2 Best Hotels in Old Santa Fe Trail and South Capitol, Santa Fe

All the beautiful Southwestern and Mexican furniture in this small, upscale compound is custom-made, and all the art and photography is original. Rooms are spacious and pleasant with fireplaces and separate entrances; some are in their own little buildings. El Farolito has a peaceful Downtown location, just steps from the capitol and about a 10-minute walk to the Plaza. The same owners run the smaller Four Kachinas inn, which is close by and has one handicapped-accessible room (rare among smaller Santa Fe properties). The breakfast here is a real treat, featuring a tempting range of delicious baked goods.

There isn't another property in Santa Fe to compare to this sumptuous yet relaxed inn with an unmistakable East-meets-West feel. The management and staff at this Relais & Chateaux hotel have created a property that fits right in with the kind of memorable lodgings you hear about in Morocco and Bali. All of the roomy suites have vibrantly colorful Asian and Latin American antiques and art, kilim rugs, and jewel-tone throw pillows. The owners, who have a long history in Santa Fe as importers of antiques and textiles, have a wonderful eye for decorating. All rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, and several have private porches or balconies. Great care has been taken in designing the fabulous bathrooms. Outfitted with bright mosaic tiles, semiprecious-stone inlays, plush Frette linens, and exclusive Bamford bath products, these spacious bathrooms have double sinks and separate showers (and in some cases steam showers). Parties traveling together can book the exclusive 2,000 square foot Luminaria Villa, with two master suites and the most stunning chef's kitchen you're likely to experience in a hotel. The personal service stands out: treats are left on your pillow, refrigerators are stocked, and afternoon margarita and wine-and-cheese spreads, an exquisite breakfast, and even daily walking tours are all available. The gardens, pool, and hot tub areas abound with lush plants, gurgling fountains, and cozy nooks. A spa offers massages, facials, and other wellness treatments.