The Hacienda and Spa at Hotel Santa Fe

Owned by the people of the Picuris Pueblo, the Hacienda is the only Native American-owned hotel in town. The Hacienda is part of the Hotel Santa Fe -- but the 35 special suites are set apart from the rest of the hotel on a secluded four acres. Inside the suites, Native American Art and warm gem-like tones set a truly Southwestern vibe. And the common areas are no different : The culture can be seen in the colorful decor throughout the property, starting with the lobby. Native rugs, pottery, and drums are all on display in the spacious lobby and lounge area. The Picuris Gift Shop in the main hotel lobby offers jewelry and crafts made by the tribe’s artists.

On the top floor, of the Hacienda, a lounge hosts free appetizers in the evening and free continental breakfast in the morning. A deck with views of the city is available outside the lounge. Downstairs is the spa with several treatment rooms and the fitness center. Guests can dine on-site at the Amaya restaurant at the Hotel Santa Fe, and can enjoy the heated pool there as well -- surrounded by towering cottonwood trees.

The Hacienda is located in a business area 6 blocks from the Plaza. Galleries, shops, and restaurants are available in the immediate area and across the street at the Railyard, a shopping and dining district that also boasts the historic Santa Fe train depot. A free shuttle service is offered in distinctive purple vehicles, although it would be helpful if the shuttle were available after 10 pm.

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 capital and its oldest: It was founded in 1607. It sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet at the southern edge of the Rockies, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, halfway between Taos and Albuquerque.

Hiking in summer and skiing in winter are great reasons to visit, but Santa Fe is also renowned for its local 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 Santa

• 1.5-hour drive to Albuquerque International Airport
• 10-minute drive to Santa Fe Municipal Airport
• 15-minute walk to the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
• 15-minute walk to the New Mexico Museum of Art
• 15-minute walk to the Plaza, the shopping and cultural center of town
• 15-minute walk 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
• 15-minute drive to the Santa Fe Opera House
• 20-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

The 35 suites that make up the Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe are done in a Southwestern theme with beautiful Native American details. You'll spot adobe fireplaces in the corner, colorful rugs, dark wood furniture, and copper lamps atop carved desks. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docks offer up-to-date technology. Living areas and bedrooms are both spacious, as are the tile-and-stone baths with glass-walled walk-in showers. Waffle-style robes and slippers and extra towels are elegant touches, as is the free basket of fruit and truffles with turndown service.

• Adobe fireplaces and private balconies
• Large suites with big, modern baths
• Beautiful Southwestern decor with Native American influence

• Decent-sized heated pool and Jacuzzi
• Amaya restaurant and bar offers outdoor/indoor dining and private teepee dining
• Small but pleasant fitness center with cardio and free weights
• Free shuttle (until 10 p.m.)
• Free self-parking
• Free-Wi-Fi
• View Full List of Amenities