FAQ
Common Guest Services Questions
- What is the best place for authentic New Mexican food in downtown?
There are many great choices including Tia Sophia’s, Tomasita’s, or The Shed. Though not in the downtown district, Maria’s (best known for their amazing variety of Margaritas) is a short drive from the Inn. Tia Sophia’s offers a wonderful breakfast and lunch menu. Tomasita’s provides a great lunch and dinner atmosphere and does not require reservations.
- How do I get to the Plaza from the Inn?
The Santa Fe Plaza is located just 2 blocks North of the Inn of the Governors. It takes roughly 5 minutes to walk there (we are not responsible for window shopping that may delay your arrival). Follow North on Don Gaspar Street to San Francisco Street, turn right and there lies the historic, downtown Santa Fe Plaza.
- How Far is Canyon Road from the Inn?
The entrance to Canyon road is approximately ¾ of a mile from the Inn, just off the intersection of East Alameda and Paseo de Peralta. Canyon Road itself is roughly one mile long and gradually leads uphill. There is a pay parking lot near the top if you would prefer to drive a vehicle.
- What is there to do outside of Santa Fe?
Many guests enjoy the Bandelier National Monument. It is roughly 40 minutes away and is located near Los Alamos National Laboratories. Be prepared to hike a bit and climb in and out of some cave dwellings. We recommend the guided tour for a historical perspective. Located North of us, the Taos Pueblo is a one and a half hour drive along the Rio Grande River, or if you choose the scenic High Road to Taos, a little over two hours. It is best to call in advance to see if the Pueblo is open. Many Pueblos close for special events or a member’s death. Additionally, many Pueblos do not allow pictures to be taken. To learn more about the 19 Northern New Mexico Pueblos, please visit their website. The small artist community of Madrid is located just 35 minutes South of Santa Fe on the scenic Turquoise Trail.
- Where can I go hiking or mountain biking?
Santa Fe has a myriad of great hiking and biking trails. The most popular is the Dale Ball Trail system. Though the network of trails runs all over the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, there are several trail heads within a short drive from the Inn. Please visit our link to learn more about these trails.You may also rent a bike from a local favorite, Mellow Velo, just a few blocks from the Inn. For more information, you can visit our blogs on snowshoeing and mountain biking, too.
- Where is the closest place to buy alcohol?
The Market Place and Sprouts at the Devargas shopping center has a very large beer, wine, and liquor department. The supermarkets are located a 5 minute drive from the Inn.
- How can I get to Taos if I don’t have a vehicle?
There are shuttles to Taos. We recommend the RTD Blue Bus. We strongly recommend making arrangements in advance. Please call us at 505.982.4333 for assistance. There are many options for tours; please ask our Guest Services staff to assist you in planning some memorable day trips.
- What is the best Restaurant in Santa Fe? Or….Where should I go to dinner tonight?
Santa Fe hosts roughly 340 restaurants, ranging from New Mexican, to Continental, to Indian, to Sushi … and so on. Our usual response is: “What are you hungry for tonight?” Our Guest Services staff is well acquainted with Santa Fe’s restaurants, paying close attention to those that delight visitors and to those that don’t. Please visit the “Restaurant Guide” page for our recommendations. Most restaurants require reservations in advance.
- What do I do if I am not feeling well? Santa Fe is nestled at the base of Sangre de Cristo Mountains with an elevation of 7000-8500 feet elevation, depending on where you are in the city. Consequently, the air is quite thin and arid. The streets often have a subtle uphill slant as well. As a result, our guests occasionally develop altitude sickness, particular for those from cities at sea level. The symptoms are similar to those of the common flu. A&R medical supply provides oxygen and related equipment to assist you in adapting to Santa Fe’s altitude. Though their main office is in Albuquerque, they have a local office specifically to help meet this need. We strongly, and we mean strongly, recommend that you drink plenty of water while in Santa Fe, especially during the first few days. We also encourage you to reduce your alcohol intake during these days, too. These two steps will help your body acclimate much better. There are multiple options if you find that you need immediate medical attention. Ulti-med (505.989.8707) is open 9am-5pm; seven days a week. They are the closest medical care facility to the Inn of the Governors; just six blocks away. Railyard Urgent Care (505.501.7791) is open 8am-7pm seven days a week. They are located at 821 South St. Francis Drive; roughly a 10 minute drive away. Both of these facilities can treat altitude sickness amongst other general illnesses. If you feel it is a medical emergency, please call 9-911 from your guest room phone, or visit the emergency room at Christus St. Vincent’s Hospital on Hospital Road and St. Michael’s; just 15 minutes from the Inn.
- What are the “do not miss” activities in Santa Fe?
The Loretto Chapel is one of Santa Fe’s most renowned historical sites, boasting beautiful Gothic Architecture and, of course, the Miraculous Staircase. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum celebrates the art of Georgia O’Keeffe who lived in New Mexico for much of her life. During high season it is best to purchase tickets in advance on the site. Her art often reflects the natural beauty that inspired her on her ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. The Palace of the Governors is the oldest continually occupied public building in the United States. Located adjacent to the downtown Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors is home to the New Mexico History Museum, as well Pueblo Artists who sell their wares under the portal, every day. The San Miguel Mission is recognized as the oldest church in the United States and is located just a few blocks from the Inn. It is also right around the corner from the Devargas Street House, preported to be the oldest house in the U.S. There is not an official web-site for the oldest house, but you may find this web-site interesting for more information. Famous Canyon Road is home to some of Santa Fe’s most prestigious and eclectic galleries. A mile long from top to bottom, it is just ¾ mile from the Inn. Museum Hill houses four state of the art museums celebrating the different influences in Santa Fe and New Mexico and the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. We recommend the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture the Museum of International Folk Art Museum. Just a short drive from the Inn, it is a great way to spend a day soaking in some of the rich history Santa Fe has to offer. Don’t worry if you did not bring a car; the “M” bus leaves from Sheridan Avenue in downtown Santa Fe specifically to transport people to and fro Museum Hill. Ten Thousand Waves, a traditional Japanese spa, is consistently recognized as one of the best Spas in the U.S.; it won Travel & Leisure’s “Top Spa” award in 2003 and shown on the cover of Time Magazine’s 2009, February edition. Just a short drive up Artist road from our Santa Fe downtown hotel; plan your time accordingly and luxuriate in their hot waters and/or take in a treatment to remember. Here’s our blog on our recommendations while visiting the spa and their restaurant, Izanami. Though seasonal, the Santa Fe Opera has won accolades throughout the United States. The opera is located just North of Santa Fe and boasts striking views in all directions, an open air auditorium, state of the art facilities, and of course, world class performances. If you plan on attending the Opera while visiting Santa Fe during July and August, we strongly encourage you to reserve your tickets well in advance.
- Do you have a workout room?
Unfortunately, the Inn does not have a work out room. The closest facility is the Fort Marcy Complex, just North of the Santa Fe plaza. It is closed on Sundays. Our Guest Service Agents can assist you with directions.
- How old is Inn of the Governors?
Jefferson Vander Wolk built the original 80 rooms in 1965, then added 20 more in 1985. The Vander Wolk family still owns the hotel. We are proud to be an independent boutique, downtown Santa Fe hotel.
- How late does your saloon, Del Charro, stay open?
Del Charro is open Sunday from 11:30 am- 10pm and Monday through Saturday from 11:30am - midnight.
- Where do I park?
The Inn provides complimentary parking for overnight guests of the hotel. Admittedly, the stalls were not originally designed for big trucks or S.U.V.s, but our Guest Service Agents are delighted to help find a good “fit” for you. Since the Inn is just 2 blocks from the Plaza, you can easily take the Groome Shuttle from the Albuquerque Sunport or here is infomation from the Santa Fe Airport.
- How do I use my $15 Del Charro Food Credit?
If you booked directly with the hotel via our web-site or by calling our in-house reservations office at 800-234-4534, you most likely received our $15 per night credit for our restaurant/saloon, Del Charro. Simply enjoy some drinks and light bar food in Del Charro, sign the bill to your guest room, and the Front Desk will credit up to $15 per night against your Del Charro charges. The $15 is per day only, not cummulative.
Things to See and Do in Santa Fe!
Sign up for our eNewsletter and also be the first to hear about special promotions.