NSS Convention 2017

Vendor Info

Lodging

     The 2017 NM Convention Planning Committee has reserved a block of rooms at three sites: Holiday Inn Express-Bernalillo, $99+tax per night. This rural location along East Hwy 550, is near Coronado Historic Site and within 7 miles of the Santa Ana Star Center, where the Convention is located. It is also close to the Railrunner Station going toward Santa Fe or Albuquerque. Alternatively, we have a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn, a little farther away from the Star Center, ~10 miles and a more urban area, close to the border of Albuquerque, but convenient to the Corrales Bosque (riverside forest). It claims to be rated #1 of 5 hotels in Rio Rancho and is $94+tax per night.

     Both of these have full service, Free WiFi, breakfast or a restaurant, fitness room, and good ratings. The blocks of rooms are open until June 1, 2017. The Hilton Garden Inn is ~12 miles from ABQ – Albuquerque International Sunport (AIS). Bernalillo is ~ 20 miles from ABQ – AIS.

     There are also rooms available at the Days Inn in Rio Rancho for $65+tax per night.

     If visitors/cavers prefer slightly less expensive, Super 8-Bernalillo is recommended. Reservations are first come-first serve. Their ratings are good and they are also near the Railrunner and Coronado Historical Site, and ~8 miles from the Star Center.

     Additionally, if a preference is for a private home or apartment, there are about 20+ listings under AirBnB for Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, or Bernalillo. Also some nice BnBs can be found under Trip Advisor in Bernalillo and Corrales. Corrales is a rural, farming community close to the Rio Grande, where a visitor can go for a walk along the drainage ditch, crossing over to the Bosque and cool under the cottonwoods.

     Furthermore, Coronado Campground is located in Bernalillo, about 8 miles from the Star Center and next door to the Coronado Historical Site Visitor Center. This may be a preference for those not wishing to camp at the Star Center’s campground space, where most convention activities will be. They take reservations by phone and charge $10 to hold and guarantee a site. Ask for Phil.

Transportation

     Flights to Albuquerque’s International Sunport are available on many airlines. Access to the Santa Ana Star Center by car is easy. From I-40 and then I-25 follow your GPS or map to the Bernalillo/Placitas exit, US 550, and head west to Paseo del Volcan, which goes by the UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center and straight to the tar Center, about 6 miles from Bernalillo.

     Private pilots who will be flying into Double Eagle Airport (AGE) and will need transportation to the NSS Campground or local motels/hotels (within a 15-mile radius), or for those pilots camping needing grocery runs, please contact Jim Bulkeley to schedule these services.

     Russell Kennedy is planning to travel to and from the New Mexico 2017 NSS Convention in Rio Rancho by Amtrak train from Washington, DC. He invites others to join him, whether they board in Chicago or elsewhere along the line. The trip will be open to any one along the route, but everyone must make their own arrangements. Russ will start in Washington on the 4:05 p.m. Capital Limited to Chicago on the 15th of June. Anyone east of Chicago should plan to make the 3:00 Southwest Chief on the 15th. We will arrive at 3:55 Saturday and transfer to the NM Rail Runner for the leg to Bernalillo (Burn-uh-lee-yo). The cost is about $500 from D.C. Round trip. If you plan to do this, please contact Russell Kennedy.
     The Convention Committee is looking into a shuttle ride from the train station to the Convention Site, and then a shuttle ride back to the station for the return trip.

Lodging

Hotels in Rio Rancho
AirBnB
Holiday Inn Express-Bernalillo (505) 867-1600
Hilton Garden Inn (505) 891-7555
Days Inn (505) 273-8184
Super 8-Bernalillo
Coronado Campground (505) 980-8256