lodging recommendations in SouthWest

[SLNestler]

My family and I are leaving in a week on a tour of the American South West.
It has been many years since I've been there, so I'd appreciate recommendations:

1. In Santa Fe, are there any neighborhoods to avoid (high crime)?
Are there any neighborhoods of surrounding areas you'd recommend?

2. Near White Sands, where would you recommend we stay?

3. Any recommendations for the area around Bryce Canyon?

4. Conyon de Chelly?

Any and all input is greatly appreciated.
Steven Nestler
http://stevennestler.com

 

[Robert Hall]

There's a nice Lodge/motel right at Ruby's Inn. Then Cedar City is your next best bet going west, but there are places to stay at Tropic, Kanab, or Page Az.

If you have specific needs, that would help narrow it down.

 

[Aggie]

I second Ruby's Inn near Bryce. Since you will be near Zion, stay at the Best Western in Springdale. It has the best rates.

What time of year are you going to make this trip?

 

[david b]

Hi I live in Santa Fe and have travelled the state extensively.

1. The only area of Santa Fe I would avoid is Airport Road on the south side of town. Otherwise everything is fine.

2. Stay in Las Cruces near the highway. Several chain motels.

3. Near Canyon de Chelly is the Thunderbird Motel. Although I have never stayed there, I have many friends who recommend the place. Also, I think it is the closest to Canyon de Chelly.

 

[SLNestler]

Leaving 12/19/04

 

[Aggie]

Definately stay at Ruby's Inn. They may have snowmobiles to get you into part of the park. The area has been getting feet of snow recently. Be prepared for snow. In fact anywhere you have mentioned will most likely have or will be getting snow while you are there. Cedar mountain near Cedar City Utah had on Nov. 10th a 6 foot base of snow on top. All the years I lived in the area, We would on a good year have that much by Feb. It is a wet, heavy snow year.

 

[photomc]

I stayed at the Holiday Inn just outside of Canyon de Chelly and it is nice enough, good rates and is right outside the park.

In Santa Fe area, I would take either the High Road drive up to Taos, Espanola to Chimayo to Taos or go to Abiqui from Espanola, both really nice drives.

Been to many years since I was in White Sands, but I do know that Almagardo such have good places to stay and is not to far away. Don't recall anything really right at the park other than camping. Plan on getting back there this spring, but that does not help you now.

Have a great trip and enjoy..good light.