2 Best Hotels in Silver City, Southwestern New Mexico

This getaway in the old mining ghost town of Kingston, along the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway (NM 152), has sturdy log-beam ceilings, massive stone walls, an interesting history, and an informal, rustic atmosphere that makes it nice for families, but the charm here owes a lot to the care and tending, and presence, of the proprietors. It's not quite enough to describe this lodge as "historic." The "town" of Kingston—a bustling boomtown established around the turn of the 20th century and with a current population of about 30—and the surrounding area are fun to explore and fantastic by mountain bike, but keep in mind that Silver City is a full hour's drive west. Guests have access to Percha Creek and miles of hiking trails. The rooms on the north side of the main lodge have views of the mountains, and the south rooms look into the lovely greenhouse. One-bedroom suites have cozy, vine-wrapped balconies in addition to sitting areas. Breakfasts are healthy and hearty, and the kitchen is open for you to cook in if you bring your own food. There is also a studio apartment and a six-bedroom house.

This grand two-story building was built in 1882 as a bank, but it was reinvented as a hotel in 1900. News accounts at the time touted the Palace as a first-class lodging with the intimacy of a small European hotel. The New Mexico Historical Preservation Office helped to restore and reopen the hotel in 1990, keeping much of the historical detail intact. Some rooms have Western-style furnishings, others have neo-Victorian decor such as ruffled pillow coverings and bed skirts. The upstairs room is a peaceful spot for playing board games or reading.