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HISTORY OF HOTEL ST. FRANCIS

1889

Formerly the site of Doctor Diaz’s residence, the De Vargas Hotel opened its doors in 1889. The original hotel was likely a wooden structure, reflecting the standard American hotel architecture of its period.
*1 Photo credit
Historic photo of Dr. Diaz's home

1922 - 1924

1922 A fire destroyed the De Vargas Hotel, but construction quickly began.

1924 The De Vargas Hotel reopened with a Mission Revival exterior. The hotel hosted many prominent local politicians.
*2 Photo credit
Historic photo of De Vargas hotel exterior

1986

The hotel was purchased and remodeled, reopening under the name Hotel St. Francis.
Hotel St. Francis sign hanging on building

2009

Heritage Hotels & Resorts acquired the property and renovations began, taking inspiration from the patron saint of Santa Fe, St. Francis of Assisi. The hotel embodies the authentic spirit of old Santa Fe. The décor features handcrafted wood furniture by local artisans inspired by the Palace of the Governors, along with a palette of natural colors reflecting the era of Santa Fe's early Franciscan missionaries.
Staircase at Hotel St. Francis with wrought iron railing and crosses on the wall

PRESENT DAY

Hotel St. Francis remains in operation as Santa Fe’s oldest hotel, welcoming guests from around the world with its intimate, serene boutique atmosphere and idyllic location in the heart of the city, just steps from the Plaza.

Interested in learning more? Join us for a 60-minute guided tour of the historic Hotel St. Francis and explore the rich stories of Santa Fe. $25-$45 per person ($45 ticket includes one cocktail, must be 21 or over). Fri-Sat 4-5pm, tickets can be purchased at the front desk. Call 505-983-5700 for more information.
Hotel St. Francis entrance in modern times
Photo Credits:
* 1 & left collage at top Title: Residence of Doctor Diaz, formerly at site of De Vargas Hotel, Santa Fe, New Mexico Date: ca. 1910 Courtesy of the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives Negative Number: 010494
*2 & center collage at top Photographer: T. Harmon Parkhurst Title: De Vargas Hotel (now Hotel Saint Francis) on Don Gaspar Street, Santa Fe, NM Date: ca. 1924 Courtesy of the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives Negative Number: 010786
Collage bottom at top Photographer: Gertrude Hill Title: Saint John's Methodist Church, next to De Vargas Hotel, Don Gaspar Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico Date: 1956 Courtesy of the Palace of the Governors Photo Archives Negative Number: 070436
Collage right at top Photographer: John Collier, Jr. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, FSA/DWI Collection, [LC-USW3-019231-C] Date: 1943 Title: Santa Fe, New Mexico.