The New Mexico Route 66 Association on Saturday will give its Heritage Award to Hotel Zazz in Albuquerque at noon Saturday.
According to a news release from the association, it is recognizing the “revitalization of this classic Route 66 motel into a whimsical, memorable experience with piZAZZ.”
Originally opened as Albuquerque TraveLodge East in 1966, it was renamed University Lodge in 1990. Rosemin and Salim Dharas purchased the property at 3711 Central Ave. (aka Route 66) in 1997, where their daughter Sharmin grew up and took over in 2019.
Sharmin Dharas said on Facebook she was “incredibly grateful and honored” for the award.
“Central is my neighborhood and has been for 36 years,” she wrote. “Being awarded the rt 66 heritage award is an incredible honor. I know that this heritage comes with all those who helped keep it alive, my friends and my family, my neighbors and my community.”
New Mexico Route 66 Association President, Melissa Lea Beasley, as well as fellow officers and the board of directors will present the award.
You can read more about the extensive renovations and improvements to the motel here in the Albuquerque Journal.
(Image of Hotel Zazz from its booking engine)