For Hotels, Santa Fe New Mexico Has The Southwest's Best

If you're seeking The Southwest's Best Hotels, Santa Fe, New Mexico Is "The City Different"

When my parents travel, they always want to stay in the finest hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico, is no exception. They journeyed here to visit me when I came to Taos for a personal growth workshop led by the maverick author and teacher, Stuart Wilde, who writes books such as, "The Trick to Money Is Having Some!"

Hotels Santa Fe, New Mexico Offers Some of the Most Elegant Anywhere

Wilde's book title certainly applies to elegant hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico, called "The City Different" by locals, is home to some of the most well-appointed—and yes, expensive—hotels in the country. These include The Eldorado, which literally means "the golden one" and was named by Travel and Leisure food critics as their top choice for fine dining; the Inn of the Anasazi (which won a Conde Nast Travel Magazine Reader's Choice Award as one of the 'Top 75 Hotels in North America"), and the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, located next to Fort Marcy.

And we haven't yet mentioned The Inn and Spa at Loretto, the Santa Fe luxury hotel where my parents stayed during part of their visit, or The Bishop's Lodge, each with an enchanting view of the nearby Sangre de Cristo mountains.

Santa Fe, New Mexico Architecture Is One Reason It's "The City Different"

In fact, New Mexico is known as "The Land of Enchantment," and its eloquent hotels are part of the reason why. They're sculpted out of the same adobe that defines the state's architecture. You enter an enchanted land each time you step into one of these landmark hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico knows how to make travelers feel special, and right at home, all at the same time! That's just one reason why it's "The City Different."

Budget Hotels Will Allow You To Spend More Dollars Sightseeing

While staying at any of these plush hotels should naturally be an unforgettable experience, you will indeed be reminded of your trip the following month, when your Visa or MasterCard bill arrives. However, you can enjoy The City Different and The Land of Enchantment without staying at one of the four-star hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico also offers the Best Westerns, Days Inns, Holiday Inns and similar budget hotels that dot the landscape from one end of the country to the other.

If you prefer to sleep on the cheap and save your money for sightseeing and sumptuous meals, consider lodging that won't make the list of historic or classic hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico will still be waiting just outside your hotel room door, the red rock landscape and indigenous culture beckoning you to explore the ancient and ineffable essence that is the desert Southwest.

Visit Abiquiu, Taos and Other Towns Near Santa Fe to Soak Up the Magic

Rent a car, take a day trip up to Abiquiu, home of the world-famous painter, Georgia O'Keefe, or to Taos (about ninety minutes north of Santa Fe), a small art community that is as fascinating in its own right as Santa Fe.

On Your Next Trip—Or For A Special Event—You'll Know All the Top Hotels

And if you decide someday to hold a gala event here—such as a wedding or a holiday party—you'll already have a leg up when it comes to knowing all the best hotels. Santa Fe, New Mexico will be awaiting your return, with its enchantingly open City Different arms.

Amara Rose transformed her life in Santa Fe during the mid-1990s. She now offers life purpose coaching, talks, tapes/CDs, e-courses, playshops, and a FREE inspirational monthly newsletter, What Shines. She's also a "business alchemist" who has wordsmithed everything from white papers to web content. Visit http://www.liveyourlight.comor e-mail amara@liveyourlight.com. .