As New Mexico’s most popular travel destination, choosing where to stay in Santa Fe is key to planning a perfect vacation to the Southeast USA state. The small, easy-to-navigate New Mexican city of Santa Fe has several distinctive areas and neighborhoods, each adding to the town’s high-desert charm.
Many of the best hotels in Santa Fe lie in & around its beautiful Historic District, where you’ll find the bulk of the city’s top attractions and the popular Railyard District. If you’re looking to save on your accommodations, other neighborhoods like Canyon Road, Siler Rufina Nexus (Midtown), and Southside are excellent alternatives, too. These popular areas are filled with inns, bed & breakfasts, and vacation rentals and offer something for everyone, whether it’s a quiet family retreat or a night in a buzzing entertainment hub.
Want to win the lottery when it comes to Sante Fe accommodations? Check out this detailed guide to all the best places to stay in Sante Fe, New Mexico, including the city’s top areas, neighborhoods, hotels, and other lodgings.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our United States Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Santa Fe, NM
Artistic, historic, and culturally diverse, Sante Fe’s unique areas and neighborhoods offer something for every type of traveler.
First-time travelers will love spending their nights in the charming Historic District with its grand Old Plaza and fascinating museums. With eclectic art galleries, charming boutiques, and excellent restaurants, the Historic District is a fave with both locals and visitors.
Or base yourself in the hip Railyard District, a popular spot for locals to hang out and the entertainment hub of the city. Centered around an arts & entertainment plaza set in a converted train station, the Railyard District has a laid-back, magnetic charm.
Art lovers, on the other hand, will love staying around Canyon Road. Boasting more than 80 art galleries within a half mile, Canyon Road is the hotbed of Sante Fe’s art scene. This fantastically walkable neighborhood is best explored on foot. Besides the art galleries, there are plenty of casual cafés and eateries along the way to refuel, including the oldest bar in Santa Fe.
The newly regentrified neighborhood of Siler Rufina Nexus (Midtown) is hip and happening and a great place to stay for sampling Santa Fe’s buzzing nightlife. Once home to old warehouses and industrial buildings, the edgy and art-focused district boasts trendy shops, funky art studios, and quirky theaters.
Traveling with kids? The residential neighborhood of Southside offers a tranquil respite from the bustling districts around downtown. You’ll find major grocery chains, fashion outlets, an array of family-friendly restaurants, and national brand lodging. There are also plenty of parks and green spaces for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
The best areas to stay in Santa Fe, NM, are:
Historic District
✓ Best area to stay in Santa Fe for sightseeing
Encircling the centralized Old Plaza, Sante Fe’s Historic District is the beating heart of the city. Lined with elegant old buildings like the four-centuries-old Palace of the Governors and the Loretto Chapel, the traditional Spanish-style Plaza is a popular tourist spot.
Art galleries, boutiques, and bustling cafés surround the plaza as local Native artisans sell their wares beneath the portal of the Palace of the Governors. Take a stroll around the city center square and admire the magnificent Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and relax over a coffee at one of the sidewalk cafés and watch the world bustle by.
Quaint winding streets radiate from the Old Plaza and are home to charming bookstores, gift shops, bistros, and bars. Tucked among the shady side streets are some excellent museums and popular Santa Fe tourist attractions like the Georgia O’Keefe Museum – well worth a visit.
Enjoy a quiet moment in the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the country, and have a Mexican-inspired lunch at one of the many restaurants dotted around the Old Plaza.
You’ll find a good choice of downtown hotels with all the bells and whistles that are within walking distance of the Old Plaza and all the action.
Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe
This quirky, art-filled hotel is a short stroll from the Santa Fe Plaza and the New Mexico Museum of Art. Colorful, individually decorated rooms and casita-style suites have original artwork and custom furniture by Chimayo artists. Sip cocktails in the auto-themed bar and enjoy free walking tours of Santa Fe Plaza during the high season.
Inn on the Alameda
Set on a two-acre adobe compound in the heart of Santa Fe, the Inn on the Alameda offers classic Santa Fe-style accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and a host of amenities. A short walk will take you to the Old Plaza and the galleries on Canyon Road. Relax in casita-style suites with Southwestern-inspired décor and unwind in one of two hot tubs in the evenings.
Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe
Boasting spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Drury Plaza Hotel is a stylish upmarket hotel a short walk from the historic 17th-century Palace of the Governors. Luxurious rooms have whirlpool baths and private balconies with gorgeous views. A casual restaurant serves global cuisine, and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and a hip cocktail bar is a perfect place to relax.
Inn of the Governors
Just a few blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza, this New Mexico-style hotel offers a comfortable retreat. Brightly decorated rooms boast hand-carved furnishings and modern amenities. Book a room with a garden patio and wood-burning kiva fireplace for an extra treat. Kick back at the bar over margaritas and unwind in a heated outdoor pool.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
Chic and upscale, the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is located a block away from the lively Santa Fe Plaza. Beautifully appointed guest rooms boast traditional accents like Native American textiles and balconies with lovely views. Dine on locally inspired cuisine in the rustic-chic restaurant and enjoy in-room massages.
Railyard District
✓ Best neighborhood to stay in Santa Fe for a local vibe and great entertainment
Looking to mingle with the locals? Book yourself some accommodations around the Railyard District. The classic 19th-century depot buildings around this old train station have been converted into stylish loft apartments, sleek art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Today, the historic railside neighborhood buzzes with a contemporary vibe.
The Railyard District is centered around a bustling arts & entertainment plaza. Set in a converted train station, the plaza hosts an artisan market and the ever-popular Santa Fe Farmers Market, where locals gather on weekends to shop, drink coffee, and catch up.
Spend a day exploring Railyard Park, where you can catch a performance art show or some live music or enjoy interactive-art festivals and summer outdoor concerts. Make time to visit the newly renovated SITE Santa Fe Museum, home to an outstanding collection of works by over 800 artists. See an independent movie at the Game of Thrones-themed Jean Cocteau Cinema and relax over a pint at the Santa Fe Brewing Company.
You’ll find comfortable hotels and inns around the Railyard District, many of which are within walking distance of the Railyard arts & entertainment plaza.
The Hacienda & Spa
Nestled amidst eateries and shops, the Hacienda & Spa is a laid-back hotel with comfortable rooms and a deluxe spa. Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and dine alfresco-style at one of several informal restaurants serving local cuisine. Enjoy massage services, spa treatments, and an outdoor pool with a terrace and sun loungers.
Hotel Santa Fe
Nestled in the heart of the Railyard District, Hotel Sante Fe is a Native American-owned hotel with beautiful gardens and a swimming pool. Brightly decorated rooms have modern amenities, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Enjoy on-site spa services and gourmet dining, followed by on-site ceremonial dance performances and historical storytelling next to the outdoor fireplace.
Santa Fe Motel & Inn
Situated just a few blocks from the Santa Fe Plaza, the Santa Fe Motel & Inn is an intimate Southwestern-style inn with comfortable accommodations. Book an adobe-style casita for a kitchenette and a cozy fireplace, and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. Tuck into a hot breakfast every morning and free cookies and lemonade in the afternoons.
El Farolito B&B Inn
Set in an adobe compound a short walk from the Railyard complex, the El Farolito B&B Inn offers a comfortable home-away-from-home retreat. Warmly decorated rooms and casitas have Native American décor, kiva fireplaces, and private walled patios. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and relax in the lovely gardens to the sound of a tinkling water fountain.
Canyon Road
✓ Recommended place to stay in Santa Fe for artistic culture
Art, art, and more art: Canyon Road is the artistic epicenter of Sante Fe and the vibrant hub of its local arts community. Even though the entire city celebrates the art community, Canyon Road is an entity unto its own. Home to more than 80 art galleries packed within half a mile along the tree-lined Canyon Road, the eponymous neighborhood is a wonderful area to stay and explore.
Once a trade route winding its way to the mountainside community of Pecos, Canyon Road has evolved into a dynamic arts district with a plethora of galleries, boutiques, and artisan jewelry stores. Large vivid sculptures line the road, and workshops allow visitors to watch artisans ply their trade.
Spend a day browsing the galleries and shops and enjoying the architecture and artworks that make the half-mile so incredibly unique. Pop into one of the many cafés along the way for a coffee or lunch and pick up a few chocolatey treats at Kawaka Chocolate House.
While there are no major brand hotels in the area, there are some lovely vacation rentals that offer comfortable home-away-from-home retreats.
Casa en Canyon
Cozy and neat, Casa En Canyon is a lovely condo-style one-bedroom apartment with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Situated a short walk from the Old Plaza, the apartment features one bathroom, a spacious living area, and a fully equipped kitchen. Ideal if you prefer self-catering and cooking your own meals.
Chic Adobe-Style Bungalow
Ideal for families, this beautiful, air-conditioned home has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and spacious living areas. Designed in a traditional abode style, rooms are stylishly decorated with contemporary Southwestern furnishings, and an indoor fireplace is perfect for cold nights. The Old Plaza and the Historic District are a few miles away.
Casa De Gracia
Just a few blocks from the Railyard, Casa De Gracia is a spacious historic adobe home with four bedrooms. Enjoy spacious living areas, lofty ceilings, a fully equipped kitchen, and a beautiful patio garden. Top-notch amenities include air-conditioning, laundry access, filtered drinking water, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi.
Siler Rufina Nexus (Midtown)
✓ Recommended area for nightlife
Once a gritty, industrial neighborhood, Siler Rufina Nexus (Midtown) is now a creative innovation district that celebrates arts & culture. The internationally renowned Meow Wolf is at the heart of the district and offers an immersive art experience like no other. Based in a former bowling alley, the collective hosts on-site workshops that encourage and promote out-of-the-box thinking.
Wander down Baca Street and browse the many shops and artist studios and head to Second Street, where you’ll find plenty of casual places to wine and dine. Grab a coffee at the popular Java Joe’s or sample some of the region’s finest craft beers at the Rufina Taproom or Dual Brewing.
Midtown also has a burgeoning theater scene, and you’ll find plenty of shows and workshops to enjoy. Head to the Adobe Rose Theater or the Teatro Paraguas for a show and dine at one of the new restaurants in the area afterward.
Explore the edgy side of Sante Fe at the MAKE Santa Fe, a community space with several art studios and galleries, performance venues, bookstores, and project spaces.
Siler Rufina Nexus (Midtown) has good options for mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
El Rey Court
Surrounded by five acres of beautiful gardens, El Rey Court is a laid-back, family-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and a fitness room. Comfortably decorated guest rooms have antique furniture and original Southwestern artwork. Enjoy satellite TV and free Wi-Fi during your stay. The Old Plaza and the Historic District are a few miles away.
Hampton Inn Santa Fe South
Located just a mile from the famous Meow Wolf art installation and the Santa Fe Place Mall, the Hampton Inn Santa Fe South is an ideal base for exploring Midtown Sante Fe. Brightly decorated guest rooms have en-suite bathrooms, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Book a suite for extra space and a wet bar. Relax in the on-site gym or at the indoor pool.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Santa Fe, an IHG Hotel
For a standard hotel stay, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Santa Fe, an IHG Hotel ticks all the boxes. Relaxed rooms have private bathrooms and standard amenities like microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi and kick back at the indoor pool and gym. You’ll find several eateries close by, and a short drive will take you to the center of Sante Fe’s Historic District.
Southside
✓ Recommended neighborhood for families and budget travelers
If you prefer a quieter area away from the touristy hustle and bustle, then Southside is the perfect spot. The lovely, leafy residential neighborhood has plenty of green spaces, parks, and trails for hiking and biking and enjoying the outdoors. It’s also a great location for embarking on popular Santa Fe day trips to the south.
Southside may be more peaceful than other areas, but there is still plenty to do. The busy Cerrillos Road is lined with shopping malls, big-name brand stores, fast-food restaurants, and family-friendly diners. Harry’s Roadhouse and Dr. Field Goods Kitchen are popular eateries with a contemporary flair, and the Tecolote Café is a local favorite.
You’ll find plenty of mid-range and budget chain accommodations within a short drive from Sante Fe’s main attractions.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Fe
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Fe offers a quiet and relaxed place to unwind. Basic rooms have en-suite bathrooms and regular amenities like minifridges, microwaves, and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and a delicious hot breakfast is served every morning. Relax in a casual lounge and burn off extra energy in an indoor pool and gym.
Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe
Laid-back and relaxed, the Best Western Plus Inn of Santa Fe is a great choice for families that need comfortable rooms and basic amenities. A complimentary breakfast buffet provides energy for a day of sightseeing, and you can cool off in the indoor pool and gym on your return. Located just four miles from Santa Fe Railyard Arts District and the Historic District, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city.
Hyatt Place Santa Fe
Conveniently situated just six miles from the bustling Old Plaza, Hyatt Place Santa Fe offers comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi and minifridges. Wake up to a delicious complimentary breakfast served every day at The Breakfast Bar, or grab something to go from the Mini Market. Take a relaxing dip in the indoor pool or soak away the busy day in the hot tub.
