Others may not agree, but I do hope you'll look at saving the money by not renting a car, and finding inexpensive lodging within walking distance of the Plaza. Check out Garretts (it's pretty basic), Plaza Real, Inn of the Governors, and St. Francis, (and maybe some B&Bs) and see if you can't find a place within your budget. Either way, you're sure to enjoy yourself, but if I were alone, and particularly with potentially snowy conditions, I think I would want to stay where the "action" is (such as it is, this is not a late night town). Either way, you're sure to enjoy yourself, but just my 2 cents. Enjoy, annieladd

Hi Annie, I appreciate the advice and I will check the prices of these places.
One reason I'd like to have a car is so I can drive out to visit a pueblo.

I'm not really a night person, and don't care about any nightlife, so don't mind going back to my room and reading after dinner. But I must admit, being in the plaza area would be nice.

kodi, another affordable place to check is Territorial Inn. It's just off of the plaza as well. They also have a continental breakfast and I think it was free parking!

I'm really surprised at how low the rates are for the holiday season! And I do suggest you get a car if it fits into the budget. You can see so much more of what makes Santa Fe special.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've looked at many of the hotels and they all look great. However, most are just not in my budget price range. The Inn of the Govenors is $356 a night!! Way beyond my budget, although it looks lovely.
Garrett's is more like it. I will most likely book there if I don't have any luck on Priceline.
And I agree Beachgirl, a car is a must. I'm so used to having one, I'd be lost without one.

kodi, I put the dates of 23 Dec for 5 nights in the search and all of the hotels I listed are under $200 night. Is it giving you something different? Sorry if I misled you on something.

Our last stay at Garrett's was just that -- our last stay. Dirty room. Dirty sheets and a gross shower. Check it out before you say "yes".

No, no, no Beachgirl, you certainly did not mislead me. I think it was just that one hotel that skyrocketed to $356. The rest were under $200.

I appreciate your help and value your advice.

I will be sure to read all reviews on Trip Advisor too.

I'm thinking of my last night, and that I will probably spend my last day in ABQ and stay the night there. I'd like to see some of that city.
Now to decide which area to stay there.

I can suggest some places in ABQ and things to see and do later today -- headed out shortly.

Debi

Thak Debi. I'm on my way to work, so will be back in the evening.

Cheapy places please...like HOliday Inn Express or something.

You guys are the best.

La Quinta Albuquerque North on San Antonio is coming up at $61 with a $10 bonus coupon. That would be ok. Nothing fancy, but a safe area. Easy to get to airport and to get to places.

These places are near the airport; not sure of your budget for the night. That would help.

Any of these should do. It would put you close to the airport and still able to get to see some things and eat close by.

La Quinta {Stayed there in 2000 for a night, ok}
2116 Yale Blvd SE, (505) 243-5500

Holiday Inn Express -2331 Centre Ave SE
(505) 247-1500 {Stayed there 1 night, was good}

Marriott Courtyard

1920 Yale Blvd SE,
(505) 843-6600 {stayed there a couple of nights, very nice}

Best Western
2400 Yale Blvd SE
(505) 242-7022

Amerisuites
1400 Sunport Pl. SE (505) 242-9300

Homewood Suites by Hilton
1520 Sunport Place SE,
(505) 944-4663

Debi

Debi thank you SO much.
LaQuinta sounds just about right. I like the price.
I don't need anything fancy. ..just clean.
Thanks for listing so many options. I appreciate it.
I'm just heading out, but will check them out later.

Would it be better to stay near the airport area or the North?
I'm seeing one of the LaQuinta on San Antonio coming up at $48 senior rate.
If I try Priceline, should I stick to North and Airport?

The one on San Antonio is on frontage road of Interstate, so ask for a room facing away from it and if they have a room facing east - you will have a view of mountains. A room facing west will give you nice sunset.

I would go with the $48 senior rate.

kodi - did you mean the name your own price part? If so, I am always a bit leary with Priceline and name your own price in airport area -- there are some really cheap ones that I wouldn't stay in. If you are just talking about regular Priceline, then I would do north or airport assuming you pick a decent chain.

Debi

Done!. Thanks Debi.
I'm booked into the one on San Antonio for $48. and I requested an east view away from the highway.
My flight isn't til the aftenoon, the next day, so I'll have lots of time to get to the airport.

I actually did mean Priceline where I name my own price.
I've had excellent luck, but must admit I've only ever bid 4 star in downtown areas.
I'll keep it in mind not to bid for cheaper places by airports. Thanks for that advice.