Santa Fe is a huge city in the state of New Mexico and a hip place for young people. The architecture of the city is captivating, with old brick buildings and beautiful strolls; some artists enjoy working there because of the interesting surroundings.
Santa Fe’s historic hotels are a must for anyone looking for a truly unique experience. These hotels are located in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and have been around since the 1800s. The historic buildings offer some of the most stunning views in the United States.
Interestingly, some of them are old, in which case this article will discuss, particularly the ten oldest hotels in Santa Fe.
10. The Inn of Five Graces
Year Established: 1996
Location: 150 E De Vargas St.
Architects: Ira and Sylvia Seret
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: uniqhotels.com
Sharif Seret assumed control of the Inn of Five Graces in October 2009, bringing a laser-like commitment to building a top-notch hotel with unmatched service.
Seret raised the bar for service, facilities, and the guest experience quickly, making The Inn of the Five Graces the best hotel in New Mexico and one of the best in the country.
Did You Know?
The Five Graces refers to a belief from Eastern philosophy that the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste are interconnected.
9. Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Year Established: 1990
Location: 113 Washington Avenue
Architects: Jim Rimelspach
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: tripadvisor.com
The word Anasazi, which means “Ancient Ones” in Navajo, refers to a wide spectrum of individuals from many cultures and geographical places who created a sophisticated society that thrived 700 years ago. The living areas were artistically designed and situated, and their material culture and way of life were of the highest caliber.
The Rosewood Inn strives to incorporate the Anasazi people’s morals and aesthetics into its everyday operations. They were successful because they coexisted peacefully with nature and each other in their demanding environment.
Did You Know?
The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi ranks number two among the best hotels in Santa Fe.
8. Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
Year Established: 1990
Location: 125 Washington Avenue
Architects: Kris Lajeskie
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: hotelchimayo.com
This hotel welcomes tourists by commemorating the history of the Village of Chimayó, which is inspired by more than 400 years of creative heritage. In Santa Fe, the Hotel Chimayó has the biggest suites.
The majority of the 56 roomy guest rooms have individual balconies that face out onto the courtyard and comfortable wood-burning stoves.
The best place to unwind with a cocktail and indulge in gourmet wood-fired Hawt Pizza is Low ‘n Slow Lowrider Bar. The specialty drinks that are served to guests are created by skilled mixologists and add to the memorable car-themed experience.
Did You Know?
A portion of the hotel’s profits will be donated to the Cultural Preservation Association, which is working to preserve the culture, photographs, and documents of Chimayo.
7. The Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Hotel
Year Established: 1973
Location: 100 Sandoval St.
Architects: Nunzio M. DeSantis
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: phgcdn.com
One of the city’s most illustrious families was the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, which was built in 1625. A 300-year-old establishment was enlarged and repaired to maintain its architectural integrity and distinctive history as part of the unique cultural legacy of the romantic Southwest.
The friendly welcome of this ancient residence dates back many years, to Padre Ramon Ortiz. Padre Ramon Ortiz, a parish priest from Mexico City and a direct descendant of notable Spanish colonists, helped underprivileged young men and their families by offering them housing and an education.
Did You Know?
Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Hotel was previously known as the Santa Fe Hilton Hotel Inn.
6. Inn of the Governors
Year Established: 1965
Location: 101 W Alameda St.
Architects: Jefferson Vander Wolk
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: tripadvisor.com
The garage naturally changed into a GM dealership in 1960. Around this period, Santa Fe started to gain a reputation as a popular tourist resort. As a result, in 1965, Mr. Jeff Vander Wolk made plans to construct the Inn of the Governors’ initial 80 rooms. Santa Fe’s infrastructure was obviously shaped by the tourism industry by 1985, and the number of hotel rooms in the city increased.
Dr. Deming‘s quality systems idea was adopted by the Inn of the Governors as they started their own quality journey in 1995. Through this approach, Mr. Vander Wolk also integrated ideas from New Corp Steel and Lincoln Electric.
Did You Know?
During the warmer summers, ice was kept in the grotto where the inn now stands during that time. This plot changed from being an ice cavern in the early 1900s to a livery stable in the 1950s to an auto shop.
5. El Rey Inn
Year Established: 1936
Location: 1862 Cerrillos Rd.
Architects: Unknown
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: spacecrafted.com
There were just 12 rooms at El Rey Court when it first opened in 1936. The hotel was constructed in the typical adobe design of Northern New Mexico. The hotel’s developer was also in charge of building El Vado, a hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one hour to the south. Despite the fact that the same developer developed both of these hotels, they have never been owned by the same person.
The property was bought in 2016 by the present owners, Jeff Burns, Matt Comfort, and Jay and Alison Carroll. In 2018, the facility underwent renovations that included renaming it The El Rey Court and converting the breakfast room into a mezcal bar, among other changes.
Did You Know?
El Rey Court was replaced by El Rey Inn for the hotel in the 1990s.
4. Drury Plaza Hotel In Santa Fe
Year Established: 1929
Location: 828 Paseo De Peralta
Architects: Mark Hogan
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: hotel-scoop.com
In 1929, the 24-story steel and concrete building was completed. The first three levels of the Drury Plaza Hotel were then occupied by the bank, with various tenants occupying the remaining floors.
The structure has undergone substantial refurbishment over the years, but all of its original elements, including stained-glass windows, marble, and travertine embellishments, have been meticulously conserved. The 1920s-era crystal chandeliers that hung in the foyer are still there for guests to enjoy.
Did You Know?
It is known that the Drury Plaza Hotel is located inside the old Alamo National Bank Building.
3. La Fonda On The Plaza
Year Established: 1922
Location: 100 E San Francisco St.
Architects: Isaac Rapp
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: lafondasantafe.com
According to city records, it was built on the location of the town’s original inn, which was built when the city was founded by Spaniards in 1607. La Fonda on the Plaza is an integral part of a rich tapestry of hospitality that stretches back to American freedom, earning it a prized place in Santa Fe history.
The adobe building went through a number of ownership changes as the years went by, surviving significant events like the Civil War, the growth of the railroad, and the statehood of New Mexico while retaining its role as a Santa Fe monument.
The hotel gained popularity as a place to stay for trappers, soldiers, gold-seekers, gamblers, and politicians during the 19th century.
Did You Know?
In recent years, La Fonda, as the oldest hotel in Santa Fe, has emerged as one of Santa Fe’s top tourist attractions.
2. Hotel St. Francis
Year Established: 1889
Location: 210 Don Gaspar Avenue
Architects: Martinez Architecture Studio
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: chambersarchitects.com
It was originally constructed as the De Vargas. The Hotel St. Francis provides its visitors with a singular experience through the use of straightforward sacred art from the Franciscan tradition.
The ancient Hotel St. Francis, which bears the name of Santa Fe’s patron saint, captures the true essence of the old town. A palette of natural hues evoking the era of Santa Fe’s early Franciscan missions is used in the décor, which also includes handcrafted wood furniture made by local craftsmen who were inspired by the Palace of the Governors.
Did You Know?
You can see, throughout the lobby and hallways, the artifacts from New Mexico and old black-and-white photos of the city’s early history.
1. La Posada Santa Fe
Year Established: 1882
Location: 330 E Palace Avenue
Architects: Unknown
Still in Business: Yes
photo source: phgcdn.com
La Posada Santa Fe is the oldest hotel in Santa Fe. In the center of Santa Fe, businessman Abraham Staab constructed a three-story palace in the French Second Empire style in 1882. It was Santa Fe’s first residence made of brick. Staab, his wife, and their six kids lived on the farm.
According to some legends, Julia Schuster Staub, Abraham’s wife, haunts the place. Abraham passed away in 1913, and Julia in 1896. Robert H. Nason of Chicago bought the Staab house and the adjacent land in 1930. On the plot, Nason constructed a 30-apartment Santa Fe-style structure.
The Dick Riley-designed and -built apartment complex, known as La Posada, debuted in 1935. Eight apartments were also created from the old home. The La Posada Inn and the Cactus Tea Room were later constructed by Nason. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey S. Durand Jr. leased the inn in 1953.
Did You Know?
The hotel was then given the name “La Posada,” a Spanish name which translates to “inn” or “resting place.”
