Fodor's Expert Review Inn on the Alameda

Near the Plaza and Canyon Road is one of the Southwest's best small hotels. Alameda means \"tree-lined lane,\" and this one perfectly complements the inn's location by the gurgling Santa Fe River. The adobe architecture and enclosed courtyards strewn with climbing rose vines combine a relaxed New Mexico country atmosphere with the luxury and amenities of a top-notch hotel, from afternoon wine and cheese to free local and toll-free calls. Many employees have worked here for years, and the dedication shows in the outstanding, friendly service.

The inn offers some great package deals that can include anything from tickets to Meow Wolf to passes good for admission to local museums.

room

Rooms are set among several small adobe buildings connected by landscaped paths and have a Southwestern color scheme, handmade armoires and headboards, triple-sheeted beds with luxurious Italian cotton bedding, coffeemakers with organic beans, and ceramic lamps and tiles—many have patios and kiva fireplaces. Suites have large sitting rooms with leather sofas or loveseats, and the majority have private outdoor entrances.

Photo: Warm and inviting to wake up to #innonthealameda / @bbellisio

bathroom

With pleasant, soft lighting and modern tilework, the bathrooms at Inn on the Alameda carry out the property's casually upscale vibe. They're not overly fancy, but some of the suites do have deep soaking tubs.

lobby

One of the inn's greatest assets is its handsomely furnished and inviting lobby, with latilla-and-viga-beam ceilings, a wood-burning kiva fireplace, and comfy seating that ranges from Mexican-style sofas to rocking chairs with upholstered seats. Guests often spend time here and in the adjoining Agoyo Lounge, a casual restaurant and bar that also hosts a complimentary afternoon social hour, with drinks and snacks, daily from 4 until 5 pm.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel has no pool, but there are hot tubs.

gym

The inn has a medium-size exercise room with well-maintained equipment.

dining

Just off the lobby, casual Agoyo Lounge is serves an extensive complimentary breakfast buffet in the morning, featuring smoked salmon, fresh fruit, pastries, and a number of hot egg dishes. In the evening, following the complimentary social hour, the lounge is offers a la carte dining to guests. It's a good option for reasonably priced nachos, Cobb salads, chipotle salmon tacos, and and Moroccan-seasoned lamb sliders.

drinking

Agoyo Lounge has a full bar and serves complimentary drinks during the daily 4–5 pm happy hour. From 5 until 9:30 or so, it's also a convivial spot for reasonably priced wine, beer, and cocktails, which you can enjoy in the bar area or the adjacent and very attractive lobby.