Scene
Roadside lodging for the 21st century
El Rey Court is nothing like the roadside motels of yesteryear. This once-drab Santa Fe motor court (originally known as the El Rey Inn) has been fully transformed into an Instagram-worthy haven that’s as warm and welcoming as it is aesthetically pleasing. As you step into the lobby at El Rey Court, you’re greeted with the essence of Santa Fe’s next generation. White-washed adobe wall features and exposed wooden beams help set the vibe, along with geometric art and the occasional mirror. It feels decidedly Southwestern, but not without a cheeky self-awareness that reminds you this is roadside lodging in the 21st century.
Originally built in 1936, the roadside motor court is brimming with nostalgia. It’s also a local spot as much as it is a tourist destination — there are sprawling outdoor spaces and a vibey on-site bar — and even during the week it’s not unusual for the hotel’s common areas to be bustling with people. Whether they’re grabbing a drink at La Reina or cozying up to one of the hotel’s many kiva fireplaces when the desert air begins to cool, there’s an atmosphere here that makes you want to linger.
Location
Along Historic Route 66
El Rey Court is conveniently located along one of Santa Fe’s main thoroughfares, making it an easy drive to anything in the city. Cerrillos Road is a popular area bustling with other local businesses and eateries. However, the area isn’t the most pedestrian friendly. Don’t fret if you’re exploring Santa Fe without a car though. The city has plentiful ride-sharing services like Uber so you won’t find yourself stranded.
The hotel property itself spans five acres full of lodging and communal space. While Route 66 is what gave this hotel its start, there’s plenty more to see around the city than the Mother Road. El Rey Court makes for a convenient home base, whether you’re headed to Santa Fe for artistic inspiration, exploring the outdoors or satisfying foodie cravings. Check out our guide to Santa Fe as well as a couple of awesome things to do near the hotel:
- Experience the artist collective Meow Wolf’s immersive installation at the House of Eternal Return. This mind-bending, explorable site is something you have to experience to fully understand. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the secrets of the installation’s more than 70 winding rooms.
- Take a quick, three-mile drive to the Santa Fe Plaza where you can amble through the streets and soak in the city’s Spanish colonial history.
- Find inspiration with a visit to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. This popular spot features more than 3,000 works by the renowned artist who drew decades of inspiration from Santa Fe and the surrounding area.
- There’s no shortage of good food in Santa Fe either. Enjoy South Indian cuisine at Paper Dosa, just minutes from the hotel. Or fully embrace New Mexico’s chiles at the Santa Fe institution The Shed.
- It would be a shame to visit and not experience at least a little of Santa Fe’s burgeoning craft beer scene. While mainstays like Santa Fe Brewing Co. started it all, smaller outfits like Chili Line Brewery are making a name for themselves locally and beyond.
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Rooms
A modern spin on Southwest adobe style
Each of the hotel’s 86 rooms and suites are uniquely designed. You’ll find no shortage of character here with bright white walls and exposed ponderosa pine beams paired with colorful original artworks, midcentury-inspired furniture and murals with flowing, organic shapes.
While some of the rooms have been fully renovated, many still contain original features from the motel’s heyday. Keep an eye out for retro bathroom fixtures, well-placed skylights and original tile floors throughout. All of the rooms are fully modernized with complimentary Wi-Fi, a Bluetooth Tivoli speaker and a flat-screen with DirecTV.
At El Rey Court there are almost as many room types as there are suite designs, including:
- Queen: These standard rooms can be found throughout the hotel’s five-acre campus, but there’s nothing boring about them. Each comes outfitted with a queen beds, original art and rich textiles for a cozy stay.
- King: These rooms are aptly fit for a “rey” with a king-sized mattress, writing desk and additional seating options, so you’ll have plenty of space to relax.
- Double Queen: All the fun of El Rey Court’s queen room times two. These rooms are slightly larger versions of the hotel standard with two queen-sized mattresses to accommodate more guests traveling together.
- Patio King: Take advantage of the beautiful hotel campus with your own private patio. Enjoy private outdoor seating in addition to the setup of a standard king bed room.
- Courtyard King: Soak in all the comfort of the El Rey Court’s king room with the addition of an in-room gas fireplace and access to the hotel’s tranquil Spanish courtyard.
- Gallery King: Need a little more than a standard hotel room? Relax in the furnishes of El Rey Court’s standard king room with the addition of a fully equipped kitchenette.
- Kiva King: Get cozy in the kiva king with all the same furnishings plus the addition of a traditional kiva-style fireplace. There’s nothing more classically Santa Fe than this setup.
- Casita: If you’re traveling with a group or want to really have the space to spread out, the Casita is for you. These swoon-worthy private suites include two bedrooms with a queen-sized mattress in each, plus a kitchen with dining area and living space with a fireplace. The hotel has two of these accommodations available to book, so be sure to plan ahead.
Amenities
The El Rey Court’s rooms are peaceful havens, but the amenities are top-notch.
La Reina: Grab a drink at the hotel’s on-property tequila- and mezcal-centric cocktail bar, La Reina. The bar’s stark white walls pair charmingly with modern fixtures and a cozy kiva fireplace emblazoned with one of the hotel’s mottos: “Where fast lives slow down.” Order a Ranch Water and absorb the ambiance while sipping your nightcap.
Swim Club: Soak up the sun at the hotel’s seasonally heated outdoor pool, complete with an adjacent hot tub and fireplace. The Swim Club is the perfect place to cool off after a day exploring the desert and is a popular spot during the high season. While access to the Swim Club is complimentary for guests, locals can also purchase day or season passes to soak up El Rey Court’s retro vibes.
Public Lawn & Common Area: El Rey Court is a popular place to hang out for both out-of-towners and locals alike. The hotel hosts a wide variety of events, from live music on the lawn to seasonal pop-ups.
Food Trucks: While the food offerings at La Reina are slim, you can often find local food trucks stationed in the hotel’s courtyard. Tender Fire Kitchen can be found on the lawn most weekends slinging made-to-order wood-fired pizzas. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, keep an eye out for the Turquoise Trailer, which serves breakfast foods, coffee, juices and more Thursday through Monday. El Rey Court also has other occasional food trucks and pop-up vendors. Be sure to check their social media to see what will be available onsite.
Shop: Take some of El Rey Court’s vibe home with you. The lobby is fully outfitted with a shop alcove brimming with branded hats, tees and more as well as products featured around the hotel like handwoven wool blankets from Nordic Knots and Swim Club pool towels.
Laundry: El Rey Court offers on-site paid laundry for all guests.
Pets: The hotel is dog friendly and charges a pet fee of $50 per dog plus tax.
Parking: El Rey Court offers complimentary on-site parking.
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FAQs
What is the hotel’s address?
1862 Cerrillos Rd Santa Fe, NM 87505
What’s the area like?
It’s a great location, near the action on Cerrillos Road with lots food options, Meow Wolf just down the road, and the Plaza isn’t that far away.
What time is check-in and check-out at the El Rey Court in Santa Fe?
Check-in begins at 4pm and check-out is 11am.
What are the amenities?
Amenities at this Santa Fe hotel include front desk staff, free wifi (internet access), swimming pool, sauna, hot tubs, an onsite restaurant, onsite free parking, a workout room, business center, air conditioning, flatscreen TVs, non-smoking rooms, pet-friendly rooms, toiletries, coffee makers and hairdryers in rooms, private bathrooms and more.
Do I need a credit card to check-in?
Yes, guests are required to show a valid credit card and a photo identification at check-in.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation policy varies.
