Spend a small fortune in Santa Fe. Still, the little city of 60,000 remains one of the nation's most popular travel destinations, ranked third this year by Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers. Downtown Santa Fe, anchored by the Plaza, is the most historic, scenic, tourist-oriented part of town. A budget-minded traveler, then, must stop a few miles short of it when searching for lodging. U.S.A. Some of lodgings have banded together to advertise, and provide a central number to call for budget rates.
Weekly rates make some places cheaper.
Other budget motels that don't participate in the joint advertising can be found by cruising Cerrillos Road. While a couple of the more affordable motels are an easy walk from the Plaza, the El Rey and others are a few miles out. Visitors can save the cost and hassle of downtown parking by taking city buses, which operate daily except Sundays. The pass is good for four days. The Institute of American Indian Arts has a downtown museum that features contemporary Indian artists.