Where to stay in Santa Fe: Inn and Spa at Loretto review

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a fun town for parents, and can be surprisingly kid-friendly, too. Whether you’re planning a parents-getaway or a family vacation, the Inn and Spa at Loretto offers an authentic feel, proximity to just about everything, and an upscale but relaxed vibe.

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This boutique AAA four-diamond hotel has made Travel + Leisure’s World Best list, and houses an award-winning spa, but what I appreciated most was the authentic feel to the property. Located less than two blocks from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza and steps from dining and shopping, the Loretto is a five-story pueblo building surrounded by local flora and fauna and local sculptures. In fact, it sits adjacent to the famous Chapel at Loretto, and was built on the grounds of the former Academy of our Lady of Light. It’s very serene, despite being close to Santa Fe attractions. Inside, the pueblo style includes long, tiled hallways, interior art shops, and plenty of patios, balconies, and stucco spaces.

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As seemed true for Sante Fe in general, the average age of guests during my stay at the Loretto appeared to be about 65; I only saw a handful of families (but it was the off-season). There’s plenty to attract parents with kids, including the beautiful grounds, a lovely outdoor pool, and a spa that welcomes teens (with parents).

Amenities:

Rooms in Loretto are spacious, include complimentary wifi, and bathrooms with tubs. The small fridge in each room shares its space with mini-bar items, with is a negative for families hoping to store leftovers and breakfast items, but some space does remain (you need a key to open the fridge, but as long as you leave mini-bar items in place, you’ll be fine).

My deluxe category guest room featured a kiva fireplace (with candle) and spacious balcony with seating area. Standard rooms don’t include these features, but many Superior category rooms (less than Deluxe) do include private or shared balconies. Be sure to call the front desk and ask for details on your room.

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Dining at Loretto:

The Loretto offers three meals a day in their Lumineria restaurant with indoor and patio seating and what locals told me is a variation on New Mexican cuisine. Breakfast in Lumineria was excellent (try the huge breakfast burrito). Room service is also available. Dinner at Luminaria was a decidedly upscale event, with mood lighting and a peaceful, elegant feel. I tried the chiles rellenos and loved my meal. Their signature cocktails are inventive and delicious (try the Sagebrush). For lunch or more casual fare, the Living Room features simpler fare from Lumineria in a lounge and patio setting. It opens at 2 pm daily, and includes pool service.

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The Spa at Loretto:

If parents have time and childcare, a trip to the Spa at Loretto will greatly enhance any trip. This spa won the Reader’s Choice award from Conde Nast Traveler, and after spending almost two hours in treatments, I can see why. I opted for a luxurious pedicure at the spa, which included time in their ‘zero gravity’ chairs. These chairs rotate you onto your back, with feet parallel to the floor. Sounds uncomfortable? It’s the opposite! In fact, I nearly fell asleep, and was told dozing in the zero gravity chairs is very common. If only airlines would adopt them…

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Room Rates:

When I checked, rates as low as $150/night could be found. Superior and Deluxe category rooms will be more, but for a family, a balcony may not be necessary; there are plenty of outdoor spaces in the hotel. The Loretto also offers a gorgeous penthouse suite located on their fifth floor: with almost as much outdoor space as indoor (in the form of balconies and decks), this suite is an amazing venue for a social event or large family getaway.

What’s nearby:

From the Loretto, families can walk two blocks to the Plaza, and less than five blocks to Canyon Road shopping, the Cross of the Martyrs and site of Fort Marcy, and the Georgia O’Keeffe museum.

Directions:

The Loretto is located at 211 Old Santa Fe Trail in downtown Santa Fe. It’s only a few minutes from I-25, an hour from the airport in Albuquerque and 20 minutes from the airport in Santa Fe.

As I disclose whenever applicable, the Inn and Spa at Loretto hosted my stay, for the purpose of review. Without their hospitality, I would be unable to inform my readers about lodging and dining picks.

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