Inn of the Governors

Inn of the Governors goes above and beyond what one might expect from a reasonably priced mid-range hotel. The rooms are clean and attractive (if not quite luxurious), and generous freebies include Wi-Fi, a hot Southwestern-style breakfast buffet, and afternoon tea and sherry. The Plaza is only three blocks away, so guests can explore the area on foot without worrying about finding a parking space -- though parking is free in a covered garage. Although there are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance, the Del Charro Saloon offers good food and a crackling fireplace in a fun atmosphere (it is a favorite among locals).

The Inn of the Governors is a three-minute walk from the Plaza, the shopping and cultural center of town. 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 “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 will equal three 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 one of the nation’s largest markets for buying and selling art. In addition to the many galleries and studios at the Plaza and along Canyon Road (a six-minute drive from the hotel), several museums including the New Mexico Museum of Art (a four-minute walk from the hotel) and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (eight-minute walk) celebrate the creative spirit in Santa Fe.

The Inn of the Governors offers 100 rooms spread out between the main hotel building, the Traditional wing, and the Governors wing. Rooms in the main hotel have interior entrances (versus the motel-style exterior entrances of the two wings).Rooms are decorated in Santa Fe style, with colorful Native American rugs and pottery, wrought-iron light fixtures, patterned bedding, and other Southwestern art. Local tinwork and rough-hewn hand-carved wood furniture add to the charm. Beds feature feather pillows and down comforters; allergen-free bedding is available by request. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, bathrobes, and coffeemakers with free Wolfgang Puck coffee and tea. All rooms have mini-fridges and Deluxe and Mini-suites have minibars. Most rooms have wood-burning kiva fireplaces, and some rooms have patios or balconies.Bathrooms have shower/tub combos with Talavera tiles, hairdryers, and big sets of lavender-peppermint C.O. Bigelow products. There is free Wi-Fi in every room.

Inn of the Governors' most prominent feature is Del Charro Saloon, a rustic bar and eatery that attracts a crowd of locals. Del Charro serves reasonably-priced American staples and regional favorites for lunch and dinner daily. Guests get free buffet breakfast, which include hot items like scrambled eggs, apple-cured bacon, and hash browns. In the afternoons, free tea and sherry are served.Other amenities include a year-round heated outdoor pool (not large enough for laps), hot tub, and outdoor garden patio with seating. There is a 24-hour business center, and Wi-Fi and covered self-parking are both free.