Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort

Yesterday, I went to Albuquerque for a cardiac stress test.

Since the appointment was set for 8:00 this morning, I stayed at the Route 66 RV Resort in the motorhome.

I had to fast 12 hours before the test, so I had a Laguna Burger at the hotel before the fasting period started.

After having the burger, I wandered around the hotel and took a few photos.

Above and below, Dracula (Bela Lugosi) lives again as a slot machine.

Above, where I had dinner last night.

Above, at the Route 66 RV Resort.

Above, having a brew before heading into the casino for dinner.

Above, a great place for steaks and prime rib.

Best Route 66 Campgrounds By State

Above, Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The fabled Route 66, which was decommissioned back in 1985, still beckons travelers and history buffs.

I've driven it many times, most recently two days ago, since it is now an alternate route of Interstate 40 from Gallup, New Mexico to Iyanbito of the Navajo Nation. 

Along the way, there are RV parks and campgrounds for RVers and RV Life has listed the best ones by state. I've stayed at three of them.

They begin with:

Traveling to a specific destination is fun, but sometimes you can find more joy in the journey. This is one of the main reasons why Route 66 is still so popular among RVers. Whether you’ve traveled it dozens of times or are preparing for your first voyage this fall, you’ll want to know about some of the best Route 66 campgrounds in each state.

Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road” or “The Main Street of America,” begins in Illinois and terminates in California, crossing five additional states along the way. The path has been broken and altered in places, but the majority of the route is still open for business. Along the way, you’ll find lot of unique attractions, museums, and restaurants.

But at the end of each day, you’ll need a place to set up camp. That’s why we’ve compiled the best RV parks in each state you’ll travel through. It’s always good to have a plan mapped out ahead of time, but don’t be afraid to take unexpected stops and have fun along the way! Now let’s get into it: Route 66 is waiting for you!

To read more, go here. 

Cheaper Priced Gas In Albuquerque

Above, $2.89 for unleaded regular at Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One pleasant surprise during my trip to Albuquerque to see Godzilla Minus One was that gasoline prices were under $3.00/gallon for regular unleaded.

The prices ranged (that I saw) from $2.89 to $2.81. 

The travel center at Route 66 Casino Hotel off Interstate 40 priced theirs at $2.89/gallon. Prices for gasoline were under $3.00/gallon until (heading west) Grants. Then they were at $3.13/gallon.  

"Godzilla Minus One" at Flix Brewhouse

Above, the sign outside of the auditorium. I actually went to the 1:45 screening. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

About an hour or so ago, I made it back home after spending the night in Albuquerque in my motorhome at Route 66 Casino RV Resort, where I went to see Godzilla Minus One.

The theater I selected was something I never experienced before. It is called Flix Brewhouse and it is located off Coors Avenue in the northern end of Albuquerque.

Above, outside of the theater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For one thing, Flix Brewhouse has its own pub that serves beer, wine and margaritas. They also have snacks there as well. I tried their onion rings and they were excellent. I was treated to a free sample of sparkling wine and orange juice. I could have had a beer, but I figuered that would not be a good idea. Who wants to go pee during the middle of the movie?

Above, the bar area in the main lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They also have waiter/waitress service for theater-goers. They have a scanning system or one can just push a service button and their server will come and take the order. This way, viewers don't have to leave for refreshments, everything is taken care of at the viewer's seat. Either way, they set up a tab for each patron with their credit or debit card.

Above, enjoying the free sparkling wine and orange juice drink.

As for the movie, it was everything people have been saying about it. It was the Godzilla movie everyone's been waiting or. A great mix of human drama and monster action. I was even impressed with the make-up job on those who were killed by Godzilla on Odo Island. For once, dead bodies actually looked like dead bodies. The Japanese CGI special effects are now on a par with those of Hollywood's. It is the best Godzilla movie since the 1954 original. My grade: A+.

Before the movie started, we were treated with clips from past Godzilla movies. Many of them I have never seen on the big screen before, this was an added treat. 

Above, my prime rib dinner at ThunderRoad Steakhouse in Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one can, try to go see it on the big screen or IMAX while it is still running.

After heading back to the Route 66 Casino RV Resort, I called for a shuttle to take me to the casino to have dinner at ThunderRoad Steakhouse. I had a nice prime rib dinner. I have been craving prime rib for some time and finally got that craving satisfied.

It was a nice little trip.

Classic Rock Music Monday

The stuff that now passes as "music", particularly rock 'n roll, leaves me cold. So, to start off the week, here's a video of a classic rock artist. 

This week's spotlight is on the Doobie Brothers, who are still active. My preference of the Doobie Brothers are the pre-Michael McDonald years with Tom Johnston on lead vocals. I first heard them on the old FM progressive rock station KPPC (which later became KROQ) in Los Angeles in 1971. The song was "Feelin' Down Farther" from their first album, which I have on cassette. The song greatly influenced their 1972 hit, "Listen To The Music".

Above, the Doobies appeared at the Route 66 Hotel Casino a few years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From Wikipedia:

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success in the 1970s, the group's current lineup consists of founding members Tom Johnston (guitars, vocals) and Patrick Simmons (guitars, vocals), alongside Michael McDonald (keyboards, vocals) and John McFee (guitars, pedal steel, violin, backing vocals), and touring musicians including John Cowan (bass, vocals), Marc Russo (saxophones), Ed Toth (drums), and Marc Quiñones (percussion). Other long-serving members of the band include guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (1974–1979), bassist Tiran Porter (1972–1980, 1987–1992) and drummers John Hartman (1970–1979, 1987–1992), Michael Hossack (1971–1973, 1987–2012), and Keith Knudsen (1973–1982, 1993–2005). They performed gospel influenced songs such as "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" and "Jesus is Just Alright".[4]

Johnston provided the lead vocals for the band from 1970 to 1975, when they featured a mainstream rock sound with elements of folk, country and R&B. Michael McDonald joined the band in 1975 as a keyboard player and second lead vocalist, to give some relief to Johnston, who was suffering health problems at the time. McDonald's interest in soul music introduced a new sound to the band. Johnston and McDonald performed together as co-lead vocalists for one album, Takin' It to the Streets, before Johnston retired fully in 1977. Frequent lineup changes followed through the rest of the 1970s, and the band broke up in 1982 with Simmons being the only constant member having appeared on all of their albums. In 1987 the Doobie Brothers reformed with Johnston back in the fold; McDonald, who had previously made several guest appearances since their reformation, returned to the band full-time in 2019 for their 50th anniversary tour.

The following music video if of their 1975 hit, "Take Me In Your Arms", which reminds me of my final year at El Camino College.

4 Amazing Burger Places In New Mexico

Above, the Laguna Burger at Exit 140 of Interstate 40. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since my heart episode of July 2018, I have curtailed the consumption of red meats for the most part.

However, I have enjoyed a burger or two since then.

NewsBreak Original posted an article on 4 amazing burger places in New Mexico. Of the four, I have tried burgers from Albuquerque's Laguna Burger. I highly recommend it! They have opened a restaurant at the Route 66 Casino Hotel during the past year or so.

The article begins with:

If you live in New Mexico and you want to try new restaurants, here is a list of four amazing burger places in New Mexico that are well-known for serving absolutely delicious food made with fresh and high-quality ingredients only.

4 Amazing Burger Places in New Mexico

• Burger Boy, Cedar Crest
• Sparkys, Hatch
• Laguna Burger, Albuquerque
• Rustic on the Green, Albuquerque

Each place gets a write-up. 

To read more, go here.

Route 66 RV Resort

Above, The Beast at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Jessica, my former Tarzana roommate, is flying into the Albuquerque Sunport late tonight from Des Moines, Iowa for a two-week visit.

Since her plane is arriving late, it is better to just stay the night in Albuquerque and head back to Jamestown in the morning. I am currently at the Route 66 RV Resort just outside of town. This will be the first time in months that The Beast is being used for camping. 

Above, relaxing before going to the pool area.

I got in around 11:00 this morning. I did make one stop along the way. I made a breakfast stop at the Sky City Hotel and Casino. For those who are curious, I had huevos rancheros. 

Above, the Route 66 RV Resort pool. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After checking into the RV park and relaxing for a while, I decided to soak for a while in the hot tub. The pool and hot tub had been closed for the past two years due to the pandemic and both are now open. It was an enjoyable soak. I had the pool area all to myself except for the last few minutes I was there.

Above, another section of the pool and the hot tub. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will probably get a bite to eat inside the Route 66 Casino. The hotel's shuttles are in operation again. So I can catch one from the RV park to the hotel and casino.

We may get thundershowers tonight. It wouldn't be the first time I've experienced a thunderstorm while at the Route 66 RV Resort. I find them entertaining.

A Day In Albuquerque

Above, breakfast at the Huwaka Restaurant at Sky City Hotel Casino.

Yesterday was spent in Albuquerque in order to bring Larry Lucier's bus into a repair shop to diagnose some minor problems with its wheelchair lift. Since Larry can't drive it, was the designated chauffeur.

Along the way, we stopped at Sky City Hotel and Casino for breakfast at the Huwaka Restaurant. Larry had never been at the restaurant and he enjoyed his breakfast as I did. I have been there several times during the past four years.

We got into Albuquerque at around 10:15 and proceeded to the repair shop. They diagnosed the problems and will email an estimate to Larry. Once he approves it, they will order the necessary parts and we will be heading back to Albuquerque to get the work done.

After that, we headed a few miles to Cabela's to browse around. They just got a new shipment of ammo in their gun department. I was looking for .38 special or .357 magnum ammo. The only one had was .38 special. They were boxes of  100 full metal jacketed bullets for $60. I was looking for hollow point and didn't want to spend $60 for something else. So I decided to wait until what I wanted is available.

We were looking at the new and used rifles and we spotted a 1969 vintage Winchester Model 94 30-30 lever action rifle. They wanted over $600 for it. I didn't feel it was worth that amount as it wasn't a pre-1964 rifle and the condition wasn't that great. My pre-1964 Winchester Model 94 (made in 1962) was a far better deal for under $600 (a superior rifle in far better shape) that I got three years ago at Ron Peterson Firearms. 

We then went to PetSmart and, following that, headed to Sadie's of New Mexico for dinner. Both of us requested take-home boxes as both meals were huge and we couldn't finish them there.

After Sadie's we got on the freeway to head back to Jamestown. We did stop along the way at the Route 66 Casino Hotel gas station/travel center for fuel. 

All in all, it was a good day that was diversion. 

Bringing Back Tourism To Tribal Lands

Above, Thunder Road Steakhouse & Cantina at Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, a friend and I went to the Route 66 Casino Hotel near Albuquerque, that is owned by the Laguna Pueblo, to have dinner at Thunder Road Steakhouse & Cantina. At the main door, security said that only New Mexico residents are allowed in. I would be able to go in, but my friend (an Arizona resident) could not. So we went into Albuquerque for dinner.

Now, the hotel and casino are open to everyone.

Slowly and cautiously, tribes in New Mexico are reopening their casinos, trading posts, parks and other facilities to visitors.

The Albuquerque Journal posted an article on tribes bringing back tourism. The process hasn't been easy.

A snippet:

Across New Mexico, tribal nations are grappling with similar questions. For many of the 23 tribal nations in New Mexico, tourism, in the form of overnight stays at resorts or visits to cultural sites like Sky City, was an important part of their pre-pandemic local economies. By not allowing visitors during the pandemic, tribal nations incurred significant economic impacts in order to protect vulnerable citizens.

New Mexico lifted its own restrictions at the start of the month, and has seen renewed visitation and tourism activity. But some tribal nations, which are free to set and remove their restrictions as sovereign nations, have done so piecemeal. Acoma, Nambe and Cochiti pueblos remain partially or fully closed to visitors, citing safety concerns, even as casinos on Sandia and Isleta pueblos reopen. The Navajo Nation, where more than 1,300 people died from COVID-19, reopened parks, casinos and other facilities to visitors on July 8.

“After 16 months of this pandemic here on our nation, and our businesses having a difficult time,… I think it was time for us to reopen,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez told the Journal earlier this month.

 To read more, go here.

Route 66 Casino Hotel and RV Resort Now Open

Above, The Beast at the Route 66 RV Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Things appear to be inching back in New Mexico, at least in some areas.

My favorite place to stay while in Albuquerque has reopened.

KRQE News 13 reported:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Route 66 Casino Hotel is now open on a limited basis, according to its General Manager Adrian Fox. The full-service casino, hotel, restaurant and entertainment operation reopened its doors on Thursday, Feb. 11.

Under the initial reopening, the casino will offer slot machines, sports betting and a snack bar with snack items and a limited service beverage menu. The Route 66 Hotel and RV Resort are now open at a maximum occupancy of 25%.

Table games, all of the restaurants and Legends Theater will still be closed until further notice. Guests temperatures will be checked at the door, face masks will be required and there will be no smoking inside the building. An outdoor smoking area is available.

According to the Route 66 Casino Hotel Updates page, the RV resort is also now open.

To read more, go here.

Route 66 Casino Hotel Closed 2 Weeks Due To Coronavirus

Above, The Beast at the Route 66 RV Resport, which remains open. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I go to Albuquerque, I stay at the Route 66 Casino RV Resort. While there, I usually dine at the Thunder Road Steakhouse and Cantina. I plan on going there within the next two weeks.

Above, Route 66 Casino Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

However, KRQE reported that the casino hotel has been closed for two weeks due to cases of COVID-19 among employees.

They wrote:

LAGUNA PUEBLO, N.M. (KRQE) – Route 66 Casino Hotel is shutting down for the next two weeks. A spokesman for the casino says officials made the decision to close the casino Sunday at 5:00 p.m. because of a surge in cases among employees.

They say that until this past week, they’ve had less than nine cases since re-opening in late June but their most recent test yielded 13 positive cases in one week. The casino says it will stay closed while they sanitize and utilize contact tracing.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, the RV park and travel center will remain open.

To read more, go here.