Escape to Enchanting Santa Fe: Vanessie Inn Awaits!

Escape to Enchanting Santa Fe: Vanessie Inn Awaits!
Escape to Enchanting Santa Fe: Vanessie Inn Awaits! - My Honest (and a Little Messy) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Santa Fe, and let me tell you, escaping to the Vanessie Inn was…well, it was an EXPERIENCE. Forget those polished, perfect reviews; this is the real deal, warts and all – and trust me, it's a beautiful kind of wart. This review is for you, you weary traveler, craving a REAL escape, not just a vacation.
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(Oh, and full disclosure: I'm not getting paid for this. Just a passionate, slightly sleep-deprived traveler sharing the goods!)
The Vibe (and First Impressions - or How I Almost Lost My Mind):
First off, enchanting Santa Fe? Absolutely. The Vanessie Inn? Let's just say it’s got character. It's not a cookie-cutter chain; it’s got soul. Think Southwestern charm meets a touch of… well, a touch of quirk.
Getting there was easy-peasy, though. The airport transfer was a lifesaver, because let’s be honest, after a flight, navigating a new city is the last thing you want. Check-in/out [express] was a blink, so I didn't have time to lose my damn mind. Phew! (Although, I did notice their concierge seemed pretty on the ball, so I maybe should have tapped them for advice later on…)
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, this is important. Accessibility is huge for me, because everyone deserves a beautiful escape. The Vanessie Inn mostly delivers. While I didn't personally need it (though I've had my share off knee problems!), I did see facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator made things easy for everyone. They have wheelchair accessible rooms, which is a massive plus. Elevator is always a must. Getting around the property seemed doable without major issues, although I didn't see a detailed ramp report – so it’s best if you phone them and ask about it up front and ensure everything is good… I do know that there are car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] options, which are GREAT for getting around, particularly if you have mobility needs.
Pro Tip for Accessibility: Definitely, definitely call ahead and confirm everything meets YOUR specific needs. Don't assume.
The Room: My Little Adobe Sanctuary (and My Biggest Complaint!)
My room? Ah, my room… It was pure Santa Fe, with thick adobe walls, a fireplace (which, let's be real, I didn't use, it was warm), and… well, let's just say the decor was… unique. Think lots of local art, some questionable color choices, and a general feeling of "lived-in," which, in this context, was actually charming.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Coffee/tea maker (thank god), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water (essential), Hair dryer, High floor (I liked that), In-room safe box, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My One Big Complaint The bathroom. Seriously. The water pressure was…pathetic. I'm talking trickle-down-the-wall-in-desperation pathetic. It was like showering with a sad kitten. However, they do have Additional toilet options, some bathtub features, and mirror.
Internet Access: I survived! The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a huge win (because, you know, Instagram waits for no one). The Internet access – LAN I didn't need, but still neat. I noticed that Internet services are available, too.
Food, Glorious Food! (With Some Surprises!)
Okay, let's talk food. Santa Fe = food heaven. The Vanessie Inn, well, it did its best.
- Breakfast [buffet]: It's Breakfast [buffet], which is pretty standard. Eggs, some fruit, pastries. Nothing mind-blowing, but it did the trick and gave me some fuel needed for my exploration.
- Restaurants & Eating: The Restaurants on site. Didn't eat at the Asian cuisine in restaurant but did have Coffee/tea in restaurant, and there seems to be Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, and Chinese cuisine in restaurant.
- Bar: Yes, a bar! Good for people watching.
- Room service [24-hour]: A godsend after a long day of exploring. Sometimes, all you need is room service and a comfy bed.
- Snack bar/Poolside bar: I did have a few poolside snacks with a tasty Bottle of water.
My Foodie Thoughts: Santa Fe is a culinary adventure. Don't chain yourself to the hotel food – explore the city!
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (Okay, THIS is Where the Magic Happens)
This is where the Vanessie Inn truly shines.
- Pool with view: Holy cow. The swimming pool [outdoor] with a view was my happy place. They also have a poolside bar. The swimming pool itself makes you want to stay there forever.
- Spa/sauna: I didn't visit the Spa/sauna, massage, or the Steamroom.
- Spa I can only rate the Spa based on the amazing people I interacted with around the pool.
- Fitness center: They do have a Fitness center if you're into that sort of thing. Good for the soul.
- Outdoor venue for special events: They have a Terrace!
- I didn't visit these but they are still things to do/ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness
Things I Didn't See, But Expected (and Some Annoying Stuff)
- Pets allowed: If you have a pet, I did not see any information about this from my stay.
- Kids Facilities: I didn't have any kids, so I didn't pay too much attention. However, there is a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities. I would probably call and double-check to make sure this place is right for your kids.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important Stuff, Especially Now!)
This is where the Vanessie Inn genuinely impressed. They take it VERY seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Check.
- Hygiene certification: Good.
- Individually-wrapped food options: They had a lot of these on offer.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They made efforts.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew!
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Front desk [24-hour]
The Little Extras (That Make a Difference)
- Cashless payment service: Convenient!
- Contactless check-in/out: Smooth.
- Daily housekeeping: A real treat.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service/Ironing service: Helpful.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Always a plus.
- Luggage storage: Easy peasy.
Overall Impression: Would I recommend it?
YES. Absolutely.
Here's the Deal: The Vanessie Inn isn't perfect. It's not the flashiest, or the trendiest. But it's got charm, character, and a genuine warmth that you won't find in a sterile, generic hotel. It’s a place to truly escape. It's a place to sip margaritas by the pool, wander through the art galleries, and get lost in the magic of Santa Fe.
My Final Verdict: If you want a REAL Santa Fe experience, a place with personality, and you're okay with a slightly imperfect but utterly charming stay, the Vanessie Inn is for you. Just pack some
Sokcho's STUNNING Ocean View: Summitbay Panorama Will Leave You SPEECHLESS!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the messy, glorious, and utterly unfiltered truth about a trip to the Inn at Vanessie in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This isn't your glossy travel brochure, folks. This is the real deal.
Subject: Santa Fe Meltdown (and Maybe a Little Magic) - Inn at Vanessie & Beyond
Day 1: Arrival, Agony, and Artichokes
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Denver to Despair (aka, the Airport): So, the flight. Let's just say it involved a toddler with a meltdown of biblical proportions and a seat that felt suspiciously like the interior of a sardine can. I swear, I'm starting to feel my age…and my neck. Airport coffee. The nectar of the Gods…or at least, the only thing keeping me from screaming.
- 1:00 PM - Santa Fe Arrival and the "Oh, It's Charming!" Moment: Finally, Santa Fe! The air itself feels different – thinner, crisper, laced with that desert magic. The Inn at Vanessie… (pause for dramatic effect) … IS GORGEOUS. I mean, seriously. Like, a little adobe oasis of peace. Rooms are like, straight out of a magazine – fireplaces, fluffy robes, the whole shebang. I mentally high-fived myself for picking this place. Worth every penny. (So far).
- 2:00 PM - The Room Reveal (and the Sudden Urge to Nap): Unpack…blah, blah, blah. I have one goal. Nap. It's my professional priority, after breathing, of course.
- 3:00 PM - First Immersive Experience: Stroll through the Santa Fe Plaza. It's a blast of culture and colour. Artists hawking their wares, tourists doing the same. But I saw a piece with a crazy cost, but the artist's eyes gave me the impression that he really loves his art.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Redemption): I swear, I'm not a foodie. But I'm a lover of food. We hit a restaurant blindly. It. Was. Awful. Overpriced, under-seasoned, and made me realize I’m not as open-minded as I thought. Salvation? The artichoke at the little cafe down the street. Seriously, best artichoke I've ever had. Crispy, salty, perfect.
- 8:00 PM - Fireplace Bliss (with a Side of Melatonin): Back at the Inn. Fireplace lit. Robe on. Absolute peace. The perfect antidote to my day of travel-induced stress.
Day 2: Georgia O'Keeffe and the Unexpected Tears
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Bliss (and the "I Don't Want to Leave" Feeling): Breakfast at the inn was, again, worth every penny. I made a mental note to never leave the buffet.
- 10:00 AM - Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: The Power of Flowers (and Human Emotions): Okay, I'm not a "museum person." But the O'Keeffe museum? It hits you right in the gut. The sheer scale of her paintings. The stark beauty. The way she saw the world. I may or may not have shed a tear or two looking at a freaking flower. Don't judge me.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and (More) Feelings: A tiny little cafe and the best green chili cheeseburger of my life.
- 2:00 PM - Canyon Road Gallery Hop (or, "My Credit Card is Screaming"): Canyon Road is a stretch of galleries, and it's a feast for the eyes…and a danger zone for the wallet. Saw some amazing art, some utter nonsense, and managed to resist the urge to buy everything. (Mostly).
- 5:00 PM - The Quiet Room Surprise: Back in the Inn. I found the quiet room - it's just as it sounded - It's a room to be quiet, but it was the most welcome feature available.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner. Take Two: I just went to the cafe again. Perfect as always.
Day 3: Ghost Stories, Goodbye Blues, and "I'll Be Back!"
- 9:00 AM - Goodbye Breakfast (and Vowing to Recreate the Inn's Coffee): This time I'm prepared. I take the buffet with full intent.
- 10:00 AM - Ghost Tour (because, Why Not?): Santa Fe is apparently crawling with ghosts. I'm a skeptic, but the tour was actually pretty fun. The historical stories were interesting, and the guide was a natural storyteller. Plus, the stories made me feel like I was actually living the history.
- 12:00 PM - Farewell Lunch and Regret: One last meal…one last green chili cheeseburger. I ordered two. Because, why not? Regret? Maybe a little. Satisfaction? Absolutely.
- 2:00 PM - Wandering the Plaza (one last time): Buying last-minute souvenirs. So cliche, but so necessary.
- 4:00 PM - Airport. Again. And the "I Need a Vacation from My Vacation" Syndrome: That toddler, the sardine can, the coffee… It's a blur, and I need another vacation.
Final Thoughts:
Santa Fe. The Inn at Vanessie. The art. The food. The ghosts (maybe?). It was… messy, beautiful, frustrating, amazing, and everything in between. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Maybe I'll wear noise-canceling headphones on the plane. And definitely order two green chili cheeseburgers. You should go too. Just… pack your patience, your sense of humor, and your willingness to surrender to the magic. You won't regret it. (Probably).
And now, I need a nap. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try to learn how to make that darn Inn's coffee. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Bali's Hotel Santika Siligita Awaits!
Okay, spill it! Is Vanessie Inn REALLY as dreamy as those Santa Fe magazines make it look?
Ugh, the magazines. Right? They always make everything look perfect. Listen, Vanessie Inn? It's... well, it's *different*. It’s not some sterile, perfect hotel experience. It’s more like… crashing at a really, *really* well-appointed friend's house. Think slightly chipped paint (character!), maybe a wonky tile or two (authenticity!), definitely a few tiny imperfections that make it feel *real*. I mean, the courtyard? Glorious. But the first time I got there, I almost tripped over a rogue garden gnome. (Don't judge, I'm clumsy.) So, dreamy? Parts of it, yes. Flawless? Nah. And honestly? That's kind of the point. It’s *charm* and that’s exactly why I love it.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *in* Santa Fe? (And is it easy to get around?)
Yes, YES, it's *in* Santa Fe! Like, proper downtown, right in the heart of everything. You can practically roll out of bed and trip over a gallery, or at least a really amazing coffee shop. (Coffee first, art later, always.) Getting around? Okay, this is where it gets interesting. Walking is divine! The best way to soak it all in. I got lost *so* many times the first day (thank goodness for Google Maps), but it's worth it. Taxis? Hit or miss. Sometimes they're *right there*, other times you're standing in the desert sun, wondering if you've accidentally stumbled into a Sergio Leone movie. Uber/Lyft are around, but be patient, they're not always *instantaneous*. Parking? A nightmare. Prepare to embrace the joy of the "park-and-walk" life. Bring your good shoes, and a lot of patience.
And the rooms? What are they *really* like? (Be honest!)
Okay, listen up, because this is important. The rooms are all unique. *Unique* in the way that some people might call "quirky." I stayed in a room once with a fireplace that roared like a dragon - *a glorious, wonderful dragon* - and another with a bathroom so enormous I think I could have hosted a small cocktail party in there. (Note to self: try that next time). The décor? Santa Fe through and through. Think kiva fireplaces, hand-carved furniture, possibly a painting with a slightly judgmental gaze (again, character!). My last visit? The room had a balcony that looked out on the courtyard – *perfect*. Unless a particularly loud rooster in the neighboorhood felt like giving an early morning concert. And trust me, that happens. Pack earplugs. Seriously.
Food! What's the breakfast situation like? Do I need to bring my own granola?
Breakfast. Ah, breakfast. It's included. Think fresh fruit (usually), pastries (yes, please!), and a rotating selection of something hot. I think it’s usually really good, but… listen, I’m a coffee person. And the coffee at Vanessie? Doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. (Don’t @ me, coffee snobs!) But the pastries! Oh, the pastries. The croissants alone are worth the trip. And the whole experience is utterly charming. Sitting in the courtyard, sipping my (slightly subpar) coffee, listening to the birds, feeling the sun? Magical, even if I have have to dart across the street for a proper caffeine fix.
Okay, I'm sold. What kind of person would absolutely LOVE Vanessie Inn?
Anyone who appreciates *authenticity*, and doesn’t mind a little… *rustic charm*. People who like character over corporate blandness. The art-lover, the history buff, the person who wants to feel like they’ve stepped into a different world, not just another hotel. If you’re a super-demanding, everything-must-be-perfect type? Maybe not. Unless you're willing to loosen up, embrace the imperfections, and just let yourself *be*. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little of that? Santa Fe and Vanessie Inn. They're magic together.
Tell me more about that courtyard... Because I heard it's special.
Okay, buckle up. The courtyard. My *God*. Okay, so the first time I ever stayed there, I was utterly exhausted from the travel, a little grumpy, and just wanted to crawl straight into bed. But I opened the door to the courtyard, and… whoa. Honestly, it took my breath away. It's like stepping into a hidden world, this oasis of calm. The smell of the desert air mixed with the blooming flowers… the fountain trickling… the sun dappling through the trees… I just stood there, paralyzed, for a solid five minutes, just *taking it in*. It's walled in, so the city noises just...disappear. Complete and utter peace. I sat there for hours that day, lost in a book, feeling the *stress* just drain away. I’ve been back several times since, and the courtyard remains my absolute favorite part. Bring a book. Bring a bottle of wine... or, you know, *both*. Just... go. You won't regret it. Don't tell anyone else though, that's our secret.
Any hidden costs or things I should prepare for?
Okay, so beyond the usual hotel stuff (resort fees, anyone?), be prepared for… charm. Seriously. It's not a perfect experience; it’s a real one. There are things that aren't immediately apparent, like… the *noise*. The walls aren't always soundproof. And, as I mentioned, the roosters. AND… the parking. It isn’t always easy. And, I’ve learned the hard way, packing light in Santa Fe is not a great idea. Bring layers – the weather can change in an instant. Oh, and tip generously for the staff – they're amazing and will go out of their way to make your stay special. And prepare to fall in love with Santa Fe. It might happen! And Vanessie Inn? Well, it’s a perfect place to start that love affair.


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