Your insider's guide to a night at the Hotel St. Francis in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.
As you first step into the Hotel St. Francis in downtown Santa Fe, you are instantly greeted by a hotel lobby that is both inviting and calming. The soft colors of the Southwest room are accented by minimalist decor in a folk art style. At the center of the serene space is a stone water well surrounded by softly lit candles. I spent some time snuggled into a comfy couch in the quiet lobby, reading beside the giant fireplace.
I could have spent the entire weekend simply hanging out in this peaceful space and been entirely happy. But I was lucky enough to book a room that was even more impressive than the lovely lobby space.
Before I delve into the room details, I want to give some information about room options since I can share some "insider" knowledge as a local. First, let me say that all of the accommodations at this boutique hotel are beautifully furnished and make great use of the historical details while still offering modern amenities. The standard guest rooms offer everything that you need in a simply lovely setting but they are on the smaller side. If you prefer more space when traveling, I highly recommend that you upgrade to the "Deluxe" rooms as it is not a significant price difference but the extra space is more comfortable for some guests. I went with a "Deluxe" room with two queen beds.
Over the last few years, I've traveled quite extensively throughout the Southwest. So I have to admit that I'm a little bit picky about room decor and amenities having experienced so many great hotels. I was certainly not expecting to be so impressed and (quite frankly) in love with this place.
From the moment I first stepped into the room and my feet hit that gorgeous hardwood floor, I knew I was going to love the historical touches. Hotel St. Francis has done an excellent job of offering everything that you need in modern amenities (tv, full bath, wifi, plenty of outlets and lighting) while still preserving the charming touches of this old building. The decor they have selected is minimalist but still retains that southwest feel.
Personally, I believe the true test of a hotel room is always the comfort levels of the bedding. And I can say with absolute certainty that this place did not disappoint! Not only are the mattresses the prefect combination of soft and firm, but the sheets and bedding are the most comfortable of any place I've stayed. Even the color scheme of white and soft grey help to make you feel relaxed and perfectly content to just stay in bed (way longer than anyone should).
All that comfortable bedding and beautiful decor should be enough but I haven't even gotten to my absolute FAVORITE part of the stay. As soon as we entered the accommodations, warm afternoon light and fresh air poured into the room, courtesy of the open windows. It is rare to find a hotel with large picture windows that open to allow you to enjoy the fresh air and view. Our room third floor room, looked down onto the street below and out into the mountains, the perfect combination of downtown and outdoors. I spent quite a bit of time gazing out into the mountains or entranced by the activity on the downtown streets below.
In addition to the stunning accommodations, this hotel also offers a wealth of great amenities. You won't find a crowded hotel pool filled with screaming children, instead Hotel St. Francis focuses on adult luxuries like a fine dining restaurant, an intimate lounge, beautiful outdoor patio, and even a Gruet tasting room. The Secreto Lounge is the perfect place to end your evening with one of their award winning cocktails in a softly lit atmosphere.
As if those amenities were not enough, the Hotel St. Francis also offers standard little luxuries like bottled water in the rooms, WiFi, and morning coffee in the lobby. Parking can sometimes be tricky during tourist season in downtown Santa Fe but they've got that covered too. But the detail that really sealed the deal for me on this boutique hotel was that they are dog friendly. You'll never hear a barking dog or smell their presence but somehow they manage to thoughtfully accomodate furry friends as well.
If you're not yet convinced that this is the downtown Santa Fe hotel for you, let me offer one last piece of advice from a local. If location and proximity to tourist sights is a must for you, there is no better hotel than this one. It is steps from the bustling Santa Fe Plaza, there are numerous downtown hot spots all around, and everything is within walking distance. If you like the idea of parking your car and not touching it again until you're (tearfully) ready to leave, then this hotel's location is perfect for you.
Book now and save up to 30%: https://www.hotelstfrancis.com
