The Parador

In the early 1800s, El Paradero was used as a New Mexico adobe farmhouse. Over the years, touches from different eras -- such as Victorian doors and windows -- were incorporated into the building. Today, El Paradero offers the couples it appeals to a quiet and historic setting with patios surrounded by gardens, pines, and adobe walls. The interiors are dripping with Pueblo decorations and folk art, creating a unique, welcome experience.

The main entrance of the two-story building is quaint with a large porch and brick garden. The yellow lobby office features a large wooden desk and hand-painted Southwestern designs. Beautiful black and white photography lines the narrow hallways.

The inn comprises a main house and two separate suites which are located in a brick coachman’s house, a building found on the National Register of Historic Places. Breakfast is served in a dining room cluttered with fun New Mexican ornaments, a kiva fireplace, hand-painted designs, a viga ceiling with skylights, and classic wooden tables with colorful tablecloths. Guests praise the afternoon tea and homemade baked goods. Some however say breakfast lacks the intimate social interaction typical of a bed and breakfast.

Centrally located in downtown Santa Fe, El Paradero is within walking distance of the area’s plaza, where there are shops, restaurants, and historic sights to take in. It’s a seven-minute walk to the New Mexico Legislature while the Rail Trail, Santa Fe Railyard Park, and El Museo Cultural de Santa Fe are up to 10 minutes away by foot. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Palace of the Governors, and Loretto Chapel are also close by. Santa Fe Municipal Airport is about 20 minutes southwest by car.

The uniquely designed, air-conditioned rooms here are filled with pops of color and Southwestern motifs: kiva log or gas fireplaces, pine furniture, viga ceilings with skylights, stained-glass windows, Central-American weavings, and terra-cotta tiles. The Ortiz and Pino suites -- historically significant spaces -- are in the 1912 coach house and offer TVs and coffeemakers as well as pocket kitchenettes with microwaves, mini-fridges, and sinks. Nine ground-level units have courtyard access while most rooms don’t have TVs. Bathrooms have claw-foot tubs or shower/tub combos and toiletries in dispensers. Room 9 is wheelchair accessible while Room 12 has a balcony.

Amenities here are relatively limited and more about the comfort of the space. The business center -- a green room with Southwestern designs -- is cozy with a wooden desk that offers a PC computer and small printer. Also on hand are two comfy leather chairs, bookshelves, and brochures on New Mexico attractions. A red-painted sitting room provides homey furniture with a kiva fireplace and charming hand-painted details. A peaceful terrace has ornate white patio furniture and red umbrellas. Breakfast and afternoon tea are included in room rates along with Wi-Fi and parking. Guests are allowed to bring dogs for an additional fee.