The Southwest Road Trip: El Paradero

We spent our three nights in Santa Fe at El Paradero Bed and Breakfast. This was our first time staying at a B&B and I absolutely adored it! El Paradero is a converted 200-year-old farmhouse described as Santa Fe's oldest inn. One of my favorite things about the inn was its location in the historic downtown district. I loved that we were within walking distance of the Plaza, galleries, museums, shops and restaurants.

I also loved all of the adorable decorations throughout the inn. Even the back side door was all decked out!  Because Santa Fe literally translates in Spanish to "Holy Faith" and is named after St. Francis of Assisi (the patron saint of animals and the environment) it makes sense that there are statues and painting of St. Francis, as well as Our Lady of Guadalupe, all around the city, including the inn. I grew to be quite fond of the imagery and we brought home a little wall plaque of Our Lady of Guadalupe to hang by our front door. I think John's Catholic mama would approve.

We stayed in room No. 9

Our little adobe room had a viga ceiling and brick floors.

Although it was too warm to use the kiva fireplace (and probably would have been a bad idea with all of the wildfire smoke), it still made the room extra cozy and cute! The room was missing one thing -- a TV! I think it helped make the vacation seem extra relaxing & like even more of an escape.

Eating breakfast and reading the local newspaper in the garden courtyard was the perfect way to start our day

It was so peaceful out here. One day we even brought lunch back to the inn to eat in the courtyard.

El Paradero's Southwestern breakfasts were always super delicious. I wanted to bring the cheerful dishes home with me!

And the staff were happy to make vegetarian meals for us. That green chili sauce (over a poached egg & potatoes) was so good!

I miss having someone make me breakfast every morning!

Here's the breakfast dining room. Do you spy St. Francis?

Every afternoon the inn hosts tea time between 4-5 p.m. Along with tea and coffee, there's homemade treats such as flourless chocolate cake and an apple jalapeno tart. I also miss tea time!

It looks like Abbie liked the inn too. I hope that we can return to Santa Fe soon, and when we do I'd love to go back to El Paradero!

What are your thoughts on bed & breakfast inns? What is one of your favorite places you've ever stayed?