All content & photos: Copyright© 2008,
Jan Hight. All rights reserved.
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Santa Fe,
New Mexico "The City Different" The Inn on the Alameda
"that enchanting small hotel in old Santa Fe"
The radiant natural light is different than in any other locale; the stark beauty of the high-desert landscape that inspired Georgia O’Keefe, among many others, is different than in any other area; the crisp, dry and pristine air is different than in any other environment; the multi-cultural historic background is different than in any other region...these are just a few of the reasons that Santa Fe, New Mexico, is justifiably known as "The City Different". Nestled at 7,000 feet in the asylum of the Sangre
de Cristo mountains, Indians lived and established their culture in the area surrounding
Santa Fe more than 1,000 years ago; the nearby pueblos have existed for centuries (the
most famous, the Taos Pueblo, is 400 years old). Coronado led an expedition into this
portion of the New World in 1540, and a permanent settlement was established in the
vicinity in 1598. Santa Fe was founded by Spain in 1609 as a center of Spanish
exploration, making it the oldest continually-used seat of government in the United
States. In 1821 the fabled Santa Fe Trail brought trade with the United States, and wagon
trains traveling from the East ended their trek at the Plaza, which dates
Wander a bit further away and there are yet more temptations...an old warehouse housing a collection of eclectic shops; the legendary Santa Fe rail yard which is being renovated into a new entertainment district; a tucked-away park; a striking mural which depicts the preceding, contemporary and future generations of this melding of cultures
Upon entering the reception area at the Inn on the
Alameda, one is immediately Behind the sheltering adobe walls are
the courtyards and buildings of the Inn. Room amenities vary with The ever-helpful staff at the Inn on
the Alameda will be more than happy to introduce you to the marvelous restaurants John and I have made many journeys to Santa Fe since the early 1980s, before it became a trendy gathering spot and home to celebrities. I’m delighted to say that on our recent return we found that the notoriety hasn't marred its small-town charm or the warmth and hospitality of its inhabitants. There have been changes over the years, of course, but they have blended into the overall atmosphere...enhancing rather than detracting in most cases. The only negative we newly encountered was discovering that the pleasant Wine Shop inside the Inn at Loretto (where we've stayed during several previous trips) is now a sandwich shop named "Phast Phannies"; unfortunately the employees were surly and rude...enter at your own risk!! Fortunately this is a very rare occurrence in an unusually gracious town.
There are many other attractions in the vicinity of Santa Fe: the world-renowned Santa Fe Opera, unique and artistic Taos, the Santa Fe and Taos ski areas, the late-summer Open Air Market, the ancient pueblos...and more. If you can pull yourself away from the delights of Santa Fe, there are all sorts of other enticements to enjoy! Again, the staff of the Inn on the Alameda will be glad to provide assistance with whatever by-road you choose to explore. So...for an entirely enchanting visit to the Land of Enchantment, "Jan’s Journeys" recommends Santa Fe and the distinctive first-class lodging at the Inn on the Alameda! For more information and rates you can reach the Inn at 1-800-289-2122, via e-mail at info@inn-alameda.com, or visit their website at http://www.inn-alameda.com/. Once you’re there, you'll understand why Santa Fe is known as The City Different, and why the Inn on the Alameda is known as "that enchanting small hotel in old Santa Fe"!!
Copyright © 1997 - 2008: Jan Hight
Published -- February 26, 1997 |
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the Spanish expansion of 1609 is still vibrant today. The U.S. 
flag was
raised over that Plaza in 1846, and it is still the heart of the present city. Then, of
course, there is the railroading connection; the old Santa Fe RR depot, though no longer
in use, still stands as a reminder of the zenith of rail travel. Another aspect of this
intriguing city is the thriving art scene featuring galleries of every size and
description. So...it quickly becomes obvious that Santa Fe isn't a fading page from a
forgotten text book; it’s a living history lesson that continues to enchant visitors
as they stroll the winding streets past quaint adobe homes, picturesque art galleries, and
gracious courtyards, with the sweet smell of piņon pine scenting the air as a dazzling
sunset tints the sky and luminarias lend their faint glow to the evening.
Walking around the historic Plaza today, one can feel
both the many reverberations
of the past plus the lively vibrations of
today’s urbane city. La Fonda Hotel still claims its spot overlooking the Plaza as a
dowager queen (its Santa Fe Trail address provides its catch phrase "the hotel at the
end of the trail"). In front of the block-long Palace of the Governors (built in
1609-1610) local Indians still display their jewelry and crafts. An old Woolworths exists
in the midst of souvenir shops that have a 50’s feeling, fashionable clothing stores
and chic art galleries. A recently-added Galleria manages to fit into the surroundings as
if it had always made its home on the Plaza. The side streets contain even more
discoveries: a medley of galleries, museums, upscale boutiques, long-lived local shops,
restaurants, old churches, inns, jewelry stores, T-shirt emporiums, purveyors of chile
ristras or coyote statues, bookstores, wine shops, and more...a wondrous fusion of the old
and new, sophisticated and earthy, elegant and rustic -- always
artistic.
Nearby Canyon Road offers even more diversions. Beginning
as an ancient Indian trail, this narrow street (one-way for much of its length) became an
artists’ community in the 1920s and remains so today. It isn't long in terms of
mileage; it’s definitely "walkable" in terms of distance; but this scenic
excursion takes its visitors to unlimited destinations in the art world. No matter what
your taste, there will probably be something that intrigues you in this tightly packed
collection of galleries housed in a variety of charming old adobe structures.
On this latest of our many visits to Santa Fe, we stayed
for the first time at the Inn on the Alameda...and it definitely won’t be the
last time! We were thoroughly impressed with this small, courtly hotel and its impeccable
service. Ideally located just a block from Canyon Road, a short walk from the Plaza, and
across the street from the Santa Fe River park, the Inn on the Alameda fits in perfectly
with its Old Town surroundings although it was built in the late 1980s.
greeted by the amicable and attentive front
desk staff. Besides providing a pleasant check-in process, they are well-trained in
customer service and are eager to assist with any information, recommendations or
reservations that their guests may request. Adjacent to the front desk is the
inviting Library with the lure of its glowing fireplace, regional artwork and decorating
accents, and comfortable sitting areas. Off of the lobby is the Agoyo Room, a relaxing
lounge which serves a variety of beverages after 4:00pm and is a warm spot to unwind after
a day of gallery hopping or shopping sprees. A bountiful continental breakfast is laid out
each morning in a room just behind the Library...making the Inn on the Alameda a pleasing
combination of hotel and B&B.
price; all are cozy southwestern-style retreats. Our room had handmade
furniture in natural woods with brushed pastel highlights, a kiva fireplace, wet bar,
balcony, and cheerful ceramic tile trim in the 
bath.
Those tiny details that make a big difference were also present....a small bouquet of
fresh flowers, thick and luxuriant towels, the standard "Do Not Disturb" placard
suspended from a colorful string of beads. Plush robes were folded on the bed upon our
arrival, ready for use on our way to the 2 outdoor spas or the on-site fitness facility
(with massage therapy available). The Inn also offers conference facilities and the
assistance of a meeting coordinator. Once again, the personalized service of a small inn
and the many amenities of a full-service hotel combine into a singular lodging experience.
of Santa Fe!! John and I have our particular favorites, developed over our
many visits, but we’re always eager to
try the new
offerings as well. The variety of dining options in Santa Fe is staggering when
considering the relatively small size of the city itself. Three of our "rituals"
on every trip are The Pink Adobe, La Casa Sena and La Plazuela. The Pink Adobe is the
oldest restaurant in Santa Fe (on the same street as the oldest church in the U.S., with
the oldest house nearby); it offers many menu options, but the wonderfully distinctive New
Mexican dishes are our usual choice. La Casa Sena is located in Sena Plaza (which was
originally a 33-room, U-shaped Hacienda, inhabited at one time during its diversified 
history by a Civil War officer serving under Kit Carson)...with an
eclectic Southwestern and Continental menu. La Plazuela at La Fonda Hotel is a delightful
dining room with a courtyard atmosphere achieved by the trees within and the glass roof
above...the Huevos 
Rancheros cannot be matched (and we've
sampled the best of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and California)! Other favorites
are La Tertulia (housed in an old convent); The Compound (wonderful Continental dining in
a secluded location off of Canyon Road); Celebrations (a rambling, homey structure on
Canyon Road...a long-time favorite of ours, formerly under a different name); The Coyote
Grill (an "en vogue" spot off of the Plaza); The Shed (a terrific place for
lunch in a courtyard near the Plaza); and Geronimo: artistic Continental and Southwestern
selections served in an adobe home built on Canyon Road by Geronimo Lopez in 1756...with
several fireplaces, comfy banquettes, and an excellent waiter named
Bryan (however, its small - but tasteful - exterior sign does make it a
bit difficult to locate). This is just the short list; the staff at the Inn on the Alameda
(or the concierge at any other fine hotel) can recommend several more outstanding
restaurants with any type of cuisine you may desire.
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