$50–100

A fabulous deal for anyone willing to consider an unhosted place, Adelante Casitas (326 Staab St., 866/476-1091, www.casitas.net [1]) offers by-the-night rentals just blocks from the plaza. Every house or room is a little different, varying from cozy studios ($88) to big spreads with three bedrooms ($388) and private patios—Elvira’s Casita, on Staab Street, has a particularly homey, historic feel. Considering that Santa Fe [2] hotels can’t change sheets more often than every three days because of water restrictions, you’re not missing too much by going it alone at a rental property—and you gain the feeling of being a Santa Fe [2] native, waving at passersby from your front porch and mixing up margaritas in your fully outfitted kitchen.

The bones of Santa Fe Sage Inn (725 Cerrillos Rd., 866/433-0335, www.santafesageinn.com [3], $83 d) are a standard highway motel, but the superclean rooms, all renovated in 2006, are done in sharp, modern red and black, with Southwestern rugs hung on the walls. Little touches such as free Wi-Fi, plush beds, and an above-average breakfast (fresh bagels, fruit, yogurt, and more) make this an excellent deal—the place even has a swimming pool. It may be on Cerrillos Road, but it’s still walking distance to the center, and it’s right across the street from the new Railyard Park [4].