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Santa Fe is situated on a 7,000-foot-high plateau with clear air, the heritage of Pueblo Indians and Spanish Conquistadors followed by American traders, and 20th-century names such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Max Weber. To this, add inspiring architecture, an incredible outdoor opera theatre, and what some consider the best Indian-art shopping in the Southwest. The Hotel St. Francis, which first opened in 1924 as the De Vargas Hotel, presented an enormous challenge to renovators a few years ago. The program required extensive research to update the building, and the architects had to meet the standards of the National Register of Historic Places.
Today's hotel, renamed, is a short block from the Plaza, the center of the town for centuries. Guests will find 1920s art deco-inspired decor and an open, airy concept, with large street-view windows, palms, and plenty of access to the verandas. The original light fixtures were refurbished for public areas, and artifacts from the earlier hotel are displayed throughout. All guest rooms feature period furniture of cherry and mahogany, and brass and iron beds topped with colorful quilts. Bathrooms are marble with brass and porcelain fixtures and pedestal sinks.
The new restaurant, The Club, offers good food with an Italian flair at affordable prices. A standout among the dishes is Pasta Alla Santa Fe, a fresh red chile fettucine sauteed with chicken, Parmesan cheese, green chile, and cream.
Santa Fe is a pleasure to walk around. In the immediate area are the Palace of the Governors, Sena Plaza, St. Francis Cathedral (housing the oldest madonna in the United States), the Museum of Fine Arts, and shops selling kachinas, pottery, rugs, and irresistible turquoise and silver jewelry.
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new mexico
