There is history and there’s history—this is where Santa Fe shines. Not only is it the oldest state capital, but Santa Fe also lays claim to the oldest hotel site in the United States. The corner location where La Fonda on the Plaza sits was home to Santa Fe’s first inn, which opened in 1607. TABLE contributor, Heather Hunter, finds out how La Fonda is still making history.
La Fonda on the Plaza, A Must-See For History Buffs and Staycationers Alike
Established in 1922, present day La Fonda was envisioned by architects John Gaw Meem and Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter—one of the very few, and arguably the best, female architects in the country at that time. Colter was the chief architect and decorator for the Fred Harvey Company (of Harvey Hotels)— including La Fonda—for over four decades.
100 Years of La Fonda on the Plaza
La Fonda celebrated its centennial two years ago. Today, it’s one of 300 exclusive properties within the Historic Hotels of America collection. The only hotel on the Plaza, this landmark location also boasts a bird’s eye view of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. (It’s not the oldest church in Santa Fe, but it’s quite possibly the most revered.)
Historic Santa Fe Stylings
La Fonda has enough stores, restaurants and bars to make this a must-visit for travelers and locals. The interior is bursting with traditional Santa Fe stylings, including: Saltillo tiles, welcoming leather chairs, and handcrafted furnishings. An impressive collection of folk art lines the walls. The bold and stunning Southwestern-inspired paintings by Gerald (Ira Diamond) Cassidy deepen the sense of place, adding color, dimension, and supplementary history to the hotel.
A Staycation to Remember
La Fonda has managed to maintain a century of patina while offering a thoroughly modern hotel experience. Its rooms and suites have been smartly upgraded to reflect the times. My staycation in a deluxe suite featured a delightful terrace that straddled the Plaza to the left and the cathedral to the right. This placement felt magical, and the newer bathroom juxtaposed with the historic, adobe walls and kiva made the suite cozy, comfortable, and contemporary.
I slipped into La Fiesta Lounge for a simple Caesar salad and a much-needed Silver Coin margarita one night. I did not feel alone dining solo, as the bar was buzzing with people and live music.
Dinner at La Plazuela
The next night, I celebrated with a dinner at La Plazuela, the heart of the hotel. A water fountain in the center sits beside two enormous ficus trees draped with white lights. That set the stage for a colorful and memorable meal. The arugula salad was a work of art—a tower of arugula with strawberries and goat cheese. It felt like a light entrée. The Scottish salmon was impeccably cooked and presented with quinoa and broccolini. For a sweet ending, the sea salt and caramel gelato enchanted me.
Just before dusk from May through late October, you can make your way up to The Bell Tower rooftop bar for a breathtaking New Mexico sunset. Revel in the sound of the church bells ringing…with a cocktail on your lips.
Shopping Opportunities at La Fonda on the Plaza
For those who love to shop, the hotel has six distinct stores and restaurants. An array of gift items such as Pendleton blankets, Sandy Vaillancourt cards, Catherine Maziére silver jewelry, and sweet-smelling soaps can be found at Detours. Tom Taylor’s store is filled with everything leather from belts to buckles to bags. With two locations, Things Finer is all about fine antiques and décor for the home and fine jewelry. Rocki Gorman’s eponymous store features uniquely handcrafted, one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. And if your trotters need a lift, snag a new pair of walking shoes at Street Feet.
A must is The French Pastry Shop which has been serving crêpes, sandwiches, and coffees to delighted customers since 1974. Try the Ratatouille crêpe or the Croque Madame or Monsieur and treat yourself to a classic Nutella crêpe for a taste of France in Santa Fe.
For history buffs, La Fonda is a haven that promises to heighten your appreciation for excellence in preservation. For experienced travelers, La Fonda is the place to come. Whether you want to relax and put your feet up, or wander throughout the city. And for locals, La Fonda holds the key to the city’s deep historical roots. It boasts an impressive art collection, shopping and dining options, and the best sunset views. It’s where we invite friends and family when they come to town, and where we vacation in place because we want to dine, gather, and stay.
Story by Heather Hunter
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