Determine your reason for visiting Santa Fe and what your itinerary will entail--this information will help determine where your ideal Santa Fe bed and breakfast is located. Understand that most bed and breakfasts in Santa Fe are located in the downtown area, with a few bed and breakfasts scattered out in the country. If you are visiting Santa Fe as a tourist then you will want to focus your search on the downtown area, as this location will put you within walking distance of all the activities and attractions in downtown Santa Fe. Remember that as a tourist the only reason you will venture outside the downtown area would be if you decide to take a day trip to another town--for this reason a car is not necessary as the downtown area is very compact and walkable. However, if you are visiting Santa Fe in search of escape and relaxation, you may want to focus your search on the bed and breakfasts located on the outskirts of town, as this location will allow you to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy peace, quiet, and beautiful country views.
Make note of what your lodging needs will be while you are in Santa Fe--these will be your top considerations when it comes time to choose a Santa Fe bed and breakfast. Take into account the number of people traveling, the number of beds required, and the size of beds required. Note whether you would be willing to share a bathroom with another guest. Also make note if any children under 18 or pets will be traveling with you, as many bed and breakfasts have restrictions on children and pets.
Understand the amenities you desire, as well as the atmosphere you crave. Santa Fe is home to a large number of bed and breakfasts, with some offering down-home style atmospheres and limited amenities and others offering extremely luxurious atmospheres and every amenity you could imagine.
Clarify what you are expecting as far as breakfast service is concerned at the Santa Fe bed and breakfast that you choose. While there are a few Santa Fe bed and breakfasts who provide full hot entrees, many others provide a simple continental breakfast or a breakfast buffet.
Create a budget for your stay in Santa Fe. Understand that Santa Fe is one of the top travel destinations in the world, and as a result the bed and breakfast prices can sometimes be a little higher on average than other areas of the country. When people choose to lodge at a downtown bed and breakfast over a downtown hotel they are choosing based more on a desire for a personal first-name basis atmosphere than price, as the price difference between bed and breakfasts and hotels in the downtown area is on average very minimal. With that said, you can still find a good deal at a downtown bed and breakfast if you are willing to shorten your list of desired amenities. Meanwhile, bed and breakfasts located on the outskirts of town are often slightly more affordable than their downtown counterparts. Decide what price range you can afford and are willing to pay on a nightly basis, keeping in mind that Santa Fe has two taxes on lodging: the regular sales tax and the city's lodger's tax--both of which can be pretty high.
There are a number of online bed and breakfast directories and listings, as well as printed directories, for you to make use of in your search for a Santa Fe bed and breakfast.
Narrow your bed and breakfast choices using your preferences which you determined in the above "Determine Your Ideal Santa Fe Bed and Breakfast" section.
Make use of online travel review websites which feature reviews from people who have stayed at the bed and breakfasts you are considering. This will give you a glimpse into the positives and negatives of the various bed and breakfasts.
Contact the bed and breakfasts on your narrowed list and check for room availability, minimum night stays, member discounts such as AAA and AARP and any specials they may be running. Don't forget to mention any children under 18 or pets who will be traveling with you, and understand any additional fees that may apply. Also understand that most bed and breakfasts have a minimum night stay requirement for weekends during the high season, over holidays and during special local events. If the bed and breakfast you are looking at claims to be 10 minutes from downtown, make sure you clarify with them whether this is a 10-minute walk or a 10-minute drive--a 10 minute walk puts you in the heart of downtown, while a claimed 10 minute drive could put you out in the country.
