Review: Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe

This review is about a hotel stay from May 26, 2017 until May 28, 2017 (Last Updated: July 11, 2017)

Sitting just across the river at Disneyland Paris from Hotel Cheyenne is sister hotel, Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe. It offers similar amenities at the two star level. Renovated in 2013, the newly re-imagined resort moved from a pure Route 66 Southwest theme into the world of Cars. Now the property provides a blend of fun Cars characters and gives a nod to the history and people of the states where Route 66 crosses.

The property is large with 58 unique building structures housing 1,000 rooms.

Rooms

Santa Fe offers two types of Standard Room with the difference of names based on location of room. The Standard, Eldorado and Rio Grande offer two double beds and can sleep up to four people. For larger families, the Family Room can sleep up to six people. The room includes two living spaces with one double bed, one sofa bed and one bunk bed and two bathrooms. There are only five of these rooms on property and advanced booking is recommended.

We stayed in the Eldorado Room situated across from the main hotel building. Upon entering the building we noticed that the area already looks tired with all the traffic of people. We were a bit sad to see the beating it’s taken since it’s renovation three years ago, but the spring filled beds were still sturdy and comfortable for a good night’s rest. The bathroom was still well maintained and I personally liked how much counter space there was and that a hair dryer was included. Toiletries are always slim pickings in Paris but H2O products are still provided with a soap bar and a shampoo/body wash liquid.

The overall space of the room was nice and the details in the bathroom with the race day theming was nice. We realize what disappointed is the fact that there is carpet and made the room much more dusty compared to Hotel Cheyenne’s laminate floor. A positive is that the safe was of normal size unlike Hotel New York so you can store things and the hair dryer included in the room unlike Hotel Cheyenne. We noticed many guests at the hotel wanted to refrigerate things, but as the resorts do not offer it, we saw many people have beer, food and other drinks sitting on their ledge outside their window. So if you visit during the cold months, you have a free cooling place just outside your hotel room window.

Breakfast

There is not much to say that varies from the other reviews as this is the standard Disneyland Paris resort breakfast. However, the layout is much better than Cheyenne with better lighting and more ease of maneuvering through the crowds. La Cantina serves at both breakfast room and dinner buffet. This is also connected with the bar in the evening and they block off part of the area to better separate the two spaces.

Amenities

The main building is not large but has plenty to provide with a restaurant, bar, Starbucks and gift shop. Starbucks recently replaced the old arcade area for kids. As the resorts transition from the traditional breakfast buffet inclusion, there is now an option for a breakfast set at various locations on property. We have to say that the theming is spot on and gives the resort a better feel. Note that the hours at the time of post are daily from 7am-11am and in the evening 5pm-9pm.

The Rio Grande Bar is quite a popular place with a few snacks, tv to watch sports and your standard drinks menu. Service was okay but it often feels quite bland and gives off a lackluster experience.

The Trading Post boutique is one of the largest boutiques on property and offers a great selection of sundries and all your Disney souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

Overall I had a bit higher expectation of this hotel since it was recently renovated so there was a bit of disappointment. Yet, for the price I cannot complain too much. It’s a great location and nice morning walk along the Rio Grande (the waterway) to the park. Walking around the property is also fun as you will discover some unique items that represent the great Southwest of the U.S. Because it is a large property, the many buildings help spreads out the busyness and provides a nice quiet place to relax and rest. I don’t think I ever heard our neighbors with the exception of the kids leaving the rooms in the morning. If your child or you love Cars or Route 66 and the great outdoors, this hotel will suite your needs.

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