How I Found the Best Restaurants and Hotels on a Desert Southwest Road Trip

In the fall of 2023, I was on a road trip through the desert Southwest. My mission included Executive Chef interviews, chef-tasting menus, and luxury accommodations reviews.

At every destination, I found a multitude of exciting things to do. From broad vistas at the Flatirons in Boulder and the canyons between buildings in Downtown Denver to scrumptious meals carefully curated by talented executive chefs, these historic hotels and restaurants that I found on my Desert Southwest road trip should be on your itinerary, too.

I was hosted at each of these hotels. All opinions are my own.

Road Trip – Colorado

Desert Southwest Road Trip to Table Mountain Inn in Downtown Golden, Colorado

Table Mountain Inn in Downtown Golden, Colorado

Table Mountain Grille and Cantina

“The warm Southwest hospitality of Table Mountain Inn was my introduction to Golden, Colorado. From the valet and the bellman to the front office staff, I knew I would enjoy my stay at Table Mountain Inn. They were fun, friendly, and helpful at check-in and throughout my visit.

The weather was picture perfect, with sunny skies, brilliant fall colors on the trees, and mountain views that took my breath away when I was there in October.”

This article first appeared at SheBuysTravel.com on November 9, 2023. Read the entire article here.

Desert Southwest Road Trip to Hotel Boulderado at the corner of Spruce and 13th Streets

Hotel Boulderado in Old Town Boulder, Colorado

Spruce Farm & Fish

Hotel Boulderado, a cherished historic landmark in the heart of downtown Boulder, Colorado, welcomed me with Victorian-era charm. This 119-year-old iconic hotel uniquely blends Victorian (with a little Spanish Revival) architecture and modern amenities. With its stunning stained-glass ceiling and cherrywood grand staircase, the lobby instantly transports you to a bygone era. Yet, the well-appointed suites provide all the conveniences of the 21st century.

The Hotel Boulderado is not a cookie-cutter hotel chain. On the National Register of Historic Places, it’s a unique, one-of-a-kind property that begs to be explored. And explore, I did!”

This article first appeared at SheBuysTravel.com on November 25, 2023. Read the entire article here.

Dairy Block in Downtown Denver, Colorado

The Maven Hotel in the Dairy Block, Denver, Colorado

The Milk Market Read the full article [publishing soon].

Road Trip – New Mexico

Desert Southwest Road Trip to Inn & Spa at Loretto in Old Town Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Inn & Spa at Loretto in Old Town Santa Fe, New Mexico

Luminaria Restaurant Read the full article [publishing soon].

Desert Southwest Road Trip to Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

Hotel Chaco in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico

Level 5 Restaurant – Read the full article [publishing soon].

Read more about Executive Chef Marc Quiñones.


Here’s another Desert Southwest Road Trip destination that’s certainly worth a visit.