We are trying to plan a trip to Sante Fe in August 05 and I've been looking into some of the recommended places on this site. La Fonda is quoting $269 for a standard room. We'd love to stay at a nice place that has a pool, if possible. Could anyone recommend a place that might be $200 or under?

The Santa Fe Opera is in session then, and there is an opera that night. Rates get unbearably high. Good luck.

Have you done any research on biddingfortravel.com? If you are concerned about reasonably priced accomodations, they are a great resource for priceline.com. We have used them a multitude of times and have reaped the benefits. We stayed outside of Albuqurque (sp?) at the Tamaya Resort for $65 a night. Personally, I think it is worth it, but others feel they need to "know" what hotel they are going to get before paying for one.
Good luck!

Try Inn of the Governors, they have some reasonable priced rooms and a pool You might also try St. Francis, though I don't recall they had a pool. Or there's Garrett's Desert Inn, an old 50's style drive in type motel, definitely basic, but the price is right, there's a pool, and it's a great location. You might just call La Fonda, and ask if that's the best they can do. Have a wonderful time. PS You might also look at the Fort Marcy Compound condo's. Let us know what you find. annieladd

Don't know whether it's exactly what you're looking for (but you did say moderate) but we were very happy with the El Rey Inn. It's definitely a motel rather than a hotel. And it's on Cerrillos Road. But it's definitely a step above a chain motel when it comes to character. Even though it's fairly close to the road, the rooms were quiet. The pool is nice. And we very much enjoyed the breakfasts. It's been nearly five years since we stayed there. But we have fond memories of it.

Thanks all for the prompt and insightful responses. We decided to go with the Inn of the Governors...rates were reasonable and we love to be at a place with a pool.

We'd also welcome recommendations for restaurants and must see sights. Thanks again!

There are tons of places to eat, but our favorites are:
El Shed- Mexican (and other) near the Plaza, have the enchiladas
Geronimos- expensive but great, on Canyon Road
Santacafe- expensive w/in walking distance of square

Take a drive to Chimayo, and eat there. Then drive on up the high road to Taos.

There's a great little museum in Taos. I think it's Milicent Rogers Museum,

Take the turqoise trail either going or coming from Albequerque, eat at the bar, in, I can't quite remember the name of the town, but you'll know it, for the harley's out front.

There are lots of other places we love, but that will get you started.

And, for jewerly we like Packards on the Plaza.

Other restaurants worth trying are Plaza Cafe and Maria's. Also check out the farmers market and the flea market on the road to Taos (near the opera.)

Places on the must-see list for our September trip include Taos, Taos Pueblo, and Bandelier or the Puye cliff dwellings (or are those the same place). Those were all great visits 20 years ago, when I was last there; hope they still are. Comments anyone?