New Mexico: Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe, Heritage Hotels and Resorts Offer Authentic American Southwest Family Vacations. In a world cluttered with sameness and fakes it is refreshing to effortlessly share authentic region culture with your children. 

Here's the scoop. Heritage provides the family friendly atmosphere in which to create memories to last a life time. The American Southwest is uniquely presented at each Heritage Hotel and Resort. From the adobe textures and Saltillo floors to the richness of the gardens and beauty of the Native American art guest experience a sense of place that is an obvious bonus to any family vacation.

We have highlighted Heritage Hotels and Resorts unique American Southwest collection. Like a string of milagro charms each property is unique and all provide a sense of place worth the visit.

Las Cruces: Hotel Encanto – Shopping, Fort Selden and Mountain Views. Hotel Encanto has a new look with an Old West Atmosphere. Overlooking the city and the beautiful Mesilla Valley this unique full-service hotel features a comfortable Spanish Colonial atmosphere. Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces offers 203 guestrooms, including seven executive and Jacuzzi suites.  Each room includes hi-speed wireless access, in-room movies and coffee, refrigerator, work and sitting area, full bath, hair dryer, and iron and ironing board. As a full-service property, they also offer onsite car rental, outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, laundry/valet, exercise facilities, and room service. Need to know: There is no charge for children younger than 18. Connecting rooms are available upon request and rollaway charge is $15 per stay with no charge for a crib. Parking is free. Mesilla Valley Mall is across the street and there is a Chucky Cheese nearby. Bonus points: The area offers plenty for families to enjoy together. To experience authentic bits of the Old West make sure to visit Historic Old Mesilla, Fort Seldon on the Rio Grande and The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. Family vacation package: With “Las Cruces Loves Little Ones” vacation package enjoy an unforgettable family escape and have a slumber with your kids. Package includes deluxe, double accommodations, one complimentary in-room movie per evening, use of outdoor pool, and kids younger than 12 eat for free with purchase of adult meal for all meal periods (two free meals up to three times per day with the purchase of two adult meals) (Hotel Encanto 705 South Telshor Boulevard Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011. Toll-free 1- 866-383-0443, (575) 522-4300 or www.hotelencanto.com) 

Albuquerque: Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town - Museums, Shopping and a Swimming Pool. Sandia Peak crowns the city and sets the authentic mood of the American Southwest which is reaffirmed by the atmosphere and furnishings at Hotel Albuquerque. This full service property has 188 guestrooms including 20 suites. Each room features hi-speed wireless access, in-room coffee and movies, work and sitting area, full bath, hair dryer, and iron and ironing board. As a full-service facility, Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town also offers laundry/valet and room service. In addition, guests may enjoy the grand outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, onsite workout facility, and extensive outdoor event areas. The twenty luxurious suites, including a fabulous Champagne Suite, feature a separate seating area, authentic Southwestern furnishings, private changing and bath area plus amazing views of Albuquerque and the Sandia Mountains. Need to know: There is no charge for children younger than 18 years of age staying in the same room as parents. Connecting rooms are available upon request. Rollaway fee is $10 per stay but there is not charge for a crib. Parking is free for guests. Bonus points: For families the location is ideal because it is within walking distance of the Explora Children’s Museum, The Natural History Museum and The Art Museum. Family vacation package:  Ask about the Old Town Family Fun Package which includes a suite, in-room movie, complementary appetizer in Café Plazuela and younger than 12 eat free from kid’s menu with purchase of an adult meal. 4 pm late checkout is also included when available. (Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town 800 Rio Grande Boulevard NW Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104. toll-free  1- 800-237-2133, (505) 843-6300 or www.hotelabq.com)

Albuquerque: Nativo Lodge - Native American Photography, Dream Catchers and Hot Air Balloons.  Located near the Journal Business Center and Balloon Fiesta Park it is just seven minutes north of Old Town, 15 minutes from the Albuquerque International Sunport, The Nativo Lodge is a full-service hotel with 146 guestrooms furnished to provide the authentic, welcoming ambience of the Native American Southwest. A striking Navajo chief’s blanket design covers the floor and artwork includes stunning historical Native American photography, basketry and dream catchers. The beds in each guestroom are luxurious with the highest quality bedding, fabrics and pillows to ensure a restful experience. Need to know: There is no charge for children younger than 18. Adjoining rooms are available upon request. Rollaway charge for entire stay is $10 and there is not a charge for a crib. Guests may enjoy use of the indoor/outdoor heated pool and there is no charge for parking. Bonus points: There is a tipi onsite perfect for a “here we are” photo backdrop. Family vacation package: If you have adventure in mind ask about the Nativo Lodge Up, Up and Away Adventure Package which includes a hot air ballooning adventure with a room stay. (Nativo Lodge 6000 Pan American Freeway NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109. Toll-free 1-888-628-4861, (505) 798-4300 or www.nativolodge.com)

Santa Fe: Lodge At Santa Fe – Kiva Suites, Skyline Views and Southwestern Charm. Perched above the not more than a mile from the historic Plaza,   The Lodge at Santa Fe offers guests some of the most unique rooms in the Southwest. A Navajo Chief's blanket design covers the floor of each room. The furniture is custom designed and handcrafted to reflect hundreds of years of rich history New Mexican heritage, history and culture. All have high-speed wireless access, an iron and ironing board, in-room coffee, work and sitting area, full bath and hair dryer. The Kiva Suites provide extra space for families and feature wood-burning fireplaces, refrigerators and microwaves. Need to know: Children younger than 18 years of age may stay in the same room with parents at no extra charge.  Connecting rooms are available upon request. Rollaway charge is $10 per day but there is no charge for a crib. Parking is complimentary. Bonus points: The hotel has a courtesy shuttle which takes guests to and from the Central Plaza. Family vacation package:  Ask about the Lodge at Santa Fe Family Fun Package which includes a deluxe double room, a hand-delivered family dinner and late checkout. (Lodge At Santa Fe 750 North St. Francis Drive Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. Toll-free 1- 888-563-4373, (505) 992-5800 or www.lodgeatsantafe.com)

Content researched and created by FTF staff. Images provided by Heritage Hotels. Copyright 2011.