Garretts Desert Inn Santa Fe

No signal to television the whole 1st day of stay. We had to actually transfer to a different room in order to get television reception. Pool was disgusting. Overheard 2 other rooms being told that their room problems would likely be fixed tomorrow, the same thing we were told initially. A local told me that is why they call it 'Garrett's Desserted Inn'.

Great location and has great potential once they decide to take preventive maintenance seriously.

They didn't even bother to reply to my email addressing their maintenance issues.

You will not find a hotel as close to the Plaza as Garrett's Desert Inn for anything close to this price. I stayed the first week of August, 2004. The room was $129 (plus all of those state taxes), plus $8 per day for parking.

Pros: As they say in the Real Estate biz, "Location, Location, Location". It's within walking distance (and I mean *easy* walking distance) of the Plaza, and conveniently located to everything. The staff was friendly and helpful, and there is ample parking. Now, you can find hotels the same distance or closer to the Plaza (for at least $100 more per night). But I'm guessing you'd have to go at least three miles out to match this price.

Cons: if you're looking for a four-star room, this ain't your cup of tea. The room I stayed in had a king bed, a dresser, a table and two chairs. There was a somewhat small TV in an entertaiment unit (satellite TV, good channel selection). Toward the back was an open closet, a wide vanity, and a bathroom with one operable window. The only other window (though it's non-operable) is in front. Central heat, but a window-shaker for air conditioning (which I didn't need). I'd call the room itself two-star accomodations. The decor and layout are functional, but dated. Note that this applies to a standard room; I'll bet the suites are nicer.

Other: there's a restaurant (with live entertainment) and an outdoor pool. I didn't get to take advantage of either, so I can't comment one way or the other.

Summary: unless I win the lottery, Garrett's will be my Santa Fe destination from now on.

This is a great hotel in the center of town. We were very happy with its location, the cleanliness of the hotel, the staff, and the amenities. It really is an amazing deal in the center of town. We would definitely stay at this hotel again without hesitation.

I have stayed at Garrett's. The hotel is definitely not luxurious, but it is one of the best values for your money. It's a smaller hotel that provides a good, clean place to sleep and sightsee. It is located within easy walking distance to the plaza and several other attractions. The rooms were not very large, but they were clean. A swimming pool was on the premises, but we were so busy sightseeing that we did not take time to swim. It appeared to be kept clean. I recommend you stay at Garrett's if you are looking for great value for your money and not luxury.

Just returned from Santa Fe and was less than thrilled with Garretts Desert Inn. Its only selling point is the location which is near the Plaza. Front desk people were not at all helpful and each person gave conflicting answers to basic questions. Reservation/billing system was a mess. One guest charged for local calls but others weren't. I was billed for bogus restaurant charges. Two of the lamps in my room didn't have bulbs and front desk won't give out light bulbs. TV remote didn't work. Tub and sink drains in bathroom seemed to be clogged. (All basic things that should have been evident during daily room cleaning.) On the plus side, great pillows and plenty of towels. Just not worth $119 per night despite its location.

This motel is a great way to inexpensively stay in the heart of downtown Santa Fe! Althought the accommodations are simple, the location is supurb! The attached restuarant/bar features a relaxing patio with live music and cheap drinks. This place is two short blocks away from the plaza, and all of the other hotels in this area are 4-star luxury. We paid $79 dollars a night, and spent the rest on fabulous dinners and gifts. Highly recommend!!!

This is a great little motel. I have never stayed in a motel that was so convenient to EVERYTHING!!!! We will definitely stay there again and soon---probably this fall. We do wish they had a work out room, however---it does not have to be very big--a treadmill or two and a couple of Stair Masters!!!!!

Finding affordable accomodations in downtown Santa Fe can be a challenge. If you're on a budget, check out Garrett's Desert Inn. It's located only 2 short blocks from the Plaza in the heart of downtown. The standard room with 2 queen sized beds was spacious and also had a little dressing area. When we arrived, it didn't take us long to figure out we had a plumbing problem. The front desk was very friendly and sent someone over within 5 minutes to fix it. There is an $8 per day parking charge, but you'd spend so much more staying somewhere else, so you come out on top in the end. I highly recommend Garrett's for those who want a comfortable, quiet and affordable place to stay in downtown Santa Fe.

This is the worst hotel I've stayed. Springs sticking out of the mattress, dirty carpet, stinky, and no HOT WATTER!!!

I have stayed here several times and it's a great price with an excellent location. I recommend to anyone who wants to be on the square but doesn't want to pay a fortune.