Andrew Collins

With atmospheric Spanish Colonial hotels steeped in history, spa resorts with gorgeous lounges, and more than a few small inns with fireplace-warmed living rooms, Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains and high desert abound with lodgings that have common areas and landscaped grounds every bit as inviting

Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at an elevation of around 7,000 feet, Santa Fe is in the heart of some of the best terrain in the Southwest for hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fly-fishing, and skiing. It's possible to find completely secluded inns and hotels just steps from hiking trails

One of the top culinary destinations in the Southwest, Santa Fe is home to a slew of James Beard–nominated chefs, with some of the most renowned kitchen talents overseeing restaurants in local hotels. Several other properties in and around Santa Fe are known for their hearty and affordable New Mexican

Santa Fe may not be a late-night town, but it is very much a destination for sunset margaritas on the patio, or after-dinner sipping in a leather sofa before roaring flames in a kiva-style fireplace. These hotels all have atmospheric bars that are popular with locals and overnight guests alike, and many

Breakfast is a popular meal in New Mexico, with hearty dishes like breakfast burritos smothered in green chile, piñon hot cakes, and huevos rancheros reflecting the region's diverse Spanish Colonial, Native American, and anglo culinary roots. Many of the smaller inns and B&Bs in town, along with a handful

Although Santa Fe has quite a few smaller inns and upscale, romantic hotels that are better suited to adults than families, you'll also find an increasing number of well-designed, and in some cases surprisingly economical, properties with extra beds, large sitting and dining areas, pools, and other elements

One of the most progressive small cities in the country, Santa Fe has long had a sizable and highly visible LGBT population, and it's favorite destination among LGBT travelers, too, especially couples planning romantic getaways. Virtually every accommodation in the city is gay friendly, from larger hotels

The of the oldest cities in North America, Santa Fe is steeped in history, with many of the Spanish Colonial buildings in its city center dating back more than two centuries. Even some of the relatively newer properties—built in the early to mid-20th-century—occupy interesting old buildings that

It's a common misconception among those who've never been that Santa Fe winters are warm and mild. In fact, as the City Different is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet, winters are chilly here, albeit with plenty of sunshine during the day. Santa Fe has a terrific ski area, and as you stroll through

Nestled on the western flank of the 13,000-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe has one of the Southwest's most picturesque mountain settings. From various parts of the surrounding area, you can also take in views of the Sandia, Jemez, and Ortiz mountain ranges. From fall through spring, you'll