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A suite at the Anasazi //
© Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi |
I’ll admit that my initial thoughts of Santa Fe had a lot to do with the old-time Westerns and movie musicals I watched while growing up, and from seeing Georgia O’Keeffe’s brilliantly vibrant paintings in the pages of my favorite art books. Because of these influences, Santa Fe, in my mind, was an untamed place of beauty filled to the brim with history, color and tradition.
Needless to say, I had extremely high expectations for the city. And, following my first visit last December, I’m happy to report that Santa Fe not only met my expectations — it exceeded them.
Much of that had to do with the genuine hospitality of Santa Fe locals. When you visit Santa Fe, you’re not just an out-of-towner — you’re encouraged to be a part of their small, yet active, community. That measure of hospitality was on full display at the Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.
The intimate 58-room property is both charming and luxurious. Walking past its rustic wooden doors and into the small lobby, I felt as though I were visiting someone’s home instead of checking into a hotel. Crackling logs were perched atop an open flame in the fireplace, and a Christmas tree bedecked in glittering ornaments stood in the corner.
Memorable Rooms
When I arrived to my guestroom, I felt even more at home. Thoughtful touches, from the room’s majestic four-poster bed and gas-lit Kiva fireplace to its handmade armoire and beautiful pottery pieces, made it uniquely Santa Fean. Hand-woven Pueblo rugs and throws adorned the room, and even the ceiling exuded a traditionally rustic look with its Southwestern vigas and latillas. An added bonus of my second-floor Superior Room With Balcony was its vantage point. From the balcony, I could see the New Mexico History Museum across the street, as well as the town plaza to my left. And, although I had to use a stepping stool in order to climb into bed (the bed frame is quite high off the ground), I felt like royalty when I stayed up late to watch my favorite shows on the large flat-screen television, which rose up, magically, from its hiding place — a rustic wooden chest placed at the foot of the bed. Also, at night, I was thankful for the Anasazi’s complimentary turndown service that included delectable shortbread cookies, water and humidifier service — ideal for combating Santa Fe’s arid climate.
Room categories at the Anasazi include 300-square-foot Traditional Rooms; 370-square-foot Superior Rooms; 410-square-foot Superior Rooms With Balcony; a 500-square-foot Deluxe Room; and the one- or two-bedroom Anasazi Suite. Standard amenities include a television and DVD player (movies can be borrowed from the video library downstairs), an in-room safe, a minibar, a coffeemaker, wireless Internet access, Lady Primrose toiletries and a complimentary daily newspaper.
Fine Dining
And when guests opt not to stay within the confines of their rooms, however tempting as it may be, they should head to The Anasazi Restaurant & Bar on the lobby floor. Helmed by executive chef Oliver Ridgeway, a native of England, the all-day dining venue takes advantage of Santa Fe’s local, seasonal ingredients and flavors, applying them to a delicious spread of fresh seafood and meats. The smoked chile and butternut squash soup was unforgettable, and the skillet-roasted sea bass, served with a fennel clam broth, chorizo and a chayote-poblano layer cake was truly scrumptious. In warmer weather, clients should make it a point to dine outside in The Patio overlooking the historic Santa Fe Plaza. And for small groups or private parties, the restaurant’s intimate Wine Cellar, with seating for up to 12, is ideal.
For some down time, they should also consider making a stop in the hotel’s library, which looks and feels exactly as if it were someone’s personal study. The 860-square-foot library houses hundred of books and board games with plenty of comfortable seating. It also doubles as a meeting and event space and is connected to the Living Room, a 350-square-foot room with natural sunlight and a Kiva fireplace.
Although the hotel does not have its own on-site spa, clients may book in-room massage treatments by notifying the front desk. For a more complete spa experience, the hotel encourages guests to visit the nearby Ten Thousand Waves (www.tenthousandwaves.com) spa resort. Ten Thousand Waves models itself after a Japanese onsen (hot springs) spa, and offers treatments that range from massages and herbal wraps to organic Japanese massage facials.
Seeing the Sights
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The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
is only steps away from the Anasazi.
// © Deanna Ting 2010 |
Aside from the hotel’s exceedingly luxurious and relaxed atmosphere and top-notch cuisine, the premier advantage of staying at the Anasazi is its superb location. From the hotel, your clients can explore almost all of downtown Santa Fe by foot. The Santa Fe History Museum, the Santa Fe Plaza, the Loretto Chapel, the St. Francis Cathedral, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors are just a few local landmarks all within walking distance from the hotel.
Santa Fe is also known for its vibrant art scene and is reported to have the second largest art market in the U.S. behind New York City. Not far from the hotel, clients can peruse the countless galleries that make up Santa Fe’s famed Canyon Road arts and crafts district or stop by the Santa Fe Railyard District, where contemporary art takes center stage.
Sports enthusiasts can engage in a number of different activities from skiing and snowboarding to whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande and fly-fishing (from June to September) in Santa Fe, too. Nearby ski resorts include Ski Santa Fe, Angel Fire, Pajarito Mountain, Red River, Sandia Peak, Sipapu, Ski Apache, Wolf Creek and Taos Ski Valley. Golfers can also head out to the Santa Fe Country Club, Marty Sanchez Links de Santa Fe and Pueblo de Cochiti for a few rounds.
My favorite local spot, however, was culinary in nature. Cafe Pasqual’s, an unassuming local eatery, also within walking distance of the Anasazi, was awarded with the James Beard America’s Regional Cooking Classics award in 1999 and I understood why when I stopped in for breakfast. Ordering the huevos motulenos with a side of homemade chorizo and a steaming glass of Mexican hot chocolate was the perfect way to begin my last day of the trip.
By my trip’s end, I was sad to leave Santa Fe and the Anasazi. Having stayed there and taken part in the local culture and community, it was difficult for me to leave my newfound home away from home. However, with American Eagle’s new daily nonstop service between Los Angeles and Santa Fe, that second home of mine is never too far away.
Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
113 Washington Avenue
Santa Fe, N.M. 87501
505-988-3030
www.innoftheanasazi.com
Commission: 10 percent
