Santa Fe — nicknamed “The City Different” — is a place of adobe architecture, Indigenous and Southwestern traditions, and a prolific art scene. Over decades of visits I’ve hiked the high desert, eaten my fill of New Mexican cuisine, shopped for turquoise and woven goods, and soaked up the city’s singular aesthetic. Staying in a locally owned vacation rental is one of the best ways to live that aesthetic: many Santa Fe Airbnbs are themselves works of art, full of handcrafted details, kiva fireplaces, exposed vigas, and regional textiles.
How these were chosen: listings below were vetted for Superhost or Guest Favorite status, guest reviews and ratings, location and nearby attractions, amenities, and decor that reflect Santa Fe’s character.
Top picks
– Best for families: Colorful getaway with stained-glass windows
– Best for dog-friendly stays: Century‑old home with updated interiors (pet-friendly)
– Best for mountain views: Casita with outdoor kiva fireplace
– Best for a spa-like experience: Sleek compound with hot tub and sauna
The 11 Airbnbs
1) Spacious hacienda and guesthouse
Guests: 10 • Beds/baths: 5 BR, 3 BA
Why we love it: Classic Canyon Road adobe with handmade doors, exposed vigas, a kiva fireplace, clawfoot tub, and a lush enclosed garden. Great for large groups who want to be steps from the Canyon Road galleries. Nearby: Canyon Road art galleries, Ahmyo Wine Garden, Santa Fe Canyon Preserve.
2) Traditional adobe casita with a kiva fireplace
Guests: 4 • Beds/baths: 2 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: Historic details like a viga ceiling, a wood-burning kiva fireplace, a hand-carved dining table, and an impressive collection of New Mexico books. Colorful finishes (an azul-tiled shower) and close proximity to the Plaza make it a favorite. Nearby: The Chile Shop, Kowboyz, New Mexico Museum of Art, Palace of the Governors.
3) Centrally located two-bedroom cottage
Guests: 5 • Beds/baths: 2 BR, 2.5 BA
Why we love it: A bright two-story cottage between the Railyard and the Plaza with four fireplaces (including a wood burner in the primary), exposed beams, embroidered curtains, and cozy antiques mixed with modern comforts. Nearby: Canyon Road galleries, Ahmyo Wine Garden, Santa Fe Canyon Preserve.
4) Century-old home with updated interiors (pet-friendly)
Guests: 4 • Beds/baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: A 100-year-old adobe refreshed with sleek, modern furnishings and a fully stocked kitchen while retaining Southwestern touches—rugs, desert ceramics—and offering pet-friendly stays. Close to downtown museums and performing arts venues. Nearby: Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, Lensic Performing Arts Center, New Mexico History Museum.
5) Sleek compound with a hot tub and sauna (great for groups)
Guests: 16 • Beds/baths: 5 BR, 6 BA
Why we love it: Minimal, modern compound in forested Hyde Park with a main house, casita, and a treehouse. Amenities include a rooftop hot tub with mountain views, a dry sauna pod, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, games (billiards, foosball), and fitness equipment—ideal for celebrations and wellness-focused groups. Nearby: Hyde Memorial State Park, Sierra del Norte trailheads, Santa Fe Opera.
6) Downtown home with sauna and steam room
Guests: 6 • Beds/baths: 3 BR, 3 BA
Why we love it: Colorful, budget-friendly option near the Plaza that still packs resort-like wellness features: on-site sauna and steam room, plus a large private patio. Southwestern decor and Indigenous crafts make it feel distinctly local. Nearby: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis, Historic Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel.
7) Bright and luxurious Quonset townhouse
Guests: 2 • Beds/baths: 1 BR, 1.5 BA
Why we love it: A design-forward Quonset-style townhouse with industrial-chic touches, lots of natural light, wooden accents, a retro indoor fireplace, and even a piano. Managed by a local café, it’s a great pick for solo travelers or design lovers. Neighborhood: Baca Street Art District. Nearby: River Trail, Santa Fe Salt Cave, Rowley Farmhouse Ales.
8) Whitewashed modern casita with a backyard
Guests: 6 • Beds/baths: 3 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: A renovated Southwestern home with minimalist interiors that still honor local style—kiva fireplace, custom tile bathrooms, and a roomy outdoor area for gatherings and pets. It’s practical for families with a large kitchen and comfortable living spaces. Nearby: Meow Wolf, Frenchy’s Field Park Labyrinth, Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery (Siler Rufina area).
9) Luxurious house with a saltwater hot tub
Guests: 6 • Beds/baths: 3 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: On the Old Santa Fe Trail, this large home caters to groups who value a high-end kitchen (Wolf range, stainless appliances), a massive custom dining table, fireplaces, and a private terrace with gas firepit and a saltwater hot tub—perfect for stargazing. Neighborhood: Museum Hill. Nearby: Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Wheelwright Museum, Nuevo Mexicano Heritage Arts Museum.
10) Casita with mountain views and outdoor kiva fireplace
Guests: 2 • Beds/baths: 1 BR, 1 BA
Why we love it: An intimate, romantic casita featuring Chimayo weavings, exposed beams, a sunroom breakfast nook, a koi pond, and a rooftop deck with an outdoor kiva overlooking the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Close to hiking while still within easy reach of downtown. Neighborhood: Historic Eastside. Nearby: Canyon Road galleries, Dale Ball Trails, Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
11) Colorful getaway with stained-glass windows
Guests: 4 • Beds/baths: 2 BR, 2 BA
Why we love it: La Vida Buena is a cheerful pueblo-style family favorite about a mile from the Plaza. It features vibrant interior colors, cushioned adobe bancos, a wood-burning kiva, stained-glass windows, tiled baths, a chiminea, and a shaded fenced yard—great for kids and pets. Neighborhood: South Capitol. Nearby: San Miguel Chapel, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Center for Contemporary Arts.
Whether you want a romantic adobe casita, a family-ready hacienda near Canyon Road, or a party-ready compound with a hot tub and sauna, Santa Fe’s rentals let you sleep inside the place’s character. Book early for peak seasons, and when you stay, look for host notes about parking, altitude (it’s high!), and local recommendations for markets, galleries, and restaurants to get the most authentic visit.
