Visiting La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico

La Fonda on the Plaza: A Santa Fe Hotel With 17th-Century Roots 

History draws us to many places and people throughout our lives. I had never been to Santa Fe, New Mexico but the city’s history always attracted me to it. La Fonda on the Plaza, a historic hotel with roots dating back to the 17th century, was actually where my grandparents spent their honeymoon in the 1950s. I couldn’t wait to experience this hotel through a different lens today and knew this is where I would be staying for my trip.

I booked a room for my mother and I and started packing for the trip, not quite sure what was waiting for us in Santa Fe—but completely assured that it was going to be a fantastic trip.

If you’re thinking about going to Santa Fe soon or just want to find a cool, historic hotel to check out, you’ll find my guide to La Fonda on the Plaza helpful. Read below to get the details of my stay here and tips if you’re planning on making a trip of your own soon! ​

La Fonda on the Plaza is a beautiful, historic hotel in Santa Fe that you should consider if you’re planning a trip to New Mexico soon. While I’m sharing all the details, I may include affiliate links that bring me a small commission if you make a purchase through them. I believe in total transparency and appreciate if you use this method to help support my blog! 

A Family History With La Fonda on the Plaza

My grandparents, Mary and Jim, spent their honeymoon in Santa Fe in the 1950s. They stayed at the La Fonda on the Plaza and its become part of our family lore since. They went back almost every year until they no longer could, always staying at this same historic hotel.

My mother went as a child, teen, and then young adult—even taking my father in the early days of their courtship. When my grandfather took sick, my grandmother visited a few last times by herself, bringing back her husband some roasted chilies and some of his other favorite Santa Fe delectables.

My grandparents are now gone, but I remember the many stories and happy memories passed onto me from my grandmother, Mary about her time in Santa Fe. My own mother is now getting older, and with my father and her parents both gone, it is history and memories like these that we hold onto most.

When I suggested visiting Santa Fe, she said we had to stay at the La Fonda on the Plaza, carrying on her parents tradition. I knew nothing of La Fonda before we arrived and was blown away by the charm, decor, hospitality, and history this hotel has. ​

How Old is La Fonda on the Plaza?

Records indicate that the La Fonda hotel sits on the site of the town’s first inn, which predates American Independence. The hotel originally sitting on the site of the La Fonda first opened in 1607, when the Spaniards founded Santa Fe. The hotel we recognize today was actually built in 1922, but it has more than 400 years of history that has come in and out of its doors.

For a full history, you can continue reading at La Fonda’s History page here. ​

Where is the La Fonda Hotel?

La Fonda on the Plaza, as its name so implies, is located on the Santa Fe Plaza, which gives it the best location of any hotel in Santa Fe. Its stellar location affords you easy access to some of Santa Fe’s best restaurants, like Cafe Pasqual’s, bars, and shops at any time of day. Surrounded by the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis, Loretto Chapel, and the picturesque Plaza of Santa Fe, there are things to see and do on every corner.

The history and vibrance of this charming Southwestern town will fill your spirits with excitement, just as it did mine.

My Experience Staying at La Fonda in Santa Fe

Walking into La Fonda on the Plaza is like joining a bustling community. From the garage, you walk down a long and beautifully decorated corridor with local wares in the glass cases along both sides. People are happily milling about, looking in shops and enjoying the beauty and company of each other.

We checked in on a Friday and the hotel was hosting an artist as part of their Art on the Plaza series. An attractive Native American man was deep in conversation with several would-be buyers of his gorgeous paintings in a lounge within the lobby. On our left, a busy bar served drinks to many happy folks and several couples were sitting down for dinner in the restaurant next to it.

We were greeted by a wonderful woman at check in and even upgraded to a terrace level room and given restaurant recommendations, a walking map, and tips on activities for tomorrow. The sense of elation in the room was contagious and our trip was off to a great start.

La Fonda Lobby

Santa Fe is an artist haven. With more than 100 galleries, dozens of museums and places like Canyon Rd. filled with sculptures, galleries and unique eateries.

What Are the Rooms Like at La Fonda on the Plaza?

There are several types of rooms at La Fonda, each with unique hand-crafted furniture, original artwork, and eclectic Southwestern flair. Even the smallest of rooms feel oversized with beautiful views out the windows. Upgrades, like spacious fireside sitting areas, separate living and sleeping areas, as well as balconies are available throughout the hotel as well.

We stayed on the Terrace at La Fonda, the private and more exclusive concierge floor. It features 15 unique rooms filled with hand-crafted New Mexican decor and private balconies. Our room opened up to an inviting rooftop terrace overlooking the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis. The rooftop terrace also had a private hot tub reserved for the Terrace guests.

Our room was beautifully appointed in Santa Fe style, with a large sitting area and large plush beds to relax in. Bathrobes had been laid out on our beds. A handwritten note had even been left, welcoming us to the hotel with a trio of snacks and sparkling water for our enjoyment.

The bathroom, with its beautifully laid out ceramic tile, was larger than many people’s apartments! It featured a large soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and his and hers sinks. My mother and I were happy that there was no need to fight over bathroom time. ​

Sculptures along Canyon Road

Local Artistry at La Fonda Hotel

On this trip, I discovered that Santa Fe is a true artist haven. With more than 100 galleries, dozens of museums, and places like Canyon Rd., which is a street filled with art, sculptures, and shops, it is easy to see why art is a main theme for any hotels in the area.

La Fonda is a huge supporter of artists, having hundreds of original and unique pieces throughout the hotel. Throughout the hotel’s history, every owner has collected art from local New Mexican artists with some of the greatest painting and sculptures by the Pueblo people residing within the hotel.

Within the lobby and public spaces at La Fonda, you will see some of the finest examples of Southwestern art. Hand-carved and painted beams sit overhead while chandeliers of tin, copper, and glass dangle from the ceilings. The La Plazuela dining room, where my grandparents ate for many years, has a cathedral ceiling with hand-painted stained glass sky lights, Mexican tiles, hand-painted furnishings, and more pieces by local artists. 

Dining room at La Fonda

My Overall Review of La Fonda on the Plaza: 5 Stars

Staying at La Fonda was a great experience for my mother and I, helping us create new memories to add to a lifetime of family history. Sitting down for breakfast in the restaurant, I could see childhood moments flood back to my mom’s mind. The interior space had remained unchanged and she reveled in memories of her youth, sitting at one of these same tables with her family. ​

Everything at La Fonda was just perfect for our stay, and I would highly recommend it to anyone traveling to the Santa Fe area. With a solid 5-star, two thumbs-up rating from me, I believe you’ll enjoy your stay at this hotel just as much as my mother and I did! You can use the button below to book your room (and spring for the upgrades)!

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Feel free to leave any questions or comments you may have about La Fonda or Santa Fe below.