El Rey Court
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Hotel Details
Location
El Rey Court · Santa Fe, United States
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Expert Review: El Rey Court
El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a property recognized with a Michelin Key, offers a unique blend of historic motor court charm and modern boutique sensibilities. Guests consistently highlight its distinctive design, friendly service, and vibrant atmosphere.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
El Rey Court generally receives a very positive reception, with guests frequently describing it as "hip new and quirky" and a "beautifully reimagined boutique hotel". The atmosphere, cleanliness, and friendly service are consistently praised, contributing to an overall experience that is often rated as "Excellent". It's seen as an inspiring oasis for modern travelers, blending vintage charm with contemporary comfort.
2. Key Highlights
Guests particularly love El Rey Court's unique aesthetic, which honors its origins as a 1936 roadside motor court on historic Route 66 while incorporating modern Southwest design. The property spans five acres of beautiful, sprawling gardens, offering ample space for relaxation and discovery. Key amenities include a seasonally heated outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and a sauna. The on-site La Reina bar and the presence of various food trucks also stand out as popular features, creating a lively atmosphere. El Rey Court is also noted for being pet-friendly.
3. Room Quality
El Rey Court boasts 86 uniquely designed rooms and suites, meaning no two are identical, offering a different experience with each stay. Rooms feature traditional Southwest decor, including original artwork, antique furniture, adobe architecture, wood beams, and patterned flooring. Modern comforts are integrated, such as complimentary WiFi, Bluetooth Tivoli speakers, and flat-screen TVs with DirecTV. Many rooms offer fireplaces (including traditional kiva fireplaces), additional seating areas, and private outdoor spaces or patios. While standard rooms are described as cozy and comfortable, some guests note they may not be overly large due to the original motel floor plan.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at El Rey Court is characterized by its relaxed and social offerings. La Reina, the hotel's bar, specializes in tequila and mezcal cocktails and serves wood-fired pizza, often accompanied by live music. A significant highlight for many guests is the presence of on-site food trucks. "Tender Fire Kitchen" frequently offers wood-fired pizzas on weekends, while the "Turquoise Trailer" serves breakfast items, coffee, and juices from Thursday through Monday. Guests have praised the quality of the breakfast food and the convenience of the food trucks. The hotel also provides a free "on-the-go" breakfast each morning.
5. Service & Staff
The staff at El Rey Court consistently receives high marks for their hospitality. Guests describe them as "friendly," "helpful," "efficient," and "pleasant and attentive". Many appreciate the staff's "cool, competent and happy to be there" demeanor, which contributes to the welcoming and laid-back ambiance of the property.
6. Location & Accessibility
Located at 1862 Cerrillos Road, El Rey Court sits on the original alignment of Route 66. It is conveniently situated about 2.6 miles from the center of Santa Fe and popular attractions such as the Santa Fe Plaza. Other nearby points of interest include the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum (less than 3 miles away) and Meow Wolf. While Cerrillos Road is a bustling area with other local businesses and eateries, it is not considered particularly pedestrian-friendly. However, ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available, and the hotel offers free parking, including some covered areas, making it accessible for those traveling by car.
7. Value & Pricing
El Rey Court offers competitive pricing within Santa Fe, with rates starting from around $102 for a Queen room. The average weeknight price is approximately $177, while weekend nights average $164. January is typically the cheapest month to stay, with December being the most expensive. Guests often perceive it as an excellent value, especially when compared to the average room prices in Santa Fe. It's important to note that an amenity fee of $20 per day applies.
8. Common Complaints
Despite widespread positive feedback, some recurring criticisms include noise levels, which can stem from traffic on Cerrillos Road or from neighboring rooms. Some guests have also commented on certain rooms feeling "outdated" or having "dark bathrooms," with suggestions for improved lighting. Issues with parking and amenities have also been mentioned as impacting the overall value for price for some guests.
Sources
Google Reviews
801 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Raven Elise
If you want the comforts you expect in a hotel stay but also want to change it up from the ordinary, El Rey is a good place to find that balance (and maybe a little inspiration--my creative block finally started lifting during my stay at El Rey). I stayed here in January. I was with someone, but it would have been a nice place to stay solo, as well. The room was charming, clean, comfortable, and...
Response from the owner
Hello there! So glad to hear you had such a wonderful stay at El Rey! Thank you for writing about our perfect blend of charm and comfort, with all those cozy amenities like the fridge, fireplace, and ...
Morgan
Extremely disappointing stay, especially for a $300+ nightly rate. The rooms we were given did not match what we booked online, which staff acknowledged, explaining that the listings don’t always reflect the actual rooms. Huh? The rooms were noticeably rundown and had strong chemical/bleach odors paired with wet dog odors, which staff were already aware of and booked us to stay into anyways. Suc...
Thomas Beebe
I discovered this place a few years ago, and now I stay here every time I visit my family. It has a really nice charm about it and an impressive mix of classic old west motel era feel, with a modern look and high quality amenities. The beds and linens are truly outstanding, and the staff seem to genuinely enjoy their work taking care of every detail. Their on-site food truck is delicious and conve...
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for leaving us such a fantastic review! Whether it be the western mixed with modern aesthetic, the quality of the room, or the atmosphere and staff, you truly highlighted all of the ...
Anita Shreve Lanier
This was a charming hideaway in easy distance to the sights of Santa Fe and in easy walking distance to coffee and restaurants. Rooms and grounds were tastefully appointed and decorated. We were there on Monday and Tuesday, so it was quieter than usual. Lots of common areas to sit and relax, plus a hot tub and cute pool. It was a little chilly for swimming, but I enjoyed an early morning stroll ar...
Response from the owner
Thank you for staying with us! we appreciate your wonderful review and hope to see you again!
Taylor Wheeler
We stayed at the El Rey over the weekend and had a great experience. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful from start to finish. Our room was spacious, spotless, and very comfortable. Overall, it was a wonderful stay and we would absolutely stay here again.
Response from the owner
Hello, thank you so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your experience with the staff and the quality of your room, we hope you visit us again!
Sharlena Santiago
LA REINA TREATMENT Growing up in New Mexico, I have always been enchanted by this place driving past it more times than you could count. Last night was my first stay and tonight I upgraded to a room with a fireplace. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, someplace cozy with good food and good company come to @elreycourt. I will forever stay here from now on and probably in this exact room. Eve...
Response from the owner
Hello, thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful review! We appreciate your details and hope to see you again soon!
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