The Oldest Hotel In Santa Fe, Hotel St. Francis

·

Sharing is caring!

Where History Whispers, Mezcal Glows, and Time Slows Down in the Heart of Santa Fe

210 Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

I stepped into the lobby, and yes, it felt perfect. The Mexican marble floors, the flameless candles around the baptistry in the center of the lobby, and the wrought iron staircase. I was in Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe. Please keep reading to discover more about this hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and why it is truly an unforgettable experience.

  • The exterior of Hotel St. Francis, with its arches and adobe, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    Hotel St. Francis
  • A guest room at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe. A wooden bench, a wooden armoire , worn wood floors, white bed spread, sink at end of bed.
    A guest room
  • The lobby, with an iron chandelier and candles glowing in the center, features arches that lead to the stairwell, located at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe. Also one of the best hotels in the US.
    The lobby

The Tale

What led me to Hotel St. Francis, the oldest Hotel in Santa Fe?


The pictures. The history. That is why I decided to click the reserve button. Beautiful images of the lobby, warm tones, the flameless candles throughout, the sense of a story, a tale. It is, after all, the oldest Hotel in Santa Fe.

I love hotels with a story, a fascinating tale, or a rich history. They intrigue me; I want to know what has happened there, who has been there, and what mysteries may have taken place.

The Hotel

  • The lobby at Hotel St. Francis, featuring Mexican marble floors, a wrought iron chandelier, and adobe archways, is the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The lobby with Mexican marble floor
  • The wrought iron stairwell with crosses on the wall in the landing at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The stairwell with crosses on the landing
  • The lobby and the fireplace, the oldest surviving piece of the original hotel at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The fireplace, the oldest remaining piece from the original hotel.

Historic Hotel in the Center of Santa Fe’s Historic District


This intimate hotel sits right in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic district, just a block from the Plaza, and it’s the oldest hotel in the area. The original hotel in this spot opened in 1889 as the De Vargas Hotel. A fire destroyed it in 1922, and it was rebuilt in 1924. It became Hotel St. Francis in 1986. The fireplace mantel in the lobby is the oldest piece in the Hotel, dating to the original structure.

Connected to its History and the Story Behind the Name

An enchanting and intimate hotel, it boasts a unique design that captures its history and name. With Mexican marble floors, religious nods, such as crosses, and the wooden statue of St. Francis, the flameless candles add a soft moodiness and reflect off the marble floors. The guest room lobbies showcase historical prints, and local artisans craft the wood furniture throughout.

The Secreto Lounge

The Secreto Lounge occupies the space that used to be a barbershop and now serves delicious cocktails. The cocktail I chose was ย “I Stay Up Late.” And with a fun description: “I Can’t Sleep, But I’m Not Sour About It.”ย I had to try it. It was hands down the most beautiful cocktail I’ve ever sipped. It had hints of orange and chocolate, made with Mezcal.

  • A dish on the bar with the makings of a cocktail, bitters, herbs, etc., at Secreto, the bar at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    Secreto Lounge, on the bartop
  • A beautiful cocktail, burnt half orange clise with a design in the foam, at Secreto, the cocktail bar at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The most beautiful cocktail I’ve ever had, “I Stay Up Late” made with Mezcal
  • Wooden frames of old photos on the guest floor landing depict the history of Santa Fe and the Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    Historic photos on the guest floor landings

The Room

  • A guest room, the bed with a white cover, white walls, worn wood floors, wooden furniture at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    A guest room
  • The worn wooden floors in a guest room at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The worn wooden floors in a guest room
  • A guest room sign with the room number 327 on it, made of a silver tin or metal, is at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    A guest room sign

The room was small; however, it was perfect. I rarely encounter bare, worn wood floors in a hotel room that I absolutely love. I walked barefoot, wanting to connect and feel this place. And it was clean! It was amazing. The sink was located at the end of the bed on the wall, adding a different yet characterful touch.

The bed was amazing. The linens, the pillows, I sank into it, smack in the middle, spreading out and soaking it all in.

What Else?

Hotel St. Francis is convenient for a stay in the historic district. I walked to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, visited museums, and checked out other hotels. I shopped along the way, and also, I had dinner at The Pink Adobe. Hotel St. Francis is the oldest hotel in Santa Fe, captivating visitors with its rich history and charming adobe architecture, offering a glimpse of the past. A visit to this historic gem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

For more things to do in the Santa Fe Historic District, explore Santa Fe Historic District.

  • Details on the fireplace mantel, the oldest remaining piece from the original hotel, at Hotel St. Francis.
    Details on the fireplace mantel
  • Exterior corner of Hotel St. Francis wiht a hanging sign and blue awnings.
    Exterior of Hotel St. Francis
  • The covered porch in the front of Hotel St. Francis is the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The covered entry of Hotel St. Francis
  • The glowing lobby in the evening at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    The lobby
  • A lamp on the wall, square with iron-looking hardware, at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    A wall lamp
  • The wooden cabinet with dangling iron hardware, the window, and curtains in the background in a guest room at Hotel St. Francis, the oldest hotel in Santa Fe.
    A wooden cabinet in a guest room

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *