santa fe, new mexico
 

where to stay in Santa Fe, NM? What's a good location, near shops, restaurants we can walk to & not need a car. Can you reccommend a nice hotel? Not top of the line expensive, but, something unique with good amenities/and or perks. Weather in October? Highlights not to be missed? thanks for any info.

I reccomend either Hotel Santa fe or the Inn of the Governor's - both near the plaza. Hotel Santa Fe owned and operated by the Picuris pueble and has very good food. weather in October is great. In late October the cottonwoods are turning golden near the riverbeds - early October is the Blloon fiesta in Albuquerque and all hotels (even Santa Fe) are tight.

You haven't specified a price range so I'll throw out some of my choices:

El Farolito - charming b&b (not the chummy kind). Great breakfast, beautiful rooms and near the plaza.
Inn of the Governor's - rooms with southwest decor & occasional special rates
Hotel Plaza Real - near plaza and run special rates. Nice rooms and parking, too.
La Posada - charming grounds and rooms are beautiful but can be pricey
Sage Inn - about a 15 minute walk to plaza, reasonable rates and next to Whole Foods if you needs drinks or snacks

October weather can range from warm, sunny days in the 70's to 50's and rainy. We've experienced it all but the first end of October has been better weather than the tail end.

Hope that helps. If you want to reply with a price range I can be more specific on rec's.

My vote goes to either Inn on the Alameda, a charming property a few blocks from the Plaza or the Old Santa Fe Inn, looks like a motel, but the rooms are charming. Both places have friendly service and make guests feel welcome.

I missed the part about weather. Days can be warm (or chilly) and nights chilly. There is so much to do in town. Go to the Pueblo ruins at Bandelier or the Puye Cliffs. If you don't rent a car there are tour and transportation services that will take you. The Museums are fab and there are some great shows going on. Take a walking tour around town and learn the history.

Another vote for the Inn of the Governors-you can walk to the plaza and restaurants. The breakfast there was wonderful and they have a little restaurant that is great for lunch. We were also there in October several years ago and we had nice weather.

thanks everyone! I'm checking out all the hotels mentioned, thanks

Just returned from Santa Fe. We stayed at the Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe. The hotel was very nice. Though it was a few blocks from the Plaza, it can be reached in about a ten minute walk. The hotel also has a great shuttle service that will take you anywhere in town you want or pick you up. For example, when we went out for dinner, we would call the shuttle when the bill came and the shuttle was waiting when we left the restaurant. Nice pool and spa with workout room as well.