In the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lies Santa Fe, New Mexico, a city renowned for celebrating the cultural inheritance and pure spirit of the Pueblo people. No hotel embodies these values more than Hotel Santa Fe, a tradition-centric retreat that invites guests to experience true hospitality in the city’s only Native American owned hotel.
The Hotel Santa Fe offers a relaxed yet deeply reverent immersion into the art, architecture, music and language of the Pueblo people. For more than 25 years, the Pueblo of Picuris, has celebrated and shared the very best of their culture with visitors seeking experiences not found in guidebooks.
Special guests to the hotel are welcomed with custom hand-crafted Tribal gifts, the melody of a native flute, authentic baked foods – with the goal to deliver a custom and authentic experience.
TG&H: Tell us about the history of the Picuris Pueblo
Governor Quanchello: Picuris Pueblo, also known as San Lorenzo, is a Tiwa-speaking Indian village in New Mexico with a history that includes migration, Spanish influence, and a role in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The Picuris people originally lived in a larger village called Pot Creek, near Taos, but moved to their current location along the Rio Pueblo de Taos around 1250 A.D.
The Spanish named the pueblo “Pikuria,” which means “those who paint.” The Spanish colonizer Juan de Oñate may have given the name because of the pueblo’s pottery, which is unpainted and relies on form and structure. The Picuris culture was also influenced by the Apaches and other Plains Indian cultures.
Picuris was one of the largest Pueblo communities in the region when Europeans invaded in the 16th century. They played a key role in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which is considered the most successful Indigenous act of resistance to settler colonialism in American history. Picuris’ tradition of resistance may be a reason why the tribe is now small, with a population of less than 400. In 1689, Picuris received a Spanish land grant that was confirmed by the U.S. Congress in 1858.
TG&H: How did the Tribe originally fund and manage the hotel?
Governor Quanchello: In 2008, it was funded through a BIA guarantee along with funds from the 49% ownership (51% Picuris Pueblo and 49% Santa Fe Friends). The management was always Paul Margetson who was a part of the 49% and in the hotel industry.
TG&H: What changed last year for ownership?
Governor Quanchello: In 2023 Picuris bought out the 49% and now own 100% of Hotel Santa Fe, The Hacienda & Spa.
TG&H: On your website it says, “For more than 25 years, we’ve celebrated and shared the very best of our culture with visitors seeking experiences not found in guidebooks.” Please share the unique ways in which you share the culture with guests.
Governor Quanchello: This would include the art throughout the hotel, Native Dances at the hotel and historical information in the hotel. We also offer groups Native welcome gifts with descriptions such as prayer feathers, kachina, dream catchers and drums. Group cultural experiences such as an opening blessing for their meeting, drumming, hoop dancers are just a few options.
TG&H: How does the hotel benefit the Tribe?
Governor Quanchello: Due to the location of the Pueblo, they were not able to build a casino, so this provided a revenue source. It is also a source of unrestricted funds for pueblo programs. Hotel funds provide a source to offset other programs. It creates a platform to showcase Picuris Pueblo being unique from other pueblos. Now owning 100% of the hotel this opens more doors to grants and funding.
TG&H How do you partner in your community and state?
Governor Quanchello: The hotel and Pueblo have supported the community over the years by offering the facility for rooms, events and cultural experiences.
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In addition to the original hotel, the enterprise was expanded with the addition of The Hacienda, a secluded and exclusive retreat featuring 35 lavish rooms and suites and an extensive collection of Native American art. The Hacienda offers an exceptional guest experience enhanced by daily continental breakfast and evening receptions, a professional butler, private key access and premium amenities. Designed in the same Pueblo-style architecture, The Hacienda at Hotel Santa Fe also features Native American decor, artwork and warm tones that reflect the beauty and traditions of its Southwest location.
