Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix or Inn at Loretto in Santa Fe
 

Okay, so I know these are entirely different places/climates, especially since we're planning to be there the first week of December. My partner and I are looking for a fabulous US spa for our honeymoon. These two are in our price range, and we love the look of both of them. Any thoughts? We're also very concerned about being welcomed as a same-sex couple, so any comments as to gay-friendliness would be helpful. Thanks!!

Well, I would think that there would be more to do, a better ambiance in Santa Fe. Wild Horse Pass would be the kind of place where you would enjoy the spa and pool and room, which is great if you're there only for r&r, but Santa Fe has shops, different restaurants, galleries, etc. Just depends on what you want.

OOps, my apologies, I was thinking of the new Sheraton resort in Phoenix! I should've read your post more closely in the first place!!!

I give up...I was right the first time. I'm banning myself from posting for the rest of today :)!

Any thoughts on Santa Fe in December?

Can only speak to the Wild Horse Pass. It's not really in Phoenix. More southeast out past Chandler. However, there is an Indian-run casino accessible via a short complimentary boat ride on creek/riverway directly from the hotel. Also, assuming you'll have a car, you're not more than 15 minutes from anything in Scottsdale & Phoenix.

Santa Fe is quite gay-friendly. It'll be cold in December, but most likely sunny. It's a beautiful city, and there is a lot to do there. The Inn at Loretto is just off the Plaza; you can shop, go to museums, etc.

Lee Ann

You also might want to check out the Ten Thousand Waves spa in Santa Fe.
http://www.10000waves.com/

I've never been to SF in the winter, but it's very liberal year round. ;)

I've been to both. Choose Santa Fe. You'll feel more comfortable but weather will be cooler. If you prefer the Az warmth, stay in Scottsdale. You may feel uncomfortably isolated at Wild Horse Pass.

Stayed at Inn at Loretto in May. It was wonderful. Beautiful room and big balcony. I've read posts that it is great around Christmas time with all the decorations. Walking around to all the stores & restaurants all bundled up would be fun! You must eat at La Casa Sena, you can walk from the Inn.

Santa Fe is so much prettier and more culturally stimulating than Phoenix. In SF, when you finally pry yourself away from that massage table/sauna/jacuzzi, you'll be able to eat well, shop for unusual local stuff, visit galleries, stroll romantic side streets. In Phx, you'll have to drive up and down a not-scenic highway to malls that are ritzy and have good restaurants, but still, they're malls. Scottsdale is a pretty enclave, but you get my drift. Whatever you decide, have a great honeymoon!

Don't know if you're still looking for imput...
December in Santa Fe will be beautiful -- snow (hopefully) but will need a heavy coat some days. While Ten Thousand Waves is a fantastic spa for services, I don't know that I would put it in the same catagory as, lets say, Canyon Ranch or something similar. Its not about the lodging (7 rooms??) its about the treatments and atmosphere which are top-notch. I would make spa reservations as soon as you know when you are going. It fills up very quickly especially during ski season. Also, Santa Fe is a gay-friendly community. Good luck & congratulations.

I'm so glad to get the recent responses on this. Thx!! We booked at Inn at Loretto. My only fear now, after reading another thread, is that we may be getting ripped off. Are we completely insane to pay $549/night for a suite with fireplace?????? Any tips for getting a better deal? La Posada was more affordable, but I read some bad reviews on them and found the staff to be thoroughly UNhelpful over the phone. Hmmmmmm.

Wow $549? It would definitely be worth your time to check on a few more options in Santa Fe. Have you looked into the LaFonda? It's a really cool place and IMO more authentic than Inn at Lorretto.
http://www.lafondasantafe.com/

Ouch! That seems high but it is the holiday high season. I would look around a little. You have a reservation so now look around a little bit more. Eldorado, Inn of the Anasazi, Inn of the Governor's, Inn on the Alameda, La Posada and La Fonda are some I would check for availability. All have rooms available with a fp -- just need to see what is available, though. I have to say, regarding La Posada, I have been hearing negative things about it as well. On second thought, scratch La Posada. If its a special trip, don't ruin it with a sour staff -- and they are known to have it!
I would check Inn of the Anasazi -- haven't stayed there but have drinks and dinner every trip and the staff has always been friendly and helpful.
And don't laugh at me for suggesting to make your spa reservations now. They book up 4 months in advance during ski season. Three words: HOT STONE MASSAGE. You'll be pure jelly when they're finished with you!! And take a tub, too. Outdoors and wonderful!! Their website is tenthousandwaves.com and has pictures of tubs and all the treatments they offer. Have Fun!!