El Rey Court
"Set the scene.Tiny adobe huts that are charming in a way that road-side motels typically are not. Warm, traditional small-scale adobe—whitewashed instead of the usual earth color—for a more modern contrast with the geometric art and blankets. There’s vinyl in the corner with Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson records, and little kiva fireplaces. What’s the story behind it?This place dates back to 1936; it’s an old Route 66 landmark. It’s a favorite with the community, which is rare for Santa Fe—locals recommend it and hang out here with out-of-towners at the hotel’s La Reina mezcal-tequila bar. The owners are Joshua Tree power couple Jay and Alison Carroll, who honored the hotel’s original bones and narrative but gave it a 21st-century polish, on the right side of the hipster line. There is nothing loud or attention-grabbing about this place. It’s quiet and unassuming, but nails it as a modern-day answer to a traditional motel. What can we expect from the rooms?Each one is original: There’s a totally different charm to each, with artwork and local textiles on the headboard and the occasional patio, fireplace, and kitchenette here and there. You’d do well to return and try a different one each time. All are really quiet, great for sleeping (not always a thing at a roadside inn). And the showers are hot and strong. How about the food and drink?At La Reina they seem to have a dozen or so tamales on hand, and will serve them 'til they run out. The mezcal list is wonderful, recommended for sipping, or you can't go wrong with the King's Margarita, though the agave menu has a range of top-class tequila and mezcal that may be a splurge but won’t break the bank. It’s an all-female bar staff at La Reina, which means the queen (to El Rey’s ‘The King’) in Spanish. Anything to say about the service?Just the right level for people who prefer to be self-sufficient, and not fussed over. (We mean this in the best way.) The great thing about a roadside motel is you can just pull up to your room—you only need to go to the lobby or interact with anyone if you choose to, apart from at check-in. They're really responsive and kind when you ask, if needed (will send an extra blanket or coffeemaker to the room, even to boost the fire with a blowtorch if the matches fail…). Who stays here?There were a lot of beards and ponchos, an Austin ‘back when SXSW was cool’ crowd. But then again, a rare and unusual mix of ages (millennials and their parents hanging out). Talk of music and snow. How does it fit into the neighborhood?Great location, just far enough away from Cerrillos road (old-school, less precious, regulated Santa Fe center), but also right by all of that, the Plaza, a favorite for its Spanish-American style and a hangout spot for locals. You could walk, or drive in minutes to La Choza, then the Whole Foods across the street to stock up for the room. Anything we missed?Sounds like The Swim Club is really taking off in the summer. And it’s exceptional in Santa Fe that they serve food and drink later than almost everyone else—past 8 p.m.! Worth it? Why?Absolutely. Both the Santa Fe and the roadside classic, in a minimal, modern way." - Amy Goldwasser
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