TJinSOMA

I haven't been to Santa Fe in years and I'm taking my sisters to Santa Fe this fall and we're looking for a nice hotel (a lot of them seem really dated). We're not B&B fans and want something nice, maybe with a day spa. A two bedroom suite would also be great. I think we've narrowed it down to the following: 1) Hotel Santa Fe – the Hacienda, 2) Eldorado, 3) La Posada, 4) Hilton Santa Fe, 5) Inn at Loretto or 6)Inn on the Alameda.

Also, any advice on a half day cooking class (participate, not just watching). I've heard of Jane Butel but interested in small casual class where you have hands on experience. Thanks!!
Inn of Five Graces

martym

My hubby and I stayed at the Hotel Santa Fe-Hacienda last March. We had a one-bedroom suite. It was very nice--huge bathroom, lovely southwestern furnishings, premium bedding. It's about an 8-10 minute walk to the Plaza.

AnnMarie_C

Here's a link to my trip report that includes information you are looking for. We were in Santa Fe this past October.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34882576

lindsyb

We went to New Mexico in October and while in Santa Fe stayed at the Eldorado.

Things we liked:
1. AAA rate for King bed room was very reasonable.
2. Room was clean and bed was very comfortable.
3. Short walk to the plaza and we walked to almost everything.
4. Had a facial in their Nidah spa and it was fabulous.
5. Dinner in their Old Town restaurant was excellent.
6. Loved our room service pizza.

Things we didn't like:
1. Paying to park - we should have listened to others on the board and parked at the public garage across the street that was much cheaper.
2. Their lounge / casual dining. We tried a couple of meals here and although food was OK - the service was slow and horrible.

So, weighing all of the things we liked and those we didn't - we would definitely stay at the Eldorado again.

Sorry I can't help on the cooking classes as we didn't do that.

BeachGirl247

Of the hotels, I would choose Inn on the Alameda or Inn at Loretto. Hotel Santa is just far enough away to make it a hike to the plaza; Eldorado as mentioned above; La Posada - awful customer service and pissy attitude. You have Inn of Five Graces at the end of your post so not sure if you're considering it, if its in the budget I would stay there as it has fabulous rooms and great customer service and convenient location.

Just curious, have you considered renting a 2 bedroom house or condo in town? You can get very cute places with patios and in town. We've rented through vrbo.com and cyberrentals.com

As for the spa, I would only consider Ten Thousand Waves. Truly a beautiful serene place with many spa treatments and private outdoor hot tubs.

www.tenthousandwaves.com

Santa Fe Cooking School on San Francisco has cooking classes. I haven't attended YET but when checking out their board the menus sound fun and low key.

http://www.santafeschoolofcooking.com/

And for shopping, don't forget about the Tesuque Flea Market out towards the opera house. Great place to find lots of jewelry and other items. Then stop at the Tesuque Village Market for lunch and margaritas. They were finishing their outdoor pizza oven when we were there a few weeks ago.

BLYVAIL

I have also looked at the Cooking school just off the plaza (think its the one mentioned on San Francisco, but ran out of time. The classes looked interesting.

Love Ten Thousand Waves. We make it a point of either spending an entire morning or afternoon there.

TJinSOMA

Thanks for the advice and Inn of Five Graces is on our list. Looking forward to it!