The Best Splurge Hotels
The Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa (Bishop's Lodge Rd., Santa Fe; tel. 505/983-6377; www.bishopslodge.com): More than a century ago, Bishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy often escaped clerical politics by hiking into a valley north of town called Little Tesuque. He built a retreat and chapel that years later have become the Bishop's Lodge. All rooms are spacious and feature handcrafted furniture and local artwork. Activities include horseback riding, hiking, tennis, and swimming.
Inn of the Anasazi (113 Washington Ave., Santa Fe; tel. 800/688-8100 or 505/988-3030; www.innoftheanasazi.com): Just steps from the plaza, this elegant hotel offers a taste of Anasazi architecture. The interior utilizes stacked sandstone with touches of Navajo artwork to create a warm ambience. Add to that excellent amenities and stellar service.
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa (330 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe; tel. 800/727-5276 or 505/986-0000; www.laposadadesantafe.com): With the feel of a meandering adobe village but the service of a fine hotel, this has become one of New Mexico's premier resorts. It has a Zen-Southwestern-style spa and pool and spacious spa rooms. Most rooms don't have views but have outdoor patios, and most are tucked back into the quiet compound.
Rancho de San Juan (US 285 near Española; tel. 505/753-6818; www.ranchodesanjuan.com): Just 38 miles from Santa Fe, in the enchanting country near Ojo Caliente, this award-winning inn offers complete luxury and the quiet of the country. The rooms in the inn, as well as the casitas set among the hills, are all decorated with impressive art and antiques, and have spectacular views.
El Monte Sagrado (317 Kit Carson Rd., Taos; tel. 800/828-TAOS [8267] or 575/758-3502; www.elmontesagrado.com): With guest rooms and casitas set around a grassy "Sacred Circle," this eco-resort is the quintessence of luxury. Every detail, from the waterfalls and chemical-free pool and hot tubs to the authentic theme decor in the rooms, has been created with conscious care.
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa (1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo; tel. 800/55-HYATT [49288] or 505/867-1234; www.tamaya.hyatt.com): Situated on Santa Ana Pueblo land, this grand resort has all a human might need to get away from the world. Three swimming pools, a 16,000-square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center, the 18-hole Twin Warriors Championship Golf Course designed by Gary Panks, and views of the Sandia Mountains make for plenty to do. Meanwhile, spacious rooms offer quiet for those who'd rather do nothing. It's only 25 minutes from Albuquerque and 45 minutes from Santa Fe.
The Best Moderately Priced Hotels
Santa Fe Motel and Inn (510 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe; tel. 800/930-5002 or 505/982-1039; www.santafemotel.com): Rooms at this inn, walking distance from the plaza, combine the ambience of the Southwest -- bold colors and some handmade furniture -- with a standard motel price tag.
El Rey Inn (1862 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe; tel. 800/521-1349 or 505/982-1931; www.elreyinnsantafe.com): If old-style court motels awaken the road warrior in you, this is your place. Built in the 1930s and added onto over the years, the King provides a variety of room types, all nicely appointed.
Though it's actually an inn, one of the best moderately priced accommodations in Taos -- with more luxurious options as well -- is the Old Taos Guesthouse (1028 Witt Rd., Taos; tel. 800/758-5448 or 575/758-5448; www.oldtaos.com). Surrounded by acres of country, it provides a lovely rural stay.
Providing comfortable rooms with a Native American theme, the Nativo Lodge (6000 Pan American Fwy., NE, Albuquerque; tel. 888/628-4861 or 505/798-4300; www.nativolodge.com), offers a bit of New Mexico culture at a reasonable price.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
