Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Santa Fe

Picurís Pueblo has controlling interest in this handsome Pueblo Revival–style three-story hotel on the Railyard District's edge and a 15-minute walk from the Plaza. The property has two distinct sections, the original main building with light, airy rooms and suites done in traditional Southwestern style, and the posh Hacienda wing, which has 35 spacious, opulent suites with professional butler service--it's a favorite lodging of visiting celebs and dignitaries. The hotel gift shop, Santa Fe's only tribally owned store, has lower prices than many nearby retail stores. Informal talks about Native American history and culture are held in the lobby, and Native American dances take place seasonally.

room

In the main building, rooms have locally handmade pine furniture, wooden blinds, and Pueblo paintings; many have balconies. In the Hacienda Wing, the suites and rooms have corner fireplaces, leather chairs, minibars stocked with gourmet goodies, and a well-trained butler can assist you with unpacking your suitcase and other services.

bathroom

The hotel uses popular eco-friendly Bathe-brand shampoos, soaps, and lotions, and bathrooms in the main hotel building have stone counters, red-tile floors, combination tub-showers with glass doors. In the luxury Hacienda Wing, the rangy bathrooms are decidedly fancier, with high-end granite and tile work, walk-in showers, and deep soaking tubs.

pool

Guests can relax on the large patio, outfitted with comfortable lounge furniture, that surrounds the quiet, walled-in outdoor pool and hot tub at Hotel Santa Fe. Surrounded by verdant gardens, it's one of the prettier hotel pools in town.

spa

The hotel's full-service spa offering a nice range of treatments, many of them with a Native American inspiration, including stone balancing massages, Moccasin Dance foot therapy, and white-sage facials.

gym

There's a good-size fitness room with treadmills, free weights, exercise bikes, and elliptical trainers. On Saturdays during the summer months, yoga classes are offered.

dining

Decorated with Native American artwork and crafts and with a romantic patio, Amaya is one of the better hotel restaurants in Santa Fe. The menu focuses on creatively prepared, Native American–inspired dishes, from bison burgers to venison chops.

For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, book a dinner in the property's traditional teepee, which is available for family-style feasts for two to four diners.

drinking

There's a full bar, with an extensive selection of cocktails, wine, and craft beer at the hotel's lively and welcoming restaurant, Amaya. The jalapeño margarita is a house specialty.