Fodor's Expert Review DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Fe

A reliable chain option that's stands out among the many other big-name-brand motels and hotels on traffic-clogged Cerrillos Road, this contemporary five-story hotel has spacious, spotless suites and standard rooms—the majority with good-size balconies—and, rare in Santa Fe, indoor and outdoor pools. The bar and restaurant don't get much traffic beyond hotel guests, but they're handy dining and drinking options.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The setting along busy Cerrillos Road lacks curb appeal and isn't especially convenient for sightseeing either, but you can mitigate the noise and increase your likelihood of a mountain view if you request a room on an upper floor facing north or east (away from the road).

room

The DoubleTree has good-size rooms available in both standard and suite configurations, and most of them have sliding-glass doors leading out to balconies. Tasteful if indistinct earth-tone colors schemes and high-quality linens translate to comfort, if not necessarily any sense that you're in Santa Fe. But these accommodations are nicely outfitted with work desks, 37-inch LCD TVs, MP3 players, microwaves, and refrigerators.

bathroom

The bathrooms are typically of the brand, with combination shower-tubs, soft and durable towels, makeup mirrors, and granite counters. The toilet and shower areas are in a separate room from the sink/vanity.

lobby

Guests can relax in a light and sunny atrium-style lobby with soaring ceilings and windows and a giant fireplace. The seating and furnishings are tasteful and contemporary.

pool

Unusual in Santa Fe, the Doubletree has a connected indoor-outdoor pool, which is especially appealing in this four-season destination where you'll want to be outside in summer and sheltered from the elements in winter. The indoor section has a large hot tub, and both sides have plenty of patio seating.

gym

There's a good-size 24-hour fitness room that's on an upper floor and has plenty of windows. It's outfitted with two treadmills and additional cardio machines as well as a good selection of weights.

dining

Although by no means a dining destination, the DoubleTree does have a couple of decent dining options. The main restaurant, Patinas, is open for breakfast and lunch, and the adjoining Mezcal Lounge opens at 5 pm nightly and offers a full dinner menu. You can also order breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the room service menu.

drinking

The hotel's lounge, Mezcal, has a full bar with a good assortment of cocktails, wines, and beer, plus Southwestern-inspired dinner fare. There's both seating at the bar and at tables.