Best Places to Stay in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico is full of amazing accommodations. From world-class hotels to quaint, historic adobes, Santa Fe has lodging for every taste. Some people prefer to stay right downtown, while others love staying out in the county, known for beautiful high-desert views and a bit more peace and quiet. Here are some suggestions for hotels, resorts and airbnbs from a 20-year local Santa Fean familiar with the best places to stay in the area.

Accommodations Adjacent to Santa Fe Painting Workshops

1. Casita Resolana

I run this sunny studio, located 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 7 minutes from Meow Wolf, overlooks the Sangre de Cristo mountains from its south-facing perch above the River trail. The charming yard includes dining and big views, as well as epic sunsets and star gazing from this semi-rural setting. Perfect for a weekend get-away or first-time visit, the 400 sq ft well-appointed studio has high quality furnishings and modern Santa Fe design. This casita is attached to our home and Santa Fe Painting Workshops.

Hotels On/Near the Plaza

Staying near the plaza has many benefits. Not only will you be near some of the best restaurants in the area, but shopping, museums and galleries are just footsteps from your hotel door. If it’s your first time visiting Santa Fe, staying downtown is a great choice. Here are I my five favorite hotels, all of which are in or near the plaza.

The Best Downtown Hotels

1. Inn on the Alameda. Fantastic location just one block from Canyon Road and two from the Santa Fe Plaza. They have very friendly staff, a cozy restaurant Joe’s Tequila Bar that serves my favorite enchiladas in town, and beautiful New Mexican decor. Another bonus is their free breakfast which is enough to feed an army! Eggs, granola, fruit, cereal and more! The Inn on the Alameda is right next door to Santa Fe Painting Workshops.

2. Hotel St. Francis. Located right in town just a block from the plaza, shops and restaurants are right outside the doors of Hotel St. Francis. They have the best people-watching patio at the entrance of the hotel, where you can enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or wine from their cocktail bar, Secreto Bar and Lounge.

Hotel St. Francis is located just across from Cafe Pasqual’s, a legendary Santa Fe restaurant, and one of my personal favorites. Finally, I love the decor of Hotel St. Francis–the design is clean, contemporary, and still very much rooted in its historical Santa Fe roots.

3. La Fonda. La Fonda is a classic Santa Fe hotel, located right on the plaza. It boasts classic New Mexican decor and architecture, and the on-site restaurant, La Plazuela, not only has amazing food, but is also is an inspiring space with its many windows and plants around the space.

4. Inn at the Loretto. The Loretto was almost my 2nd choice, but La Fonda’s location is hard to beat. With that said, the Inn at the Loretto is located just 2 blocks from the plaza and adjacent to many cafes, shops and restaurants. This luxury inn also boasts historic Southwest style and design, and has a lovely bar where you can get delicious food and hear a variety of live music. The Loretto’s onsite restaurant, The Luminaria, has a beautiful patio for warm-weather eating.

5. The Drury Plaza Hotel. The Drury Hotel was historically renovated and has an amazing roof-top hot tub, pool, and cocktail bar. The hotel also doubles as an art gallery-they have over 300 artworks for sale as well as art tours. The hotel is just 2 blocks from the plaza, so perfectly situated for walking to shops and restaurants.

6. The Eldorado Hotel. The Eldorado Hotel is another luxury hotel inspired by Southwestern Design. They also have a roof-top pool, and my favorite cocktail bar in Santa Fe, Agave Lounge. Beautiful rooms and only a block from the plaza, the Eldorado is another great choice for your stay in downtown Santa Fe.

Reasonably-Priced Hotels Near Downtown

1. El Rey

El Rey is located just down Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe, old Route 66. This renovated iconic adobe was originally built in 1936, and is replete with cool, modern design. One of the only pools in town, El Rey is set on five acres of sprawling old growth gardens.

2. Santa Fe Sage Inn

The Sage is a “bohemian” hotel just outside the Santa Fe plaza. They are pet-friendly and located close to SITE Santa Fe, the Farmer’s Market, and one of the coolest restaurants and stores in Santa Fe, Modern General.

Resorts

1. Bishop’s Lodge

With its location nestled in the hills just outside Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge is a Santa Fe gem. The lodge was recently was renovated, and its charming Southwest decor is sure to impress. They offer a variety of rest and rejuvenating cultural experiences, and have perhaps the most beautiful location in the area. There’s a good reason they were ranked as #1 Resort in the West by Travel & Leisure. And they are located only a ten minute drive from downtown Santa Fe!

Air BNBs

If you prefer to stay in lodging that allows more creature comforts, then you will have a wide array of options.

Near Canyon Road/Downtown

1. Downtown Condo-European Luxury-Walk Everywhere

This beautiful condo sleeps 3 guests and boasts diamond plaster walls, double sided fire place, private patio, king bed, and an abundance of comfort, convenience and style. It also has high quality pots & pans, glassware and silverware, and an espresso machine with organic coffee.

2. Casa de Rio

This home offers adobe styling, a large covered patio and garden and a spacious interior. It accommodates six with three bedrooms and two full bathrooms in southwestern design. The open and airy living space features a plush sectional sofa, large HDTV, a stoned-in fireplace, plush mattresses, and cozy bedding.

3. La Luna

This cozy condo has an open floor plan featuring a double sided gas fireplace between the bedroom and the living room. The kitchen and bath display beautiful hand painted Talavera tiles, and throughout the villa lies traditional old world Saltillo tiles. It is decorated in a Southwest style with hand crafted furniture, and has a lovely outdoor patio.

4. Casita Santa Fe

This casita is located down a peaceful, private lane next to the river. It is newly built casita with a modern living and kitchen space complete with gorgeous wood and metal details. There is a beautiful courtyard between the casita and main house, along with a fountain and large outdoor fireplace.

Outside of Town

1. Safe Haven Mountain View Casita

This luxury adobe home is off the historic Old Santa Fe Trail on a well-maintained dirt road. It is nestled up in the foothills in the sought after East side of Santa Fe, immersed in nature, and only a 4 mile drive to the heart of town. This property also boasts incredible views, and is perfect for those those who seek peace and solitude.

2. Scenic Sunset View Studio

This studio is nestled up against the Tesuque Hills and at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Perfect for single travelers or couples, the spacious 500 sf studio has a very rural feel, but is still close to town. Situated on 5 gorgeous acres of land, it has beautiful sunset views from the second story and is located close to the world-class Santa Fe Opera.

Conclusion

Every traveler will find just the right lodging they seek. I recommend booking early when possible, especially during Indian Market in August, which is the busiest time of year.

Also, if you are looking for unique things to do, check out this article about the 10 best creative travel experiences in Santa Fe.

ABOUT ANDREA CERMANSKI

I am an artist out of Santa Fe, New Mexico who has been painting for almost 30 years. I love to teach first-timers as well as experienced painters who need a creative reboot. My work has been displayed in several galleries around the country, and I have a Bachelor’s in Art History, a Master’s in Art Education, and had my work in a show juried by Judy Chicago. The idea of getting more people painting makes me light up as I want to inspire more people to express their creative selves and tap into a place of joy and calm.

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