What is the best hotel in Santa Fe? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for. But no matter what your priorities are, there’s somewhere for everyone to lay their head in the “City Different”.
Santa Fe has strict zoning on what can be built within the city limits so most buildings, including hotels, are either historical or newly built in keeping with the local architecture – think adobe and only a few stories tall.
It is one of the few American cities with a distinct look, like New Orleans, San Francisco, Palm Springs, or South Beach. You can tell you are in Santa Fe just by looking at the buildings.
Most people want to be close to The Plaza which makes most shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums within walking distance. For first-time visitors, it is your best bet to get a feel for the city.
So, we’ll start in the center and work our way out.
Here are my choices of the best hotels in the city center…
Eldorado Hotel and Spa
This is the largest hotel in the city, located a mere two blocks from The Plaza. It offers all the amenities you could want in a hotel – rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant & lounges, and function rooms. Accommodations are spacious and some offer in-room fireplaces. (219 rooms)
309 W San Francisco Street
Phone 505-988-4455
Inn and Spa At Loretto
This hotel gets its name from the famed Loretto Chapel (with its miraculous staircase) located next door. The main entrance to the hotel with its stair-stepped adobe architecture is one of the most photographed sites in the city. Amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant & lounge, and function rooms. (136 rooms)
211 Old Santa Fe Trail
Phone 505-988-5531
The Inn Of The Five Graces
This is one of Santa Fe’s smallest yet most luxurious hotels and is tucked away on one of the oldest streets in the city. Every room is unique, and each comes with a kiva fireplace. You will not find more atmosphere anywhere in Santa Fe. Affiliated with Relais & Chateaux. (25 rooms)
150 E DeVargas Street
Phone 505-992-0957
La Fonda On The Plaza
This is Santa Fe’s most famous hotel, located at the southeast corner of The Plaza. Although the present property is celebrating its centennial this year, city records indicate there has been an inn on this site since the city’s founding by Spaniards in 1607. Accommodations vary widely in size due to the historic nature of the building. Amenities include a pleasant courtyard restaurant and a popular rooftop bar overlooking the city center. (180 rooms)
100 E San Francisco Street
Phone 505-982-5511
https://www.lafondasantafe.com/
Rosewood Inn Of The Anasazi
The Inn of the Anasazi is a discreet and luxurious boutique hotel located less than a block from The Plaza, across from the Palace of the Governors. Accommodations are large yet cozy, reflecting the spirit of the city. The property includes a renowned restaurant with an attached bar and lounge. (58 rooms)
113 Washington Avenue
Phone 505-988-3030
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/inn-of-the-anasazi-santa-fe
Hotel St Francis
The Hotel St. Francis has the distinction of being Santa Fe’s oldest hotel and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located one block south of The Plaza, across from the well-known Café Pasqual’s. Accommodations vary in size and reflect the history of the building and the charm of the city. The property has a restaurant and is home to one of the more popular drinking spots in Santa Fe – the Secreto Lounge. (80 rooms)
210 Don Gaspar Avenue
Phone 505-983-5700
https://www.hotelstfrancis.com/
Just a little further afield…
Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa
The city’s only Native American owned hotel, this property is a hotel and a “hotel within a hotel”. The main building is the Hotel Santa Fe and The Hacienda is a separate 35-room annex operated as a Concierge Level. Amenities include a pool, spa, gym, restaurant & bar, and event spaces. The Hacienda adds complimentary continental breakfast, upgraded décor, and evening guest receptions. It is adjacent to the city’s vibrant Railyard District and about a 15-minute walk to The Plaza. (128 rooms / 35 rooms)
1501 Paseo De Peralta
Phone 877-943-0399
El Rey Court
One of the remaining iconic roadside motor inns, reimaged for the current age. The El Rey Court is located on Cerillos Road (old Route 66), the “main drag” outside of the city center. It is historic (1936) yet remains young, cool, and hip. It is probably the most fun place to stay in Santa Fe. The five-acre campus includes an outdoor pool, bar, and hosts various events and dining venues. Accommodations vary in size and décor with no two rooms being alike. (86 rooms)
1862 Cerillos Road
Phone 505-982-1931
And outside of town..
Bishop’s Lodge, an Auberge Resort
Bishop’s Lodge recently reopened following a multi-year $75 million-dollar renovation. This luxury ranch-style resort has the feel of its own little village and offers the largest range of amenities and activities in the area. Here you’ll find an award-winning restaurant, a world-class spa, and onsite horse stables. The property sits on over 300 acres about 4 miles north of the city center. (100 rooms)
1297 Bishops Lodge Road
Phone 505-390-2323
https://aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/
Four Seasons Rancho Encantado
About 10 miles north of Santa Fe you’ll find this intimate boutique resort in a stunning setting nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills outside of the village of Tesuque. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, a spa with gym, and an outdoor pool. Accommodations are in casitas around the property and include kiva fireplaces and large terraces to catch the amazing sunsets. (65 rooms)
198 State Road 592
Phone 505-946-5700
https://www.fourseasons.com/santafe/
Don’t forget to check out my recommendations on how to choose the perfect hotel here.
