DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Fe

The DoubleTree Santa Fe attracts travelers looking to save money by staying outside of the pricey Santa Fe Plaza area, located six miles away. The hotel provides money-saving amenities such as in-room microwaves and mini-fridges, but does not offer free breakfast, which is included in the rates at the Holiday Inn Express just down the road. However, the rooms are more modern here than those at the Holiday Inn down the street, with flat-screen TVs, and colorful decor.

The property underwent a major rebranding in 2012, transitioning the hotel from a Holiday Inn to a DoubleTree, and recieving a colorful renovation along the way. Rooms switched to a modern blue and yellow palatte with dark wood accents, and common areas have refreshed walls and carpets.

The high-ceilinged lobby features several trees and plants, a fireplace, and windows looking out onto the pool, all of which soften the corporate feel. The pool has indoor/outdoor design, but it’s awkwardly shaped for swimming, and it's difficult to navigate the very narrow indoor deck.

The fitness center is above average for a mid-range chain, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a nice view of Santa Fe and distant mountains. Nice mountain views can also be enjoyed from rooms on the east-facing fourth floor.

The DoubleTree Santa Fe is located on Cerrillos Road, six miles from the Plaza. Many chain stores and hotels can be found along the busy retail strip that lines Cerrillos Road, and a large shopping mall and a strip mall containing restaurants and shops is located next door.

Santa Fe means “Holy Faith” in Spanish and is home to about 70,000 people of varying cultural backgrounds including Hispanics, Native Americans, and Anglos. New Mexico’s fourth-largest city is also the nation’s highest capitol and its oldest: It was founded in 1607.

The “City Different,” as it’s known, sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet at the southern edge of the Rockies, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Although the cool summer hiking and skiing in winter offer great reasons to visit, it’s best to keep in mind that the high elevation also means more stress for the body while acclimating. Most people become used to the thinner air after two or three days which means that strenuous physical activity will become easier and less dangerous if you wait a day or two after arriving in town. One more caution - one alcoholic drink at this altitude will equal three drinks at sea level!

The Spanish influence seen so often throughout Santa Fe stems from the missionaries who arrived in the 1600s to convert the local Native American population. Old missions such as the San Miguel can be seen scattered across New Mexico and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Often times, these missions are located at or near Native American pueblos, such as Tesuque or Cochiti, which are home to the various Pueblo peoples. Visiting New Mexico’s pueblos offers a chance to interact with the locals, purchase art and wares, and gain a better appreciation of New Mexico’s rich history.

Today, Santa Fe is the nation’s third-largest market for buying and selling art. In addition to the many galleries at the Plaza and along Canyon Road, several museums including the New Mexico Museum of Art and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum (showcasing the painter’s long relationship with New Mexico) celebrate the creative spirit in Santa Fe.

• 1.5-hour drive from Albuquerque International Airport
• 10-minute drive from Santa Fe Municipal Airport
• 15-minute drive to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
• 15-minute drive to the New Mexico Museum of Art
• 15-minute drive to the Plaza, the shopping and cultural center of town
• 15-minute drive to the Palace of the Governors, oldest continuously occupied public building in the nation
• 15-minute drive to Canyon Road, home to over 100 art galleries and studios
• 15-minute drive to Tesuque Pueblo, a Native American pueblo
• 25-minute drive to the Santa Fe Opera House
• 25-minute drive to Santa Fe Country Club (golf course)
• 30-minute drive to the El Rancho de las Golondrinas (a living history museum)
• 30-minute drive to Ski Santa Fe

All rooms offer microwaves and mini-fridges, which can help travelers save money on food. Extra electrical outlets at the work desk are convenient. Room decor is pleasant, with bright purple, blue, and yellow colors and dark wood accents. The beds is comfortable, with hard and soft pillows provided.

• Microwaves and mini-fridges
• 37-inch flat-screen TVs, with premium cable and HBO
• Standard rooms have a king or two queen beds.
• Smoking rooms are available
• Woflgang Puck coffee in all rooms
• Balconies are available in some rooms
• Clock radio with iPod connector
• Free Wi-Fi in all room types

• The heated indoor/outdoor pool has a narrow deck indoors that's tricky to navigate. The Jacuzzi is located inside and can be enjoyed year-round.
• Fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows and a decent selection of cardio and strength training equipment.
• Free Wi-Fi
• Free self-parking
• Free airport shuttle
• 24-hour business center with PCs and free printing services
• Cribs available for a fee
• Coin laundry
• View more amenities

• Mexcal Lounge serves cocktails, as well as full lunch and dinner.
• Patinas has Southwestern fare, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Room service is available, and there is a snack shop on site
• Several restaurants are available in the immediate area.