Santa Fe is full of charm and life, and the hotels there really follow suit. We had the opportunity to visit the Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe, and we were not disappointed. While many hotel chains are carbon copies of one another regardless of their location, this Drury Plaza Hotel is a true reflection of its surroundings with a knack for true hospitality that family travelers always enjoy.

Location is everything

The big draw to this area of New Mexico is unarguably the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. While the Drury Plaza is not right off the highway (thankfully) it is quite easy to get to, and from their door to the fairground gates, it’s just under an hour—a perfectly manageable trip with little ones in tow.

What’s even more appealing about the Drury’s location is that it is only a two block walk from Santa Fe’s main plaza, which makes heading out for the day to explore incredibly easy. Load up the stroller and just go! Forget something? That’s ok, you are a ten minute walk from your room.

Ambiance is important too

Speaking of rooms, one thing that’s important for hotels to have is character, and the Drury isn’t short on it in the slightest. From the moment you walk in you get that warm, homey feeling that is typical in the southwest. Warm woods, big fireplaces, fur coverings, all meshed with modern stone accents makes your surroundings exude elegance, and when you get up to your room, you’ll find that it is no exception. High ceilings, gorgeous bathrooms and comfy beds are only a few reasons you’ll want to stay here. The rooms also boast a mini fridge and microwave, which parents traveling with kids will most definitely use, as well as a large tub that the kiddos can splash and play in at the end of the day.

Head up to the roof to take advantage of a perfectly placed pool and a firepit with a stellar view.

Extras that aren’t extra

These days, it’s easy to incur extra charges for every little thing. The Drury’s philosophy is that the “extras” shouldn’t be extra, and we have to agree. Guests will savor a free hot breakfast including all the good stuff like eggs, sausage and pancakes fresh off the griddle. No one will start their day hungry, that’s for sure. In fact, the won’t end it hungry or thirsty either. In the evening, great snacks like popcorn and hot dogs are served as well. Parents can rejoice, as they get three free adult beverages between the hours of 5:30 and 7. What more could you want?

The wifi is free. HBO is free. 60 minutes of long distance phone calls are free. Pets can even stay for a very small $10 per day cleaning fee, so literally, the whole family can come on vacation here. The problem with the Drury Plaza Hotel Santa Fe isn’t whether or not you will be taken care of, but rather, how will you ever see Santa Fe when you can’t tear yourself away from the hotel?

In addition to the beautiful room, great character and superior amenities, we loved the staff. Everyone from the valet running to get our car to the gentleman removing our dirty dishes from the breakfast table was incredibly friendly and sweet with our kids. For my brood, it’s not a question of if we’ll be back to the Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, but when.