Although it wasn’t my own leisurely pursuits that brought me to Santa Fe, the allure of the city will bring me back as a tourist again. My travels to Santa Fe were initiated as a result of a conference I was attending in the city. What a pleasant surprise this trip turned out to be. Even more shocking was the number of exciting options for hotels and resorts. I am going to talk about a couple of hotels below, but I want to mention a few my eyes are on for future travels to the area. The Inn of Seven Graces can get rather pricey, but the photos are really enticing. This hotel I continue to see on “best lists” time and time again. If you want something away from the main square, the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado looks very relaxing. Last, I have to mention a hotel slated to open in March of 2021 called Bishop’s Lodge. It also has my interest peaked.
For arrival into Santa Fe, something I did not realize is that the airport is very small. You also have the option of flying into Albuquerque and traveling via car transfer to Santa Fe, which is about 60 some miles. Their airport is a little larger depending upon which airline you choose. I flew American Airlines into Santa Fe and was on a regional jet from Dallas to Santa Fe.
Hotel Recommendations
After returning to Santa Fe multiple times, I have stayed at many hotels near the main plaza. Below are a variety of options to consider for your travels.
1. La Posada: This hotel is a Marriott property. It has a central location being only a couple of short blocks from the main city square. The hotel is spread out with many different buildings, and the rooms have entry from semi public spaces rather than hotel hallways. The decor was of traditional southwestern design. There was a cozy fireplace in the corner of the room, which I always think is a great addition to any hotel room. The hotel does offer some activities, for example, s’mores by the fireplace in the evening. In addition, for being a hotel guest, you have access to the spa facilities such as the steam room. There is also a 24 hour fitness center.
2. La Fonda: This hotel is also in a very central location. It is just adjacent to the main city square. When we checked in, they gave us a map highlighting all of the nearby sites/hotels. I thought that the rooms were relatively modern with nice decor, especially the bathrooms. They still kept the traditional “New Mexico” decor alive. The hallways did not seem as updated as the rooms themselves. A couple of things I enjoyed were the mini fridge in the room that was stocked with water. They always left additional bottled water each day. This was a great touch.
3. Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi. If you want a luxury option, Rosewood hotels are your answer. This hotel is in a perfect location tucked a very short walk from the main square. There are a total of 58 guest rooms giving the property a much smaller feel. You can immediately feel relaxed by enjoying a cocktail on their outdoor patio to people watch. After, stroll upstairs to your room decorated with modern southwestern decor including wood beam ceilings and a lovely fireplace. There are snacks to enjoy in the room along with special touches like a cookie delivery with your turn down service. If you want more information about the Rosewood, check out my post on Boutique Hotels Santa Fe.
4. Bishop’s Lodge. This Auberge property does not disappoint guests, especially when learning it is set on an impressive 317 acres of land. Bishop’s Lodge re-opened in 2021 after undergoing a $75 million renovation. The resort is located about 10 minutes via car from the main square. If you want relaxation, this might be the perfect place for your stay. The rooms are spacious with large outdoor space. There are many activities to do at the property. Finally, the restaurant on property offers convenience and wonderful food choices whether you are a guest at the hotel or not.
Santa Fe is a destination that you must have on your list whether it is a weekend getaway or longer. There are properties that allow you to enjoy the hotel itself or places to stay that allow more time for exploring the city. I hope this post helps you gain some insight into where you should stay on your trip to Santa Fe.
