Cars, cars and more cars. If you are going to Disneyland Paris a themed hotel is probably your first calling. The following hotel is great for families, young and old, and themed after one of my Disney Pixar favourite movies, ‘Cars’.
Disney Hotel Santa Fe is an American Motel-themed hotel styled around the Disney Pixar Movie, ‘Cars’. With 1000 guest rooms, Disney Hotel Santa Fe was designed to resemble motels in the American Southwest. The hotel directly connects to its Disney Sister hotel, Disney Hotel Cheyenne and is a short walk or bus ride from the Disneyland Paris parks.
This fully accessible hotel comprises a restaurant, hotel bar, a Starbucks, and depending on the season games/play areas. Guests also have access to Disney Hotel Cheyenne’s self-service laundry room. Let’s take a closer look at the Disney hotel which is probably the furthest from the parks.
Some Disney Hotel Santa Fe History
In The Beginning
Alongside Disneyland Paris (known at inception as Euro Disney), Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe was opened in 1992 and rebranded on the 26th of July 2022. Yes, 30 years later! What was different? Well…they dropped the, “s” in Disney’s making it Disney Hotel Santa Fe. I know a huge change! 😂
Designed by Antoine Predock, an architect based out of Albuquerque in the US, who is heavily influenced by the American Southwest in his designs. This look and feel dominated during the design process with desert landscapes, various themed trails, cacti and rusty old cars. To get a complete feel of the original design and feel of Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe have a look at this link from the website, “Designing Disney“. You will notice that none of the current ‘Pixar’ stylization was around at inception. That didn’t come until 2013.
Summer of 2013
In the summer of 2013, the renovation of the hotel was complete. The original American Southwest theme was upgraded and transformed to resemble Disney Pixar’s hugely successful animated movie, Cars.
The renovation suddenly gave guests the feeling of being right there, staying at “Radiator Springs”. Just like in the movie.
Before the renovation and sort of after, 5 trails were designed for people to explore the complex. The idea was to get the “imagination flowing” and of course a bit of fun. The trails start at the main common building; The Trail of Infinite Space, The Trail of Water, The Trail of Artefacts, The Trail of Monument Valley and The Trail of Legends. I went along to try and see/follow these but they weren’t clear to me. But they are there. I did contact a representative via the Disney website, more than once, but they didn’t seem to know what I was speaking about. I guess it’s lucky I went to have a look in person. You can see a bit of information about these in the pic below.
Why Stay or Visit Disney Hotel Santa Fe?
The hotel has 49 Adobe (style) Pueblos. What’s an Adobe Style Pueblo? I hear you ask! The long answer can be found at the following link at the website TEXAS BEYOND HISTORY. But, so not to bore you…
Adobe is mud and straw mixed together and dried to make a strong brick-like material.fruit has sugar in it.
– texasbeyondhistory.net
The Pueblos have block numbers 10 to 58. However, for some reason, there are block numbers not used. These are; 1-9, 13, 19, 29, 34-39 with 46 spanning over 2 pueblos. So technically, that’s why there are 49 Adobe Pueblos and not 58, as it looks. It’s an Illusion! An illusion of 41 blocks!
I find it a bit weird but I’m guessing there is a valid and magical reason…Sorry got in the moment! Anyway, if you get confused or lose track of the numbers after a wee tipple one night, this might be the reason you find yourself in the river.
On that point, the Rio Grande River is located between Disney Hotel Santa Fe and Disney Hotel Cheyenne. Not the real one. The Disneyland Paris version of course. You’re not being transported suddenly to Colorado or Mexico. 🥴
On my last visit, I put a video together to give you a feel for the hotel. The Video is below and labelled as Disney Santa Fe 1.1.
As you can see, the hotel presents an accurate feel for the American Southwest. It’s like you are in a motel on Route 66 travelling across the US.
What To Expect on Arrival
As you walk in the front door of the main common building there’s a lot of open space. Straightaway, you see the reception area and a great long hallway. This leads to a Starbucks, the Trading Post (shop), Toilets, The Rio Grande Bar and La Cantina Restaurant. Here are a few pics to give you an idea and what to expect.
Accessibility
The hotel is very accessible. There are a few rooms that have quite a bit of stairs. Most have Elevators but there are a few rooms that do not. So make sure that if you need access you check and request before arrival.
Cost and Time of Year
As with most hotels and especially Disney hotels, prices can vary drastically depending on the time of year. If the parks are between seasons Disney accommodation can be a lot cheaper. For example, between 3-7 November, it’s usually when the parks change over from Halloween to the Christmas season. This is usually a cheaper time at Disney Hotel Santa Fe. Currently, in my experience, September and November are the cheaper months.
Family and Kids Areas
Disney Hotel Santa Fe does have a play area called, “Totem Circle”. It’s a small play area for kids near buildings 18 and 20. When I was there the area was closed off, as seen in the following pic…
So don’t book this hotel thinking there will be a play area for the kids. It’s hit or miss. But again contact the hotel before you go to find out if it’s open. For now, I’ve marked it on the map in the pic below just in case you would like to explore and see where it is for yourself.
As you can see on the map above, there is also a games room near reception. I could not for the life of me find it. So If anyone does and wants to snap me a picture feel free to send me it 🤷♂️. Also, let me know if it’s completely gone!
Rooms
There are different levels of rooms, as in any hotel. Here’s an example of some here:
The rooms are a decent size but in my personal opinion fairly basic. A fine room if you will be spending most of your time in the parks.
The Disney website gives a very accurate description of the rooms so check it out on the link below to see what’s available.
Getting to the Hotel
If you decide to drive or take the bus you can use the below address to get you to the hotel via GPS. I’ve also given you a map so you can pinpoint where the Disney Hotel Santa Fe main entrance is:
Disney’s Hotel Santa Fe,
Av. Robert Schuman,
77700 Coupvray,
France
Getting to the Parks and Shuttle Bus
Although walking to Disney Hotel Santa Fe isn’t that far, after a long day in the parks and sore feet it might just be! Especially when you have tired legs or carrying souvenirs and other goodies. I walk at an average speed and it takes around 15-20 minutes from the common building along the main road. The footpath that goes via the river and lake is slightly quicker but the time difference is negligible. You can maybe knock a few minutes off your journey.
Lucky for me and of course you, there is a free shuttle bus to and from the parks. it’s also fairly quick and takes about 5-8 mins depending on traffic or other factors.
Make sure you factor in park entrance queues when thinking about travel time to the park.
Here are some stats to show a rough distance using my phone’s live GPS:
Disney Hotel Santa Fe – Disneyland Paris
| Travel Type | Distance (Miles) | Distance (Kilometeres) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle Bus To The Hotel | 1.2 Mile | 1.93 km | 5-8 Minutes |
| Shuttle Bus To Disneyland Paris | 1.2 Mile | 1.93 km | 5-8 Minutes |
| Walking Shuttle Route | 1.2 Mile | 1.93 km | 15 – 20 minutes |
| Walking Along the River | 0.8 Miles | 1.28 km | 5 -10 Minutes |
Please note that I’ve given you a ballpark time in this table to try and account for speed or traffic
Restaurants, Café & Bars
The Disney Hotel Santa Fe has a Restaurant, Bar and a small Starbucks Coffee.
Choose the restaurant you want below for more detail. If there’s an article here on blugenieblogger.com, you will be taken to it. If not, you will be taken to the Disney Hotel Santa Fe page on the Disneyland Paris website.
- La Cantina
- Rio Grande Bar
- Starbucks Coffee
Each venue has its own unique menu and theme. You can book a table via the Disneyland Paris APP, website or directly at the venue. You can also book by calling the hotel booking line directly on +33 (0) 1 60 30 40 50. It is also worthwhile noting that you do not need to be staying at the hotel in order to use these Restaurants, Café and bars if you have booked. You can make reservations on the Disneyland Paris App.
Pools, Spa and Gym Facilities
Note there is NO Gym, Spa or Pool’s at Disney Hotel Santa Fe. So if this is what you are looking for check out my articles on Disney Hotel New York New York: The Art of Marvel or Disney Newport Bay Hotel
Laundry
Unfortunately, there is no laundry room at Disney Hotel Santa Fe. Luckily, the hotel directly opposite does. The Disney Hotel Cheyenne has a laundry room for use by Disney Hotel guests. Here’s a link to my article, “My Wonderful Disney Hotel Cheyenne Experience” for more information
You may find some information in forums or other articles saying there is a laundry room. But I checked this out on my last visit and the cast members said the laundry room they have is not self-service. I was pointed over to Disney Hotel Cheyenne.
The quickest and simplest way to the laundry room is by foot. Find the bridge that crosses the river, cross and head towards the hotel’s main entrance area. The Laundry room is not in the main area but in amongst all the rooms/buildings. Look for the Goldsmiths building and it is directly across from here.
I have found the laundry to be underused. So I don’t believe you will have any trouble getting onto the machines. However, I know I will now be proven wrong 😂.
Trading Post Boutique
The Boutique is located in the main building just after Starbucks Coffee. This is the same for both the inside and outside entrance.
There is a mix of products including; Disney souvenirs, pins, kid’s costumes, weather-appropriate clothing, teddies, drinks and more. It’s an average-sized shop with plenty of merchandise and snacks.
In addition to the boutique, there are also vending and ice machines throughout the hotel complex.
Electric Car Chargers
Unusually, Disney Hotel Santa Fe has no Public EV Charging points. This was very disappointing to find out as an EV driver. However, it’s sister hotels do. To gain access to these, personally, I would ring one of these hotels before you arrive. Tell them where you are staying and if it would be possible to use their chargers. I think access would be up to the hotel and the person you are speaking to. I also do not know if there will be a cost for charger use and/or parking. But best to know this info in advance.
Here’s a table with the hotels that have chargers and their phone numbers. I’ve also added a clickable link that will take you to the section in my other articles that gives you information about specific chargers.
| Hotel | Hotel Phone No | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Hotel Cheyenne | +33160456200 | More Info |
| Disney Sequoia Lodge | +33160455100 | More Info |
| Disney Hotel New York New York the Art of Marvel | +33160457300 | More Info |
| Disney Newport Bay | +33160455500 |
If you can’t get access to the chargers there are plenty in and around the area. It’s worth going for a quick drive to find one.
There is a wall of rapid chargers outside the hotel at the ESSO garage. This is a very viable option.
Over the back of the chargers is the Disney Hotel Santa Fe. So as you can see it is very close. Go to CERTAS Energy for information on prices and access.
Standard Amenities
In my experience, Disneyland Paris Hotels provide a minimum standard of amenities across all accommodations available to all guests. Make sure to contact reception if you need more details. Below is a representation of what may be available.
Let’s Round It Up!
Disneyland Paris and Disney Hotel Santa Fe is a great little hotel that sits perfectly within a 2-star rating. There’s not a lot to do but I do not feel you go to this hotel to hang out day-to-day. You are at this hotel to spend most of your time in the parks. Occasionally, you will have a meal there or hang out at the bar. You may even have a coffee in the onsite Starbucks before heading into the parks.
The hotel is close to Disneyland Paris and walkable, I would take the bus there and back as it’s just that little bit too far in my opinion. The Buses are free and easy to find.
There is a store/ boutique on site as well as vending and ice machines throughout the entire complex.
You also have access, via a bridge, to the 3-star Disney Hotel Cheyenne. A hotel that has similar facilities plus more to do outdoors and a self-service laundry facility.
Thanks for taking the time to read up on Disney Hotel Santa Fe. I hope this has been helpful. If you would like to know about other Disney or Partner hotels in the area feel free to check out more of my Disney articles.
As always have fun.
See You Real Soon.
If you have enjoyed this article and found it helpful feel free to share it with others. If you have time head over to my Instagram for pics and videos of my visits to Disneyland Paris
Recent Articles
If you're heading to Disneyland Paris for a few days you are probably going to pack enough clothes to last the trip. But what If you're there longer due to an extension, a business trip, travelling...
Cruising is one of my favourite pastimes. This is one of the reasons I love this hotel. It's designed in a way that makes everyone feel as if they are near the sea or sailing a cruise ship. Without...