Santa Fe-Sage Inn or El Rey?
 

Traveling with 2 seniors and 3 toddlers. Was going to book at Inn of the Governors but waited too long and they are now booked for our dates. We're looking for something within walking distance to the plaza and with a swimming pool. The Sage Inn and El Rey are similarly priced and both offer continental breakfast. Are they both within an easy walk to plaza? Does one offer a bit more charm than the other? Any other recommendations within the $100-$140 price range?

I haven't stayed at either but have passed by often.

El Rey is a quirky, funky, ketchy and unique kind of place but it is 2 miles from Plaza, not an easy walk. It is on a busy stretch of main road.

Sage Inn is near railyard, and a shorter walk to plaza. It is a pretty standard looking motel, with a southwest feel to it.

Hope this helps,
Deb

you weren't going to rent a car, where you? If that is still the case, Sage Inn will be much easier for you to get to from Railrunner and be able to get to Plaza. Getting to El Rey from Railrunner and to plaza will be very inconvenient.

Deb

Thanks, DebitNM! We actually will have a car. Can you think of any other inns/motels along that price range with a pool that we may consider?

There are lots of brand name, national chain motels on Cerrillos Road and should be reasonable. They won't be in walking distance. That will mean driving in and parking around the plaza is awful!!

Have you used tripadvisor.com to look for rooms? It is good and there are lots of reviews and they can price the rooms for you.

Deb

We have stayed at the El Rey several times. It is charming. All of the rooms are decorated differently but all with a southwestern feel. It has a nice pool. We love it there, but as Deb says you would have to drive to the Plaza. As long as you are willing to pay for parking, there are convenient lots.

There are not enough lots, paying or otherwise, to handle day time,summer parking close to plaza. That has always been an issue in SF. Last time there, it took us 45 minutes of circling to park and that was in winter. Street parking outside of the plaza is possible, with meters, but that take driving around and a walk too.

Deb

Deb is right about the lots, and most of the meters near the plaza only allow two hours' parking. If you stay at the El Rey, or at one of the chain motels along Cerrillos, you may want to consider riding the city bus downtown.

Another place you may want to check is Garrett's Desert Inn - www.garrettsdesertinn.com

Lee Ann

Lee Ann,
We usually agree on everything but I would have to suggest passing on Garrett's. Price is right, but place is pretty dumpy.

Deb