City Closes Seventh Problematic Hotel in Seven Months

The City of Albuquerque has ordered the Barcelona Suites, located at 900 Louisiana Blvd NE, to close following an announced inspection by City Code Enforcement, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, and Environmental Health Department that began on Thursday, May 29. The inspection revealed an array of code and fire violations that threatened the safety of tenants and the surrounding community.

“Let me be clear, we will not tolerate businesses that create public nuisances, take advantage of people, and fuel criminal activity,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We will continue to stand up and take action to hold negligent property owners accountable.”

The inspection found unsafe living conditions that lacked basic health and safety standards. Violations included:

• Numerous plumbing issues, such as non-functional toilets, sinks, and showers, leaking plumbing fixtures, unsanitary drainage conditions, and inadequate hot water with some rooms having no hot water at all.
• Electrical hazards, including overloaded circuits, extension cords being used instead of permanent wiring, exposed wiring, electrical boxes missing covers, and damaged outlets throughout the building.
• Fire code violations like expired and missing fire extinguishers, non-functional and missing smoke detectors, blocked means of egress, and hazardous waste storage.
• Unsanitary conditions like water damage, mold, and infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches, and pigeons.
• Expired permits, unpermitted construction, expired business registration, and an invalid Certificate of Occupancy.

“Many of us remember when this hotel was one of the finest in the city,” said Planning Department Director Alan Varela. “We look forward to seeing it rehabilitated so it once again becomes a safe and properly maintained place for people to stay.”

"The Abandoned and Dilapidated Abatement Property Team (ADAPT) has been trying to work with the management of Barcelona Suites since April of 2021. Management originally made some positive changes, but unfortunately progress has significantly slowed down again to the point that ADAPT had to start weekly fines beginning on February 27, 2025,” said Fire Marshal Jason Garcia. “At this point, it appears that management no longer considers improving the property’s living and safety conditions a priority."

The property has become a magnet for law enforcement activity. In the past year alone, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) responded to 151 calls for service at Barcelona Suites. Incidents included:

• 10 calls involving assault or battery
• 30 disturbances
• 29 suspicious person/vehicle
• 10 family disputes
• 9 arrests

“This property is yet another example of the ongoing challenges we’ve seen with many long-term stay hotels, being a breeding ground for criminal activity,” said APD Chief of Staff Mike Hernandez. “We have taken an approach to help these properties, but when it gets to a certain point, we are taking the necessary steps to put public safety at the forefront.”

The tenants of the Barcelona Suites were being charged rates ranging from $280 to $1,025 per month, and in some cases both cash and a voucher, to stay in dangerous living conditions. The units were being improperly used for long-term stays, with some tenants staying several years. The City encourages the owners to convert the units into apartments. 

During the inspection, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) was on site to ensure no one living at the hotel was left without support. ACS connected with 68 individuals staying on site, helping everyone who wanted it into long-term housing solutions or temporary accommodations.

“No one should have to live in unsafe conditions,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “We’re here to help folks find safety, stability, and hope—whatever it takes to help them rebuild.”

There were also companion animals living at the Hotel. Two pets were voluntarily surrendered by their owners, while three others were taken into protective custody until the owners can secure appropriate housing. When the owners can reclaim their pets, we will ensure they comply with the HEART ordinance upon reclaim. All the pets were healthy.

The City will continue to hold negligent property owners accountable and prioritize the safety of neighborhoods impacted by criminal activity.