La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa

The La Posada is one of several upscale inns near Santa Fe Plaza, but it stands out for its dedication to local art, as well as its history -- it dates back to the 19th century, and once catered specifically to artists. Scores of paintings are on display within the hotel and rooms, and there’s even an on-staff curator who rotates paintings seasonally to give the hotel a true gallery feel.

La Posada is situated on a six-acre property featuring many trees, a courtyard with a fountain and fireplace, sculptures, and manicured grounds. The main building was originally a mansion built by Santa Fe merchant Abraham Staab in 1882, and its exterior is classic Santa Fe revival style, with tan adobe walls and extruding pine beams. Additional Pueblo-style buildings housing the rooms surround the main building. Inside, nearly every available wall is devoted to showing local works of art, and attractive Santa Fe-style decor is featured throughout, with tiled floors, traditional viga ceilings, and adobe walls. 

Though La Posada offers impressive features, guests will have to pay a mandatory nightly resort fee, which can add up. Travelers seeking something cheaper may want to consider the Old Santa Fe Inn -- which is also close to the Plaza and offers free breakfast -- or the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza. Couples and families wanting to splurge may prefer the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, though rates can be up to four times the Posada’s, and its location a 20-minute drive from the Plaza may not be ideal to some.  

La Posada is located two blocks from the historic Plaza, putting guests within easy walking distance of Santa Fe’s cultural hub. There are plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and shops within a short walk of the resort, and Canyon Road -- with its many art galleries -- is also easily visited on foot. Other major attractions that can be found within walking distance are the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Tesuque Pueblo, the Santa Fe Opera House, and the Santa Fe Country Club are all within a 15-minute drive of the hotel. Albuquerque International Airport can be reached in just over an hour, while Santa Fe Municipal Airport is just a 20-minute drive away. Free shuttle service is offered free within a two-mile radius.

Each of the 157 rooms at La Posada is unique, and layouts (and sizes) can vary even within the same room category. The decor, however, is universally charming; rooms are decorated in tasteful, understated Southwestern style, with wood-beamed ceilings, wrought-iron light fixtures, and local artwork. All guest rooms and suites were refurbished in 2015, but some are already starting to show some wear and tear, including stained carpets and missing tiles in bathrooms.

Standard amenities are good for the price and include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, empty mini-fridges, and robes. Some units feature gas or wood-burning fireplaces, and others have furnished patios -- some shared with the next-door casita. Wi-Fi is included in the nightly resort fee, but some guests have complained that it can be spotty in certain rooms. Bathrooms also vary widely in size, and while some are tiny, others have enough space for glass-enclosed showers and separate jetted tubs. C.O. Bigelow toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

La Posada de Santa Fe has an excellent array of on-site amenities, especially when compared to other similarly priced hotels. The heated saltwater pool is open year-round and features a whirlpool and pleasant deck with padded loungers. Those looking to get pampered can book a body treatment or salon service at the lovely day spa, complete with steam rooms and a relaxation lounge. The 24-hour fitness center is outfitted with a great range of modern cardio and strength-training machines, and offers private yoga classes and personal trainers. Group yoga and Pilates sessions are available free of charge every week. 

The vibe at La Posada is mellow, but there is a weekly event calendar offering free seasonal activities that include tequila, beer, and margarita tastings, art tours, s’mores by the fireplace, and afternoon tea. Dining at the resort is another property highlight, with three excellent restaurants offering tasty local cuisine made with local ingredients and great Spanish and South American wines. There is also a cozy cocktail lounge and a seasonal outdoor restaurant with a more casual atmosphere and fire pits. 

Guests are required to pay a nightly resort fee, which includes Wi-Fi, valet parking, free car service to destinations within a two-mile radius, and turndown service.