4 Best Hotels in Northwestern New Mexico, New Mexico

For a combination of aging '50s-era nostalgia and Old West glamour, book a night in El Rancho's Katharine Hepburn or Ronald Reagan room. All units at this 1937 National Register historic property are named for vintage movie stars, many of whom stayed here back when Hollywood Westerns were shot in the region (the connection goes deeper—El Rancho was built by R.E. Griffith, D.W. Griffith's brother). Rooms are basic, accented with Western prints and a few other flourishes. The restaurant ($), open all day, is cozy and serves acceptable American and Mexican food. You can browse through the on-site shop for pottery, kachinas, and sand paintings.

Everyone from rodeo riders to mining industry suits to mountain-biking tourists stays at this east-side chain property that opened in 2009. High ceilings, a warm taupe and burnt-red color scheme, big flat screens, a cozy couch nook, refrigerators and microwaves in every room, and tea and coffee in the lobby help make this reliable chain outpost appealing.

Carved into the cliff side 250 feet above the La Plata River and surrounded by distant mountains (on a clear day you can see Shiprock and the Chuskas), this man-made cave's exposed sandstone walls trace 70 million years of erosion history. Blasted out in the 1980s and '90s—and originally intended as a getaway office for a local geologist—the decor is generally modern, with a bit of a 1960s "conversation pit" feel. It's laid out like a home, with a fireplace in the den, full kitchen, and a rustic shower that trickles into a hot tub. Two terraces provide breathtaking views, and a trail on the cliff face runs some 70 vertical feet to the parking area. The cave accommodates up to six people and remains a temperate 72°F year-round. Book at least one month in advance. Note: Guests are instructed to stop at the manager's home to check in before going to the cave. Lindy Poole, the congenial manager, will accompany all visitors on their first time out—and fill them in on some of the antics it took to outfit the place.

The Region is plain-Jane from the front, and inside the rooms are a bit dark, but all are updated and comfortable. The three-story motel is independently owned, and the staff's accessibility and responsiveness reflects that. Tequila's restaurant off to the side is quite serviceable and fun for a drink at least.