Inn of the Anasazi

Overall Impression Discretely tucked away on a quiet side street a few steps from the bustle of the Plaza, Inn of the Anasazi was a haven of romance and casual luxury in the historic heart of Santa Fe. Its classic pueblo-style facade punctuated by round vigas (rough pine beams protruding through the walls) hinted at the finely crafted cliff dwellings of the ancient cultures that gave the hotel its name ( Anasazi is Navajo for ‘Ancient Ones’). The inspired interior design of the hotel integrated Native American, Hispanic and Anglo artistic traditions to capture the unique charm of this most romantic city.

From the moment I stepped into the sun-filled lobby, I had the impression that the staff would do their best to ensure guests would enjoy every moment of their visit. The attentive welcome of the reception staff in smart black western attire was as warm as the log fire in the adobe fireplace that dominated the lobby. Every space in the common areas was cozier that the next, presenting me with a delightful dilemma: should I daydream a while by the fire in the intimate wood-paneled sitting room or settle with a book in one of the overstuffed leather armchairs clustered around the spacious library? I opted instead for a stroll along the wide hallways filled with the works of local artists in displays worthy of the better Canyon Road galleries.

But it was in my room that I could fully grasp the extent of Inn of the Anasazi’s superb hospitality. I walked in to find the gas log already lit in the traditional corner kiva fireplace and a display of huge chocolate-dipped strawberries awaiting my arrival. This was merely a prelude to the many thoughtful treats I would enjoy throughout my stay. The range of amenities was the most comprehensive I have encountered anywhere, including a DVD library for in-room viewing and digital cameras for guests who preferred to travel light. The evening turn-down service was equally thoughtful. In addition to the bathrobe ready at the foot of the bed, there were slippers set on a white linen rug, freshly baked cookies, bottles of designer water on the bedside tables, a native fable bedtime story on my pillow, and a humidifier was turned on to counteract the dry air of the high desert. Then there was the bed itself, a king-size four-poster domain with a mattress so thick it required a step to climb into it; and bedding so lush it was an invitation to sloth!

With its outstanding comfort, discretely romantic decor, seemingly endless array of thoughtful amenities and flawless service, Inn of the Anasazi was a unique boutique hotel I thoroughly enjoyed for a relaxing solo winter get-away. Guests included a gathering of friends, families on skiing holidays at the nearby slopes and honeymooners. Now I yearn to return in the summer for the opera, in the spring to explore the ancient ruins a few miles out of town, and in autumn for the native crafts markets; or perhaps I could just move in?

Class Of Accommodation Boutique luxury hotel.

Concierge Judy Neff

Connectivity It was easy to connect to the internet with the Inn’s complimentary wireless internet access which was fast and reliable. A computer was available for guests use in the business center. My cellular phone connection was excellent.

General Manager Marcie Lieberman

Handicapped Access All public areas were located at street level. All guest rooms were accessible by elevator.

Length Of Stay Four nights

Location Inn of the Anasazi offered one of the best locations in town. It stood across the street from the Palace of the Governors, half a block off the Plaza, with the Museum of Art, the Georgia O’Keeffe museum and many noted galleries and restaurants within a block or two. Canyon Road was a pleasant fifteen-minute walk away.

Owned-Managed Rosewood Hotels and Resorts Management Company, Dallas, TX

Size The hotel was a self-contained three-story structure. The first floor housed all common areas, with the 57 guest rooms distributed between the two upper floors. It employed a staff of 125, including 20 restaurant and 15 kitchen staff.

Year Open-Renovated Inn of the Anasazi opened in 1991.The latest renovation of the entire property was completed in 2007.

Lobby And Common Areas The lobby and common areas were decorated in traditional Santa Fe style: a harmonious blend of Southwestern and Native American decor that created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The flagstones of the lobby made way to wide plank wood flooring in the sitting room and library, with bright Navajo rugs scattered about. Each public room was graced with a large white adobe fireplace and high vigas and latillas ceilings (small peeled poles used in spaces between vigas ). Oversized leather armchairs and sofas mingled with heavy wooden chairs upholstered in natural hand-woven fabrics. Paintings, carvings, textiles, baskets and potteries from the Inn’s collection representing artists of New Mexico’s multi-cultural heritage were displayed throughout. Tall sculptural cacti in terracotta pots stood guard in the corridors adding whimsical touches of greenery.

The large French doors to the library were striking polychrome carvings that echoed the bold color splashes of the native rugs underfoot. Large bowls and baskets crafted by local artisans were filled with colorful apples and scattered about like pieces of edible art. Most stunning was the two-story-high water-wall in the center of the building. Constructed entirely of stacked local stones that took on a golden sheen under the rippling water, it doubled as a giant humidifier while its murmur delighted the ear.

Bathroom The bathroom was a long rectangular room with Saltillo-tiled floor. Double sinks were set in a thick butterscotch-colored marble slab topped with a large wall and a make-up magnifying mirrors. The opposite wall housed a large bathtub and shower with high quality European fixtures. At the far end of the bathroom, the commode was concealed behind a half wall. The towel rack above it held a stack of some of the plushest, largest towels I have every encountered in a hotel.

Room My spacious 500 square foot (47 square meter) deluxe room, Number 328, was a delightful microcosm of Santa Fe charm. It was bathed in the radiant high desert sunlight filtering through three double-width gauze-draped windows. The superbly comfortable wrought iron king-size four-poster bed was flanked by two wooden bedside tables, each with its own reading lamp. The foot of the bed was outlined by a sofa upholstered in butterscotch-colored velvet, with red hand-woven native toss pillows. In front of the sofa, a large pine table doubled as a writing desk. A native rug in coordinated colors enhanced the wide plank floor. A chaise covered in natural cow-hide, a stone-topped side table and wrought-iron floor lamp invited lounging by the gas-lit corner kiva fireplace. A large armoire held a high definition television and a DVD player, a full coffee service, a well stocked mini bar and a set of storage drawers. Every light in the room was controlled by a dimmer switch to best suit the mood of the moment.

Restaurant The Anasazi Restaurant carried through the elegant southwestern style, relaxed atmosphere and attentive service that were the hallmark of the Inn. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were served daily, as well as Sunday brunch. I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfasts there, with eggs always done precisely as I ordered them, and home-made granola so nutty and flavorful that I wanted to carry a bag of it for snacks on the run. But it was at dinner that the kitchen of Anasazi’s award-winning chef Martin Rios really sparkled (see separate review). Reservations were recommended for dinner, as Anasazi Restaurant was a favorite of local residents, hotel guests and tourists.

Amenities The variety and quality of amenities was exceptional; starting with a personal welcome note from the management waiting in my room when I checked in, along with a variety of enormous chocolate-dipped strawberries and two personal size bottles of Fiji water. The water was replenished each time the room was serviced, with more available on demand. The clothes closet held the standard ironing board and iron as well as two superior quality bathrobes, two pairs of bathroom slippers, an oversized umbrella, a floor safe large enough to hold laptops and cameras, a hair dryer and a spare box of tissues. The in-room coffee service included coffee filters and jars of loose caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees, so that I could brew my morning cup to my preferred strength, a variety of sugars and artificial sweeteners and an assortment of black, green and herbal tea bags. Individual servings of dairy creamer were stored in the mini bar.

In the bathroom, the Inn again exceeded my expectations. There was a generous assortment of the Inn’s organic Eucalyptus and Piñon facial and body soaps, shampoo, conditioner, bath gel and body cream as well as a great honey body exfoliant and individually wrapped make-up remover towelletes. A choice of complimentary morning papers could be delivered to the room.

The Library held a comprehensive collection of books on Southwestern art, history and culture; mulled cider was served there all afternoon. Bottomless bowls of fresh apples were always nearby, at the reception desk and in multiple locations in the common areas and the hallways leading to the guest rooms. A small collection of recent and classic DVDs was available on loan at no charge from the front desk, as was the use of the latest models of Canon and Fuji compact digital cameras. The staff would download the pictures onto a CD for guests, or mailed the CD to their home.

Facilities Anasazi Restaurant and Bar, and business center

Other The Inn was recognized for its sustainable development and responsible tourism practices, starting with the construction of the building. The builders utilized the steel framework of a structure previously on its site and used locally sourced, non-toxic building materials including organic paints, to minimize environmental impact. Most of the furniture was produced by local artisans. Responsible practices included use of low water and low energy fixtures, and toiletries produced by a small local community, using native herbs and other organic products. A majority of the food used in the restaurant was procured from local organic farms.

Inn of the Anasazi donated excess food to homeless shelters and composted table and kitchen scraps and forwarded them to a local organic pig farm. The Inn’s responsible tourism practices have been documented in case studies by the Global Sustainability Institute at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia and the East Midlands Regional Assembly for Sustainable Design and Construction in the U.K.

Inn of the Anasazi has received a number of recent industry awards including: 2006, 2007 and 2008 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, AAA Four Diamond Award, 2006 and 2007 Mobil Four Star Awards and 2008 Travel and Leisure: 500 World’s Best Hotels recognition.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date Of Review February 2008

ReviewersArticle and photographs by Josette King

Service Outstanding! Every member of the staff I encountered was genuinely friendly, courteous and efficient; they seemed to be thinking ahead to ensure that my needs were met and often anticipated. Everyone I came in contact with greeted me by name and remembered my preferences for the remainder of my stay. The desk staff and concierge were always available and attentive to the smallest request.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes