Search bed and breakfast inns and read reviews on iloveinns.com
I Love Inns Bed and Breakfast Directory

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

342 E Buena Vista St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
United States of America
Innkeeper(s): Robert Frost & Ralph Bolton

(505) 983-0798
(800) 396-4104

 

Circa 1835. Tall ponderosa pines shade this rambling Spanish Pueblo Revival adobe, giving it the feeling of being in a mountain setting, although it's only blocks from the plaza. In the National Register, it was the home of poet and essayist Witter Bynner, when it hosted a myriad of celebrities including Edna St. Vincent Millay, Robert Frost, Ansel Adams, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and Georgia O'Keeffe. The walled acre of grounds includes flagstone paths, wild roses, lilacs, rock terraces and stone benches and fountains. In a Southwest decor, there are kiva fireplaces and romantic courtyards. The Shaman room has a king bed, viga beams and a picture window with garden views. Guests are invited to enjoy wine and cheese in the afternoon. Museums, galleries, restaurants and shops are within walking distance. Among its accolades, the inn was the recipient of the Heritage Preservation Award from the city of Santa Fe in 1999, and from the state of New Mexicoin 2000.

For more information visit their website:
Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B



Customer Reviews

Overall
5 hearts

5 based on

10
 reviews

Service
Condition
Cleanliness
Room Comfort
Location

 Previous 10 Total Images Next 

Rates

$120 to $350

Payment types accepted include Visa, Travelers Checks, Master Card, Discover, American Express and Personal Checks.

Meals Included in Rates:

  • Wine
  • Breakfast

Events Hosted

  • Romantic Getaways
  • Reunions
  • Meetings
  • Honeymoons
  • Seminars
  • Weddings
  • Birthdays

Available Food Service

  • Continental Plus Breakfast
  • Banquet Service
  • Early Coffee/Tea
  • Full Breakfast
  • Vegetarian Breakfast
  • Wine
  • Guest Selects Individual Breakfast Items
  • Cooked To Order

Other Activities

  • Water Sports
  • Tennis
  • Skiing Downhill
  • Skiing Cross Country
  • Shopping (Local Crafts)
  • Parks
  • Museums
  • Live Theater
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking
  • Golf
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Bicycling
  • Art Galleries
  • Antiquing
  • Wineries
  • Santa Fe Opera
  • Indian Market In August
  • Spanish Market In July
  • International Folk Art Market In July
  • Wine
  • Chile Festival In September
  • Santa Fe Fiesta In September
  • Balloon Fiesta In October

On-Site Spa Services

  • Facials
  • Massages

Off-Site Spa Services Available

Nearby Recommended Spas

Ten Thousand Waves
(505)992-5025
www.tenthousandwaves.com
askus@tenthousandwaves.com

Nirvana

Innkeeper(s)

Robert Frost & Ralph Bolton

Languages Spoken

Spanish, French, German, Norwegian

Rooms

This property has 11 total guest accommodations, 8 with private bath, 10 with fireplaces, 2 two-bedroom suites and 1 cottage. The types of beds available include Twin, Queen and King.

Amenities In Room

  • VCR
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • Refrigerator
  • Reading Lamps
  • Modem Hook-Up
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Hair Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Cable TV
  • Bathrobes
  • Bath Amenities
  • Air Conditioning
  • DVD
  • Desk
  • Wireless Internet Access

Amenities On Site

  • PC
  • Parlor Games
  • Limited Handicap Access
  • Library
  • Handicap Access
  • Gift Shop
  • Fireplace
  • Fax
  • DVD
  • Copy Machine
  • Phone
  • Television
  • VCR

Business Traveler Amenities

  • Modem Connection
  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Internet Access
  • Hair Dryer
  • Gym Nearby
  • FAX On-site
  • Desk
  • Television
  • Wireless Internet Access

Visit Website

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

Map

Location: Mountains and City/Urban.


Recommended Restaurant(s)

  • Geronimo, O'keeffe Cafe, Ristra, Guadalupe Cafe,mucho Gusto.
  • La Choza

Romantic Interest

Quiet, secluded setting on grounds, in-room fireplaces.

Historic Interest

The inn is an authentic pueblo-revival style adobe villa whose construction began in the early 1800s. The estate was the home to most all distinguished visitors to Santa Fe from the 1920s till Bynner's death in 1968.

Historic Awards:

  • National Historical Site (Granted)
  • National Historical Site (Applied)
  • Local Register (Granted)
  • City Historical Site (Granted)
  • National Register (Granted)
  • State Historical Site (Granted)
  • State Register (Granted)
  • Historic Santa Fe Foundation

Historic Memberships:

  • City Historical Society

Historic sites nearby:

Plaza of Santa Fe (6 blocks), Bandelier National Monument (40 miles)

Weather

About Our Rooms

Bynner

Queen bed, private bath with clawfoot tub & a shower. Opens onto the Eden Tree Courtyard. Smallest of the guest rooms and does not have a wood-burning fireplace

Rates: $195 - $210

Type of bed: King

 

Hunt Bedroom

Booked only in conjunction with the Bynner room to make up a two-bedroom suite, Bynner-Hunt Suite. This room is not booked as a stand alone room. Adjacent to the bath for the suite.

Rates: $110 - $125

Type of bed: (2) , Twin

 

D H Lawrence

D H LawrenceQueen-size bed and twin sofa bed, private bath/shower, sitting area in alcove, upstairs with porch overlooking the Whitman Courtyard. The lives of Lawrence and Bynner were intimately intertwined.

Rates: $180 - $195

Type of bed: Queen

 

Shaman

ShamanVery large room with King bed, twin sofa bed, private bath/shower, sitting areas, viga beams, views over the gardens.

Rates: $230 - $245

Type of bed: King

 

Georgia O'Keeffe

King-size bed, twin sofa bed, private bath/tub & shower, sitting area, viga beams.

Rates: $220 - $235

Type of bed: King

 

O Henry

Queen-size bed, private bath/shower, viga beams. Window overlooking a small courtyard.

Rates: $170 - $185

Type of bed: Queen

 

Ansel Adams

Ansel AdamsQueen bed, private bath with clawfoot tub & a shower. Opens onto the Eden Tree Courtyard. Adams, Bynner's friend, partied and took many photographs here.

Rates: $130 - $145

Type of bed: Queen

 

Willa Cather

Willa CatherQueen bed, shared bath/shower.

Rates: $120 - $120

Type of bed: Queen

 

Edna St. Vincent Millay

Edna St. Vincent MillayQueen-size bed, shared bath/shower, viga beams, large picture window ovelooking the gardens, This famous poet was once engaged to Bynner.

Rates: $160 - $175

Type of bed: Queen

 

Igor Stravinsky

Queen-size bed, private bath/clawfoot tub & shower.

Rates: $190 - $205

Type of bed: Queen

 

Spud Johnson

Separate casita with Queen-size bed, private bath/large tile shower, viga beams, covered portal. Wheelchair-accessible room.

Rates: $200 - $215

Type of bed: Queen

 

Policies

Minimum Stay Requirements:Two night minimum on weekends during high season (April - October); three night minimum on holidays; four night minimum on Thanksgiving; five night minimum on Christmas and New Year's.
Cancellation:Must cancel more that 14 days prior to arrival for refund, less $20 processing fee. Cancellations made less than the 14-day cancel period, guest is responsible for the entire reserved stay.
Pets:Pets Allowed, Innkeepers pets on premises, small and well-behaved.
Smoking:Outside Only.

Guest Reviews   |   write a review

At A Glance

90% would stay again
Last reviewed on11/4/2009
add your review
5 of 5 hearts  10 reviews
  • Excellent
    10
  • Very Good
    0
  • Average
    0
  • Poor
    0
  • Terrible
    0
Cozy,welcoming and peaceful

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Scott Lundberg
11/4/2009

My partner and I stayed at the Inn 6 nights in the Willa Cather room. We were supposed to share a bathroom but, the other room wasn't being occupied so it was like we had our own. The room was smaller but cozy and comfortable for two. The wood for the fireplace in our room made an awesome fire. The room was clean and private. The robes were nice to put on in the evening and in the morning after a shower. It would have been nice if the towels were a little softer to the touch.I would also recommend an updated TV/DVD. The wine and cheese happy hour were an added bonus each evening. What a great way to mingle with the other guests and hosts. Hot breakfast was a great way to start out each morning. bring on the Chorizo!The only thing I would recommend is to rotate the hot entries once a month or so. The location was perfect. Within walking distance to downtown! I have to comment on our Innkeeper- subs Roy and Barney! You guys did an amazing job! We look forward to meeting Robert/ Ralph next time when your travels don't take you to Peru. Thanks for the restaurant recommendations Michael! Would love to visit in the Spring!

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 4 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 4 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Land of Enchantment

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Sherry & Jim Lacy
Snow Mass, CO
10/13/2009

You’ll be convinced that New Mexico is the “Land of Enchantment”, when you visit Santa Fe and stay at the historic Inn of the Turquoise Bear. Innkeepers Robert Frost and Ralph Bolton will greet you with such warmth and hospitality you’ll feel you’re distant family members. Their generous hospitality is further enhanced each evening with a complimentary wine and cheese hour for Inn guests. Every room has its unique history related to the fascinating evolution of the Inn and its famous owners and guests. We return year after year anxious to absorb the allure of Santa Fe, but it wouldn’t be the same without the authentic environment of The Inn of the Turquoise Bear. Sherry and Jim Lacy, Snowmass Village, Colorado

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Fantastic

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Sally Judd
10/6/2009

We stayed at The Inn of The Turquoise Bear for 4 nights in September, it was great, Robert and Ralph were so friendly and welcoming, they did everything they could to make you feel at home. All the other guests were very friendly too. The Hotel is an amazing place to stay. Beautiful rooms and surroundings.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Best B&B in Santa Fe

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Don and Sharon Brown
9/21/2009

In over 25 years of visiting Santa Fe and staying at many different hotels and B&Bs, the Turquoise Bear provided the best experience. The hosts, historic structure, accommodations, gardens, breakfast and wine/cheese hours and other guests, and the location (plenty of free parking at the inn, which is an easy 20 minute walk to the square) combined to make our four night stay superb. The three resident dogs with fine manners (willing to accept petting or to be left alone, as the guest prefers) enhanced the experience.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Great Stay in Santa Fe

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Martin Kravitz
8/27/2009

I would like to give a superlative review for the Inn of the Turquoise Bear in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We stayed 2 nights in July and were enchanted by the charm and class of the landmark inn. The room was very comfortable, the bed excellant, the breakfast was generous and well presented. The Inn is centrally locatd in Santa Fe and we walked everywhere. The people who stayed there were open and friendly and the whole experience was enjoyable. A real find! Thank you, Martin Kravitz

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
A Delight

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Jay Jasper
8/11/2009

Situated on one of the prettiest private properties in Santa Fe, NM, The Inn of the Turquoise Bear is a delight. Hosted by co-owner, Robert Frost who will cook breakfast-to-order each morning, this inn is near everything in Santa Fe. We've gone back year after year and enjoy it more each time. The inn is the former home of a local poet who entertained the luminaries of his era like Georgia O'Keefe and Igor Stravinsky. The rooms at the Turquoise Bear are named for each of the famous people who stayed there and the Inn and its gardens are maintained beautifully. This past July, we were there for a week's stay just as Santa Fe was in the midst of an unusual heat wave. Normally, you didn't need air conditioning at the Turquoise Bear because the cooling breezes keep the temperature at a very comfortable level. This year was different. When I told Robert that the room stayed uncomfortably warm during the night, he had a new air conditioner installed within hours. Now that's service! We recommend the Inn of the Turquoise Bear very highly. P.S. Wine and cheese are served every afternoon at 5. Jay J.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Happy to Return

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
John Joosten
8/9/2009

This is our second time back to the inn and the owners continue to raise the bar. If you want to stay in a place that welcomes everyone, isn't stuffy, where you can meet other guests, this is the place. The recently added hot cooked to order breakfast is first rate. We'll be back.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 4 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 4 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Encore! Encore!

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Susan Chandler
Rowley, MA
8/8/2009

Friendly, engaging...Santa Fe essential! Step back into a place where conversation abounds and friendships are made. Ralph and Robert make their home yours.

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
Fun Staff and Pet-Friendly

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Christopher B
Washington, DC
8/6/2009

My boyfriend and I stayed at the Turquoise Bear during a recent visit, and we loved it. All of the staff are very friendly and gregarious, it's pet-friendly (with many resident cats and dogs from the innkeepers) and it's a convenienet location about a 10-minute walk to the Plaza. A really neat place with lots of little inter-connecting rooms- sort of a modern day pueblo. Be sure to meet Mr. Colt if you visit!

  • My ratings for this property
    • 5 of 5 heartsLocation
    • 5 of 5 heartsComfort
    • 5 of 5 heartsCondition
    • 5 of 5 heartsCleanliness
    • 5 of 5 heartsService
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
History Vacation!

Inn of The Turquoise Bear B&B

5 of 5 hearts
Anonymous
10/21/2008

Staying at your inn was a vacation and history lesson we will always remember!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.

Publicity and Press Reviews

Santa Fean, Hidden New Mexico, Our World, New Mexico Magazine, selected by Sunset Magazine as one of the West's Best Inns, Out Magazine-as one of the 5 best B&B's in the USA, Southern Living.