Albuquerque –
On May 30, 2025, officials from the City of Albuquerque announced the closure of the Barcelona Suites, a long-term hotel located at 900 Louisiana Blvd NE, following a comprehensive inspection that revealed serious health and safety violations.
Representatives from various city agencies, including Mayor Tim Keller, the Code Enforcement Division, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS), the Albuquerque Police Department (APD), the Fire Marshal’s Office, and Animal Welfare, participated in a press conference detailing the findings that led to this critical decision.
The multi-agency inspection, which began on May 29, unearthed numerous code and fire violations affecting the safety of the hotel’s tenants and the surrounding neighborhood. Fire Marshal Jason Garcia reported that the hotel has been under scrutiny by the Abandoned and Dilapidated Abatement Property Team (ADAPT) since April 2021. Initially, hotel management showed promise in making improvements, but progress steadily declined, leading to the imposition of weekly fines since February 27, 2025.
According to city officials, the Barcelona Suites featured 163 rooms that exhibited various code enforcement issues ranging from mechanical failures to sewage backups and electrical hazards. The conditions observed during the inspection failed to meet basic health and safety standards, posing an immediate threat to those living there.
The property also served as a hub for increased law enforcement activity, with the APD responding to 151 calls for service in the past year. APD Commander Josh Richards highlighted a troubling trend, noting that incidents of violence, including three shootings in the last year, have escalated in the vicinity of the hotel.
Through this ongoing investigation, ACS successfully engaged with 68 individuals currently residing at the Barcelona Suites, offering assistance to those seeking either long-term housing solutions or immediate temporary accommodations. Notably, the hotel charged monthly rents ranging from $280 to $1,025, often asking for both cash and vouchers, despite the concerning conditions tenants faced.
APD Chief of Staff Mike Hernandez described the Barcelona Suites as emblematic of the persistent issues associated with long-term stay hotels, stating they frequently become breeding grounds for criminal activity.
In a further consideration for residents, city officials facilitated the voluntary surrender of two pets by their owners, while three additional pets were placed in protective custody until proper housing arrangements were made.
The current owners of the Barcelona Suites have been given the opportunity to address these significant issues and bring the property up to code. Should they fail to take appropriate measures, the city may pursue the sale of the property or seek its condemnation.
The closure of the Barcelona Suites marks a concerning trend in Albuquerque, as it is the seventh hotel to be shut down in seven months, highlighting broader issues around housing stability and safety within the community.
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