What is reasonable, [be specific]? How long will you being staying - would you want an casita/apt rental so you could cook in and have a sep. bedroom and living room?

Do you want a basic chain type place or something with a bit more character? Do you want to be right in the Plaza [old town] area or are you willing to drive to the plaza for sightseeing?

my one tip. Don't speech in Saguache! Notorious speed trap.

We like inn of the Anasazi but don't know if it is appropriate or what you want with a child.

We want to stay 3-4 nights, prefer a hotel but don't need a kitchen, not too expensive unless it is definitely worth the extra money to get something amazing. Benefit to me would be something that combines quality, pool, amenities for kids and romance opportunities for me and my husband...is there such a place?

We want to be near the plaza. If there was a quaint little rental near the plaza that was kid friendly, that could work too. I am thinking a hotel would be better equipped to help me with a babysitter for nights out.

How do you like the Bishop's Lodge?

would love to know if there are any places to stop for food or activities along the way that would be memorable

It's a little detour, but Taos certainly fills the bill.

On our third visit to Taos we finally toured the Taos Pueblo. Afterward I wondered why we hadn't taken the tour earlier: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/taos/154_indattr.html

HTTY

I'd pass on Bishops Lodge, it is heavily used as business/conference center and is not walking distance to Plaza.

Again, can you give a dollar amount?

I can't think of any hotel that has kids amenities [kids club, is that what you mean?].

Outdoor pools will most likely be closed in September; not sure if any hotels in the Plaza area have indoor pools. The chains motel along Cerrillos Rd may have indoor pools.

Thanks!

I would like to spend less than $200 a night if possible.

I think your budget is very reasonable for September and I think you would find private rentals or a hotel well within that budget. We have used VRBO in Santa Fe and other cities with success. Pools will be hard to find and if so most will close after Labor Day weekend.

Bishop's Lodge has been hit or miss for us in the past. There have been times we've been awakened in the morning to a pep cheer by a corporate retreat outside our window to a very peaceful, serene setting. It certainly offers many activities that you could take advantage of: pool, playground, hiking trails, horseback riding (or taking your toddler to see the horses), and beautiful scenery. They have a shuttle that goes to the plaza if you don't want to drive. Enjoying a glass of wine on their large patio with a fire is quite wonderful. For kid-friendly and a pool this is a good choice as those two requirements are hard to find in Santa Fe.

some suggestions:
http://www.hotelsantafe.com/ Native American owned and operated, a great lounge area, and a wonderful flute player {Ronald Roybal} on select nights. A bit of a walk from Plaza, but they offer free shuttle service in London Taxi cabs!

http://www.innofthegovernors.com/
Great location, free breakfast and a popular choice.

More here:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/santa-fe-for-kids/1

We recently visited Santa Fe and stayed in a casita abaout 10 minutes walk from the Plaza. We loved the space and the location. Check "Santa Fe Trip Report" written by a couple who visited SF with Their toddler. They stayed at the Hyatt Place and really liked it for all of the reasons in their report.