TL;DR
- Iconic stay: Historic 100-year-old hotel on Santa Fe’s main plaza.
- Authentic vibe: Perfectly integrated into the city’s adobe architecture.
- City at your door: Encourages exploration of downtown Santa Fe.
- Community-minded: Supports local hospitality workers through the La Fonda Foundation.
- Check prices here
Few lists of the best accommodation in Santa Fe would be complete without a nod to this iconic hotel, a mainstay of Downtown’s historic district.
It occupies of full block kitty-corner from the Plaza, perfectly blended into the adobe cityscape. Once here, you’ll feel like the entire city, is your hotel, ready to greet you as soon as you open the door.
It’s a fairly straightforward place, with no gimmicks (besides being a 100-year-old building), that encourages you to get outside and walk around.
You’d be perfectly happy inside, and certainly well-fed, but every corner holds a reminder of the fascinating city outside.
Notably, the hotel is home to the La Fonda Foundation, which aims to support and promote economic opportunity for (primarily hourly) workers in the New Mexico hospitality industry.
It’s a unique and laudable action for a hotel group to take, both as an ethical company and as a hotel that knows the importance of a valued and happy staff.
What are the rooms like?
- Number of rooms: 180 unique rooms, no two alike.
- Authentic style: Hand-painted headboards, handmade furniture, and original artwork.
- Room options: Traditional, Deluxe, and Terrace Inn with private concierge.
- Amenities: Nespresso machines, robes, TVs, and premium bath products.
- See each room in detail here
As often happens in historic accommodation, no two rooms are exactly alike, so don’t be worried about getting some cookie-cutter setup featuring the best in IKEA prints.
Headboards are hand-painted, most furniture is handmade, and all the artwork is original.
There are many different types of rooms, so feel free to browse and select which works best for you.
Your traditional Queen, King, or Double rooms have the basic amenities, with Deluxe options adding more space, seating areas, fireplaces and balconies.
Basics include a Nespresso machines, TV, cozy robes, and bath amenities you might just want to buy as perfume.
Then we have the Terrace Inn, a collection of rooms surrounding a rooftop terrace that pump up the luxury. The inn has a private entrance and a dedicated concierge, and is best booked on the hotel website.
What are prices like?
And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?
- Main dining: La Plazuela offers creative Southwestern cuisine, open all day.
- Bar scene: Lounge at La Fonda serves food, drinks, and nightly live music.
- Sunset spot: Rooftop terrace with stunning views and specialty margaritas.
- Wellness: Full-service spa with massage and reflexology treatments.
- Extras: Workout room, pool, and hot tub available for guests.
Your flagship will be the sunny La Plazuela, a great spot for Southwestern Cuisine that’s open breakfast to dinner and not afraid to try a new twist.
Whether it’s to sub cauliflower puree as a side or sneak some smoked gouda into the mac and cheese, each decision can be a winner.
The Lounge at La Fonda offers a delightful bar menu (when will Chile Relleno be a bar menu staple?) and a great selection of drinks.
Enjoy a Tamarind Margarita while enjoying the local musician of the day. There’s music nightly of all genres.
Finally, head upstairs and turn towards California for a killer sunset and another menu full of a whole new selection of margaritas.
If proximity to the city center has you a bit overwhelmed, never fear. La Fonda has an in house spa dedicated to providing a space for pure relaxation. Enjoy massage and reflexology in the best of atmospheres.
There’s also a workout room with a pool and hot tub, if your relaxation tends towards sitting around alone. No matter what you need, La Fonda can provide.
How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?
- Prime location: Right in downtown Santa Fe’s historic core.
- Cultural sights: Close to Loretto Chapel, Plaza, San Miguel Chapel, and Lensic Theater.
- Nightlife: Bars and clubs around Sandoval Street within easy reach.
- Art focus: Steps away from Canyon Road’s galleries and O’Keeffe Museum.
- Walkable: Everything of interest is nearby, no car needed.
It’s hard to say anything about this hotel without mentioning the location. If you’re interested in historical Santa Fe, it’s the place to be.
The downtown is a string of architectural delights, including the Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe Plaza, The San Miguel Chapel, and more.
The Lensic Performing Arts Center is another gorgeous building perfect for a show, and those looking for an even larger margarita selection can find it nearby.
Around Sandoval Street there is a maze of bars and clubs to enjoy.
Don’t leave Santa Fe without experiencing the artistic side! The hotel is spitting distance from the top of gallery-lined Canyon Road.
The Georgie O’Keefe Museum and the Art Museum will also be walking distance.
And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?
Some things guests liked:
”We enjoyed the rooftop bar and the food everywhere was wonderful. Everyone was so friendly and anxious to assist with anything we needed. We will stay here again!…”
”If you want a fantastic vacation and a great hotel stay, go to la Fonda! Nostalgic location, Art, nice clean rooms, room service, restaurants, bars, and fantastic staff. Lots of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner….”
Some things guests didn’t like:
”The rooftop bar, while fun and cool, served watered down expensive drinks, $16.50 for a weak Margarita….”
”I didn’t like that parking was $30, whether or not you self parked or had a valet do it $30 a night! That should have at least been disclosed by the hotel and booking.com or factored into room rate. Just would have liked to know prior of the cost! Either way, I was disappointed by that….”
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