Route 66 Times header image
Home > NM > Albuquerque >

La Puerta Motor Lodge

9710 E. Central Ave, Albuquerque, NM
Phone:
x

East < GO > West

Ralph Smith built and opened the La Puerta Lodge in 1949. The little motel had 8 guest units with shared garages. The owners residence in in the back corner of the property. The office near the street was added in 1952. La Puerta means "the door" in Spanish. In 1954 Smith sold the motel to the Hill family. The very cool original neon sign still stands out front.

It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Photo(s): 2015

 



 

x
x About Us We started traveling Historic U.S. Route 66 as a destination in 2009. It's like a 2,400 mile long drive back in time from Chicago to Santa Monica! more
xDid You Know: Many parts of the old 4 lane Route 66 were reverted to a 2 lane road after 66 was realigned to the interstate. In many places the abandoned lanes are still there.