Inn of the Turquoise Bear B&B


  • The imposing structure, ancient rock walls and natural landscaping invite guests to enter and relax.

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  • Inn Details

    Located close to the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe, the Inn of the Turquoise Bear occupies the home of Witter Bynner, who for decades was a prominent citizen of New Mexico. Noted as a poet, playwright and essayist, Bynner was a staunch advocate of human rights, including the rights of women, Native Americans and other ethnic minorities. Bynner's rambling adobe villa, constructed in Spanish-Pueblo Revival Style, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is consider one of Santa Fe's most significant structures. Bynner and Robert Hunt, his companion of more than 30 years, were famous for the parties they hosted in this house. Their celebrity guest list included D. H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, Igor Stravinsky, Martha Graham, Willa Cather, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Stephen Spender, Christopher Isherwood, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mary Austin, Thornton Wilder, Robert Oppenheimer, Robert Frost, W. H. Auden, Lynn Riggs, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and countless others. Bynner's home, in its magnificent garden setting, was the center of intellectual and creative activity in Santa Fe. Robert Frost and Ralph Bolton, the owners and innkeepers, have faithfully restored the property. Their goals - as innkeepers and as custodians of the home and land that Bynner loved - are to rekindle the spirit of excitement, hospitality and creativity for which this home was renowned in the past, to protect and extend the legacy of its famous creator, and to provide their guests with the experience of a unique setting that captures the essence of traditional Santa Fe. They are painstakingly restoring the adobe villa and the gardens to their former glory. They look forward to the privilege of serving as your hosts during your visit to Northern New Mexico.


    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    Robert: hotel management specialist, navy veteran; Ralph: anthropologist, author, lecturer. Our interests: current affairs, history, reading, and travel.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • Norwegian

    • English

    • French

    • German

    • Spanish


    Number of Cats: 2

    Number of Dogs: 2


    Features

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Celebrity guests

    • Friendliness of staff

    • Heritage Preservation Awards

    • History

    • Popular evening social hour

    • Spacious gardens

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Excellent views

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings


    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • DVD Player

    • In-room internet

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Private entrance

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Board games

    • Computer

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • Videos

    • Wedding Facilities

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  • Bynner-Hunt Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 4

    • Beds

      1 King

      2 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) N/A

    The Witter Bynner ($235-$255)is a spacious, second-floor room which may be rented alone or, in combination with the Robert Hunt Room, as a two-room suite ($350 - $370). Since access to the Hunt Room is through the bathroom used by guests in the Witter Bynner Room, the Hunt Room is never sold separately. The Witter Bynner Room has a large fireplace, a king size bed, viga beams,a sitting area with a large sofa facing the fireplace. Attached to this room is a balcony with gorgeous views of the gardens, Santa Fe, and the Sangre de Cristo's.

    D. H. Lawrence

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $180/$185

    The D. H. Lawrence Room (on the second floor) is a junior suite named for Bynner's friend and traveling companion. Bynner and the Lawrences traveled together on an extended trip to Mexico, about which they each wrote a book. D. H. and Frieda Lawrence spent their first night in an American home in this house and were frequent guests here. The bedroom is separate from a sitting area and has a queen-sized bed, kiva fireplace and wide plank floors. The sitting area has a twin-size sofa-bed, bookcases and two chairs. The balcony overlooks an interior courtyard with a rustic staircase leading to the courtyard

    Shaman

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $230/$235

    The Shaman Room is a very large room with a king-size bed, a polished brick floor, viga beams, bookcases, and a grand fireplace. There are two sitting areas, one with a twin sofa-bed and the other has two large chairs. There is a long built-in bench beneath an expansive picture window that looks out into the lush grounds. The private bath has a Mexican tile shower. The room also has a small refrigerator and Native American decor. Originally Bynner's study, this room was built for solitude, writing, and contemplation.

    Georgia O'Keeffe

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 King

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $215/$220

    The Georgia O’Keeffe Room is named in honor of one of New Mexico’s most illustrious painters with whom he shared an interest in Chinese art and culture. Bynner and Georgia O'Keeffe were longtime friends. This is a very large rectangular room with a king-size bed, kiva fireplace, sitting area, viga beams, bookcases, and a pine wood floor. The sofa is a twin sofa-bed, and there is small refrigerator. The bath is private with tub and shower.

    O. Henry

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $170/$175

    The O. Henry Room is a standard-sized room with a queen bed, a kiva fireplace, viga beams, and a wood floor with area rugs. The bath is private with a large talavera-tiled shower. This room is named for the famed short-story writer whose work was edited by Bynner when they lived in New York. The sale by Bynner of three short stories by O. Henry paid for the construction of several rooms in the house.

    Ansel Adams

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $130/$135

    Ansel Adams, the famous photographer, was a close friend of Bynner. A frequent guest in this house, along with his wife, Virginia, Ansel Adams took photos of Bynner and his rambling adobe home. The Ansel Adams Room has a queen-size bed, a saltillo tile floor, and a large private bath with claw-foot tub-and-shower combination. The Eden Tree Courtyard is just outside the door.

    Willa Cather

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $99/$99

    Willa Cather was a friend of Bynner and a visitor to his home. The Willa Cather Room is named for the author of the most famous novel about Santa Fe, New Mexico, Death Comes for the Archbishop. This is a standard-size room with a queen bed, kiva fireplace, large chair and a saltillo tile floor. The bath, accessed from a common foyer, is shared with the Millay Room

    Edna Millay

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $160/$165

    The distinguished poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay, was once engaged to Bynner. The room named for her is a pleasant room with a view across the grounds toward the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The bed is queen-sized and there is a small sofa, kiva fireplace, viga ceilings, and a saltillo tile floor. The bath, accessed from a common foyer, is shared with the Willa Cather Room. This room also opens onto the small Eden Tree Courtyard.

    Igor Stravinsky

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $190/$195

    The Igor Stravinsky Room is named for the composer who made the Santa Fe Opera famous, and who was a house guest of Bynner for the opening season of the opera. It was originally built as lodging for Rita, Bynner's housekeeper. There is a queen bed, two overstuffed chairs, kiva fireplace and windows looking out onto tree-shaded patios. The bath is private with claw-foot tub-and-shower combination.

    Spud Johnson

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $200/$205

    Separate from the main building, the Spud Johnson Room was once the carriage house and is decorated in a Western cowboy motif. There is a queen bed, two large comfortable chairs, kiva fireplace, a saltillo tile floor and a private bath with a large, tiled shower. ADA compliant, it is adjacent to the parking area. Features include a portal with a brick floor and a red willow bench for enjoying the gardens and a fountain. Willard “Spud” Johnson was the writer and editor of The Laughing Horse, and was Bynner's secretary/companion before he was lured to Taos by Mabel Dodge Lujan.

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3 PM    Check out: Noon

    • Minimum stay: Two or three day minimum stay required during some holidays

    • Deposit amount required: A deposit of one night's room rate and taxes is required to confirm a reservation.

    • Cancellations: Reservations canceled more than 14 days prior to scheduled arrival will have deposit minus $20 fee refunded. Within the 14 days, the guest is responsible for the entire amount of the reservation. Holidays, special events, July and August require a 30 day advance notice to cancel.

    • Open all year round: Y


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: Limited

    • Guest pets allowed: Yes

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinks available: N

    • Children allowed: Inquire about policy.

    • Suitable for children: Yes

    • Childcare provided: No

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Continental Plus

    • Time Served: 7:30to 9:30

    • Serving location: In room if requested, Breakfast/dining area


    Complimentary Perks

    • Non-alcoholic Beverages

    • Wine/Cheese Plate


    Special meal options

  • Location Type

    • Downtown


    City

    • Albuquerque

    • Distance to city: 55 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From I-25, take exit 284, go North approx 1.3 miles, bear right to continue on Old Pecos Trail; Go about 1.3 miles more, turn left onto E. Buena Vista St, and Left into the first driveway.


    Airport

    • Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) 55 miles


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Casino

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Outlet Stores

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Rodeo

    • Ruins

    • Ski area

    • Winery

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bicycles

    • Billiards

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Cross-country ski trails

    • Downhill Skiing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Horseshoes

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • Sunbathing

    • Hot tubbing

    • Massage and spa treatments

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Ski rentals

    • Snow shoe rental

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Swimming

    • Swimming pool

    • Tennis courts

    • Tennis racket rental

    • Video Arcade

    • Whitewater Rafting

    • Overall 
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    • Services 
    • Value 
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    Write a review

    Great stay, great doggies, and good breakfast too!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
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    Another great stay in Santa Fe. I almost always stay here when visiting Santa Fe, and it is always wonderful. The doggies are so much fun, Colt & Cody, helps me keep the girlfriend from getting a dog of her own. The breakfast is great . . . the times we've actually woken up early enough to get it (and they do keep it going for a while, I think until 9 or 9:30), but we sometimes don't make it out of the room until after 10:00. Mostly because the rooms are quite and comfortable. This place is walking distance to downtown Santa Fe, which is awesome since we like trying out different restaurants downtown. And one of the best restaurants is one of the closest ones, near the capitol building. Every room is different, so your experience might vary as you stay in different rooms. But I've stayed in at least 4 different rooms, and they are all great. The place has free WI-FI, which is transmitted from the main living room/dining room/office, so if your room is close, you'll get great signal. If your room is farther away, you might get a weaker signal. But you can bring your laptop into the living room and lounge using the internet there. It is very comfortable. If you are visiting on business, or need internet, something to keep in mind and ask the reservation person when you call; for one of the rooms that gets stronger wi-fi signal.


    Best B&B stay ever!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


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    Stayed for Veterans day. Owner gave free stay to veterans. The man is the most generous and hospitable person I have met in a very long time. The room was clean and comfortable. The food was some of the best found in any 5 star hotel or B&B we have ever had. The entire staff was friendly and polite. I will return and recommend this B&B to everyone I know.


    Thelma and Lousie's stay in Santa Fe

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Was travelling on vacation


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    My sister and I had a delightful experience at your lovely inn. From the time we were checked in by Michael who gave us a little history of the historic inn to next, meeting other charming guests and our host Ralph (Robert had to go out of town) to a entertaining wine and cheese social, and finally the huge breakfast of our choice the following morning. Everything was marvelous. The landscapers even helped us with our luggage to our car!!! We will be back and tell our friends in Colorado and New Jersey!!!!


    Southern hospitality in Santa Fe...

    About the reviewer

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in budget lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation


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    should not really be a surprise since innkeeper Robert is from Alabama; the blue bear, from my room, common room, breakfast (incredible), wine and cheese, all of the other inn and guest "keepers", the critters, and the gardens are all there waiting to be thoroghly enjoyed. This place and the people can keep me any time! s, atlanta


    Hated to leave!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • First time staying at a B&B

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation


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    My friend and I absolutely ADORED The Inn of the Turquoise Bear...I'd never stayed in a bed and breakfast before and it was just wonderful. I loved the people there, so helpful and personable, the food was stupendous and the Wind and Cheese Social hour was SO FUN! Such an eclectic group of people that fast became friends. I cannot wait to go back...


Tell the innkeeper that sent you.