If you are looking for an escape into the wilderness, few places are better suited for that than the American Southwest. With vast desert landscapes, a skyline contoured by mountains and deep historical roots, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a wonderful place to explore. If a weekend getaway to the desert sounds enticing to you, here are a few properties bookable with points we think you should check out for your next trip to the New Mexican capital.

Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa

If you don’t mind staying a bit out of town, we highly recommend the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. Nestled in the New Mexican back country, this resort is ideal for folks who are looking for the opportunity to peacefully commune with nature and breathe a bit of fresh air.

Hyatt Tamaya Resort & Spa (image courtesy of Hyatt)

Go horseback riding through the valley or take a hot air balloon ride over the Sandia Mountain Wilderness that flanks the property. When you return from your exciting adventure, treat yourself to an indulgent spa package or a delicious meal on site.

A weekend night at this resort is available from 12,000 World of Hyatt points.

Cards to Help You Earn World of Hyatt Points

If you’re looking to maximize your earning potential with World of Hyatt, the best way to do that is by—you guessed it—opening up a line of credit. Currently, the World of Hyatt Credit Card is offering a sign up bonus that can net you a few nights at the Tamaya.

Marriott

La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa

For travelers who are looking for the resort treatment but don’t want to stray too far from downtown, the La Posada de Santa Fe is the perfect solution. This resort is located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe just steps from the Santa Fe Plaza and the 1800s-era Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

As the only resort in the downtown area, this property offers easy access to the many art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Note that three of the on-site restaurants are named for the Staabs, former stewards of the original property, who are said to be very much alive in spirit.

A night at this Category 6 property is available from 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Residence Inn by Marriott Santa Fe

If you are looking for a more independent option during your stay, look no further than the Residence Inn Santa Fe. This is an ideal spot for those who are driving through town and need a fully equipped space to use as a home base.

Standing south of downtown and just off of the U.S. Highway 285, this comfortable property offers full kitchens, complimentary breakfast and plenty of indoor and outdoor fitness facilities. This hotel is located within easy driving distance of Quail Run Golf Course as well as several hiking and biking trails, perfect for a comfortable home away from home between outdoor adventures.

A night at this Category 5 property is available from 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Cards to Help You Earn Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card

One of the quickest ways to earn Marriott points is to open the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card credit card. Not only do card members have the opportunity to earn Bonvoy points on everyday spending, but they also earn automatic Silver Elite status simply for holding the card.

 

Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card

If you want extra benefits without the annual fee, apply for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card credit card. You’ll still have access to complimentary Silver Elite status and earn extra points on Marriott purchases.

If you want a quick path to Silver Elite and a decent earning potential without committing to an annual fee, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold could be the right pick for you.

Hilton

Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza

Hilton Santa Fe (image courtesy of Hilton)

Housed in a hacienda that is older than the Declaration of Independence, the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza is full of history, culture and memories. This historic hotel is located just a couple of blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, not to mention TerraCotta Wine Bistro and Chile Line Brewery.

Back on site, enjoy the beautiful Southwestern decor, fresh pastries provided by the in-house pastry chef and a cozy kiva fireplace located next to the outdoor pool. A delightful combination of historic and modern, this hotel is a great choice year-round.

A night at this property is available from 60,000 Hilton Honors points.

Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder

For travelers coming to Santa Fe to party, it’s always hopping at the Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder. Located on the sovereign indigenous land called the Pueblo of Pojoaque, this property is New Mexico’s largest casino hotel.

With its own golf course, spa, several dining concepts, 18 game tables and more than 1,200 slot machines, this hotel is perfect for visitors who are looking for an immersive experience without any need to venture offsite. For those who do want to explore Santa Fe, the property is only 15 miles from the bustling downtown district.

A night at this property is available from 50,000 Hilton Honors points.

Cards to Help You Earn Hilton Points

Hilton has a long-standing partnership with American Express and offers four different co-branded cards: three personal cards and one business card.

Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Perfect for business owners on the go, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a card with decent earning potential and plenty of travel benefits.

While it comes with a $95 annual fee (see rates and fees), cardholders can jump straight to Gold status. A $95 annual fee is a pretty small price to pay considering that benefit. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Diamond status depending on how much you’re planning on using the card, which is a definite bonus.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is our favorite credit card in the collection.

At first glance, it might not seem worth it to splurge on a high-fee card when the earning potential is only marginally better than the other three cards in the collection. However, when weighing the annual fee against the additional benefits, it might be a good deal if you’re looking to skyrocket your status.

Note that the value of the accompanying travel benefits surpasses the annual fee, so as long as you’re planning on using the benefits, this card is well worth it.

IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Fe

For a comfortable, reliable and no-frills accommodation just south of downtown, you can’t go wrong with Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Fe. Tucked near the crux of U.S. Highway 285 and I-25, this conveniently located property is ideal for road trippers in need of a comfortable place to sleep.

This hotel is within easy driving distance of downtown as well as the surrounding natural areas, and is just down the street from the immersive Meow Wolf Santa Fe art installation. Enjoy complimentary breakfast and always-cozy rooms for your quick trip to Santa Fe.

A night at this hotel is available from 21,500 IHG Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn IHG Points

IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card from Chase is the premium card in the IHG collection.

This card comes with an $89 annual fee, but it includes automatic Platinum Elite status and earns 10X points per dollar spent at IHG properties.

IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card

If you are an IHG Rewards member interested in opening an IHG credit card but don’t want to bother with any annual fees, then getting the IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card from Chase could be a better move.

This card comes with the opportunity to bump up to Gold Elite, which is a nice perk for members with Club Member status. Additionally, you can earn 5X points per dollar spent at IHG properties worldwide.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal

The above properties are wonderful options for Santa Fe, but they aren’t so exciting if you haven’t stocked up on a bunch of points in exactly the right currency. If you don’t have a stash of brand-specific points lying around, there is another option.

Many credit cards offer their own rewards programs that include the opportunity to redeem points on travel. If you’ve been stockpiling flexible rewards instead of specific hotel rewards, a trip to Santa Fe could be a great way to redeem them.

For example, you could use your stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book your hotel. Here are a couple of properties in Santa Fe that can be booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi

For guests who want to put their finger right on the pulse of New Mexico’s beating heart, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is an ideal choice. This gorgeous inn is located in the very center of downtown Santa Fe, and it truly embodies the spirit and expression of Pueblo life.

Immerse yourself in New Mexican culture with a tequila tasting session, a romantic dinner or a ride on a complimentary city bicycle. Be sure to appreciate the works of local art speckled throughout the property, in between the striking chevron patterns and crackling fireplaces that epitomize typical Southwestern decor.

A night at this property is available from 48,000 Ultimate Rewards points.

Rosewood Santa Fe (image courtesy of Rosewood)

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection

If you don’t have a stockpile of Hyatt points but still want a backcountry ranch experience, check out the Bishop’s Lodge. Settled by its namesake Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, this expertly restored property is located just north of downtown Santa Fe at the foot of the mighty Lake Peak.

Bring the whole family and book your own Casita, complete with a kiva fireplace and lovely balcony. Make sure to check out the many available experiences including a horse ride at the stables, rafting the Rio Grande, making your own pottery, fly fishing and painting classes.

A night at this property is available from 66,000 Ultimate Rewards points.

Cards to Help You Earn Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A consistent favorite of the Chase collection is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering unparalleled opportunities to earn Ultimate Rewards points and benefit from travel perks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If a high annual fee just doesn’t sound like a good time, apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. With a $95 annual fee this card is ideal for a first-time Chase Sapphire applicant.

Bottom Line

With so many properties to choose from, a weekend trip to Santa Fe doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you have points in a hotel-specific currency or can redeem credit-card points for accommodations at a variety of properties, you have a wealth of options at your fingertips. Why not redeem your points on a relaxing trip to the sunny Southwest?