Santa Fe, NM People of Low (err.. no) character.
So I decided to go to Santa Fe for the weekend. Always wanted to check it out and I figured, hey! Why not? My review of the place is definitely mixed.
It’s a beautiful place and definitely serene in nature. I would recommend going for a weekend, but definitely not more than that. Before I continue with my review of the place, I just wanted to state a few things. I’m a very well seasoned business and luxury traveler. I’m not a pain in the ass; in fact, I usually am a pretty easy person to get along with. People at resorts and destinations I’ve visited usually remember me years later when I return (even if I’ve only been there once). I’d like to think I’m a friendly sort, but every once in a while, you can’t help but be disenchanted by a place simply due to the people that live there.
This is the story of my disenchantment with Santa Fe.
So the woman says to me, “Hey, I’m in Albequerque for the weekend, fly out and see me for a few days! We can go to Santa Fe!” To me? Well, Why not right? and I’m on the plane within a few hours. (meh.. I do what I want. No strings, attachments, etc).
Arrive in Albequerque. People here are friendly, but extremely aggressive drivers. (Keep in mind, I’m from NY and have frequented Paris, so I know what aggressive driving is.. but wow.. New Mexico drivers are just amazing)
Drive to Santa Fe. More aggressive drivers, I just hang in the right lane and set the cruise control to 80. Idiots flying up my ass and honking, flashing lights, etc. I ignore them.
Get to Santa Fe an hour later. Head over to the Inn at Loretto. I heard they had just undergone a renovation and the hotel is supposed to be nice. We pull up. Mandatory Valet Parking only. That’s ok.. I only Valet when possible. Valet people are nice, but not very attentive. I’ve waited outside for 15-20 min. at a time before I even see a valet at times. Not a big deal, but just something to keep in mind.
I check in to the hotel and notice there’s an extra $30.00 per night fee over the rates I was quoted. I don’t really care about the money, but it’s the principle of the thing. I mention it to the girl behind the counter and she says, “Oh It’s a resort fee. We’re a destination resort and All High End Resorts Worldwide do this.” I respond to her, “Actually I’ve traveled all over the world and stayed at some of the most high-end resorts in the world and they don’t charge a resort fee. “ She responds, “Well, this is what we do. The fee covers your Internet.” I respond, “According to your website and original quote to me, this was included as a built in amenity.” She looks flustered, realizing she can’t bullshit me and just says, “Take it or leave it.”
So my first opinion of The Inn at Lorretto? Scamsters. Then again, I read about this on other reviews of the resort and figured, I’d give them a go anyway. Needless to say, I wasn’t impressed.
Next, on to the room. It’s clean, but for their supposed “major renovation”, it’s not impressive. A fresh coat of paint doesn’t justify a “major renovation”. Although, room was clean and somewhat comfy. It was acceptable for the price. Nice little balcony though.
The next morning, I call for room service (breakfast). 2 Bagels, some granola, fresh fruit, pot of coffee. How much was it? $47.00 Uhm.. That’s more expensive than the 4 seasons. Was it actually quality food? Not worth $47.00, but would have been ok if it were $35.00. I feel like I’ve just been ripped off (again).
OK.. Not to ruin it, I figure, whatever.. It’s just money and I was too lazy to walk downstairs anyway. Call it a convenience fee. (meh). Off to the Spa for some “stuff”.
Girlfriend gets a Manicure, Pedicure, and some Waxing. I get a facial. So let’s see…
My girl sets me up for a 50 min. appointment. They finish in 25 min. and charge me for the 50 min. appointment. I don’t bother arguing it. My girlfriend calls down and very politely explains the consequences of fraud to them.. I get a $50.00 discount.
Total Cost? $572.00. Now, I don’t care about paying a little more for some services, but it was just simply egregious.. you could even classify it as criminal.
The restaurant: Good Food, Good Atmosphere. About the only good thing about the resort. The service was good as well. I would recommend eating there for dinner.
Overall review of the Inn at Lorretto? 1/5 stars. Not for the ambience, but for the service and criminal mentality of the resort. This resort would have been all aces if it wasn’t for the criminal mentality of the staff.
Now, what about the rest of Santa Fe? It seems depressed. The economy definitely is hurting there. Lots of vacant spots.
The people seem to dislike tourism, but need the dollars very badly. They’ll treat you with a “fake” sort of courtesy… all except for one place. This is a place I will absolutely Rave about! Tons of accolades! It’s the 10,000 waves spa.
Rented out the Ichiban Hot Tub Room / Area. Excellent Service, Excellent Accomodations, Genuinely wonderful people and very reasonably priced as well! Very well worth the money. I would recommend going there and checking it out. First Class all the way!
Overall, My girl and I were disappointed with the general attitude of the people in Santa Fe, but the people at 10,000 waves spa just made it worth it. It’s definitely worth all the pain we went through to experience that place. Would I go back to Santa Fe again? Uhm.. no.
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