fireplace

Located just a block from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the Hotel Chimayo (www.hotelchimayo.com) takes its name from a Northern New Mexican town that dates back to the 17th century. And although this upscale boutique hotel offers a bevy of modern creature comforts, it also celebrates the history and culture of its namesake village with traditional architecture, hand-crafted furnishings and original artwork. And the good news is, historic and accessible aren’t mutually exclusive at the Hotel Chimayo. So check out this wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging pick on your next southwestern sojourn.

Historic Yet Accessible

The Hotel Chimayo features brick steps that grace the historic front entrance; however there’s easy access to a ramped entrance on the left side of the building. Alternatively, accessible parking is located in an underground garage, with elevator access up to the lobby.

There’s barrier-free access throughout the lobby, which is adorned with Viga ceilings, hand woven-textiles and a collection of retablos — small religious paintings — that are incorporated into the design of the massive brick fireplace. Add in a large crucifix on the mantle, an adjacent hand-carved altar, and a collection of Spanish colonial wooden furniture, and you get a real feel for historic Chimayo.

A Comfy Accessible Suite

Room 102 — an ADA junior fireplace suite — is located near the front lobby, just off a brick courtyard that’s accented with colorful bunches of hanging chilies. Access features in the spacious suite include wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access, and low-pile carpet for easy rolling.

The large living room in this comfortable suite features a wood burning fireplace that comes complete with firewood. It’s surrounded by comfortable furniture, and it also include a refrigerator and a wet bar. A 28-inch high king-sized bed with wheelchair access on the right side (as you face it), is located in a separate alcove. Other furnishings include a chest of drawers and a TV. Top it off with a lowered closet rod and you have a very accessible suite.

There’s barrier-free access to the adjacent bathroom, which has a tile floor and a full five-foot turning radius. It’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. The tile shower is nicely designed for access and it includes shower controls that are located within easy reach of the shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink and an angled mirror.

It’s a very accessible and comfortable suite; and as an added bonus it also includes some historic photos and custom artwork. In fact more than 70 Chimayo artists created the artwork and furniture that adorns this property; and that’s quite a tribute to the small town.

 

The Public Areas

There’s good access to the public areas of this wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging choice as well. There’s level access to the Low ‘n Slow Bar, which is located on the second floor. And the decor is worth a visit by itself. True to the low rider theme, it’s decked out with diamond-tuck upholstered seats, chrome chain-link steering wheel tables, hubcaps, vintage photos and the odd piece of car memorabilia here and there. It’s a fun place to stop for a cocktail or grab one of their yummy “hawt” pizzas

Best of all, you just can’t beat the location of the Hotel Chimayo, as it’s within rolling distance of all the major attractions. You can park your car for the duration of your stay, and explore the historic district on foot. And if you want to take a break during the day, your comfortable room is just steps away. Good wheelchair access, comfortable rooms, and a prime location makes the Hotel Chimayo is an excellent wheelchair-accessible Santa Fe lodging choice.