OK, the airfares came way down and we got a flight from ORD to ABQ for $230! We arrive in ABQ at 4pm on a Saturday and have until noon on Wed. Should we spend all four nights in Santa Fe? Should we spend a night in Taos or just make that a day trip. If we do spend the night, should it be the first night or the last?? If anyone has any proposed itineraries, lodging suggestions, etc. I would so greatly appreciate any advice. As for lodging, I would obviously like to make this a special trip. We enjoy staying at B&B's and inns when we travel. I am wondering if there is a "special" place that won't break the bank. OR, is there a place that is definitely worth the splurge? On one hand I don't have a problem spending $300/night BUT if it is not necessary we would love to save the cash. Also, I would like to stay somewhere with a great view. FYI, we will go to 10,000 waves at the request of so many posters.
Thanks for the tips!!!

When in October? If it's during the balloon fiesta, I would strongly recommend that you spend a night in Albuquerque to see it.

Actually I think it is during the balloon fiesta. We are going Oct. 4 - 8. What can you tell me about it? How much do we need to see? I tried to look it up but found the website confusing. Please advice
Thanks!!

If you are considering staying in ABQ for one night make your reservation today! I would only do it for one night. See the balloon ascension at 7am. Then take the Sandia Tram, maybe Acomoa Pueblo and then head north via the Turquoise Trail for a taste of small town and great scenery. If short for time I would skip the trail and visit Acoma Pueblo and take the tram. Then drive straight to Santa Fe.

Lodging suggestions:

B&B feel:

first choice is:
El Farolito*(charming inn just off the plaza)
www.faolito.com

Inn on the Alameda
www.inn-alameda.com

La Posada (serene setting just a block or two off the plaza
www.laposada.rockresorts.com

Inn of the Anasazi (basically on the plaza)
www.innoftheanasazi.com

For a view, you might check Fort Marcy rentals. To get a great view you'll have to get away from the plaza area.

October is stunning! The aspens and cottonwoods are glowing in golds and yellows. So pretty!

Where should we stay in ABQ? Safe to assume this would be great for our first night, right? Thank you so much for your help!!

Here is a good thread for balloon fiesta lodging. It is a very popular event and people book their rooms for the next year when they check out.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34817357


There are several on this board to help out with that. DebitNM, Moldyhotelsaregross and Elendilpickle come to mind.

BeachGirl

There are B&Bs all over Albuquerque, but I've never stayed in one (will have to remedy that someday).

I would also stay in Albuquerque my first night and attend the Balloon Fiesta the next morning. Don't try to park on the fiesta grounds; instead, use one of the Park 'n Ride lots. It's so much easier to get in and out of the place! Get up really early, ride to the park, grab a breakfast burrito and something hot to drink, and watch the spectacle. It's a lot of fun!

From there, I would head on up to Santa Fe for the next three nights.

Lee Ann

So we shouldn't spend a night in Taos? Too rushed? Should we just do a daytrip? Where (what area and what hotel) should we stay in Albuquerque (keep in mind it's our 10th anniversary and I don't want to stay at a Marriott Courtyard). THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

Taos makes a nice day trip from Santa Fe; take the high road there and the other road back.

Lee Ann

I would stay right near the Balloon Park the first night at any one of the many chain hotles. They are all grouped along Alameda, San Antonio, and the Frontage Rd to I-25. Either that or stay in the Uptown area (Amerisuites, Homewood Suites, Marriot) and then take the shuttle that leaves from the mall. Traffic is awful at the Fiesta and it's much easier to take the bus. There'a also a shuttle stop at the Hoffmantown Baptist Church which would be close to the motels on San Antonio.

I would make Taos a day trip for this vacation. Get up early, have a quick bite at Tesuque Village Market. Then head up to Taos. You can take the high road and see Nambe, Chimayo (Charming sanctuario de Chimayo is there along with Rancho de Chimayo for lunch or dinner), San Lorenzo Pueblo is along the road, too. But mostly it is full of beautiful scenery and in October it will be gorgeous! Bring your camera! I think October is the most beautiful time in northern New Mexico.

You can also take that route on the way back to Santa Fe instead.

I think your trip is too short to be worth staying overnight in Taos. do it as a day trip.
I loved Inn of the Anasazi but it is about $339/night and not available the nights you are there. Looks like you need to start booking right away!