Fodor's Expert Review Eldorado Hotel & Spa

Because it's the closest thing Santa Fe has to a convention hotel, the Eldorado is sometimes passed over in favor of more intimate properties, but it's actually a quite inviting property, with individually decorated rooms and stunning mountain views, and a fantastic location just a couple of blocks from the Plaza. The rooftop pool and gym are great features, and the hip Agave Restaurant and Lounge is one of the most inviting happy-hour and late-night snacking spots in town.

YOU SHOULD KNOW In addition to the standard rates, there's a $25 nightly resort fee that includes valet parking, Wi-Fi, and a few other amenities, although many of these (in-room safes, in-room coffee) are complimentary at other upscale properties.

Photo: Spacious guest rooms feature New Mexico Revival decor, handcrafted native inspired furniture and local art pieces, and some offer balconies with views of Santa Fe city and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

room

Rooms are stylishly furnished with carved Southwestern-style desks, large upholstered club chairs, and art prints; many have terraces or kiva-style fireplaces. Artwork by noted artists Randy L. Barton hang in many rooms, which also feature premium Serta bedding, including down pillows and Southwestern-print throws and pillows. Useful gadgets include iPod clock radios, 47-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, and mini-refrigerators.

Try to book a room on one of the upper floors for the best views of the mountains and the historic blocks around Downtown.

Photo: Spacious guest rooms feature New Mexico Revival decor, handcrafted native inspired furniture and local art pieces, and some offer balconies with views of Santa Fe city and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.

bathroom

Bathrooms at the Eldorado are among the most spacious of any hotel in town. All have separate vanities with sinks and makeup mirrors, and luxurious La Bottega bath products are provided.

Photo: Many suites provide the warm ambiance of a wood burning kiva fireplace.

lobby

The Eldorado has a large, inviting lobby that opens onto the hotel's main restaurant and bars. There's plenty of space to spread out and relax, including stylish, modern lounge chairs and sofas. The section toward the back, which adjoins the swanky Cava bar and has beamed latilla-and-viga ceilings and contemporary local artwork, is especially popular as a place to socialize and hobnob over drinks.

Photo: Many suites provide the warm ambiance of a wood burning kiva fireplace.

pool

The rooftop pool, though compact, is an absolute stunner, framed by low adobe walls that allow panoramic views of Downtown and the surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountains. Comfy, upscale patio furniture is great for lounging, and there's a good-size sunken hot tub as well.

Photo: Nidah Spa has a wide range of luxury amenities and unique healing techniques, making this spa one of the world’s best.

spa

A full slate of treatments, from Vichy rain showers to High Mesa salt scrubs, is offered by the hotel's serene and luxurious Nidah Spa, which has attractive locker facilities outfitted with plush robes and fine MoroccanOil bath products. Be sure to spend some time in the ultra-relaxing eucalyptus steam bath before or after your treatment.

Photo: Nidah Spa has a wide range of luxury amenities and unique healing techniques, making this spa one of the world’s best.

gym

The Eldorado has one of the largest and most extensively outfitted gyms of any property in the city, with a nice selection of up-to-date cardio machines and weights.

Photo: The hip, sophisticated AGAVE Lounge offers an enticing menu of shared plates, extensive wine-by-the-glass program, and specialty cocktails.

dining

In 2017, the hotel rebranded and redesigned its longtime restaurant, the Old House, as Agave Restaurant & Lounge, which is actually an extension of the former Agave bar. It's a stylish, upscale, and modern space that specializes in steaks, seafood, and other lavish fare.

Photo: The hip, sophisticated AGAVE Lounge offers an enticing menu of shared plates, extensive wine-by-the-glass program, and specialty cocktails.

Photo: The inviting CAVA Santa Fe Lounge features a myriad of entertainment options and offers a menu takes diners on journey from the Basque region of Spain to South America and the New World.

drinking

The lounge section of the Agave Restaurant a fun and lively spot for late-night snacking and drinking. It has a popular happy hour, and a nice selection of bar foods. Another welcoming spot for drinks is Cava, an upscale contemporary space off the lobby with stylish lounge chairs and sofas and a food and wine program inspired by the Basque region of Spain.

Photo: The inviting CAVA Santa Fe Lounge features a myriad of entertainment options and offers a menu takes diners on journey from the Basque region of Spain to South America and the New World.