The Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder is the largest destination casino hotel in the state of New Mexico. Located just 15 minutes north of the renowned Santa Fe Historic Plaza. Merging the excitement and glamour of a Las Vegas casino with relaxing ambiance and opulent amenities of a world-class spa and golf hotel, we welcome you to a 587-acre oasis featuring infinite diversions and indulgences.
Feedback on customer service is mixed, with some praising the staff's friendliness while others report rudeness and poor management responses.
Cleanliness
Several reviews mention cleanliness issues, including dirty rooms and common areas, while others highlight clean and spacious accommodations.
Amenities
Guests appreciate the variety of amenities, including pools and a casino, but many express disappointment in the limited dining options and inconsistent service.
Overall Experience
While some guests had enjoyable stays and praised the hotel's beauty and location, many others reported significant issues that detracted from their experience, leading to a lack of overall satisfaction.
SM
S M
6 days ago
5.0
Everything was great, except very limited dining options on site.
VS
Vaibhav Saxena
Dec 30, 2025
5.0
Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder truly feels like a resort, and our stay here was excellent overall. Everything about the property was well-maintained and thoughtfully designed. We especially loved the hot water tub—it was relaxing and absolutely awesome.
The location is about 25 minutes outside of downtown Santa Fe, but it’s totally worth it. We booked a room with a balcony, and the mountain views were mesmerizing. Sitting on the balcony and enjoying the scenery was one of the highlights of our trip. We really enjoyed our stay and would happily return.
The only disappointing part was the breakfast arrangement. The hotel does not operate its own breakfast buffet. Instead, breakfast is handled by the in-house Iguana Café, which is paid. Some days they offer a buffet at $28 per person, and on other days it’s à la carte only.
We booked through Booking.com with breakfast included, but Hilton reimbursed only $20 per person per day, which meant we had to pay extra out of pocket for breakfast. This was unexpected and a bit inconvenient.
Aside from the breakfast policy, everything else was excellent, and it’s a wonderful place to stay for a relaxing getaway.
YL
Yiyang Li
Dec 27, 2025
1.0
The front desk issued us a key to a room that was already occupied. We opened the door to find other guests inside—an alarming and frightening experience for everyone involved. When we reported this to the front desk, staff were dismissive and offered no explanation or apology. This is a serious failure of basic guest safety and privacy. I would strongly advise against staying here.
JL
Jess Vogel Loftus
Dec 21, 2025
5.0
This place has it all. Really great for families and wonderful customer service helping me with a booking issue. Highly recommend!
DH
Deb H
Dec 21, 2025
5.0
The entire staff here at Hilton Buffalo Thunder Resort in Sante Fe, NM, shines bright, each smiling and eager to assist if needed. This Resort truly has anthying any single, couple or family could want, with amenities galore at each turn. I'm already looking forward to my trip in Sante Fe and especially, my stay here again at Hilton Buffalo Thunder!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder
What accessibility features does Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder offer?
The hotel provides accessible parking and an accessible elevator to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
Does Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder allow pets?
Yes, both cats and dogs are allowed at the hotel, making it pet friendly.
Are there dining options available within Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder?
Yes, the hotel features 9 restaurants, including options for vegetarian and vegan meals, as well as several bars and a nightclub.
What recreational facilities are available at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder?
Guests can enjoy amenities such as a casino, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, a golf course, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, game room, and spa services including massage.
Is parking available at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder and is there a fee?
Yes, self-parking is available for free at the hotel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder?
Check-in time is at 4:00 PM, and check-out time is at 12:00 PM.
Does the hotel offer any shuttle or transportation services?
Yes, there is a local shuttle service available. However, airport shuttle and airport transfer services are not provided.
What are the hotel’s policies on environmental sustainability?
The hotel holds eco certifications including ISO14001, ISO50001, and Hilton LightStay, and implements energy conservation, a food waste reduction program, and bans single-use plastic straws.
What nearby restaurants can guests visit around Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder?
Guests can visit several nearby dining options such as Iguana Café for Mexican cuisine, Red Sage Restaurant for American dishes, Turquoise Trail Bar & Grill, Painted Parrot Buffet, and the Pueblo Deli for quick meals.
Are there nearby cultural or recreational attractions close to Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder?
Yes, guests can explore the Collection of Native Art at Buffalo Thunder, enjoy the Butterfly Walking Trail for hiking, or visit the Wo' P'in Spa for additional relaxation outside the hotel.
What nearby services can help with car rentals and transportation?
Hertz Rent A Car locations are nearby, providing convenient car rental services to guests at the hotel.