Hello All

Some of you might recognize me from the Europe board. This years travel experience will be Santa Fe and surroundings. Traveling with my wife (we're both mid 40s)our main interest is hiking, photography, and experiencing the SW culture. We have chosen October because of the crisp temperatures, and lower tourist activity.

My question is whether the Santa Fe area will be greatly affected by the Albuquerque balloon festival. In other words, will Santa Fe lodging be harder to come by, and more expensive during the festival ??

Thanks in advance to all.

I don't know the answer to your question (I wouldn't think the balloon festival would affect Santa Fe hotels. It might affect airfares since you have to fly into Albuquerque to get to SF).

I did a text search here for "Santa Fe in October" and found this thread in which people are saying Oct. and April are their favorite times in the area.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34530111
I've been around Labor Day and it was warmish. As far as I know, the only thing that really affects hotel availability is Indian Market which is in August.
http://www.swaia.org/about.php

i always visit s.f. the end of sept. it is a great time to go, as you said, reasonable temperatures and not crowded.

some lodgings raise their prices during the balloon festival, some do not. i would make guaranteed reservations ahead of time or go before the festival. some years it gets crowded. prices go down after the festival, the last tourist extravanza for the year.

Thanks for your input.

I will continue my plans to stay in SF the first/second week in October. I may try to get down to the balloon fest for a day if the traffic allows.

Look into some kind of shuttle or park and ride if you plan to visit the Balloon Fiesta. You'll have to get up at o'dark hundred, but it's worth it.

Lee Ann