The Oldest Of Historic Hotels In Santa Fe: Hotel St. Francis

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Of All The Historic Hotels In Santa Fe, Welcome To The Oldest One

Honestly, thank goodness for Hotel St. Francis. They had no idea what the prior few days of my trip had entailed—car breakdowns, schedule changes, hours and hours of unplanned driving. Not to mention a visit to urgent care the day before. They also had no idea I’d just driven several hours on prescription antihistamines and was completely exhausted either. And, when I arrived [probably inappropriately] early for check-in, Holly at the front desk couldn’t have been kinder or more welcoming.

I was able to offload my luggage, park off-street, and explore the city for a short time, before I received a text that my room was ready. Super early. It allowed me to just… take a breath and freshen up a little before running to a sold out art exhibit with timed tickets. It’s exactly the kind of break I needed at that moment… from one of the most established hotels in Santa Fe. Completely above and beyond after a series of crazy events. So, a huge thank you to Holly and staff!

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Appreciating And Preserving The Oldest Hotels In Santa Fe

Hotel St. Francis is more than a century old and holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Right when you walk into the lobby, you can see the level of care Heritage Hotels & Resorts has placed on preserving the character of the property. A fire had actually destroyed the original hotel in 1922, but the original lobby mantlepiece and a single pane of glass from the building remain.

The hotel’s serene design and decor are inspired by the Franciscan Monastery Order. Some of the religious artwork in the lobby dates back centuries, and wooden chests displayed on the upper floors go back to El Camino Real. The main light fixture in the stairwell is from Santa Fe’s original capitol building, while the luggage carts are crafted from the hotel’s original wooden beds.

While you’ll find one-of-a-kind artwork and furniture crafted by local artisans throughout the premises, a particularly notable item is a statue of Saint Francis in the lobby… carved from a single piece of wood.

Exceptional Bar & Restaurant Options Await

Not only is Hotel St. Francis‘ staff incredibly hospitable, and the property impressively historical, the bar and dining options are pretty exceptional as well. I was greeted with a bottle of Gruet Cabernet Sauvignon upon entering my room. …From the Gruet tasting room at the hotel. That’s right—I can do an entire Gruet wine tasting on a gorgeous patio just outside, or I can have an in-room tasting if I so choose to.

I could also savor some award-winning craft cocktails at Secreto Lounge, or dine at one of Santa Fe’s best new restaurants—the Market Steer Steakhouse. Hotel St. Francis offers only the best bar and restaurant options for whatever it is you crave.

The Most Relaxing Rooms In One Of The Oldest Hotels In Santa Fe

Everything about Hotel St. Francis exudes calm and serenity. And the rooms are no different. Rustic wood furniture with white walls and linens create a light, airy, fresh, and clean setting. Perfect for recalibrating—wine in hand—or just plain resting.

My room overlooked the plaza across the street, and I got a restful night’s sleep with the windows open and a cool mountain breeze coming in. The sinks are in-room and separated from the shower and toilet, perfect for couples. I also appreciated that they provided a make-up remover wipe (because the towels are white!).

A Keurig was provided upon request and I was able to enjoy a cup of coffee as the sun came up over the city. It truly struck me as a sort of quintessential Santa Fe morning. And, after a rather “exciting” few days on the road, I couldn’t have asked for more.

Centrally Located In Old Town Santa Fe

I’m not sure how big I thought the physical area of Santa Fe would be, but I suppose I expected it to be bigger than it actually was. At least the old town, downtown area, anyway. The location of Hotel St. Francis was incredible regardless. It’s super centrally located, right across the street from a small plaza, and provides off-street parking just off to the side of the property.

One of the best things Holly provided me was an illustrated map of old town Santa Fe, along with all her favorite sights. Santa Fe’s Historic Plaza is just a block or two away and Santa Fe’s three historic churches—the St. Francis Cathedral, the Loretto Chapel, and the San Miguel Mission—are a short, really pleasant walk from the hotel.

Pretty much everything is a short walk away—the New Mexico State Capitol, the New Mexico Museum of Art, the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Railyard Arts District, and Canyon Road featuring over 100 galleries and boutiques.

A Recommendation For Hotel St. Francis

I always want more time to explore everywhere I go, but I really wanted more time in Santa Fe. And Hotel St. Francis just added to the entire experience. I’m more than happy to recommend a stay at Hotel St. Francis. It was, quite frankly, a perfect stay. And exactly what I needed.

Hotel St. Francis Contact Information

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