Wow Patrick - so sorry to hear about your experience & meal. I am not someone who is into spending a lot of money on meals or someone I would say is really even "into" food but I LOVED my meal and experience there. Very sad to read of yours!

I hope CA is wonderful!!

You might want to get on La Fonda's email list so they can send you special offers. The other hotels probably have that, too.

Debit, Oh, wait, you live in Albuquerque? Why was I thinking Tucson? Never mind. But thanks that would be great.

momddtravel, I should probably stop telling the Geronimo story, but it was just so bad. I have never heard a bad word about the place, only raves, from everyone else, so I have no idea what went wrong. And that was probably 15 years ago, or close to it, so I wouldn't expect a repeat of that treatment.

One place we really like is Andiamo http://andiamosantafe.com/ Great food and less expensive than Geronimo.

Lee Ann

We stayed at Las Palomas several years ago and it was great. Very homey, not your typical Sqnta Fe hotel with Indian pots, corner fireplaces, etc, This was way less fancy, but charming and more than adequate. Breakfast was included and was really good. The staff could not have been nicer or more helpful. It is maybe a 5-7 minute walk to the plaza. I would stay there again without question.

Looks like Bobcat Bite is going to move and reopen under another name.

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/lif...2e57647d7.html

It is now "Santa Fe Bites" and is located in Garrett's Desert Inn. Seems like they are having some start up issues.

http://garrettsdesertinn.com/dining/

http://www.yelp.com/biz/santa-fe-bite-santa-fe

Hi Patrick.
Las Palomas is just west of the plaza across Guadalupe so it's just off the beaten walking path of tourists. It's close to the plaza and would be very convenient, too.

Also, one I like to recommend for location and price is Hotel Chimayó. It not fancy but new southwest decor and a fabulous location steps from the plaza, next door to Hotel Anasazi (bar and patio are a wonderful stop for cocktails).

La Fonda is updating the decor as mentioned and is a wonderful historic hotel. Even if you don't stay there stop in to see it.

Geronimo was definitely in a slump a while back. But, most recently we've eaten there twice in the last couple of months and it has been wonderful -- food and service. Also, La Casa Sena, La Boca, Galisteo Bistro, 315 Bistro, Bouché, and The Compound are good for a nice evening. Taberna (La Boca's second more casual restaurant) is a good stop as well.

If Debit can't get by I'm happy to go by one day to check it out for you.

Happy planning!

When in the mood for something super casual and very local, we had fun at Tiny's (where there was a live band) and Maria's (where the house agave marg will knock your socks off.)


http://tinyssantafe.com
http://www.marias-santafe.com

Tiny's! We were going to hit it but there was a shooting behind it one night so we haven't been. There are some quirky spots here in Santa Fe for sure!

BTW, Maria's sold but it will retain the same menu. Their margaritas are so strong I have a problem enjoying just one of them. But, they do have quite an extensive tequila list for sure.

Haha Beachgirl, I am sure Tiny's has a reputation. It was a great authentic retro place with cool booths, awesome enchiladas and a lively crowd. Sometimes I get bored with the more upscale places in Santa Fe, or maybe just I have a weakness for the quirky

We're going to Santa Fe next week and will be staying at a B&B we've stayed at a number of times (Adobe Abode). It's always worked well for us because it is very near the plaza, has comfortable rooms, parking and no extra fees. It's all up to individual taste, of course, but have you considered a B&B, Patrick?

Well, normally we do NOT like B&B's. Maybe if larger -- more of an inn, but not with only a handful of rooms. Just not us.

Well, shelleybeach, I looked at it, and must say it looks quite nice, although the number of rooms with multiple beds kind of scares me as I see it being overrun with kids/families. Black Mesa I think has the most appeal as a king room -- but oddly there aren't any really good pictures of it. And the price and location seem very good.

Neo, I think you should reconsider the Hotel St. Francis--did you see my trip report? It's a great location, has a great bar, and our room was neither small nor dark. And it's in the budget you stated.

Yes, I did see your report and just printed the whole thing out for Peter. Great report! Well, mixed feelings about the St. Francis. The sink in the bedroom is only a slight turn off, but we're not much into that minimalist and 'hard" look. When I open the pics of the standard king room it looks not only very small, but very much like a room in a monastery! Question, are there closets are is it the big armoire (ala European style?) Adding in breakfasts and parking and the taxes and for our dates it's well over $225 a night for our May stay, and jumping to a larger deluxe king room adds another $50 or so a night. I can't say the money is the biggest issue, but somehow I'm just having a hard time warming up to it. And while your room was not small or dark, I do KNOW that many are, and with a Friday afternoon check-in, we're likely to get stuck with whatever there is.
Meanwhile, I'm actually starting to like the look of that Adobe Abode. And for an older newly renovated hotel, I'm thinking La Fonda has a whole lot more charm. No?

I hear you.
There is a large closet and a large armoire--our room had a very nice little entryway alcove with a bench, and the closet. I found the room decor warm, actually: all the wod, a leather chair, linen bedding and curtains. To each his own!

As I say in my report (thanks!), we paid $145 plus $11 parking, total, taxes included. That's a big jump to $225, although I'm confused about breakfast, since they don't offer it as part of the lodging. Ours was a regular King room, not deluxe. Indeed, the first night we had to take the room we were given, as the hotel was full, so it's a good thing we liked it.

Anyway, wherever you end up, I know you'll enjoy your stay. it had been many years since our last visit, but we fell in love all over again.

yes, NewbE, I'm looking for a return visit too as it's been way too long.

About breakfast, I simply meant that so many places included breakfast, adding it in separate adds a lot to the cost of a stay -- especially if the other place offers a really nice breakfast as many seem to do.

Perhaps if the May prices drop to the rates you paid it might be a good thing, but right now they show $186 with an advance purchase minimum for a king room -- AAA is even more than that. With tax and parking it IS over $225. Four nights total.

Neo, we stayed at La Fonda years ago and loved it. Loved the location. I'm sure it is only better after a renovation.

I never tire of going to La Fonda and walking through the lobby areas. The floor itself it so gorgeous with years and years and years of wax over the brick floor. The place oozes history.

Even if you don't stay there, go to the French pastry shop that is part of the lobby area, get a coffee and chocolate croissant (ok, get whatever you like) and sit in the chairs by the fire outside the pastry shop in the hotel lobby.