Travel | Santa Fe, New Mexico – Part III: Places to Stay

Now that I have you thirsty for Santa Fe, New Mexico with The Margarita Crawl in Part I and filled your belly with all kinds of Eats in Part II, let’s talk about where to stay in Part III.

For my Santa Fe visit, I stayed at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest Santa Fe historic hotel.

Hotel St. Francis – The hotel is reminiscent of an early Franciscan missionary. The rooms are on the smaller side, but still comfortable. Where this hotel really shines is in the staff. They were gracious and very accomodating – especially helpful when you have a baby in tow. The next best thing and my favorite part was the hotel’s Secreto Bar. It not only offers some of the best cocktails in town, but some of my favorite to date. 210 Don Gaspar Ave., +1 505-983–5700

La Fonda – “The original inn at the end of the Santa Fe trail”. There is a lot of history here. Its been open since 1610. Beyond its rich history you’ll be surrounded by famous folk-art from artist Ernest Martinez whose work can be found all over the hotel from the windows to some of the other fixtures around it. The hotel also features southwestern murals and paintings that were commissioned in the 1920s and 30s. This is where to stay if you want to be steeped in art history. The view from the top doesn’t hurt either, so don’t forget to head up to the rooftop for drinks at the Bell Tower.  100 East San Francisco Street, +1 505-982-5511

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa – Admittedly, this was my favorite hotel of Santa Fe for its mix of European and Pueblo style details. Beyond that, I love the story that in 1882 Abraham Staab built a three-story brick mansion in a French Second Empire-style for his wife, Julia, who loved to entertain Santa Fe’s society in the grand residence. Legend has it that Mrs. Staab loved her home so much that she has never left it. Needless to say, there are ghost tours surrounding her alleged spirit and reportings that some have even met her. Today The Staab House stands as the bar for the resort and spa. 330 East Palace Avenue +1 505-986-0000

Inn & Spa at Loretto – This luxury hotel in Santa Fe is the state’s most photographed building. It is a re-creation of the Taos Pueblo, a national historic landmark that represents the traditional Pueblo architecture. The rooms are among the largest of the downtown hotels and are dressed with a Native American-style decor. Outside of your room you’ll also find a luxurious spa that offers Japanese and some Southwestern-inspired treatments and services. Once you are done being pampered, you definitely don’t want to miss their restaurant Luminaria that includes indoor and outdoor seating.   211 Old Santa Fe Trail, +1 505-988-5531

Inn of the Governors -This hotel is only two blocks from the historic plaza. And much like its Del Charro restaurant, the hotel continues the theme of being most reasonably priced without compromise to quality and value. A few perks include: complimentary tea-and-sherry social each afternoon, an extensive breakfast buffet along with free Wi-Fi and a year-around heated pool. I didn’t get a chance to really explore this property, but if the staff at the restaurant is a reflection of the hotel staff, then you can expect all your needs to be met with a friendly smile.. 101 W. Alameda St, +1 505-982-4333

No matter where you stay in Santa Fe, you’ll be surrounded by the city’s vibrant history and art scene. And if anyone has any other suggestions for places to stay in Santa Fe, please share with the rest of us the comment section.