ELEGANT ADOBE CASITA-WALK TO PLAZA, ART DISTRICT!

My husband and I have been visiting Santa Fe for almost 40 years. We've stayed just about everywhere in and around the city, our favorites being La Posada and La Fonda (and Bishop's Lodge in the old days, before they went downhill), but we'd never tried a home rental. Having had excellent luck w/VRBO properties over the past few years, and planning a 5-night stay, we opted to try Casita Arbolita. We may never go anywhere else in Santa Fe from now on!

The casita is truly a home away from home. It is like a hobbit house: everything you need in a small, efficient, charming space with lots of special touches to welcome you: great coffee beans, scones and fresh fruit, wine, and every kitchen "thingie" you might want. Comfy bed, cozy throws, blazingly fast wi-fi service, good TV reception in two rooms, free telephone service, and a great shower with lovely bath products (the Body Shop clementine body wash was divine).

The location could not have been better for us. You're a block-and-a-half away from the Guadalupe Cafe (great breakfast and lunch) and two doors down from that is the venerable Pink Adobe/Dragon Bar. The plaza is a short two-block walk beyond that. There's also a neighborhood market practically across the street from the casita; we heard good things about it but it was closed for renovations during our stay. And Trader Joe's is only a 5-minute drive away (and, most conveniently, right across the street from Maria's).

Since we're "old timers" we didn't need a lot of travel/dining recommendations, but Janice was obviously well-up on all the best choices, both old and new. This trip, we were strictly into sampling the best native NM cooking (and margaritas!), so we skipped Geronimo, Rio Chama, The Bull Ring, etc. and instead haunted Maria's, La Choza, Thomasita's, Rancho Chimayo and The Pink. One night, when we were too exhausted to think about either driving or walking anywhere, Janice recommended ordering pizza from Upper Crust, just down the street. It arrived piping hot & was delicious; they also have great salads.

Casita Arbolita lived up to its listing description, its listing photos, and then some. The only teeny-tiny negative I can think of is the challenge of making a left turn out of the driveway onto Old Pecos Trail, which must be daunting @ the height of tourist season. Just be brave, be patient, use the mirror provided -- and consider making it a RIGHT turn instead!

We stayed for 5 nights in April 2013, and it was wonderful! Absolutely charming house, felt way bigger than it is, very comfortable and cozy, so close to downtown we walked almost everywhere. Had all the comforts of home, even a kiva fireplace in the bedroom and a washer & dryer. We were welcomed with coffee, fruit, scones and other treats, and Janice had great advice on restaurants.
We highly recommend this casita to anyone staying in the area, and will more than likely stay here again when we return to Santa Fe.

Stayed in this wonderfully decorated and stocked casita for our anniversary weekend. The weather was cold and snowy, but we stayed comfy and warm inside. I loved the radiant heated floor in the living room and never wore shoes. The fireplace in the bedroom was also a nice touch to warm and set the mood!!
The location of this vacation rental was perfect for walking everywhere. We rented a car at the airport and only used it to get back and forth to the airport. Walking the neighborhoods and downtown areas occupied our days and made for some great finds.
The casita was clean and well appointed. The owner must love to shop at Trader Joes, as most food supplies were from that wonderful grocery store. The wine, beer and snacks provided were delicious and gone by the end of the weekend!
Thanks for a relaxing, warm and comfortable weekend.