With sprawling desert landscapes and other-worldly views, there are many incredibly unique places to stay in New Mexico that perfectly complement their surroundings.
New Mexico isn’t just home to some of the most interesting US history and culture, but it also comes with some of the most unique places to stay — based on the history and culture! Anyone is lucky to get to stay in these unique and cool lodgings in New Mexico, as this state has some of the absolute coolest interior designs, stories, and amenities in its hotels, Airbnbs, and beyond.
From the deserts of Taos to the old roadside inns of Route 66, you will be spoilt for choice in this stunning and underrated state (which is one of my favorites).
Rest your head where old Western stars used to stay, hang out in a vintage travel trailer, or cuddle up by a kiva (a traditional Native American fireplace), as all of the unique places to stay in NM are bound to call you to spend at least a night or three!
Hotel El Rancho: Unique Gallup Hotel That Hosted Western Movie Stars
The Hotel El Rancho brings old Hollywood Western movie charm to the modern day in Gallup, New Mexico. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, this mesmerizing hotel once played host to film crews during the heyday of Western cinema, including stars such as John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn. Even the picturesque hotel looks straight out of a Western movie with its historic architecture.
Each room and suite has its own unique style, all featuring charming woodwork, Western decor, and complementary art. Hungry guests can indulge in New Mexican flavors at “The Silver Screen” restaurant. And for those seeking an evening cap, the 49er Lounge stands ready to serve. For a touch of local artistry and unforgettable mementos, the hotel’s “The Last Trading Post” offers fine Native American jewelry, pottery, and blankets.
Hotel Luna Mystica: Boutique Travel Trailer Lodgings in Taos Desert
Hotel Luna Mystica has to be one of the most unique places to stay in New Mexico. It’s not your typical hotel – in fact, it’s a site filled with charming vintage travel trailers, allowing you to immerse yourself in the classic American road trip experience, minus the driving! This hotel provides an ideal way to relish the breathtaking nature and scenery of the Taos Mesa without compromising on comfort.
Each trailer boasts its own distinctive design, rolling vintage accents, patterns, and modern amenities into a delightful space. Every trailer has a private deck with seating and both heating and AC. Some trailers even come equipped with luxury amenities such as jacuzzi tubs, fire pits, and kitchenettes. Beyond the trailers, the site also offers camping and an RV area, ensuring guests can appreciate the unique setting in whichever manner suits them best.
El Vado Motel: Charming Roadside-Style Albuquerque Motel with Pool and Most Budget-Friendly Unique NM Stay
The El Vado Hotel in Albuquerque is probably one of the coolest hotels in NM, from the bright and light exterior to the mid-century interior. The motel reminds us of many roadside motels, but it’s much classier and cuter, complete with a pool and seven on-site eateries!
The rooms, of course, are the main stars! They feature desks, storage space, and the mid-century interior design embraces simple art, bold colors, and light wood tones to balance it all out. There are also suites available with a mini-fridge and floor-to-ceiling windows, welcoming natural light in.
Inn of Five Graces: Beautiful Inn with Luxury Spa & Complimentary Breakfast in Santa Fe
Located in Santa Fe, the Inn of Five Graces stands out, from its charming adobe exterior to its vibrant and expressive interior. Not just an exceptional place to rest your head, the inn offers an immersive experience with its complimentary breakfast, on-site spa, and courtyard. Hungry for more than just breakfast? The inn also boasts an on-site restaurant serving exquisite New Mexican dishes, which you can savor in the restaurant or order to enjoy in your room.
Now, let’s discuss accommodations. The rooms and suites captivate at first glance, showcasing colorful and patterned rugs, drapes, and furniture. Additionally, each accommodation includes a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for cozying up during the cool winters. If you’re traveling with a large group, elevate your stay by booking a villa or an entire adobe – all adorned with vibrant decor and intricate artwork.
Taos Goji Farm: Private Cabins & Adobes on Secluded Organic Farm
Located on 40 acres in San Cristobal, the Taos Goji Farm is one of the most unique places to stay in New Mexico for its rugged yet charming eco-resort experience. On the farm, you can hang out with local residents such as donkeys, chickens, and cats. And since it is a goji berry farm, you’ll have the chance to indulge in these amazing treats.
Aside from the fantastic farm grounds, you can enjoy your own private cabin or adobe, each with a unique backstory as some were once chicken coops, dairy barns, or the homes of sheepherders. Each accommodation is unique, some including decks or private yards, while each has a kitchen and wood-burning fireplace.
In addition to each accommodation’s unique features, there’s also a shared outdoor soaking tub, perfect for indulging in on cool nights while stargazing. With so much space and unique accommodations, the Taos Goji Farm is also the spot for events such as wellness retreats or weddings.
Historic Canyon Road Adobe: Unique Santa Fe, NM Vacation Rental Lodging with a Hot Tub & Bikes
Located in Santa Fe, this charming adobe immerses you into the New Mexico lifestyle. Just steps away from the city’s best, including restaurants and shops, this adobe is ideal for groups seeking a private experience.
The lodging can accommodate up to six people and features two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a patio with a fire pit. Oh yes, and there’s a hot tub and bikes! Upon entering, the space will captivate you and your guests with its intricate wood pieces, vibrant tile work, and rustic Western decor. So, perhaps begin your day by preparing breakfast in the kitchen, venturing out on the bikes to explore, and then relaxing in the hot tub as the night sky envelops you.
Historic Taos Inn: Boutique & Western New Mexican Lodging with Complimentary Pool & Yoga
The Historic Taos Inn is sure to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time — and rightfully so, as many of the inn’s adobes date back to the 1800s. However, unlike life in the 1800s, your stay will be enhanced with modern amenities and experiences, such as complimentary yoga classes and off-site pool access.
The inn also boasts a restaurant and bar, so when you’re in the mood for top-notch New Mexican cuisine paired with a margarita, you’re in the right place.
Rooms and suites at the inn are individually decorated, showcasing distinctive woodwork and art. Some even feature wood-burning Kiva fireplaces, ensuring extra cozy stays during the winter. If you’re planning a winter visit, make sure to reserve a room with one!
La Doña Luz: Charming & Historic Family-Run Taos Inn
It seems we’ve got a trend going where many of the most unique places to stay in New Mexico are in the historical high desert town of Taos — including this one, La Doña Luz. Named after La Doña Luz, this family-run historic inn will welcome you from the moment you book it!
With roots in Native American history and culture, many of the rooms feature Native American art and decoration, although Spanish and New Mexican influences are also infused into the design of their unique accommodations. In addition, some rooms even feature jacuzzi tubs! Regardless of which room you pick, you’re bound to be delighted by the charming design, and in winter times, you can enjoy staying warm by the wood-burning kiva fireplace.
Dreamcatcher B&B: Small Taos B&B with Peaceful Gardens and Rooms with Fireplaces
Nestled among quaint gardens, the Dreamcatcher B&B offers a peaceful escape in the historic town of Taos. The seven rooms and suites at the Dreamcatcher B&B each boast their own unique interior, from rustic and Western to colorful and boutique. Each space also features a private entrance and a gas or wood-burning fireplace, and some offer a bathtub.
Another thing to look forward to, besides resting your head at night in your charming room, is waking up to the complimentary breakfast which serves hot, full homemade dishes using veggies from their own garden and local meat from free-range animals.
Painted Lady Bed & Brew: Former Albuquerque Brothel Turned Bed & Brew with Kitchens & Fire Pit
Forget bed & breakfast; this is bed and brew! Located in Albuquerque, this unique lodging in NM is one of a kind, from its beginning as a brothel in the 1800s to its craft brewery and saloon. It also happens to be situated in the “New Brew District,” so if you’re a true beer aficionado, you can browse over ten breweries nearby!
As for accommodation, the Painted Lady Bed & Brew offers only four suites, making for a “suite” stay that is not crowded by guests. Each of the suites is spacious, has a private patio, kitchen, access to the fire, and is pet-friendly! The suites boast individual decoration, and while simple overall, the Western-themed art and decor give it charm, keeping true to the Bed & Brew’s roots.
Kokopelli’s Cave: Fully Equipped & Unusual NM Lodging in a Cliffside
It’s no doubt that Kokopelli’s Cave is one of the most unique and unusual places to stay in NM on this list. Located up north in Farmington, the cave overlooks four states — New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.
With 1,700 square feet of space, the cave is just like any modern home with a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom (with a hot tub). The only difference is that it’s built into a cliff!
With two porches, Kokopelli’s Cave also offers incredible sunset and valley views. If you’ve been looking for a unique getaway, pack up some groceries (& coffee or tea!) and get ready to hunker down in one of the coolest lodgings in New Mexico.
Spectacular Earthship: Unique Sustainable Home with Incredible Night Views
Just when you’ve thought you’ve seen some unusual places to stay in New Mexico on this list, here’s the Spectacular Earthship! Embracing sustainable design, the Spectacular Earthship presents a way of living for the future while looking cool doing it.
This one is actually one of many Earthships just outside of Taos, New Mexico, where there is an entire community of them living off the grid together. Learn more about Earthsips here. Click the link below and browse more unique Earthship stays in the area – this is surely the most interesting community with the most unique places to stay in New Mexico.
From the outside, it appears like a futuristic (about 20 minutes outside of Taos), but inside, like many of these unique lodgings in NM, it embraces local interior design. The half of the home built into the ground allows it to stay cool, while the north-facing windows allow natural heating.
With a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom, you have everything you need to spend time away from society and immerse yourself in the great outdoors of New Mexico, especially with the stars that fill the night sky!
La Fonda: Upscale Hotel in the Santa Fe Plaza with Spa
La Fonda in Santa Fe is one of the most fun places to stay in New Mexico, offering an upscale experience. With over 100 years in the business, it’s no wonder this hotel has grown to offer top-of-the-line on-site amenities, including a spa, pool, and restaurant. Plus, if you’ve been looking to delve into Santa Fe’s arts & history beyond wandering the streets, the hotel offers complimentary tours, which showcase a treasure trove of art and history.
In addition to the services, the hotel accommodations themselves are something spectacular. The rooms and suites are accented with artistry, from the woodwork to the artwork itself. In addition to the intricate decoration that’s bound to please, you can enhance your room or suite with a balcony, fireplace, and/or bathtub.
El Parador: Historic & Creative Hotel with Complimentary Breakfast
El Parador is a charming hotel in the heart of Santa Fe that was once a commune, and today showcases New Mexico style within its stunning rooms. Nestled within historic buildings, each room and suite boasts a unique design.
Some rooms and suites offer seating areas, kivas (traditional Native American fireplaces), and bathtubs, allowing guests to tailor their stay to their preferences. A standout room is the Farmhouse, where vibrant colors and patterns take center stage, complemented by plenty of space!
The hotel also serves spectacular homemade breakfasts prepared by their resident chef, offering guests not just a taste of New Mexico but also a taste of El Parador’s spirit!
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