Sante Fe in May- worthwhile?
Jan 7th, 2009, 03:53 PM
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Sante Fe in May- worthwhile?
We have a chance to go to Sante Fe for 3 or 4 days the second week of May. This is a place we have talked about going but never have been there. We would not be able to stay in a resort, most likely we would stay in the Residence Inn. Air fares do not look too expensive.
Is this worthwhile? Are there things to do in the area once you have explored the town?
We have no problems driving a couple hours each day to see signts.
Thanks for your input. We are on the fence whether we want to spend the money.
Is this worthwhile? Are there things to do in the area once you have explored the town?
We have no problems driving a couple hours each day to see signts.
Thanks for your input. We are on the fence whether we want to spend the money.
Jan 7th, 2009, 04:23 PM
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Santa Fe is a nice town and I'd recommend going if you can afford it. Only you know that. To educate yourself on the area, go to www.tripadvisor.com and read the reviews on things to do. I do this often and it provides real travel reviews and feedback for everthing from hotels and restaurants to attractions.
Godspeed...
Godspeed...
Jan 7th, 2009, 04:28 PM
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Definitely, although I'd recommend staying in town if you can. Last time there I stayed at the Hotel Santa Fe - just around the corner from the Plaza and walking distance from everything in town. It gives you the option of browsing in the morning (incl Native American crafts for sale in the Plaza), getting lunch, then resting in the afternoon (vacation time = pm naptime for me!), and heading back out for dinner in the evening.
Within close drive are Los Alamos, Bandelier Natl' Monument (highly recommended) - they can be combined on same day.
If weather is nice there is really good rafting on the Rio Grande, closer to Taos, but some outfitters depart out of Santa Fe.
Taos itself is 1.5hrs or so.
Santa Fe proper isn't a big city, so 3 days would be perfect if you add on the day excursions. Four and you may be feeling is too long.
You need to fly into/out of ABQ, so there are always sights there as well - Sandia Peak and Native Am. sites.
Within close drive are Los Alamos, Bandelier Natl' Monument (highly recommended) - they can be combined on same day.
If weather is nice there is really good rafting on the Rio Grande, closer to Taos, but some outfitters depart out of Santa Fe.
Taos itself is 1.5hrs or so.
Santa Fe proper isn't a big city, so 3 days would be perfect if you add on the day excursions. Four and you may be feeling is too long.
You need to fly into/out of ABQ, so there are always sights there as well - Sandia Peak and Native Am. sites.
Jan 7th, 2009, 04:47 PM
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Staying on or near the Plaza isn't critical. If you can get a place that is and is a good rate, that's fine. You can do the Plaza in a day or less, so being right there isn't a big deal if you can save money [and IF that matters to you] by staying on Cerrillos Road.
Do you like outdoor activities? NM is a great place for hiking, biking, walking etc. May will still find the ground wet, so be prepared.
Are you into art, museums? There are lots of museums and galleries to explore.
Santa Fe is a nice place and the surrounding area is an excellent trip if the activities are those that you are interested in pursuing.
May is windy here, nights are still pretty cool. Rafting on Rio Grande at that time of year will find the river fast and high and COLD! If you go, be sure to find a place that offers wetsuits, seriously.
Check out Santa Fe right here on Fodors by clicking the DESTINATIONS link at top of page.
Also, type in Santa Fe into search box above. There are lots of threads on here about Santa, Albuquerque and Taos.
Albuquerque has many nice things to to do, so consider spending a night and a day there too.
Deb
Do you like outdoor activities? NM is a great place for hiking, biking, walking etc. May will still find the ground wet, so be prepared.
Are you into art, museums? There are lots of museums and galleries to explore.
Santa Fe is a nice place and the surrounding area is an excellent trip if the activities are those that you are interested in pursuing.
May is windy here, nights are still pretty cool. Rafting on Rio Grande at that time of year will find the river fast and high and COLD! If you go, be sure to find a place that offers wetsuits, seriously.
Check out Santa Fe right here on Fodors by clicking the DESTINATIONS link at top of page.
Also, type in Santa Fe into search box above. There are lots of threads on here about Santa, Albuquerque and Taos.
Albuquerque has many nice things to to do, so consider spending a night and a day there too.
Deb
Jan 8th, 2009, 02:10 AM
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What you can do in Santa Fe and the area:
- spend at least two days in Santa Fe (you need this time already for the museums, let alone galleries and shopping)
- spend one day with a daytrip to Bandelier Natl. Monument and Los Alamos
- spend one day with a daytrip to Taos, Taos Pueblo and Chimayo
- spend one day with a daytrip to Albuquerque, with lots to see on the way (ghost town Madrid, Petroglyph Natl. Monument, Coronado State Monument, Tent Rocks Natl. Monument...)
We have spent two full weeks in Santa Fe and still go back from time to time, as we still haven't explored everything (the last time we have been there was Christmas).
BTW, since accomodation tends to be costly in Santa Fe, think about staying in a vacation home. www.vrbo.com
We stayed here:
http://www.twocasitas.com/
- spend at least two days in Santa Fe (you need this time already for the museums, let alone galleries and shopping)
- spend one day with a daytrip to Bandelier Natl. Monument and Los Alamos
- spend one day with a daytrip to Taos, Taos Pueblo and Chimayo
- spend one day with a daytrip to Albuquerque, with lots to see on the way (ghost town Madrid, Petroglyph Natl. Monument, Coronado State Monument, Tent Rocks Natl. Monument...)
We have spent two full weeks in Santa Fe and still go back from time to time, as we still haven't explored everything (the last time we have been there was Christmas).
BTW, since accomodation tends to be costly in Santa Fe, think about staying in a vacation home. www.vrbo.com
We stayed here:
http://www.twocasitas.com/
Jan 8th, 2009, 04:23 AM
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DebitNM is the expert to go to for advice but I would disagree on one point she makes. Don't stay out on Cerrillos Road in a budget hotel( Cerrillos is a main drag that looks like anywhere america..well almost). I always feel sorry for the schmucks who stay out there and have to drive there car into the interesting part of SF, find a place to park and then walk around like a tourist only to have to go back and spend the night with the sound of traffic, and the TV on in a generic hotel room. Wouldn't you rather spend a little more and be able to walk, smell the smells of SF and be in the heart of the beautiful part of the city. I sure would.
Jan 8th, 2009, 06:35 AM
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Hardly the expert [but thanks for thinking so artman
], but just trying to offer a bit of a money saving idea for hilda, who seems to be on a bit of a budget.
We just spent 4 days in SF last week. I know since I was a local for so long, my ideas are a bit different than a visitor, but it seemed that hilda was looking to save some $$.
With only 3 or 4 days for a trip, it seemed to me that hilda would maybe only spend 1 day on the plaza itself and then want to do other things in different areas.
That is what made me suggest staying on Cerrillos. Yes, the rooms are pretty generic and it will take 15 minutes to drive in and time to park. But if you only go in once, it isn't so bad.
If she goes a day to Taos, and a day to ABQ and then spends a day in Bandolier or even on Museum Hill, she won't have the need to be on the Plaza.
There are many really places to eat dinner that are not on the plaza, so that isn't a factor as much either.
We stayed at the Fairfield Inn on Cerrillos and Airport Road. Our room faced east [non road side] and was very quiet and clean.
I would always prefer to stay at a 5 star, resort type place. But some trips, such as this one, didn't seem to warrant the cost. We were hardly in the room.
There are also nice little condo's that can be had for a reasonable price, should hilda want to do that.
We need some more specific info from her [price range, what she wants to do etc] to be more help to her.
Deb
], but just trying to offer a bit of a money saving idea for hilda, who seems to be on a bit of a budget. We just spent 4 days in SF last week. I know since I was a local for so long, my ideas are a bit different than a visitor, but it seemed that hilda was looking to save some $$.
With only 3 or 4 days for a trip, it seemed to me that hilda would maybe only spend 1 day on the plaza itself and then want to do other things in different areas.
That is what made me suggest staying on Cerrillos. Yes, the rooms are pretty generic and it will take 15 minutes to drive in and time to park. But if you only go in once, it isn't so bad.
If she goes a day to Taos, and a day to ABQ and then spends a day in Bandolier or even on Museum Hill, she won't have the need to be on the Plaza.
There are many really places to eat dinner that are not on the plaza, so that isn't a factor as much either.
We stayed at the Fairfield Inn on Cerrillos and Airport Road. Our room faced east [non road side] and was very quiet and clean.
I would always prefer to stay at a 5 star, resort type place. But some trips, such as this one, didn't seem to warrant the cost. We were hardly in the room.
There are also nice little condo's that can be had for a reasonable price, should hilda want to do that.
We need some more specific info from her [price range, what she wants to do etc] to be more help to her.
Deb
Jan 8th, 2009, 10:12 AM
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I ran the dates of May 6-10th for lodging to see what rates would pop up and you can stay in the downtown area under $100 night at:
Garrett's Desert Inn -- just off of the main plaza. Great location and near restaurants, too. Nothing fancy.
Santa Fe Sage Inn -- friend stayed there and loved the clean, large rooms for a great rate.
The Hilton would be a little more and right there off of the plaza area. We just stayed there and would recommend it.
vrbo.com and craig's list.org are good places for lodging, too. You can find many places that are very nice, kitchens and good locations for much less than a hotel. And has a lot more Santa Fe charm, too!
You have lots of recommendations for things to do so far.
Can't help you on the part about spending the money. We love it there (just returned from 11 days) and you can see it on a budget or luxury. It's good both ways.
May is very nice, too!
Garrett's Desert Inn -- just off of the main plaza. Great location and near restaurants, too. Nothing fancy.
Santa Fe Sage Inn -- friend stayed there and loved the clean, large rooms for a great rate.
The Hilton would be a little more and right there off of the plaza area. We just stayed there and would recommend it.
vrbo.com and craig's list.org are good places for lodging, too. You can find many places that are very nice, kitchens and good locations for much less than a hotel. And has a lot more Santa Fe charm, too!
You have lots of recommendations for things to do so far.
Can't help you on the part about spending the money. We love it there (just returned from 11 days) and you can see it on a budget or luxury. It's good both ways.
May is very nice, too!
Jan 9th, 2009, 08:45 AM
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I know this isn't about May, but I thought you would enjoy reading this about winter in Santa Fe:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/09....html?emc=eta1
Deb
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/09....html?emc=eta1
Deb
Jan 9th, 2009, 09:14 AM
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Just want to bring your attention to the El Rey Inn, where I stayed in October. It is wonderful value for the money, and also includes a hearty continental breakfast.
http://www.elreyinnsantafe.com/
It is a renovated, original Inn from when Cerrillos Road was Route 66. The rooms are set back far enough that you hear nothing. There's also a gym. You park your car right outside your room.
An added benefit is that it is less than 3 minutes from La Choza, the casual sister restaurant of The Shed. Yum!
My BF and I stayed for 3 days and that was enough. My BF is not a big museum-goer, and I didn't visit any, much to my disappointment. We did a wonderful hike at Tent Rocks National Monument, which was about 30 minutes from downtown. We spent over 4 hours there.
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/rec...ent_rocks.html
You can hunt for my trip report from October. My BF and I did 6 days in Santa Fe and Taos on a budget.
http://www.elreyinnsantafe.com/
It is a renovated, original Inn from when Cerrillos Road was Route 66. The rooms are set back far enough that you hear nothing. There's also a gym. You park your car right outside your room.
An added benefit is that it is less than 3 minutes from La Choza, the casual sister restaurant of The Shed. Yum!
My BF and I stayed for 3 days and that was enough. My BF is not a big museum-goer, and I didn't visit any, much to my disappointment. We did a wonderful hike at Tent Rocks National Monument, which was about 30 minutes from downtown. We spent over 4 hours there.
http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/rec...ent_rocks.html
You can hunt for my trip report from October. My BF and I did 6 days in Santa Fe and Taos on a budget.
Jan 9th, 2009, 09:33 AM
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I've gone to Santa Fe 5 times since April '08 (most recent stay in Dec.) and have stayed each time at Sage Inn in a superior rm in the back of the hotel. Love it, quiet clean, friendly, and the superior rms have some southwest decor, etc. And it is $62 a night now, great deal w/nice breakfast included, and it was $76 in May. What a bargain in a mostly overpriced town.
I do not feel like a poor shmuck at all staying here. It is not really "out on Cerillos rd." (I consider "out" on Cerillos to be past St. Francis, like El Rey). It is across the st. from La Choza, great place for lunch and inexpensive sopapillas to die for (owned by same people who own the Shed). Behind the hotel is a Whole Foods store, very convenient for grabbing snacks or drinks for the rm. I drive a few blocks to the plaza and park in the public town lot on Water St for $4, central to the Plaza. No big deal at all. I love that hotel and have no desire to look further, at that rate it is great.
There is much to do. In 16 days total I have not covered it all. Great museums (not just O'Keefe, but the ones out on Museum Hill, esp the Internatl Fold Art Museum, very cool), hiking out on Upper Canyon Rd., Ten Thousand Waves to rent an outdoor private spa w/waterfall under the stars, good live music at El Farol and places by the rail yard, great restaurants, wonderful shopping and art. I have always wanted to get out of Santa Fe, 45 min to Abiquiu where O'Keefe's ranch is and the wonderful landscapes, but have not made it there yet.
I do not feel like a poor shmuck at all staying here. It is not really "out on Cerillos rd." (I consider "out" on Cerillos to be past St. Francis, like El Rey). It is across the st. from La Choza, great place for lunch and inexpensive sopapillas to die for (owned by same people who own the Shed). Behind the hotel is a Whole Foods store, very convenient for grabbing snacks or drinks for the rm. I drive a few blocks to the plaza and park in the public town lot on Water St for $4, central to the Plaza. No big deal at all. I love that hotel and have no desire to look further, at that rate it is great.
There is much to do. In 16 days total I have not covered it all. Great museums (not just O'Keefe, but the ones out on Museum Hill, esp the Internatl Fold Art Museum, very cool), hiking out on Upper Canyon Rd., Ten Thousand Waves to rent an outdoor private spa w/waterfall under the stars, good live music at El Farol and places by the rail yard, great restaurants, wonderful shopping and art. I have always wanted to get out of Santa Fe, 45 min to Abiquiu where O'Keefe's ranch is and the wonderful landscapes, but have not made it there yet.
Jan 9th, 2009, 11:35 AM
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Another recommendation for Two Casitas. I much prefer staying in a casita over a hotel anyday and it is often a little less expensive. We went over Thanksgiving weekend (arrived on Thanksgiving, left the following Tuesday) and had no trouble filling the days with things to do -- and we didn't do half of what was possible.
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