Jul 21, 2002 04:04 AM
2191 Views
(Updated Jul 21, 2002 04:04 AM)
This cozy Inn is set on six beautiful acres near the heart of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's very private and relaxing. It's a wonderful place to stay when you're in Santa Fe. I highly recommend it to anyone who is not on a tight budget.
Santa Fe is about an hour's drive south from Taos, and about an hour's drive north from Albuquerque. La Posada de Santa Fe is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico's downtown area near the Old Santa Fe Historic Plaza. This historic district is just a short walk away from La Posada to downtown galleries, museums, restaurants and outdoor markets.
I was there a few years ago when there were many renovations going on, so I don't know about all the changes which may have taken place since then. I do know they have expanded and built more guest cottages on their land. La posada can be translated into English as the inn.
The exterior of the inn's main building is of brownish orange adobe, common amongst Southwestern architecture. This main building is actually a historic Victorian mansion built in 1886 by German immigrant Abraham Staab. The Staab mansion was turned into an inn in the mid-1930s. While there are a few guest rooms in the mansion, most of the rooms are in surrounding adobe cottages set on six acres. The Victorian sitting room is beautiful and includes a marble fireplace and leather chairs.
My room looked out onto a courtyard with a gazebo and a flower garden. The private entrances give the place a feeling of intimacy and individuality. There is a heated outdoor pool on the pine tree dotted grounds. The room I stayed in was designed in traditional Southwestern style, with tile, hardwood floors and white adobe walls. My guest room included a coffee maker with an assortment of coffees and teas. This is a big plus for me, as I just love being able to brew myself a cup of coffee in my room when I'm traveling. There are two phone lines in each room which includes a data port. There's the standard alarm clock so you won't oversleep and miss what you're there to do and see!
The inn's bar and restaurant which are in the main building served New Mexican as well as continental choices. You can dine indoors or enjoy your meal outdoors on the patio. While I stopped in to the bar a few times, I only had one meal in the restaurant. The quality of the food was fine. I don't recall it being outstanding, and I chose to eat the rest of my meals in Santa Fe. The restaurant always looked busy though and seemed popular with many people, including locals.
A guidebook for activities taking place at the inn itself, as well as things to do in the city of Santa Fe, was provided in the room. Planned activities included things such as musical entertainment, art tours, and star gazing. I found the front desk employees and the concierge to be very helpful with all my questions about getting around. Santa Fe is a city beautified with indigo skies by day and lit up by starry heavens at night. La Posada de Santa Fe made my short time in New Mexico's capital city pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable. The inn is located at 330 E. Palace Avenue and can be phoned at (800) 727-5276.
My room rate was on special at the time and was $315. No, it's not inexpensive. But if you have the money, it is worth every penny. It's indeed best suited for a luxury vacation. The suites are truly sweet!
