snowrooster

Will be visiting Santa Fe w/dh for our anniversary in July. I've never been to Santa Fe before but we'd like to be near The Plaza so we can walk around as much as possible. I've looked into several hotel options (thanks to the advice of several fodorites) and seem to have it narrowed down to these two. We'll be getting the "basic room" and it seems like they are nicer at Governors, though the outside of Loretto is just stunning. Wondering if anyone has any thoughts in comparing the two options?

beachbum

Inn of the Governors is more authentic, in my opinion, snowrooster. If they ever built a southwestern adobe styled casino in Vegas, I'd expect it to look something like Loretto. It is nice and all, but feels a little Santa Fake, if you know what I mean.

I should qualify this by saying I've not stayed at either place. We stayed at Inn on the Alameda this past September, and El Farolito the year before. I'd recommend both, but Governor and Loretto are better located.

See, we can be civil! ;-)

wtm003

I've stayed at the Inn of the Governors and found it very charming. We also had a "basic room" because we got a great rate and were traveling with two kids. We were only there one night, but I was happy with the hotel & location. I would definitely stay there again. One of the highlights was their delicious breakfast buffet.

I haven't stayed at the Inn at Loretto, so I can't directly compare the two.

Are you going to the Santa Fe Opera? I can't say I'm an opera fan, but I would really like to get down to Santa Fe for a performance this summer. I think the setting would be beautiful.

MFNYC

We were at the Inn of Governors this past July and loved it. The room was nicely decorated, but a bit small (we had the basic room). The hotel itslef has a very warm feeling from the moment you step into the lobby. It's very welcoming. They have a complimentary afternoon tea/sherry, include breakfast (which was very good), and also have free parking. The attached restaurant has great burgers and is very inexpensive. If you will be there for the 4th of July, check out the pancake breakfast at the plaza.

nlg

We stayed in a basic room at the Inn of
the Governors a few years ago. We loved
the hotel-the location is great for walking to the Plaza. The breakfast is
wonderful-one of the best we have encountered. We were there on our anniversary and they sent a bottle of wine and two wine glasses(with the Inn of the Governors logo) to our room. I still use the glasses and think of our wonderful trip to Santa Fe.

snowrooster

Glad I posted this - Sounds like Governors is the way to go. The price is about the same, but you get the complimentary breakfast at Governors, and I do like to indulge a bit while on vacation! The basic room just looks more charming there as well whereas they look somewhat plain at Loretto.

beachbum - While I was researching various hotels to check out (visit website, etc) I noticed you had posted on several of the Santa Fe threads and had lots of good info. Thanks for your help on this.

BeachGirl247

Either one is a good choice. The Del Charro Bar at the corner by Governor's hotel is hopping so a fun place to go for a drink. Also, you'll be around the corner from Julian's, which I highly recommend for a lovely Italian dinner. Very romantic and great service/food.

And, its not too early to book your Ten Thousand Waves reservations, which I hope you going to do.

www.tenthousandwaves.com

I second the opera. What a stunning venue. I had a hard time deciding what to look at -- the explosion of color in the sunset or the fantastic costumes of Don Giovanni. Go! Its so enjoyable.

www.santafeopera.org

snowrooster

Thanks for the info. I would definitely like to pay a visit to Ten Thousand Waves. Is there any service they specialize in (a certain signature massage or facial) that you would recommend?

Dh & I have never been to an opera but we both love theatre, art and culture so this might be a great new experience for us (he's mentioned before he might like to go to one some time). Seems like something worth looking into!

BeachGirl247

All of their treatments are special. I haven't had the 4 Hands treatment -- 2 therapists massaging you at the same time. I've heard its unbelievable. I love the Flowing River Stone massage, salt glow and the Yasuragi Head and Neck treatment. We always get a private outside hot tub before these treatments and its wonderful.

Check out the website and see all of their treatments. You can't go wrong. Its a wonderful serene place.

Sheila

MFNYC

If you want to go to the opera, purchase tickets as soon as they become available. They sell out quickly. You can google the sante fe opera to find their website. When we planned our trip, I tried to get opera tickets, but it was sold out (maybe a month or 2 in advance).