Accomodation with character in Santa Fe and Boulder
 

My folks and I are traveling to the Santa De area, then to Colorado. I've never been to Boulder but it sounds like a neat city. Please advise me if this is not the case! Anyone know of neat places to stay in or around either city? We don't have a set-in-stone itinerary and are open to suggestions about where to go. We're not into ritz, we're into character and charm.

In Santa Fe, I always stay at the El Rey Inn. On Cerrillos Road, a few miles from the main plaza, it's an old motor court inn from the 1930s that's been expanded. Landscaping and individual touches abound. The prices are reasonable, with a nice free continental breakfast (including flavored tortillas) and it's loaded with charm. Ask for a room on the "old side."

However, if you'd rather stay right in the middle of things, I think the LaFonda would be really nice. It's more pricey, but seems packed with southwestern charm and is within walking distance to so many sites, shops, restaurants, etc. Have a wonderful time!

In Boulder stay at the Mapleton Inn B&B, near the Pearl Street Mall. Excellent hosts & accomodations, great morning breakfasts, short walk to the mall (try the Cheesecake Factory restaurant), & about a 40 min. drive away from Rocky Mt. National Park.

Last month, my family stayed at the Santa Fe Motel and Inn, based on a recommendation on this board. We'll defintely return to this place. It was reasonbly priced for Santa Fe ($89), and 10 minutes (strolling) from the plaza. A good continental breakfast was included. The furnishings were rustic southwest style, and there were quilts on the beds. Very charming and a good value.

In Boulder try the historic Boulderado Hotel - loads of character and charm. And it is located one block from the Pearl Street mall - an open air four block long pedestrian mall full of shops and restaurants. With apologies to Gary I would avoid the Cheesecake Factory and go for one of the locally owned restaurants like 14th Street Bar and Grill or The Mediterraean (or The Med as the locals call it). Have a drink on the rooftop bar of the West End Tavern for great mountain views. Take a hike on one of the nearby mountain trails within walking distance from your hotel.

Thank you all for your help! The specifics are great...keep 'em coming! My dad and I are especially concerned with meals...we love to eat good food in amazing surroundings so any place like this you know of in (or between) Santa Fe and Boulder would be helpful!

Hi

We stayed at the Hotel Plaza Real, about a block from the downtown plaza and almost next to the Inn of the Annasazi. The hotel was great - reasonable (less than 100) very Sante Fe decor with the kiva fireplaces and very comfy beds. It's still listed on the hotel sites for Santa Fe.

I can't help on Boulder - went to Vail instead.

In Santa Fe, check out Marias for great Mexican food and one of the best margaritias you'll find -- I think they have 42 varities. While on the plaza, I always enjoy lunch at the Plaza Cafe... different, kind of old authentic route 66 atomosphere...you'll have to see for yourself. I don't know if these locations qualify as "amazing" but as I like to say, they have "good vibes."

I'm repeating myself, as it's been well over a year since we were in Santa Fe (and as you'll see if you search this site, which you should do), but my favorite restaurants in SF were, in no order: La Casa Sena (the more formal restaurant for dinner, not the opera cafe), Geronimo, Daniel (romantic Italian), the Shed. I also liked the Plaza Cafe...pretty much any place in SF is going to dish up amazing red and green chile sauce and posole. We loved the atmosphere in the Dragon Room, which is the bar adjacent to the Pink Adobe--very funky, friendly, a real bar, you know?? Been there forever, looked like. The food at the Pink Adobe was mediocre, I think it's past its prime, but cruises by on its history, which is indeed impressive.
We stayed at the Inn on the Alameda, which did not have real character or charm--it was very nice, though, comfy and cozy, with fireplace, and served a great b'fast. In general, I'd recommend staying within walking distance of the Plaza; to stroll back after dinner through the streets of Santa Fe, by moonlight if at all possible, is a rare treat! Enjoy!

Hi there, You made a good decision to visit Boulder, it is a beautiful town. Some of the best places to eat in Boulder are: Dolan's (on Arapahoe and Folsom), Oasis (local brewpub on Walnut), Zolo Grill (Arapahoe and 26th), and a Boulder favorite--The Sink (on "The Hill").

Definately stay away from the corporate owned Cheesecake Factory because if you don't have one in your hometown now, you soon will!

Oh, by the way, a MUST is the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House (1770 13th St), it is gorgeous and original.

Thanks Hushpuppy! I'm from Houston and nestled in the #1 tourist attraction--the mall--is a Cheesecake Factory! You're recommendations are very helpful, no one but you responded to my Boulder queries, even on Chowhound.com!

In Santa Fe, I would thoroughly recommend La Fonda. If you have a little more to spend, consider one of their nice suites. We also like staying outside the city in Rancho Encantado - lots of charm and very nice people. Ditto the restaurant recommendation for Maria's Kitchen; and we really like to have dinner at El Nido.

Best Boulder restaurants:
The Mediterranean (10th and Walnut)
Boulder Chop House or Brasserie 10-10 (both across the street from the Mediterranean.
14th Bar and Grill - 14th and Pearl
Flagstaff House - for a splurge
BTW Oasis brewery is closed down and never was located on Walnut. Maybe the poster is thinking of Walnut Brewery - another brew pub which is on Walnut and has decent food and excellent beer.

mp413: I live in Boulder, the Oasis is closed. Dolans is a great restaurant and they have good lunch specials for $5.95, Wednesdays is Prime rib, fridays is Fish and Chips and they are the best. Did everyone forget about Chataqua Park restaurant? Flagstaff House is great but plan on spending $155 for two, we were there in June and that was without alcohol. Efrains has the best mexican food, and in Santa Fe eat at the old depot for great mexican, think it's Antonita's. You can't go wrong with mexican food there. The Med, 13th street grill, Lucille's for breakfast, it's in a little house just off the square in Boulder, are all good. Remember the college is here and Boulder is going to be packed, there is a lot of road construction going on and the traffic is terrible. The mall is dead all the stores are gone except for Foleys. We have a new mall between Louisvill and Broomfield called Flatirons Mall, it's very nice, lots of restaurants. if you need anything else, email me at [email protected]

Hello Dollie
It's the 14th Street Grill. Oh, well. We have been going there ever since they opened. Locally owned and operated. The closed down mall is the old enclosed shopping center, the downtown Pearl Street Mall fortunately is alive and well although the city of Boulder has managed to have construction happening on nearly every downstown street simultaneously. Very frustrating.

Hi BoulderCo: yes, your are right, I had to go to the Daily Camera today and I couldn't believe the construction. It took forever to get to Pearl Street, but the new buildings look good!
So I would stay away from the Walnut Brewery and the MED, unless you park and walk. The traffic may be better at night, I haven't been down there in the evening.