemporary Native American artists to create original art works to grace its public spaces and guest rooms.
“We’re creating a hotel where guests will experience the true culture of New Mexico in a way that has never been done before,” explains Jim Long, CEO, Heritage Hotels & Resorts. “We are blending ancient building techniques from New Mexico Native Americans with modern amenities and designs from the best designers in the world to create a new hotel that will redefine and advance the architectural building style in our state. The services, sacred architecture and accommodations this hotel will provide will embrace the native people’s artistic sensibility and oneness with nature.”
Mark Miller has more than 30 years of professional culinary experience as a chef, cookbook author, restaurateur, and is the winner of two prestigious James Beard awards. Working in close concert with Chef Gilbert Aragon of Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, Miller will help develop a menu reflecting his passion for archaeology, farming and the evolution of food preparation from ancient to modern times.
The restaurant, located on the hotel’s fifth floor rooftop, will be called Level 5 in honor of Chaco Canyon’s legendary Pueblo Bonito, which also had five stories. It will feature stunning unobstructed views of the nearby Sandia Mountains, and accommodate up to 250 guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while also providing room service.
Among the prominent and decorated Native American artists working on original pieces for Hotel Chaco are Joe Cajero (Jemez Pueblo) who will create a bronze sculpture for the lobby, Navajo Weavers from Toadlena Trading Post who will contribute original weavings to hang above guest room beds, and Roxanne Swentzell (Santa Clara Pueblo) who is creating a clay sculpture for the ledge above the lobby reception desk. An original painting by Tony Abeyta (Navajo) will create a focal point in the lobby, whose main doors and ceiling will be designed by Tammy Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo). A glass sculpture chandelier by Ira Lujan Taos/Ohkay Owinjeh Pueblos) will hang from the lobby ceiling, and signature staff uniforms will be designed by Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo).
For extensive background on the Hotel Chaco concept and to read more about its architecture, construction, design, common areas, guest rooms, amenities, food & beverage, meetings and event spaces, and original Native American artwork, please download a full press kit here. For more information visit www.hotelchaco.com, or contact Jan Sheehan at jan@tuckerpr.com or (817)348-9490.
