Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Fe–North
10 Buffalo Thunder Trail, off U.S. 285/84, Exit 177, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506, USA
Why We Like It
The spacious rooms, some with two bedrooms, appeal especially to families and friends traveling together, and full in-room kitchen facilities are handy if you're in town for an extended period. This reasonably priced property also adjoins an exceptional golf course and is steps from much larger Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino. You're close to gaming, entertainment, and dining options, yet at a much quieter and less-crowded hotel.
Fodor's Expert Review
Next door to the larger and more upscale Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino, this more laid-back property with spacious studios and suites well-suited to extended stays is set on Pojoaque Pueblo, a 15-minute drive north of Santa Fe's historic center. Guests enjoy access to Buffalo Thunder's impressive amenities, including a 27-hole golf course designed by PGA legend Hale Irwin, as well as a spa and several restaurants.
You Should Know Although there's plenty to keep you entertained at adjoining Buffalo Thunder Resort, the hotel is a 15- to 20-minute drive from Santa Fe proper.
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Room
All 80 units at this contemporary chain property have plenty of room to kick around, including separate living and sleeping areas; many suites have two bedrooms. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, and pots, pans, and utensils. Native American artwork, upholstered armchairs, and hand-carved desks and headboards reflected the area's Southwestern heritage.
Bathroom
The medium-size bathrooms are typical of other mid-range Hilton hotels and have quartz vanities, hairdryers, Neutrogena bath products, and combo shower/tubs.
Lobby
The check-in area leads into a great room with soaring timber beam ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and Native American prints and paintings. You can relax in one of the several sofas and armchairs, some of which face a fireplace.
Pool
There's a mid-size outdoor pool surrounded by chaises longues and a few tables with umbrellas.
Spa
There's no spa on-site, but guests can book treatments next door at the impressive full-service spa inside the Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino.
Gym
The fitness room contains a few cardio machines as well as free weights.
Dining
Although there's no full-service restaurant, the hotel has a large dining room with seating that spills into the inviting lobby where a large breakfast spread is presented each morning, featuring fruit, juices, pastries, cereals, and a few hot dishes.
Drinking
There's no bar per se, but Monday through Thursday evenings, the hotel offers a complimentary happy hour featuring snacks and cocktails.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Although the hotel officially has a Santa Fe address, it's actually located on Pojoaque Pueblo, about a 15- to 20-minute drive north of town. You'll want a car if staying here (parking is free), as public transportation is limited and impractical. The setting has its advantages, though: It's right off the convenient U.S. 84/285 freeway, and it's close to the start of the scenic High Road to Taos and also relatively close to the museums at Los Alamos and Bandelier National Monument.
Restaurants
Among the several dining and drinking options next door at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder, Red Sage (5-minute walk) stands out for its upscale steak and seafood fare and also offers a lighter bar menu. El Nido (15-minute drive), which is set in the cozy village of Tesuque, is known for its exceptional Italian fare, including hand-made pastas. You can watch professional flamenco dance shows some nights. Fans of authentic northern New Mexican fare flock to El Paragua (15-minute drive), 10 miles north in the town of Española. A mainstay since the mid-1960s, this rambling restaurant is known for carnitas, carne asada, and chile rellenos.
Bars
Head to Gabriels (10-minute drive), which is beloved for its table-side guacamole and prodigious margaritas, to enjoy sunset drinks on the patio. In Santa Fe proper, Draft Station (20-minute drive) serves craft beer and has outdoor seating overlooking the historic Plaza.
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