This 400-year-old town was laid out long before the days of automobiles, so you’ll find lots of old neighborhoods that are walking distance to the Plaza. The numerous adobe casitas tucked tightly together down narrow roads are mostly occupied by Santa Fe’s vibrant downtown community, but many are available as fully furnished vacation rentals by the night, week, or month.

Value: For the same price as a downtown hotel room, you can get a one or two bedroom home that’s walking distance to the Plaza, shops, restaurants, museums, and historic sites. If you’re traveling with a group, get a larger home, split the cost, and you’re still paying the same as a nice hotel but getting all the benefits of a house. A fully equipped kitchen gives you the option to eat in when your pocketbook or mood isn’t up for dining out every single meal.

Atmosphere: Since most vacation rentals are second homes, they’re fully furnished and decorated according to the owner’s taste. Some are quaint and charming while others offer spacious luxury. But all the ones I’ve been in – and I’ve been in a lot of them – embrace some version of the eclectic and varied décor known as Santa Fe style. Staying in a beautifully decorated private home let’s you experience the town in a more authentic way than staying in a hotel.

Privacy: When staying in a hotel, the only privacy you have is in your room. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group, your time together is limited to public spaces or crowding into one hotel room. Renting a home gives you the freedom to hang out in the living room before a kiva fireplace, have a leisurely cup of coffee in your bathrobe as you plan your day, or soak up the mountain air in your private courtyard.

Amenities: Most vacation rentals in Santa Fe are handled by property management companies who provide their homeowners with a list of required furnishings. My second home near the Railyard District is managed by Casas de Santa Fe, who has, quite possibly, the most extensive and demanding furnishings list of any company in Santa Fe, right down to the minimum thread count for the linens and number of towels for each bathroom. The quality of furnishings and extra perks such as home theater systems, WiFi, Jacuzzis, or outdoor kitchens, will vary greatly from home to home, but going through a reputable management company helps insure your vacation rental has everything you’ll need to feel at home for a few nights or a few months.

Standard List of Furnishings

• Adequate Linens and Towels
• Hairdryer in Every Bathroom
• Washer and Dryer (most of the time)
• Iron and Ironing Board

In the Kitchen

• Coffee maker, filters, and coffee.
• All the appliances, utensils, and dishes needed to cook and serve a meal.
• Pantry staples such as flour, sugar, and spices vary, so check the pantry before you hit the grocery store. Anything on hand is there for you to use, so help yourself.

Household Supplies

• Spare light bulbs, paper products, trashcan liners, and cleaning supplies should be on hand. If they’re not, contact the management company.
• Hotel size shampoo and conditioner, bath soap, and body lotion are frequently supplied.
• Laundry supplies are common but not a given. Many homes operate on the “if it’s there, feel free to use it” policy where tenants buy supplies and leave behind whatever they don’t use for the next guest. For people who stay in vacation rentals on a regular basis, it evens out over time.

Housekeeping is generally not included, so expect an “exit cleaning” fee. If you’re staying for longer than a few days, you can request housekeeping as often as you want at your expense.

Personal chefs and in-home catering are also available and can be arranged through a good property manager.

I have some hubs that might help:

• Guide to Neighborhoods in Downtown Santa Fe will help you pick a condo or casita within walking distance to the Plaza, Canyon Road, and the Railyard District.
• See My Top 5 Reasons for Visiting Santa Fe for ideas on things to do and see.
• How to Pack for Your Santa Fe Vacation offers tips on what to expect from the altitude and weather.
• Where to Eat in Santa Fe has links to several of my favorite restaurants in and around the Plaza.