Press Releases
Inn at Loretto's History and Design Personify Santa Fe Spirit
SANTA FE, NM - Nestled perfectly into its historical surroundings on the Old Santa Fe Trail in downtown Santa Fe, the historical Inn and Spa at Loretto flows seamlessly with the New Mexico landscape. Steeped in history, the picturesque Inn exudes the authentic essence of the area, while embodying today’s artistic spirit.
Not long after the Southwest territory was ceded to the United States in 1848, Santa Fe was evolving under the influence of a multiplicity of cultures. In 1853, the city's first academy for girls was built on the former site of the Inn. Led by a group of six nuns from Kentucky's Sisters of Loretto, the building opened under the direction of Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy. In 1873, after 20 years of educating students, Lamy suggested a chapel in the likeness of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris be built.
One of the first examples of Gothic-revival architecture west of the Mississippi, the Loretto Chapel was completed in 1878 in striking contrast to the adobe churches already in the area. The design, only 26 feet wide by 100 feet long and 69.8 feet high, features shallow stone mortar buttresses, spires, stained glass windows, a rose window at the façade and arched main door.
Once the chapel was completed, Mother Superior noticed a design flaw. There was no way to access the rear choir loft. The sisters began a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saints of builders and carpenters, which, once completed, brought the services of an unknown carpenter to construct the staircase. The Miraculous Staircase, which legend says was constructed or inspired by St. Joseph the Carpenter, took at least six months to build, has 33 steps and two 360-degree turns without center support or any nails. The carpenter departed as soon as the staircase was completed. To this day two mysteries cloud the magnificence of the breathtaking staircase- the identity of the builder and the physics of its construction.
The chapel has since been informally deconsecrated and now serves as a museum and popular wedding site. The adjacent academy, which brought the renowned chapel to life, has been closed for more than 30 years and the Inn and Spa at Loretto was constructed on the site in 1975. The Inn now is one of the most photographed buildings in New Mexico.
With the deep blue Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop, the Inn reflects the true history and culture of Santa Fe. The 134-boutique Inn was inspired by the famed Taos Pueblo, exemplifying the prolific adobe-style architecture and capturing Santa Fe's character in every detail. The Inn recently underwent a $7.5 million-dollar renovation, with enhancements made to the lobby, guestrooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, spa, gardens and exterior facade. The property continues to feature a palette of rich, warm, earth tones adorned with murals, handcrafted fixtures and furnishings, petroglyphs, weavings and Native American and Spanish-inspired creations by local artisans.
The vibrant Southwest motif carries on through the 129 guest rooms and five suites, which boast views of the surrounding mountains, Saint Francis Cathedral, Loretto Chapel and the Inn's private garden. Wandering about the Inn, guests will find the Columbine and Three Ravens Galleries, an outdoor pool, fine dining, tile terrace, patios accented with blossoming desert sage and lavender, kiva fireplace and the full-service Spa at Loretto. The spa is also immersed in Santa Fe’s history, as it incorporates ancient herbs, oils and techniques into its unique treatments.
Centrally located, the Inn is within walking distance of the Canyon Road galleries, Georgia O'Keefe Museum, Plaza and Palace of Governors and countless boutiques, shops and restaurants. Popular nearby attractions include the Nambe Falls and Recreation Area, Kasa-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, Taps Pueblo Village and the Santa Fe Opera.
As Santa Fe celebrates its 400th anniversary, the city still thrives off its diversity – a mystical thread connecting Native American, Spanish and early American pioneer artist communities. These colors, cultures and creations are alive everyday in shops, parks, markets and events. And at the heart of Santa Fe lies the Inn and Spa at Loretto.
For more information, call 800-727-5531 or visit www.innatloretto.com.
Inn and Spa at Loretto is one of more than 30 independent, upscale and luxury hotels, resorts and golf clubs in the United States managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country. The company, headquartered in suburban Denver, Colo., features a portfolio of more than 7,000 guest rooms, ten golf courses and 12 full-service spas. Destination Hotels & Resorts properties are located in key metropolitan and resort markets including Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, Dallas, San Diego, Santa Fe, Aspen, Austin, Phoenix, Portland, Palm Springs, Maui and Lake Tahoe. For more information on the properties in the Destination Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.destinationhotels.com.