I stayed at the El Rey in October 2012 and had the opportunity to view at least 4 rooms, each uglier and than the preceding. The rooms are outdated. The furniture appears to have been gathered from one of the used furniture shops along main street. The bathrooms are pitiful mostly without windows or any ventilation. The TV sets are antiques with minimal cable access. A truly depressing two nights. Pay the extra money and stay at one of the fine Santa Fe hotels. It will be worth the extra expense.

There are hotels closer to the heart of Santa Fe. There are newer, more amenitized motels. But nowhere will you find a motel that combines history, lush gardens & bend-over-backwards service like El Rey provides. Even though it is on busy Cerillos Road, once you get on the property you feel like you're on an oasis. The landscaping is exquisite, with little chairs & benches placed strategically about the property for your relaxation.

The rooms are on the smaller side, as one would expect from an old Route 66 motel, but they have expanded the bathroom area to be as large or larger than most contemporary motels. The breakfast is excellent, and you have use of the pool, hot tub, sauna, two & exercise facility. We generally take a taxi into town, then walk off our delicious New Mexican lunch/dinner by walking back - it takes about 35 minutes to walk to the Plaza.

We've stayed there once a year since 2007 & would never consider going anywhere else.

Stayed here first time in 2008, and returned now more than 4 years later. Happened to get exactly the same room! A small hotel with charm, not a noisy business place - but one who cares for you. Personal service at the breakfast in the morning. Dont go to a cold express brand hotel, go here where they will make you really feel welcome.
Self-laudry possible. Pool was closed for the season, but by looking through the fence it was just like last time - nice.
Free WiFi at the hotel. Parking just outside the room doors.

This is the second time we've stayed here and it was just as good this time round. There is a bus stop outside the inn so you can get a bus into the centre (but the buses stop running early in the evening coming back to the inn). The pool is good with plenty of loungers and there are two hot tubs as well - one by the pool and another in an enclosed courtyard. The gardens are lovely and there are lots of different areas to wander around. The rooms have lots of personality. There's no traffice noise as it is away from the busy road. The breakfasts are good.