Murray On Travel

In the past the La Posada Resort was my default property recommendation for visitors to Santa Fe.  But shortly after arrival at La Posada, I suspected that I wasn't in for a repeat of my wonderful previous visits.  Located 2-3 blocks from the plaza this is the largest property I reviewed in Santa Fe.

At the front desk I was handed my key-card along with a poorly photocopied sheet of paper describing this once iconic Santa Fe hotel.  My room number was hastily written at the top of the page.  The flier describing the hotel had typos and in places was so lightly printed I could barely read it. La Posada website link.

Another bad sign was an eaten apple core on the patio area outside of the room.  Not long after entering the room I took off my shoes and quickly noticed a big wet spot on the carpet.  I called the front desk and they called back telling me that housekeeping knew it was wet.  They had cleaned a spot earlier in the day.  They said it should be dry by now.  I requested that someone bring some towels to soak up some of remaining water.  They got most of it up but the next morning it was still damp.  I'm still amazed that a resort of this caliber would put a guest into a room with a known problem.

Room #138 was categorized as a "Classic" room.  It was a bit dark but the bed was very comfortable with nice linens and the room was quiet.  The AC was a little loud but I didn't need it.  The room was decorated nicely with items appropriate to the Southwest adobe style of the resort. I liked the adjustable goose neck LED reading light on the bedside lamp.

The room had plenty of storage and closet space.  One oddity however: a newrefrigerator was sitting on the floor against one wall with its marketing sticker on the front selling me on its features and specifications.  Very tacky!  I wonder why they didn't place the refrigerator into the base of the TV cabinet.  It appears to have been designed to hold a fridge.

It included a small but usable desk with a beautiful mirror above it.  My WiFi signal was marginal and download speeds were slow. RESORT FEE $30.  Checkout was 11am.  I called to ask about checkout time and no offer was given to extend it. I asked for an extra hour and they agreed.  In room coffee with tea and cocoa was available.  After messing with the "broken" coffee pot I realized it wasn't plugged in.  Pre-programmed buttons on phone for Reception, Concierge, etc. did not work.

The bath was spacious and well lighted.  There was only a shower in this room.  Bath amenities were plentiful.  Towels were nice but haphazardly hung.

The grounds are pleasant with paths that snake around the property leading to the various guest rooms.  A large central fountain is beautiful at night.  A variety of art work is placed along the walking paths as are moving wind sculptures.  Santa Fe has lots of beautiful artwork, here is a link to some art tour info.

This resort changed from a top notch Rockresort hotel to something else in April of 2012.  My stay was 3 months after this change and Rockresort branding was still visible in several places.

There was a small pool with some services.  The resort provides a large fitness room with a variety equipment.

I did not dine at the La Posada's Fuego Restaurant. I walked into town for dinner.  Room service is available.  The hotel's Stabb House Lounge is located in the historic central house which is a historic Santa Fe spot.

I cannot recommend the La Posada De Santa Fe at this time.  This used to be an amazing resort and one of the best in Santa Fe.  I would now suggest you consider other options.  This disappointing visit won't remove the memory of an amazing winter weekend several years earlier however.  Maybe they can make a comeback.

The Inn Of The Anasazi is less than a block from the historic central plaza of Santa Fe.  If you are looking for one of the finest hotels in Santa Fe this is the place.

The high level service starts when you arrive at the curb and it continues until your departure.  The Inn's design and attention to detail is visible at every turn.  The Inn is part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts brand.

Every aspect of room #322 echoed the history and charm that makes Santa Fe so special.  This "Traditional" category room was large, very comfortable and quiet.  Bed linens on the four poster bed were top rate.  Noise levels from the AC/Heating unit were quiet at all fan speeds.

The wood vigas ceiling, fireplace and lounge chair all added to the luxury of the room.  The evening turn-down service leaves fresh cookies and a printed card with a short story from the Native American culture of the Santa Fe area.  The WiFi signal was strong with acceptable speed.  The room offers plenty of storage.  Inside the good sized closet is a small safe, slippers, iron and ironing board.

The bath amenities are amazing including a honey scrub, pinon eucalyptus bath gel, shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer.   Two bathrobes are provided.  Towels are fluffy and plentiful.  Here is a list of things to do in Santa Fe.

Beautiful works of art are not only found in the public spaces of the Inn, but also in the guest rooms.  I include light fixtures with the art....they are all unique and beautiful.

Anasazi Restaurant is located just off the lobby and offers contemporary American cuisine using seasonal ingredients.  It includes a bar and sidewalk patio.  Room service is available from 6am to 11pm.  Box lunches are also available to make your day exploring the Santa Fe area complete.

A small but well furnished library offers a comfortable space to linger.  The Inn of the Anasazi has facilities for meetings and special events.  The Inn does not have a fitness room or gym but they have an elliptical machine and stationary bicycle for in-room use.

From the lemonade and cookies in the library to the courteous staff the Anasazi may well be the best hotel in Santa Fe.

The Desert Inn is a short 3 block walk from the historic central plaza in Santa Fe and is the closest traditional motel to the plaza.  Like the sign out front says this is probably the best deal for an accommodation this close to the plaza.  It is especially good for travelers with kids and lots of stuff.

Since the "M" in motel stands for "Motor", as in a hotel designed for motorists, it is odd that they charge you extra to park your car.  But then again due to its great location they must get lots of tourists who arrive by shuttle and explore the area on foot.

For the most part room #211 is a very standard motel room.  However the bathroom area is very retro mid-century modern and well maintained for an older property.  Click Here for the Inns website.

The bed was comfortable but the air conditioner was a bit loud.  The furniture gave no indication you were in Santa Fe, one of New Mexico's most historic towns.

The last standard definition TV I'd seen was over a year ago in an old room at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.  I'm not that surprised to see a non-HD TV here at Garrett's Desert Inn since it is a hotel for the budget-sensitive traveler.  However the old fashioned TV does cheapen the experience.

WiFi speeds were slow and at one point it was offline for a few hours.  When working the speed was OK: Download: 2.50, Upload: 2.59.  I did not try the small breakfast / lunch spot located just next to the Garrett's Desert Inn.  There was no in-room refrigerator.

Plenty of closet space and lots of room for suitcases and gear.  Room was large and clean.  Learn more about vacationing in New Mexico.

I suspect the retro style of the bathroom dates back to the origins of this hotel.  It is clean and the fixtures were well maintained.  Minimal amenities were provided.

Since this is more of a family hotel the pool was active with kids who appeared to be having a great time.  I suspect their parents were out seeing the sights of Santa Fe while the kids did belly flops into the water.