Based on our recent non-chain choices of places to stay when we visit other regions, we think you might want to look into staying at the El Rey Inn when you're here in Santa Fe. The location is good, and even though it's off of busy Cerrillos Road, there are five pretty lush looking acres of land and Spanish-influenced architecture for you to hide away in during your stay. We aren't affiliated with the El Rey Inn, but there seem to be a growing number of travelers who (like us) are turning away from impersonal chains in favor of locally-run, clean, 1950s-style motor courts on Route 66 as places to stay. This looks to be a good option if you are one of those travelers. If we were visiting, we'd sure try it.
By the way, Santa Fe has been recognized as New Mexico's top city for walkers and was rated (2008) as one of the top 100 walking cities in America by Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association. Our town came in at 22 from a survey of 500 American towns. More than 300 days of annual sunshine and a compact downtown area were factors. Santa Fe was also voted as best town in New Mexico for walking, and we made the top ten list of greatest number of parks per square mile.
