Santa Fe Editor Picks

With rooms starting at under $200, this 71-room property might just be the most impressive hotel in its category. It enjoys a wonderful location on the historic east side of downtown, just a block from the refined art galleries of Canyon Road and a few more blocks from the historic downtown Plaza. The Inn on the Alameda is contemporary and cheerfully decorated, consisting of a several adjacent adobe buildings whose guest rooms have private exterior entrances and either patios or balconies. The common area consists of a breakfast room and a comfy lounge, and rooms themselves have tasteful, light-wood, hand-crafted furnishings.

There's truly nothing in Santa Fe – or even the Southwest – quite like this Far East-meets-Wild West boutique property of 22 whimsically decorated, opulent rooms and suites. The spacious units here are filled with colorful mosaic-tile murals, traditional kiva-style fireplaces, decadent Asian and Middle Eastern fabrics, ornate beds with hand-stitched headboards, and fully outfitted kitchens with marble counters that combine function with form. Rates are a bit steep, but include all kinds of extras like walking tours, lavish breakfasts, afternoon wine-and-cheese spreads, gourmet snacks in your room, and even staff gratuities. The inn is set along Santa Fe's oldest street, a narrow lane right behind the state capitol building and just a five-minute walk from the many galleries and shops of the Plaza. The inn's restaurant serves delicious sandwiches and small plates while a warm and efficient staff completes the experience.

See the work of this icon at the most visited museum in the state, the first in the nation devoted to a single female artist.

Consider this New American restaurant a must. White linen décor and award-winning plates...more

One of the best deals in Santa Fe, this easy-to-miss gourmet sandwich shop and sidewalk...more

Head to this neighborhood tavern and rock out to live music, great food, and some of the best flamenco dancing in the nation (Wednesdays) courtesy of internationally renowned Maria Martinez and her protégés.

Great handcrafted beer coupled with burgers, fries, and live music on the weekends makes this hangout popular among locals.

Mingle with serious, deep-pocketed art collectors at the greatest concentration of galleries in the world. Less expensive deals can also be found, and it's certainly free to stroll and window-shop on this quiet, colorful stretch.