Built just before World War II by local-born Conrad Hilton, as the flagship property for his new hotel chain, this magnificently restored downtown gem is a delightful place to stay. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and very comfortable, while the public spaces are superb, and include an excellent Spanish restaurant.

Set close to the Rio Grande, amid lavender fields and lush formal gardens, Los Poblanos Inn is one of the most prestigious historic properties in the Southwest. Rooms are designed in a classic New Mexican style with kiva fireplaces, carved ceiling beams, hardwood floors, and antique furnishings. Relax in the enticing Spanish hacienda-style courtyard, or alternatively, explore the extensive gardens and organic farm. A very special place to stay.

Showcasing the native American heritage of the Southwest, this swanky Pueblo-owned hotel occupies a dramatic mesa-top location in the city's northeastern quadrant. Amenities include a full gaming casino, championship golf course, full-service spa, and several outstanding restaurants. Some of the fanciest rooms in the state boast lavish bathrooms and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande Valley.

One of the city's most attractive hotels, on the northeast edge of downtown, this all-suite property features a full-service day spa and a lovely open atrium with a cascade and meandering water trails. Each of its sizeable suites features a separate living area with sofa bed, armchair and well-lit work/dining table, wet bar, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker.

A short walk north of Old Town, this 11-storey hotel blends Native American, Mexican, Spanish and Western cultural traditions and includes a fitness centre, two well-respected restaurants and bars, and an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool. There's even a wedding chapel, should you decide to get hitched.

Well located for first-time visitors, the Hyatta Place offers comfortable good-value rooms along with an outdoor swimming pool, free breakfasts and onsite parking, with a huge shopping mall alongside. A 24-hour kitchen prepares made-to-order snacks to ensure you don't go hungry, day or night.

It's hard to find cheap rooms near the Old Town, so this attractive, well-kept chain motel, just a couple of minutes' walk west towards the river, is a real boon. Features include free breakfasts and wi-fi, and a heated indoor pool.

Just west of downtown along legendary Route 66, this four-storey 1960s hotel has spacious, airy rooms at reasonable rates, decorated with a certain Art Deco flair. The rooms are on the small side, but there's complimentary breakfast, coffee, and a free shuttle service to and from the airport, bus or train station.

There's nothing very fancy about this modest low-slung motel, just across the Rio Grande from the Old Town, but it's clean and comfortable, and offers some of the best value rooms around.