Fodor's Expert Review Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Hotel

This upscale chain property built in the adobe Territorial style that's so emblematic of Santa Fe is notable for its close proximity to the Plaza, and for having one of the nicest pools in Downtown. Rooms don't especially stand out from the pack, but they are tastefully done and contain all the gadgets and amenities you'd expect of the chain. And there's a quite nice bar and restaurant on-site.

room

Carved-wood headboards, colorful contemporary paintings, pewter lamps, glass-top wooden desks with comfortable chairs, and upholstered armchairs or sofas create a bright but tasteful aesthetic that's broadly Western, if not specifically New Mexican, in style. Linens and towels are high-quality. Welcome features include Cuisinart coffeemakers, small refrigerators, MP3 clock radios, and 42-inch HDTVs.

Rooms facing the pool insulate a bit from street noise and, on the whole, offer a more pleasant room than those facing outward, as the hotel is fringed by a parking lot.

bathroom

With great lighting, magnifying mirrors, counters with plenty of space, and attractive walk-in showers with tile walls and glass doors, the Hilton's bathrooms have been tastefully updated and have the same modern sensibility as the rooms. All are equipped with fine Peter Thomas Roth bath toiletries.

lobby

The Hilton's lobby is very attractive and has a high wood-beam ceiling, Southwestern artwork, and several comfortable sofas and chairs. Just off the lobby, there's a grab-and-go pantry that you can pick up snacks and amenities from 24/7 and a small but nicely outfitted business center.

pool

The Hilton has one of the prettiest and most peaceful pools in Downtown Santa Fe. It's completed enclosed by the different wings of the building, which helps keep it quiet, and there's a large lanai with a hot tub and plenty of comfortable, high-quality patio furniture.

If a pool is an important feature to you, consider booking one of the rooms with direct access to it.

gym

You can keep fit using the well-equipped exercise room, which has several cardio and resistance machines plus free weights.

dining

Decorated with Native American and Spanish Colonial pottery and artwork, Ortiz Restaurants serves three meals daily and has both a casual tavern section and a more stately dining area that's popular with business travelers. The menu includes both Southwestern and American items, from green chile–corn chowder to cumin-dusted Atlantic salmon. Room service is also available through CP Express, which offers a number of simple and fast-prepared items--quesadillas, pizzas, Caesar salads, sandwiches--that are delivered quickly.

drinking

The bar section of the on-site restaurant, Ortiz, is a lively spot for cocktails and light dining.