4 Best Hotels in Northwestern New Mexico, New Mexico

Rustic Southwestern comfort is the specialty of the house at this B&B on 20 ponderosa-pine-laden acres. Proprietor Sheri McWethy has created a "green" inn, with natural-fiber sheets, no perfumes or dyes in the cleaning products, absolutely no smoking allowed in rooms or anywhere on-site, and a conscientious approach to water use. But Cimarron is lush with amenities and atmosphere, from the discreet private patios and paths winding around the inspired gardens to the detail that makes each suite distinctive and cozy—this is a place you could hole up in and spend your days just wandering the grounds or hiking the nearby trails, or simply dipping into the B&B's library. Full breakfasts are delivered to your door each morning—banana-blue-corn pancakes (with real maple syrup) and Mexican hot chocolate are favorites—and special dietary requests are accommodated with notice. Day packs and picnic baskets are supplied for those wanting to explore the area. Reservations are required.

Your only opportunity to stay right in the heart of Zuni, this cheery inn is decorated with handwoven rugs, fine Zuni arts and crafts, and locally made furniture. Six of the rooms have private baths; two share a bath. Outside you can relax in the tree-shaded, enclosed, flagstone courtyard or walk the winding streets that surround Zuni's main plaza. Limited room service is available if you order ahead, or you may purchase ingredients at the tribe-staffed Halona Plaza market next door—which is also where Inn guests must go to check in—and prepare a meal in the communal kitchen. The breakfasts (think blue-corn pancakes, made from scratch) are not to be missed. Between the host (the owners come from a historic trading family), the staff, and the comfortable (if a little overstuffed) rooms laden with Indian blankets and pottery, this is a Southwestern standout.

Luxury without pretense is the trademark at this mission-style inn, which stands atop a bluff overlooking Farmington. You can relax in the Southwestern-style den or near the patio's fountain, or watch city lights twinkle from the solarium. One room has a two-person hot tub, another has a fireplace, most have porches that face the lovely gardens, some face the bluffs, and all are beautifully appointed. Breakfast—included—is a gourmet affair, and fresh-baked goodies are served in the afternoon. Business travelers seeking a homey atmosphere make it a point to stay in this little oasis.

Take a deep breath and relax at this red-roof adobe. It's perched on a cottonwood-covered sandstone cliff 30 feet above the junction of the San Juan River and the La Plata. Rough-hewn timbers, fluffy quilts, and complete privacy make this rustic getaway ideal for romance or rumination, though the property and the proprietors are definitely kid-friendly. The proprietors, Diana Ohlson and David Beers, are smart, down-to-earth, and excellent sources of information about adventures and explorations in the area. Organic, home-style breakfasts such as light and puffy Dutch Babies, waffles, crepes, peach clafoutis, pumpkin bread, or Tuscan apple cake are a great start to the day. Those interested in sustainability will appreciate the inn's use of solar collectors and the temperature-balancing adobe construction.