El Rey Court is a mid-century boutique motel on Cerrillos Road in Santa Fe, New Mexico, originally opened in 1936 and thoughtfully restored to preserve its architectural character while updating the interiors for contemporary comfort. The property sits on a quieter section of Cerrillos Road, the historic artery connecting downtown Santa Fe with surrounding communities, about 1.5 miles south of the Plaza. El Rey Court has become a reference point for design-conscious travelers seeking Southwest character at accessible prices — the 87-unit property features individually decorated rooms with artist-designed interiors, hand-crafted furnishings, and a curated collection of vintage and contemporary Southwest artwork. Standard rooms begin around $110 per night and casita units with kitchenettes from $160. A seasonal outdoor pool and a working bar distinguish the property from standard motel offerings in the area. Complimentary parking in the expansive on-site lot eliminates one of Santa Fe's most persistent lodging frustrations. Several room categories include kitchenettes, making the property practical for longer stays or guests preferring to self-cater. Cerrillos Road is served by local transit and is approximately 15 minutes on foot — or 5 minutes by car — from the Santa Fe Plaza. The Railyard Arts District and SITE Santa Fe contemporary art museum are about 0.8 miles north of the property, easily walkable or bikeable from the motel grounds.
Room types
- Standard rooms from $110/night (~$110 USD)
- Casitas from $160/night (~$160 USD)
Amenities
- Pool
- Bar
- Free parking
- Artist-designed rooms
- Kitchenette units available
Location
1862 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87505
35.6615, -105.9508 View on map
Highlights
- 1936 mid-century motel on Cerrillos Road, restored with artist-designed rooms and vintage Southwest character
- Individually decorated rooms with hand-crafted furnishings and curated regional artwork
- Seasonal outdoor pool, working bar, and complimentary on-site parking throughout the year
- Casita units with kitchenettes available for longer stays or self-catering guests
- Design-conscious boutique value 1.5 miles south of Santa Fe Plaza near the Railyard Arts District
Tips for visiting
- Request a casita unit with a kitchenette for longer stays; groceries from nearby markets on Cordova Road make self-catering practical.
- The pool area is a social hub on summer evenings — a lively contrast to the quiet daytime vibe of the property.
- Walk or bike to the Railyard Arts District (0.8 miles north) for SITE Santa Fe, the Farmers' Market, and independent galleries.
- Cerrillos Road has frequent bus service to the Plaza via Santa Fe Trails transit; confirm current routes at the front desk.
- Rooms facing the pool can be noisy on weekend summer evenings; request a quieter garden-facing unit if noise is a concern.
Accessibility
The property is largely single-story with level access from the parking lot to most units. ADA-accessible rooms with grab bars and widened doorways are available. The pool area is paved and accessible by wheelchair.
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Frequently asked questions
Is El Rey Court a good value compared to Plaza-adjacent hotels?
El Rey Court offers some of the most affordable boutique nightly rates in Santa Fe, typically $110–$160, compared to $230–$400-plus for comparable boutique options closer to the Plaza.
Is the property pet-friendly?
El Rey Court accepts pets in select room categories for a nightly fee. Confirm current pet policies, size limits, and room availability when booking.
How close is El Rey Court to downtown Santa Fe and the Plaza?
The Plaza is approximately 1.5 miles north via Cerrillos Road — about a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk. Transit options are available along Cerrillos Road.
Does El Rey Court have a restaurant?
The property operates a bar but not a full restaurant. Several well-reviewed restaurants are within walking distance along Cerrillos Road and the nearby St. Francis Drive corridor.