Inn and Spa at Loretto

Inn and Spa at Loretto claims to be the most photographed building in New Mexico, and this is probably true -- though it may be exceeded by the building that provided its inspiration, the famed Taos Pueblo. The Loretto imitates the design of the ancient Native American settlement with tan adobe walls, extruding pine beams, and a multi-tiered arrangement that looks like a Cubist painting rendered in three dimensions.

The lobby is appealing, with floor-to-ceiling wood pillars, colorful rugs, and local artwork. The adobe walls are whitewashed, giving the halls and common spaces a resemblance to the interior of a Spanish mission. Next to the lobby is the Living Room Lounge -- a big, charming space with a bar, leather seating, a small library, and an adobe fireplace crowned by a horned skull. Decor inspired by the local culture is everywhere in the form of baskets, pottery, and carvings.

More local flavor can be found at the hotel's indoor retail section, which includes a jewelry store, art galleries, gift shops, and an entrance to the Loretto Chapel -- a gorgeous, Gothic Revival style church built in the 1870s, and featuring the beautiful Miraculous Staircase. Out back, there is a pool large enough for laps. The surrounding lawn is quite pleasant, with lounge chairs placed underneath trees and a sculpture garden of pieces by local artists. Adding to the general romantic ambience are the church bells that ring every hour.

The Loretto is located one block from the Plaza, putting guests within a five-minute walk of the many shops and attractions surrounding Santa Fe’s cultural center. Santa Fe means “Holy Faith” in Spanish and is home to about 85,000 people of varying cultural backgrounds including Hispanics, Native Americans, and Anglos. New Mexico’s fourth-largest city is also the nation’s highest capitol and its oldest: It was founded in 1607. The hotel is five minutes by foot to the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the nation.

The “City Different,” as it’s known, sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet at the southern edge of the Rockies, in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Although the cool summer hiking and skiing in winter offer great reasons to visit, it’s best to keep in mind that the high elevation also means more stress for the body while acclimating. Most people become used to the thinner air after two or three days which means that strenuous physical activity will become easier and less dangerous if you wait a day or two after arriving in town. One more caution -- one alcoholic drink at this altitude is equivalent to three alcoholic drinks at sea level.

The Spanish influence seen so often throughout Santa Fe stems from the missionaries who arrived in the 1600s to convert the local Native American population. Old missions such as the San Miguel can be seen scattered across New Mexico and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. Often times, these missions are located at or near Native American pueblos, such as Tesuque or Cochiti, which are home to the various Pueblo peoples. Visiting New Mexico’s pueblos offers a chance to interact with the locals, purchase art and wares, and gain a better appreciation of New Mexico’s rich history.

Today, Santa Fe is the nation’s third-largest market for buying and selling art. In addition to the 100-plus art galleries and studios at the Plaza and along Canyon Road (a 10-minute drive from the hotel), there are several museums and art installation spaces in town, including the New Mexico Museum of Art (a five-minute walk from the hotel), the Georgia O’Keefe Museum (eight-minute walk), and Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return (14-minute drive).

The Loretto's 136 warm and earthy rooms and suites offer a combination of Pueblo Indian-style decor and luxe amenities. The Native American look comes through in the hand-carved wood furniture, banded blankets and pillows on the pillowtop beds, and textured white and clay-colored walls decorated with zigzag trim representing lightning bolts. Kiva-style fireplaces are found in some rooms and all suites. All rooms feature include armchairs with ottomans, as well as 43-inch flat-screen LED TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and Wi-Fi (free under the resort fee). Balconies are available with most rooms and the views are stellar from the upper floors. 

Bathrooms have stone tile floors and porcelain pedestal sinks with old-timey charm, but almost no counter space. Damana organic toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers are all provided. Pet-friendly rooms are available (fees and restrictions apply). Housekeeping visits daily.

Features at the Loretto celebrate the spirit and distinct culture of Santa Fe. Even the spa takes its inspiration from the region, as its extensive array of treatments include Native American-inspired rituals and the use of traditional herbs. The hotel's heated outdoor pool is open year round, and is surrounded by a manicured lawn and a sculpture garden with pieces by local artists.

An indoor retail area features a variety of gift shops and art galleries. The hotel's resort fee covers access to the small, 24-hour fitness center (with cardio machines and free weights) and the 24-hour business center. (The fee also includes hotel-wide Wi-Fi, valet parking, and, from May through October, free weekend walking tours of downtown Santa Fe.)

Loretto's event space encompasses 12,000 square feet; catering services, audiovisual equipment, and technical assistance staff are available. Tesla charging is available.

Luminaria Restaurant and Patio is renowned for its creative southwestern cuisine served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Locally obtained ingredients are used as much as possible, consistent with the Loretto’s dedication to operating an environmentally-conscious hotel. The menu is seasonal and offers some organic selections. Outdoor seating is available during warmer months.

The Living Room Lounge offers light fare in the evenings, along with signature cocktails and wines, and live music performances on select nights. Room service is available.