Native American–Themed Lodge in Mountain Foothills

Hints of ancient indigenous culture are still evident throughout New Mexico; cliff dwellings and etched rocks still stand, and in Albuquerque, feast-day celebrations honor Native American ancestors with festive dances in colorful vestments. Nativo Lodge looks to immerse its visitors in the area's rich heritage throughout their stay: in the two-tiered lobby, Navajo rugs with geometrical patterns flank paneling with hand-carved American Indian symbols. River rocks jut out of the walls and bar in the lounge area, and guests gather outside beneath a teepee for special events and regular hookah parties. Private balconies overlook the city or nearby Sandia Mountains in each guest room, and historical Native American photographs bedeck the walls alongside hanging woven baskets and framed dream catchers. All rooms are pet-friendly. At Nativo Lodge's Spirit Wind's Café, chefs craft a southwestern-style menu using seasonal ingredients from local farms. Amid pillars depicting scenes from Native American lore, nosh on the included breakfast in the morning and appetizers such as blue-corn-chip nachos during lunch or dinner.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Rich Cultural Landscape with Historical Sites and Varied Museums

Nativo Lodge is tucked near the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, about 7 miles north of downtown Albuquerque. Because of the hotel's proximity to the I-25, travelers can quickly drive to many of the city's attractions. Albuquerque's rich tapestry of culture has been woven over many centuries, bearing influences from indigenous peoples, Spanish colonial settlers, and various other peoples; the town's history comes to life on the cobblestone streets of Old Town and at its still-active pueblos nearby. Downtown, the vast and varied breadth of local and international Hispanic and Latino art jolts the senses at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (tickets included in the junior-suite package). The permanent collection features oil paintings, sculptures, and other visual art of established contemporary artists, and rotating exhibits often showcase the works of emerging New Mexican artists. Among the diverse landscape of desert plants and trees at Petroglyph National Monument, dark basalt boulders bear the markings of prehistoric natives, and nearly 24,000 ancient images are carved into these rocks, depicting people, animals, symbols, and forbidden chili recipes.