"Why book This sturdy Pueblo Revival-style property offers an unbeatable location just steps from the buzzy Railyard District, known for its robust art scene, breweries, coffee, farmers market and Southwestern-flared eateries. It’s also a short ten minute walk to Santa Fe’s famed Plaza and Canyon Road areas. Spring for the Hacienda side of the hotel where all-suite rooms come with gaslit fireplaces, hand-carved beds and balconies. Designed with earth tones and Southwestern neutrals, the walls highlight contemporary Native American artworks by Apache, Navajo and Hopi tribes. Noteworthy are a hand-burnished black on black Avanyu (serpent) pot by the Santa Clara potter Glenda Naranjo, a Hopi Maiden Kachina and a handsome Navajo Yei Rug from the Shiprock Area (circa 1950). Set the scene You have two choices upon check- in: a 3-floor main building hosting 126-rooms dressed in simple, traditional Southwestern style; and the Hacienda building with 35 suites and a butler service. There are informal lobby talks on Native American culture. There’s also live music—on a recent visit, guests were wooed by Lakota Peter White Feather Redheart’s flute. Speaking of guests, you’ll find a sampling of all walks, ages and demographics inside. For optimal space, the Hacienda side is ideal; while the main structure hosts families and budget-minded travelers. The hotel remains a great option for those without a car (who enjoy walkable access to nearby attractions). Backstory Back in 1991, Hotel Santa Fe opened with a small investor group; one of whom owned a 49 percent stake in ownership, and the other, the Picuris Pueblo, a small Native American tribe hailing about 60 miles north of Santa Fe, who maintained a 51 percent ownership. Just last year, the Picuris tribe purchased the property in its entirety, becoming the first and only wholly Native American hotel in town. Certainly you’ll feel the influence: museum-worthy Native art hanging in the lobby and walls of the Hacienda building. Rooms In the main building, rooms are outfitted with sturdy handmade pine furniture and Pueblo paintings. The Hacienda suites are dressed with one-of-a-kind art, leather chairs, a large dining table, solid wood beds and a balcony (some with partial views of the San Jemez Mountains). Granite bathrooms house soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Don’t be shy about using the on-call butler service, who is keen on being put to work—from unpacking to telling you what’s new in town. They’re also known to drop off a basket of fresh chocolate chip cookies at your door (perfect for nibbling by the fireplace). Food and drink : Off the lobby, the restaurant Amaya is a laid-back spot for breakfast and lunch. On the Hacienda side, a complimentary continental breakfast spread includes baked goods, oatmeal and yogurt—and can be enjoyed with rooftop views and local organic coffee by Aroma. The Hacienda also hosts a 5-7pm happy hour with snacks, local wine and beer. Downstairs, a small wooden lobby bar also hosts its own happy hour, and is known for its jalapeno margarita and zesty, non-boozy prickly pear lemonade. The spa A full-service, 6-room spa offers a robust treatment menu; many of which are inspired by Native American healing elements: warm stone massages and white-sage facials. A new detoxifying “Healing Earth” massage includes a lavender foot bath, body brushing and ancient volcanic sandalwood-and-lavender scented clay mask. Parched skin? A hydrating high-desert mask infused with an earthy mix of juniper, pinion and cedar oils, helps nourish dry limbs. The neighborhood Over the last five years or so, the hip Railyard District has upped its offerings. For now, Hotel Santa Fe remains the most convenient lodging in the neighborhood, offering easy walks to several classics and newcomers. Drop in the veteran eatery La Choza for blue-corn enchiladas and Silver Coin margaritas, take in the contemporary art at the edgy SITE SANTA FE and walk over to the New Mexico Museum of Art’s glistening new Vladem Contemporary. Pick me up? Nab your flat whites at Sky Coffee or pop by Crash Murder for espresso and Posa breakfast burritos (they sell out early). On Saturdays, the hyper-local Santa Fe Farmers Market hawks artisanal soaps, lavender, chilis and peppers (local Chimayo, Socorro, Velarde) as far as the eye can see. Nearby, chef Nathan Mayes Paloma doles out Mexican tacos, steak fajitas and mezcal drinks. Catch a throwback movie at the Jean Coctuea Cinema (est 1976), a resurrected theater from Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin (fans can also pop by his Beastly Bookstore located next to the cinema). What else? The concierge can arrange for a Native American Day, a unique experience including a breakfast spread from Atmaya, a guided tour of the aforementioned Picuris Pueblo, lunch at Tesuque Village Market (fish tacos and wood-fired pies are musts), and afterwards, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and The Palace of the Governors portal. Service: The front desk is low-key and efficient while the amicable Hacienda butlers are eager to assist. Additionally, a complimentary shuttle drives within a one-mile radius of the hotel—zipping you to Santa Fe’s downtown Plaza and out to Museum Hill, where the Museum of International Folk Art houses an unmissable 100,000 plus items collection from the artist Alexander Girard. Family: Surrounded by leafy gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub also includes a spacious patio with lounge furniture. Situated just outside of the Amaya Restaurant patio, families can opt for Teepee dining; on an in-room package including a small teepee for kids to play and sleep in should they choose (s’mores included). Eco effort The eco-friendly hotel has a recycling program as well as water saving efforts in the room. Accessibility The hotel meets the ADA standards and requirements for both public and room spaces. Anything left to mention? A sizable, updated fitness room make use of the usual suspects: treadmills, exercise bikes, free weights and elliptical trainers. You’ll also find Sunrise yoga classes on weekends." - Kate Donnelly
