Fodor's Expert Review Drury Plaza Hotel

The first big new hotel to open in Downtown Santa Fe in years, this stylish 182-room property is also one of the city's most striking renovations. It occupies the mid-20th-century former St. Vincent's Hospital, which renowned Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem designed in the Territorial style. Just a couple of blocks from the Plaza and the galleries on Canyon Road, this striking five-story hotel is appreciated as much for its large rooms with high windows as for its extensive and wonderfully inviting common areas, from an airy atrium-style lobby to a rooftop bar and pool that affords spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

room

Accommodations at the Drury Plaza are among the largest Downtown, and they feel even bigger thanks to soaring ceilings and tall windows. Dark-leather headboards and leather armchairs lend a cushy feel to the rooms, which have earthy tones, local art, and coffee nooks with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers. The look and feel is comfortable and contemporary, though less luxury than some of the more high-end hotels in the area. Free Wi-Fi and both local and long-distance calls are among the perks.

YOU SHOULD KNOW For such an otherwise upscale and stylish hotel, rooms feel comparatively a little mundane in terms of furnishings. They're comfortable, but feel as though they could be in any Western U.S. city.

bathroom

The Drury Plaza's bathrooms are quite large, and they're well-equipped with generously proportioned sinks and quartz counters, fluffy high-quality towels, and tile walls and floors. Suites have walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs.

lobby

Drury Plaza has one of the largest and most attractive lobbies in Santa Fe. A soaring two-story fireplace anchors the main check-in area, which has ample and plush seating. On the level above, there's a large loft space that overlooks the lower lobby and has tables and chairs. Both areas are decked with sculptures, photos, and paintings from top local artists. There's also a cozy library with a fireplace on the top floor.

pool

There's a beautiful pool and hot tub on the rooftop that fringed by a large lanai with chaises longues other furniture. It's a great place to relax on a sunny afternoon and soak up views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

gym

The Drury has one of the best gyms of any hotel in town. It's spacious and on an upper floor with large windows overlooking the mountains, and it contains state-of-the-art workout equipment and cardio machines.

dining

Just off the lobby, Eloisa is a handsome and hip restaurant with a modern pale-gray and white color scheme and a big patio to the side with plenty of outdoor seating. It's popular with both hotel guests and others for creative contemporary Southwestern and Latin fare, with Sunday brunch especially popular.

Complimentary snacking opportunities abound at the Drury Plaza. There's free soda and popcorn available in the lobby throughout the day, and an extensive full hot breakfast is offered, too. Then each evening from 5:30 until 7, you can enjoy free beer, wine, mixed drinks, and hot appetizers and other snacks during the "Kickback" social hour.

drinking

Bar Alto, on the roofdeck and beside the pool, is perhaps the most inviting and interesting hangout in the hotel. From this light-filled space with glass walls, you're treated to mesmerizing views of the mountains. The bar serves terrific cocktails and drinks, and has a very popular happy hour Monday through Friday. It's a good spot for snacking, too, as the bar menu features a number of tasty treats, from cheese plates to chicken nachos.