Nicknamed “The City Different”, Santa Fe really is as unique as the stories go, from the restaurants you’ll eat at to the places you’ll stay to the people you’ll meet. Although it’s the fourth largest city in New Mexico, you wouldn’t think it was by the peaceful small-town atmosphere and relaxed locals.
Rather than a bustling metropolis, Santa Fe feels more like a small historical village dotted with unique buildings that look almost like a movie set for the Aladdin film when lit up at night.
Other than extraordinary food, a gorgeous desert setting, and a low-key atmosphere, Santa Fe is also home to some incredible accommodations. It is known for its unique boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts but is also dotted with the odd high-end resort and spa.
Santa Fe might not be the biggest city around, but it truly is something special. What’s more, its unique adobe and Santa Fe-style architecture make it unlike any other city in the country. In this article, I will look at the 15 best hotels in Santa Fe, from boutique properties to world-class resorts.
Superior King Room at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Rooms fitted with air conditioning, a work desk, a mini-fridge, and an ensuite bathroom
- > Complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. Onsite spa and swimming pool
King Room at El Sendero Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > 3-star property with accessible rooms
- > Daily housekeeping and 24-hour reception
King Room at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
- > $$$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Southwestern cuisine is served daily for breakfast. World-class wine cellar on site
- > A stroll away from the Santa Fe Plaza
Staying in a Hotel in Santa Fe
The City Different truly lives up to its name when it comes to accommodation. With a multicultural history featuring a strong Spanish, Native American, and Mexican influence, the town is overflowing with incredible unique architectural styles known as Pueblo-style and adobe Santa Fe style. Most of the hotels on this list embrace this style wholeheartedly, from the exteriors of a building to the art and furniture that fills it.
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While staying in Santa Fe, you can expect incredible hospitality, combined with the fresh Southwestern cooking style and friendly locals.
Since most tourists visit the city for a short period of up to a week, I believe staying in one of the top Santa Fe hotels is one of the best ways to experience the city. There are so many incredible places to eat, shop and explore that having a central hotel to base yourself at is the best option for a quick visit.
What to Look For in a Hotel in Santa Fe
These hotels are typically well run and managed with helpful staff and offer the advantage of shared amenities and spaces like swimming pools, on-site restaurants, gyms, and even spas.
If you’re visiting during the summer, I recommend choosing a property with an outdoor swimming pool. Nothing is quite as refreshing as a cold dip after a day in the city. After all, we are in the desert!
That said, the desert gets extremely cold during winter, so make sure you pick a property with a traditional adobe kiva fireplace if you visit during the cooler season.
Of course, most hotels also offer a hot breakfast each morning of your stay, as well as the convenience of housekeeping and turndown service (depending on the property’s star rating). However, this isn’t given in some smaller hotels, so check with the property before booking if this is a make or break for you.
Many of the top properties offer 24-hour reception and specialist tour desks that can help you organize any day trips around the area. If you’re up for tourist attractions galore, this benefit can be super helpful and take the stress off yourself.
Most of the best hotels in Santa Fe can be found on Booking.com, with a few listed on Airbnb under ‘private rooms.’ Use the filters to conveniently alter your search and find exactly what you are looking for!
The Top 15 Hotels in Santa Fe
Although the city is small, it packs a real punch when it comes to hotels. From historic adobe homes turned boutique hotels to superb five-star properties set in colonial-style buildings, these are a few of the best hotels in Santa Fe.
Overall Best Value Hotel in Santa Fe – The Ella-Mila Suite at 215 Washington Boutique Hotel
Blending traditional New Mexican interiors with a touch of contemporary style, the Washington Boutique Hotel doubles as one of the most beautiful hotels in the city. It’s well located, steps from the iconic Santa Fe Plaza and the city center, an epic place to base yourself during your stay in New Mexico.
Enjoy your own full kitchen, a cozy living area, and two spacious ensuite bedrooms (one with a spa-inspired bathroom), all fitted with the most luxurious linens, bath sheets, and fixtures. With no staff on site, the invisible service of the hotel makes it feel like you’re in your own home, with all the benefits of a hotel.
Best Budget Hotel in Santa Fe – King Room at El Sendero Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
Saving money while traveling doesn’t mean you have to skimp on comfort, and this is easily the best hotel in Santa Fe on a budget. This hotel is located just off the Old Santa Fe Trail in the Historic District and includes its own pool and on-site restaurant.
The rooms are basic yet cozy, equipped with all the conveniences you might need for your stay. Send some emails at the private work desk, watch your favorite film on the TV, and benefit from a 24-hour reception and daily housekeeping, all for a steal of a price.
Best Hotel for Couples in Santa Fe – Superior King Room at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
Set in the center of the city just a few feet from the Santa Fe Plaza, the Drury Plaza Hotel is the perfect place for traveling couples. It offers a seasonal outdoor pool and comfortable rooms equipped with a mini fridge and microwave, a personal work desk, and an ensuite bathroom.
With daily housekeeping, 24-hour reception, and a fitness center in the building, you won’t have to worry about a thing while staying here. A hot breakfast is served daily, and complimentary drinks are offered in the lobby throughout the day.
Best Hotel for a Group of Friends in Santa Fe – Queen Room at The Sage Hotel
If you’re backpacking in the USA with your travel buddies, The Sage Hotel is the perfect place for you. With double-capacity queen family rooms and an on-site restaurant named the Social Kitchen and Bar, this hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Santa Fe for a group of friends. Ideal for those after a relaxing friends retreat or a sociable getaway, the hotel offers a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and restaurant and bar.
The rooms are spacious and have all been refurbished with contemporary interiors, boasting clean surfaces, warm wooden tones, and high-quality linens. Meet your friends in the lobby for a daily continental or buffet breakfast to plan the day ahead with a cup of piping hot coffee.
Over-the-Top Luxury Hotel in Santa Fe – King Room at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Luxury doesn’t even begin to describe this opulent property, which merges the natural interiors of the Southwest with high-quality service and style. Located in a traditional adobe building in the heart of Santa Fe, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is just a short walk from all the boutique shops and restaurants you might want to explore.
It features a restaurant and a bar on the property, where guests can enjoy a lavish traditional Southwestern breakfast each morning. More to look forward to – appetizers and cocktails are served on the outdoor patio during the summer season.
The rooms are exquisitely decorated, with warm interiors, bedside kiva fireplaces, and unique Southwestern furnishings.
Best Hotel for Families Visiting Santa Fe – Three-Bed Condo at Fort Marcy Suites
If you’re looking for the best hotel in Santa Fe for families traveling with young kids, look no further than Fort Marcy Suites. This unique hotel concept offers self-catering rooms, which are all self-contained suites. With your own kitchen, living room, and multiple bedrooms, you won’t have to worry about your kids making a mess in public.
The rooms are beautifully decorated with pops of bright color and interiors influenced by Mexico and the Southwest. The property even includes an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, which welcomes families during the daytime.
Best Hotel in Santa Fe for Backpackers – Queen Room at Hotel Inn Santa Fe
Simple, comfortable, and clean. These are the three foundations of the ideal backpacker’s accommodation. While this inn isn’t a traditional hostel, it offers similar amenities, all for a super low price.
Organized like a budget hotel or motel, the property is a ten-minute drive from downtown Satna Fe and includes an outdoor pool, fitness center, and free parking. The rooms are basic yet comfortable, with fresh linen and towels provided (a luxury for many backpackers).
Best Hotel for a Weekend Trip to Santa Fe – Traditional Double Room at The Lodge at Santa Fe
When you only have a weekend to spend in Santa Fe, you’ll want to stay in a hotel equipped with all the necessities of a short stay. Located on a hill overlooking the city, The Lodge is one of the best hotels in Santa Fe for a weekend visit. Just a short drive from the heart of the town, this spot offers free parking for those with a car.
Built like a traditional adobe building, the property features a central courtyard with an outdoor pool and hot tub and is decorated with classic Southwestern interiors and furnishings.
The Hotel with the Most Epic Location in Santa Fe – Deluxe Double Room at Eldorado Hotel and Spa
Santa Fe is one of the most epic cities to explore by foot, and this hotel in the center is just a stroll away from the historic Plaza and other iconic attractions. Influenced by traditional Southwestern adobe architecture in the pueblo revival style, the hotel is filled with handcrafted native furniture and art.
Guests can enjoy the sunset from the rooftop terrace with a swimming pool overlooking the city and its surroundings. The onsite restaurant and lounge are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving traditional cuisine cooked with the finest local ingredients.
The Most Beautiful Hotel in Santa Fe – Pueblo Double at the Inn & Spa at Loretto
The attention to detail at the Inn & Spa at Loretto is second to none, offering incredible, luxurious accommodations with a traditional flair. Built-in the classic Pueblo revival architecture and lit up with warm lighting, this is easily the best hotel in Santa Fe for its aesthetic appearance.
But it also offers five-star service and incredible facilities, including an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant on site, lounge patio, room service, and fitness center. As the name suggests, the hotel boasts an on-site spa offering world-class treatments for guests.
Best Hotel in Santa Fe for Solo Travelers – Standard Queen Room at El Rey Court
If you’re a solo traveler searching for an affordable hotel that doesn’t skimp on style, El Rey Court will not disappoint. Situated on five acres of gorgeous desert gardens, the hotel features an outdoor pool and gorgeously decorated rooms, each with unique interiors and decorative touches.
Rooms vary from basic queen bedrooms to exclusive king suites. The higher-end rooms will even include a patio and kitchen, while basic rooms offer a coffee machine and mini-fridge.
Best Hotel in Santa Fe for Honeymooners – Hacienda Fireplace King Room at The Hacienda & Spa
With its easy-going atmosphere and flair for adventure, Santa Fe is an incredible location for a honeymoon. The Hacienda & Spa is, without a doubt, the best hotel in Santa Fe for a romantic honeymoon, equipped with all the luxuries you could dream of for your memorable trip.
Nestled on four acres of gardens, the hotel offers unique suites decorated using Native American art and interiors. To make things more luxurious, all guests can access a relaxation spa, enjoy wine and cheese each evening, and have an incredible breakfast every morning. There are even trained butlers who are available any time of the day to take requests and make your stay extra special.
Most Unique Hotel in Santa Fe – Hacienda 5 at The Parador
The Parador is set on a 200-year-old former farmhouse with a unique history. It’s located in the heart of historical Santa Fe and operates as a hybrid hotel with a gourmet fusion breakfast restaurant as a part of your stay.
The hotel also functions as a non-profit for local artists, with a dream of celebrating the merge of intercultural creatives and artistic travelers from across the globe.
While it’s a meeting place for artists, the luxury boutique hotel also offers light-filled rooms with adobe fireplaces, spacious bathrooms and living areas in each room, and of course, incredible artistic interiors, which is exactly what makes this such a unique accommodation in Santa Fe.
Most Traditional Hotel in Santa Fe – Standard King Room at Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
Traditional hotels aren’t too hard to come by in Santa Fe, which is overflowing with unique Pueblo-style buildings. However, for a change of scenery, Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe is set in a colonial-style home that has been beautifully refurbished with a blend of contemporary and traditional interiors.
Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel features spacious rooms with fireplaces and tons of natural light. Guests can enjoy a daily breakfast on the patio overlooking the garden and sip on cocktails at the vibrant bar decorated with Southwestern interiors.
Amazing Luxurious Hotel in Santa Fe – Classic King Room at Hotel St Francis
As one of the best hotels in Santa Fe for luxury seekers, the only issue you will have at the Hotel St Francis is that you won’t want to leave.
Located in Santa Fe’s cultural center, this boutique hotel features traditional pueblo-style interiors with a colonial touch. Refurbished with contemporary interiors, modern appliances, and lush linen, every inch of the hotel shouts opulence.
The rooms are bright and spacious, with plush beds and lavish ensuite bathrooms. You won’t need to leave the hotel for meals, with a gorgeous dining room and bar serving up local delicacies on site.
Don’t Forget Your Santa Fe Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Hotels in Santa Fe
Unlike many other capital cities, Santa Fe offers a unique and enchanting experience for those who visit. You won’t find any high-rise hotels or brand-name chains in this city, which feels more like a small town than a bustling metropolis.
Instead, take advantage of the gorgeous boutique hotel accommodation scattered throughout the city. No matter where you look, you won’t have trouble finding a gorgeous opulent property or a hotel in Santa Fe on a budget. Instead, you’ll be overwhelmed with options of some of the best hotels in Santa Fe, typically featuring traditional adobe architecture, gorgeous Southwestern interiors, and second-to-none service.
Before you fly to Santa Fe from abroad, make sure you have a decent insurance plan to back you up should you injure yourself, lose any luggage or damage a rental car. The premiums are low, but the rewards could be high!
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