The $1.6 billion, 150,000-member Nusenda Credit Union has begun rewarding new members and new mortgage holders with a free night in one of several noted New Mexico hotels.

The federally chartered, Albuquerque, N.M.-based credit union will award the free night in one of the hotels and resorts owned by Heritage Hotels and Resorts – which the credit union identified in an announcement as the largest, independently owned hotel chain in the state – when members open a checking account or close a home equity loan or mortgage.

“We are excited to announce this first-ever partnership with Heritage Hotels & Resorts,” Nusenda Credit Union CEO Terry Laudick said. “As a credit union serving this state since 1936, we are dedicated to New Mexico communities. We hope this promotion will encourage people to discover new aspects of New Mexico's unique culture and beauty.”

The hotel properties include four resorts in Santa Fe: The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe, Hotel St. Francis and Lodge at Santa Fe, according to the announcement. Albuquerque hotels included The Hotel Albuquerque and Nativo Lodge, and Hotel Ecanto de Las Cruces.

“We are thrilled to partner with Nusenda Credit Union on this unique opportunity,” Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Founder and CEO Jim Long said. “We hope to drive both new interest and customers to our properties throughout the state and also encourage our customers to bank with Nusenda Credit Union to be eligible for this promotion. As Nusenda Credit Union and Heritage Hotels & Resorts both celebrate all that represents New Mexico, we believe this partnership will only enhance the experience we can offer our customers.”