Inn and Spa at Loretto, Santa Fe

A good stay in Santa Fe. Rooms are a little more dated than the Rosewood, but much more not-psychedelic than the Inn of Five Graces. Very centrally located, good service, but some hiccups here and there. With its price being almost always significantly lower than other luxury competitors, Inn and Spa at Loretto is a good choice.

A

A few days before arrival, I emailed the hotel with some questions regarding the property, area, and activities, the hotel staff was very responsive.

Check in was smooth and easy. The front desk agent walked us through our Virtuoso benefits and available amenities at the property. However, our room was not ready at 1130 am so the front desk offered to keep our luggage and deliver to our room when it was ready. The staff also gave us room keys. We went out for lunch and returned directly to our room with our luggages in room. Great! Also the lobby had some small shops and art displays, reminds me a lot of Peninsula Arcades around the world.

Check out had some hiccups. Of the three breakfasts we had, one had a $15 tip posted on the folio. The front desk agent explained that tip is not included in the $60 daily breakfast credit. However, the other two days' tips/breakfast charges were not on the folio. Additionally, the $100 food and beverage Virtuoso credit was not posted to offset some of our hotel dinner cost. However, the staff quickly addressed both issues.

The rooms are DARK. Due to traditional architecture, windows are small and scarce. Our room did not have a window at all. The door to the balcony was the only source of light. Some of the room are starting to show signs of age. The bathroom is in desparate need of a refresh (think pre-renovation Rosewood). Bathrooms have a heat lamp but be careful, because the ceilings are low, if you are over 6 feet tall your hair won't like it if you stand under the light.

Service at the hotel is top notch. Staff are friendly and professional. From our engagement before arrival to questions during the stay, the staff was able to help us with all our questions and needs. They may not be actively trying to engage you like at some properties, but we don't mind that.

There is no service at the heated outdoor pool.

I informed the hotel that I was celebrating my birthday there before I arrived. Upon check in, the hotel gave us a bottle of Gruet sparkling rose, made in NM. Also a hand drawn birthday card. A nice touch!

The hotel houses Luminaria restaurant, which really is nothing to wrong home about. Dinner was not worthwhile; I wish we had spent the hotel credit at the bar instead.

Breakfast was okay. The five grain pancakes, however, was delicious. I had it all three days (in addition to trying other food). But still not as good as the MOHK.

One of the top selling points is the location. This hotel is very centrally located. It is minutes from all the major churches/chapels, town square, and if you are hotel hopping, a 5 minute (0.2 mile) walk to the Rosewood. 

Overall a good hotel in a good location. The rooms are dated but it should not be a big deal if you are planning to spend most of your time outdoors, which you should if you are in Santa Fe!. Its heated outdoor pool is a selling point as well, as not many properties in downtown SF offers a pool, let alone a heated outdoor pool. Service is mostly great and well-intentioned.