We arrived at the Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe, which can be found in the heart of downtown Santa Fe half a block from the historic Santa Fe Plaza. The unique heritage of the nearby Spanish colonial town of Chimayo is apparent as you step through the lobby, complete with wall weavings created with the traditional wool and techniques from the 1700’s, and into the long “plaza” beyond.
The town of Chimayo, NM is located about 30 minutes north of Santa Fe and was constructed with a traditional fortified central plaza. The original Chimayo community heritage and spiritual dedication is readily apparent throughout the property. As we walked through the plaza where the rooms are located, we passed on either side, the buildings where the rooms are located painted in traditional earth tones, bunches of dried red chili peppers hanging from balconies, and a large wooden cross at the far end of the plaza – all reminiscent of 17th century Chimayo. The theme continues in the 56 spacious rooms and suites, which feature beautiful Chimayo designs and artwork from local artists. Many of the rooms have exposed beams providing a rustic flavor to the rich setting you will enjoy here.
We stayed in the warm and inviting Mission King Suite, tastefully decorated in traditional colors and fabrics by some of the 70 Chimayo artists that contributed their talents to the hotel’s design theme. Our room had a wood-burning fireplace, which can be started for you by the attentive staff. The L-shaped couch was a perfect location to enjoy the warmth of the fire while enjoying a glass of wine. Keeping with the spiritual theme, handmade crosses made from sticks and held together with rope adorn many of the walls.
As you look at the front of the hotel, there is a large front patio porch where you can relax in the dry air while trying some authentic New Mexican food and drinks. We loved Estevan Restaurant, which sources its ingredients from the Santa Fe farmers market, inspired by the flavors of northern New Mexico, and is known for its delicious Chimayo Chile. Adjacent to the lobby is the Low ‘n Slow Lowrider Bar tastefully decorated with a mix of stamped metal and wood, accented with vintage hub caps that are proudly displayed near the bar.
Also don’t miss the Anasazi Restaurant in the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi next door to Hotel Chimayo. Traditional Southwestern cuisine serves as the foundation for the Anasazi Restaurant’s menus, which include regional Latin influences that enrich the time-honored fare and celebrate Santa Fe’s vibrant Latin Communities. The hotel’s Executive Chef, Juan Bochenski found inspiration in Santa Fe’s rich culinary history, as well as ingredients that he finds locally. We tried the Spanish eggs benedict and the Green Chile Breakfast Burrito – both were delicious.
All Heritage Hotels & Resorts guests are given a discount card called “Local Treasures” that provides 15% off Heritage’s favorite locally owned businesses. These businesses include restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions.
The hotel offers a complimentary downtown shuttle service that departs each hour and stops at many other properties in the city. They even offer a free walking tour of downtown Santa Fe with a 20-year veteran guide describing its history and culture. Santa Fe is filled with world-class galleries, museums, and historic landmarks. It’s a great location for exploring the arts and learning about the history of New Mexico. The tours which begin from the hotel’s front portal are 75 minutes in length and available from May through October.
You have no worries if you are travelling with a pet you considered part of your family. They are welcome! Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe is pleased to offer pet-friendly accommodations and services.
Hotel Chimayo de Santa Fe is part of Heritage Hotels & Resorts. Heritage Hotels & Resorts are known for supporting cultural causes throughout New Mexico such as community partnerships, hospitality community programs, cultural programs and events, and various organizations, non-profits and scholarships programs.
They donate a portion of every room night’s revenue to culturally and artistically significant endeavors by partnering with the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association.
Hotel Chimayo: http://www.hotelchimayo.com/
Inn of the Anasazi: http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/inn-of-the-anasazi-santa-fe
Submitted by Dr. Diane Hayden