Upscale El Verde Inn to open in early February
RIO RANCHO — El Verde Inn is aptly named considering it is adjacent to Paradise Hills Golf
Course.
The boutique hotel will officially open to the public with 20 rooms and plenty of amenities with a soft launch on Feb. 2 and a grand opening on Feb. 9.
Elizabeth Sanchez, one of three co-owners, said her real estate investment group came across the property that was formerly The Inn at Paradise, a bed and breakfast, in 2021 and have been working to renovate the property since last May.
“We fell in love with the property, a little one-acre spot. We fell in love with the courtyard, fell in love with the potential that renovating this kind of property can bring to this side of town, and also it’s right on the golf course, too,” Sanchez said. “So I think it brings that, you know, a nice aspect to this part of Albuquerque. We’ve heard a lot from local residents who have stayed here at this building, when it was previously a bed and breakfast, and they were excited to see it be renovated.”
The renovation was done by a local contractor and local designer, and the inn is locally owned, managed and staffed. The lobby and the hallways feature art from local artists that can be purchased.
“Our focus is really to be part of the community,” Sanchez said.
El Verde Inn is an upscale place for golfers and travelers to stay or for locals looking for a nice staycation. There is a courtyard with a view of the golf course that can hold small events and performances. A liquor license is in the works, but coffee and breakfast will be served. Room rates have not been set yet.
General Manager Damian Cortez has more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry and Hollywood connections he plans to use to get stars to perform at El Verde Inn.
“I work with a lot of artists and a lot of celebrities. I’m originally from Los Angeles,” Cortez said. “At one point I worked at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills; I was Michael Jackson’s personal bartender. When I came to New Mexico, I fell in love with the state. So I said, ‘This is a place where I want to raise my kids and my family and have a career.’” El Verde will offer: Housekeeping (on request) Breakfast available Bar/lounge Air conditioning Concierge services Picnic area Luggage storage Limited hour front desk Connecting/adjoining rooms are available with a private bathroom, yard, coffee/tea maker, blackout drapes/curtains and satellite TV service.
Cortez said the most important amenity offered at El Verde is the feeling of being at home and at peace.
“When I see this kind of opening, I always think of home, because even though it’s a luxury boutique hotel, to me, it’s always like a home feel. It just makes me feel comfortable. I feel good. And that’s what we want to bring to the guests, that experience,” Cortez said.
“We didn’t want this to be a typical hotel room. The darkness of our rooms make it a more cozy environment and not a traditional hotel space that you normally see,” Sanchez said.