Over the past 18 or more Christmas Seasons we've spent in Santa Fe, NM, we have enjoyed more than a dozen at this landmark hotel. The location, just a short block or so off the Plaza, cannot be beat. And the rooms, though fairly small and in the European style, are clean, well appointed, and very comfortable. Besides, who spends much time lounging about a hotel room when the streets and activities of a world class destination beckon just outside your door? Coupled with an excellent room rate and first class concierge service available, (get to know Inger, she's a real pro) this hotel is the best deal in the city. And by the way, the new renovations both to the lobby and the rooms, makes you feel like like you're staying in a re-claimed convent or monastary --- the clean, quiet 'minimalist' ambiance is a breath of fresh air compared to the 'over-done cuteness' that typifies much of the rest of Santa Fe's lodging offerings.

Location was convenient to venue and local attractions but recent renovation has left the hotel stripped all of the Santa Fe charm. Stark and cold interior. Rooms are styled like convent cells. Opened drapes to find dirt covering the window sill. Bathroom 4X4 cramped space. Tried breakfast and was sorely disappointed. Omelet was tasteless, supposed to be filled with corn and squash, maybe 6 kernals of corn and mixture was not seasoned in any way and was waterlogged. Told waiter the breakfast was tasteless and not edible and all I got from him was the bill. Upon arrival I was able to check in early which was convenient. I booked online and scheduled flight based on website indication that check out was at 4pm. When I brought this to their attention another desk agent told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I showed her the record created on a travel app on iphone and she accused me of making it up. I then asked to see my check in paperwork and the 4PM note had been marked through after I signed and returned the paper. The website was corrected after I returned home. I would neither recommend nor advise against a visit as everyone has their own expectations and tolerances. Car was dinged in parking lot as spaces are barely suitable for compact car. I will not return.

We just spent a wonderful Christmas week at the St. Francis. If you are looking for heavy Southwestern decor, then the St. Francis is not the right place for you. What it does have is very classy minimal monastic decor, an old world feel without seeming cheesy, and a cozy fireplace in the lobby - so enticing it seems that people not even staying at the hotel would come in to warm themselves on their way elsewhere.

The location is great, one block south of the Plaza. The breakfast menu has excellent Southwestern options and more regular breakfast fare. The Secreto bar has a very skilled bartender, and the hot buttered rum was a nice winter drink. Though it was too cold this time of year, the hotel has a large street-facing porch and a dining courtyard that must be terrific in warm weather. Inger, the concierge, is a Santa Fe icon and got us into the best restaurants even on this busy week. Our room was very warm, and we had 9 fluffy pillows on our king size bed.

A few cautionary tips to note - though they did not diminish our stay: Be sure to use your do not disturb sign to avoid housekeeping knocks at 930am. The hotel does not advertise having a gym for good reason, because there is one there, but it is microscopic in size. We worked out elsewhere. The hotel also does not have a spa on site, so you will need to go elsewhere, as we did. My parent's room only had room for a bed, but no chairs in it, so some of the rooms are very small. Ours was quite comfortable. The elevator has a bizarre smell in it, perhaps from groundwater beneath the hotel. Our room could have used a larger mirror.

This is a wonderful, peaceful, modern (slightly upscale) hotel. Yes the rooms are a bit small (not like a Hilton or Holiday Inn) ... more like a boutique hotel. But I did not go to Santa Fe to stay in my room. The price was great I thought for what we got. Small rooms means (for our room) the wash basin was in the room itself ... but don't let this turn you away. The beds are comfortable, the room furniture fantastic (kind of a upscale monastery/rustic look), and the bathroom was new and very upscale. The over all ambiance of the hotel is one of quiet peacefulness (like St. Francis). The hotel (and rooms) is made to look as if you were in a monastery (sort of). The dining room is fabulous and the food was very good. But also do not forget about the location -- right in the heart of it all. You cannot go wrong with this place. I would, definitely do this again.