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.
Mid-town Santa Fe
All of these accommodations are a 7-10 minute easy walk or 2 minute drive to Santa Fe Painting Workshops, and a 10 minute drive to downtown.
My students highly recommend this Airbnb, just a 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk to Santa Fe Painting Workshops!
Ọṅụ means “joy” in Igbo and is so named because it’s filled with things that make us happy – bright colors, music, warm fires, local art, and a king-sized bed you’ll never want to get out of!
Nestled in midtown Santa Fe, this vibrant one-bedroom pet-friendly unit is artfully decorated has everything you need for a two-day stopover or a six-month retreat.
Niji means “rainbow” in Japanese and there’s not a better way to describe this colorful, 100-year-old, two-bedroom adobe casita nestled between the scenic Santa Fe River and Agua Fria Street, which is the historic “Camino Real.” La Dea was once a nursery, and an antique shop – now it is a collection of 7 casitas nestled between the Santa Fe River and Agua Fria Street. Pets allowed for $100.
The Michu Suite is filled with wonderful surprises, from its hand-plastered dining nook with built-in seats, to its vintage gas fireplace, to its soaking tub under a skylight to the stars, to its lush, comfy queen bed overlooking French doors onto a private patio, this suite is both cozy and large, warm and inviting. It is our newest unit at La Dea, a collection of 6 beautiful suites in the heart of Midtown Santa Fe, overlooking the Santa Fe River, minutes to downtown.
Welcome to the Poni Suite! Every nook of this place, from the zellige tile in the bathroom, to the corner fireplace in the bedroom and the bed outfitted with Brooklinen sheets and Purple mattress, has been designed with your comfort and coziness in mind.
Poni Suite is part of La Dea – a collection of 7 casitas built using upcycled vintage furniture and custom craft from local artisans.
The Senja Suite is a beautiful, modern, 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen, fireplace, and the dreamiest vibe of all our units!
Welcome to the “Atami Suite”, a bright, big, 2 bedroom getaway with two outdoor decks, a vintage Malm indoor fireplace, and all the colors a wanderer could want for. Atami is part of “La Dea”, a small collection of suites that has been built with upcycled vintage furniture restored by local artisans, and the very best amenities we could source, from Brooklinen sheets and Helix mattresses, to luxury bath products, locally roasted coffees, and everything you will need for a restorative trip!
Near Canyon Road/Downtown
These locations are about a 10 minute drive to Santa Fe Painting Workshops.
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.
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.
Near Santa Fe Painting Workshops
1. El Rey
El Rey is located just down Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe, old Route 66, only a 4-minute drive to Santa Fe Painting Workshops. 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.
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
The Sage is a “bohemian” hotel just outside the Santa Fe plaza, and is the most affordable on this list of downtown hotels. 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.
Outside of Town: Get a little space and fresh mountain air
This fully remodeled casita is a 10 minute drive to Santa Fe Painting Workshops, and 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Run by my good friend Tanya, it offers a serene garden and breathtaking mountain views. Enjoy a peaceful morning with provided essentials or unwind under starry skies. Inside, find new amenities and original artwork in a welcoming, open layout. A scenic walking/biking trail is nearby. We are a quiet family with two dogs (who may bark to greet you) and a roaming cat.
2. 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.
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.
Resorts
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!
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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[…] Santa Fe Painting Workshops’ downtown location is ideal if you would like to stay in the heart of the city. The Inn on the Alameda is right next door, and The Drury Plaza Hotel is only a block away. You can also find plenty of vacation rentals and airbnbs in the area. For a list of the best accommodations in the area, check out this article about where to stay in Santa Fe. […]