My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Santa Fe/Taos the week of Oct. 10. We are looking for budget hotels -- not hostels, but something that is around $100 a night. We are in our late 30s/early 40s and would rather save money on a (safe) place just for sleeping and spend it on restaurants and art (and hiking but that is free). I did a solo trip to Santa Fe in October 1998 and stayed at a very nice and funky place called the El Rey Inn on Cerillos Road. It was recommended in the NYTimes that year. Is that still a good choice? In December an article by the "Frugal Traveler" in the NYTimes said he stayed at the Santa Fe Suites. It's got a kitchen. The web site says it is close to the highway. Does anyone know anything about that?

Thanks so much.

Sage Inn.

Garrett's Desert Inn is close in price to El Rey, and has a much better location. I've never stayed there, though.

http://www.garrettsdesertinn.com/index.html

thanks very much, i'll take a look at their web sites.

That time period is still pretty much a big demand season.

Garrett's is a typical, plain motel like place.

Here are a list of some nice VRBO's condos near the plaza that might work for you.

They may be a bit more than your $100, but worth it.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35111589

Deb

Isn't there an EconoLodge close to the center of town? If it is still called that, it was VERY convenient and reasonable (but nothing to really write home about.....)

>>Isn't there an EconoLodge close to the center of town?<<

There is a Travelodge near downtown. The Econo Lodge is farther south on Cerrillos.

Santa Fe Suites is near St. Francis and I-25, but it's far enough from the freeway that I don't think you'd have a problem with traffic noise.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on Cerrillos last February, and it was just fine for our needs - clean, a comfy bed, and free breakfast.

Lee Ann

As mentioned, October will be high season so unfortunately it isn't the best time for inexpensive lodging. However, it is one of the most beautiful times to be in Santa Fe/Taos.

El Rey is a very popular place to stay as well as safe. Also, Sage Inn is close. A friend stayed there recently and said it was clean, comfortable and affordable. I'm not a fan of Garrett's Desert Inn. It has a great location but that the only positive quality from my experience. I did see someone recently post who had a good experience so check it out.

Santa Fe Suites isn't a bad location either. You'll be close to Albertson's and 285 which will take you to Taos. Not bad at all. And I think Travel_Addict stays there. I'll send her an email and check it out. If it is the same place she really likes it for the value and amenities.

BeachGirl

Yes, the El Rey is still a fun, funky place to stay. We spent three nights there in june 07 in the back building of suites. Supposedly the renovated rooms, still with some '60s kitsch but also far enough from the street so you don't hear the traffic. Loved the charming little nooks and crannies throughout the grounds. Their home made muffins and free breakfast were nice little extras as well as their sparkling CLEAN pool. They now have a little business center in the lobby, too.

Looks like I'll put Sage Inn on the short list with El Rey and Santa Fe Suites. I loved staying at the El Rey in 1998 -- I felt safe there traveling alone and it was clean and brightly lit.

Does anyone have any ideas for a place to stay in Taos?

thanks!

Hi hikrchick,

Its been a few years but in Taos we stayed at the Sagebrush Inn. We chose it because Georgia O'Keefe was said to have stayed and painted there. At the time i7 was approx $95. It did have a certain charm, with kiva fireplaces and balconies. The restaurant was really good for breakfast.

Down the street at the nearby best western, kachina dancers presented a show in the evening around a bonfire. It was interesting and nice for an evening activity after dinner.

Have you considered rafting? We did a trip down the Rio Grande, great fun until the electrical storm started. $-)

Be sure to tour the Taos Pueblo, still inhabited over 1000+ years.

For what its worth, just checked tripadvisor and sagebrush is #6 of 28, with an average rate of $104. Tripadvisor is subjective, at best, but will give you a few more opinions to consider. Let us know what you decide!

in taos i like the taos inn. they have a variety of rooms and there are some at the $100 level. it's a great location though, walking distanc to the plaza.

www.taosinn.com

Garrett's is a little more expensive than El Rey, and lacks the charm and free breakfast. However, the location is fabulous for walking all around the Plaza area. I stayed there two summers ago with two friends for about $125 (before taxes) and we enjoyed it.

Thanks for all the helpful hints. I've printed out some info for my friend to take a look at. All these hotel suggestions are great. Thanks, Ellen, for the rafting idea. I'd love to do that. Minus the electrical storm, of course. Did you use a particular outfitter?

This trip is sort of a "return to activity" for me. In January 2007, while hiking in New Zealand, I broke a bone in the bottom of my left foot. I spent a year on and off crutches, with no hiking/activity and barely any walking. I had it surgically taken care of just 7 weeks ago, and my doctor says that by September I will be able to do strenuous hiking again.

So I've chosen Santa Fe/Taos as the place to get back on the trail. I'm looking to do day-hikes and other physical activity and enjoy the changing aspens, and then ending the day with a good glass of wine and maybe a game of pool or some music. And strolling the art galleries too.

When I stayed at the El Rey in October 1998, I remember driving to the center of town and parking ... somewhere. Maybe a municipal parking lot nearby, several blocks away? it wasn't too expensive then. Is that still the case?

thanks!

The parking garage on San Francisco and Sandoval was $8/day when we were there in Dec/Jan. I don't know what the coin meters take and time received. There are several lots around town for public parking.

My travel info is covered with painter's drops so I'll look up the areas for you when I can. There are several so no worries.

Do yourself a big favor. Learn how to do 'Name your own price' on Priceline.com. You will get better hotels and save a lot of money. 3* hotels in Santa Fe are now going for about $70. I don't know what it will be in Oct, but it is worth a try.

Please come back here and tell us what you finally decided. Thanks.

Consider the Madeleine, a gorgeous bed and breakfast. Most rooms are in the 100s but one room was listed at 80-90$.

Besides the one BeachGirl mentioned, there is a public parking lot next to the cathedral and one a little south of the Plaza.

Lee Ann

There is an outdoor public lot on Water Street, across the street from the St. Francis hotel and across the street the other way from Cafe Pasqual. It is $4 to park there.