Every once in a while a travel hunch pays off. Such was the case during a recent stay at the Santa Fe Sage Inn. I’ve had the Inn on my travel steals and deals radar for awhile. To keep abreast of their latest news on special savings and vacation packages, I subscribed to their newsletter and followed them on facebook and twitter, but up until now, I hadn’t had a reason to book a visit.
I love a good deal as much any traveler on a budget. And finding one in trendy Santa Fe, especially in the heart of the summer high season, can take some sleuthing.
The Sage Inn promised affordable downtown lodging with a slew of tempting freebies - complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless high speed Internet, comfortable renovated rooms, free parking, and free Plaza shuttle. So when my husband’s college-aged granddaughter came to visit and wanted to spend a few days in Santa Fe before heading back to our place in the southern mountains of New Mexico, the Sage Inn sounded like just the ticket.
And it was. It was also clean, convenient, and super friendly. Imagine that.
The Pros: The list is long: Walkable Railyard location; a lovely lobby and public spaces; free WiFi; rates starting at $45 bucks-a-night (November thru April) and $75 (May - October); pet-friendly; complimentary parking and breakfast; a lending library; well equipped exercise room; situated next door to Whole Foods. What’s not to like? Just sayin…
The Cons: While the staff are helpful and friendly and the rooms are more than comfortable - complete with in-room essentials like bottled water service, in-room coffee maker, ironing board and hairdryer - it is a renovated motel with the room size and sounds you’d expect from any comparable lodging.
The Bottom Line: The Sage Inn is a perfect cost-conscious Santa Fe lodging alternative for on-the-go couples, families, retirees and globetrotting budget travelers. Better yet, it’s a friendly inviting place where the staff and proprietors have gone out of their way to create something special. From insider tips on how to score the best deals on museum passes, the best chocolate in town, or a free dinner, no matter what I wanted to know, the Santa Fe Sage Inn staff was happy to show and tell.
About The Santa Fe Sage Inn:
The Santa Fe Sage Inn is the 5th largest hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico with 157 rooms located only six blocks from the historic plaza and across the street from the Railyard Park dining and shopping district. Phone: 866-433-0335; Web: www.SantaFeSageInn.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".