Santa Fe advice needed (40th anniversary)
 

We're driving to Santa Fe for our anniversary in late June. We'll be in Santa Fe for the big date but also visiting Taos, Durango, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde during a 10-14 day trip. We're familiar with the area but would like to know which Santa Fe hotel and/or restaurant we should consider for splurging. Which hotel would be the best romantic setting? Thanks.

There are a few. My vote goes to The Compound. A table outside in the garden is lovely.

The Compound is terrific--great food, great service. I know I'd like to go back for an anniversary dinner!

We really enjoyed our hotel, the St. Francis, but I don't know if most people would consider it romantic per se... it's an historic building, with all of the quirks you'd expect of an old structure, and a rather spare design aesthetic. I know there are plusher places.

My 1st choice of splurge accommodations in Santa Fe would be Inn of the Five Graces: http://fivegraces.com/. 2nd would be a suite at Inn on the Alameda: http://innonthealameda.com/rooms-rates/santa-fe-suites/. Down the scale a bit, but still oozing southwestern charm, El Farolito: http://www.farolito.com/.

We just returned from a long weekend in Santa Fe. We stayed at The Antigua Inn and highly recommend it. We would definitely stay here again, and have no desire to look any further for an alternative accommodation. The furnishings and finishes in the house are gorgeous, artistically done and unique. There are only four rooms, so you will have privacy. We had the whole place to ourselves one night and there was one other couple there with us the other 2 nights, but we only saw them in the morning at breakfast. Each room has custom touches to make it special, and there is an open kitchen/dining area for guest use, as well as a nice sitting room with leather sofa and chair, reading materials and computer for guest use. The managers live off-site so you are not in anyone's way, as you might feel at a B and B where the owners live there. Each room has a super-duper high end espresso/cappuccino machine, with coffee beans roasted by them (delicious!). I never used it though, as they made me a fresh cup in the kitchen as soon as I entered the kitchen each morning.They also have really nice loose tea. Each room also has a mini fridge stocked with nice quality soft drinks and snacks--all complimentary. Each room has a 3D high-def TV. There is an outdoor kiva fireplace on a patio which they set up for guest use--all you have to do is light it. We wanted to use it but it was a bit too chilly outside after we returned from dinner, so we didn't. I bet that the weather at the end of June would be perfect to take advantage of the outdoor fireplace. You would likely have the patio to yourself and there is nice patio furniture, etc. Bring a bottle of wine! The inn is really convenient to the plaza, which is the center of activity in town, and lots of shops and restaurants. We walked all over from the inn, and could walk less than 5 minutes to lots of great restaurants. The inn's managers told us there were 4 restaurants with James Beard recognized chefs: the Compound, La Boca, Geronimo, and one other that I can't remember. The only one we tried was the Compound; we had lunch there and I believe it was the best lunch I ever ate anywhere in my life. The atmosphere would be very appropriate for a romantic special anniversary. We looked into Geronimo as we walked by and there were white tablecloths and it was way more expensive than other restaurants. We wanted to try La Boca for dinner, as it is Spanish which appeals to us, and informal, which also appeals to us. We did not have reservations, however, and would have had to wait til 9:15, which was too late. So be sure to make reservations ahead of time, wherever you decide to go! There is also a free shuttle bus that you can use to get around town, and there is a stop very close to the inn.

What is your price range for hotel?

Good question!

La Boca is wonderful :-) But yes, we were grateful that we had reservations, as it's tiny and very popular. It's romantic in a different way, in the way that tapas and a tiny table in a crowded little room create an intimate atmosphere for two.

<<...one other that I can't remember.>>

I think that's Restaurant Martín. Food's very good there, but atmosphere and decor is too contemporary and stark to be romantic.

Had an outstanding meal at La Boca on New Year's Eve this year. Romantic? Well I was with a friend, so no. But delicious? Yes, yes, yes.

Thanks, everyone for the responses. As far as price range goes, we can splurge for a short time and economize on some other part of the trip, so almost anything is fair game.

Inn of Five Graces could run well over $600 a night. Is that what you are considering?
Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantonto will run over $500.
La Fonda over $400.
La posada around $300
Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda and Spa around $200.
Eldorado Hotel & Spa mid $200's
Inn and Spa at Loretto mid $200's.

I would stay at any of these, depending on my budget. These are all per night, before tax and any fees. Some have resort fees.

For a celebratory dinner check out:

<b>Geronimo
The Compound</b>
Coyote Cafe
Restaurant Martin's
<b>Bistro 315</b>
Anasazi

If you're a steak/martini kinda gal The Bull Ring is good.
La Boca is a fun atmosphere

Inn of the Five Graces is like no other place you've stayed. It's beautiful.
Four Seasons is located in a very scenic area just 10-15 minutes north of town. If you don't stay there go out for a sunset cocktail for an expansive sunset view.