La Fonda on the Plaza

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotel-within-a-hotel-concept-8640625

This Ultra-exclusive Idea Is on the Rise at High-end Hotels Around the World

"In 2022, La Fonda on the Plaza added 15 suites to create the Terrace Inn, a private top-floor enclave with city views, a private gym, and a whirlpool." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-santa-fe-2023-7551710

Our Readers' Favorite Hotels in Santa Fe of 2023

"La Fonda on the Plaza, No. 2 on this year’s list, “is the essence of Santa Fe,” said one reader, who appreciated the historic hotel’s proximity to downtown’s many cultural sites, as well as the Southwest-style rooms with beds that felt “like sleeping on a cloud.”" - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-new-mexico-ski-resorts

@cntraveler

The 5 Best New Mexico Ski Resorts

"Or the just-off-the plaza La Fonda—perhaps the most quintessential local property, with many rooms including fireplaces."

The Best Hotels in Santa Fe

"With its historic pueblo-inspired architecture and Spanish Revival style, this landmark Santa Fe hotel looks like it dates back much earlier than 1922, when it was designed by two of the area’s top architects: Mary Elizabeth Jane Coulter and John Gaw Meem. And, in fact, despite the imposing building’s relative youth, the legacy of La Fonda dates back to the 1600s. An inn or hotel has stood on this site since the city’s founding at the end of the Santa Fe Trail. Now, as one of the city’s most iconic luxury hotels, it presides over the historic Plaza and boasts some of the best views of the city and surrounding mountains and desert. Thanks to a complete (and completely faithful) renovation in 2013, rooms are now bright and airy, outfitted with handcrafted furnishings, local artwork and textiles, energy-efficient casement windows, and all the luxuries expected of a modern grande dame. The fine-dining courtyard restaurant is one of the most romantic dining destinations in town—trumped only by the rooftop Bell Tower Bar, whose sunset views and margarita menu draw locals and in-the-know visitors alike. Throw in a heated outdoor pool (open year-round, a rarity in Santa Fe) and a decadent spa, and it’s no wonder that La Fonda has maintained its reputation for superlative hospitality for so long."

A Perfect Weekend in Santa Fe

2022SSR

Google

Great concept and rich history. For the price it needs serious updates to the experience. Hotel staff is inexperienced and poorly supported by more experienced managers. The check in and check out experience will make you question all your life choices. Wow-truly terrible. In-room amenities are almost non existent which is unacceptable given the price. The Bell Tower is a great idea but horribly executed -find a different rooftop and save yourself the frustration. On the positive side the food is good, the restaurant staff is professional and the location is great.

Beej80237

Google

We stayed as part of a car club event. The parking facilities and the arrangement our club management arranged for us was a blessing. Covered and secure so we didnt have to worry at all about our vehicles. The hotel is clean and comfortable. I loved the sheets. the pillows were just like home. There is nespresso in the room that was a nice added convenience. The thoughtful staff has pretty much thought of everything.

Foodislove1222

Google

The best trained and welcoming staff in all areas of the hotel I have ever stayed at! I stay in many 5 star places and these people top them. The history of the hotel is really interesting. The hotel tour is worth it. It is in a Great location too. Margaritas were yummy, Breakfasts too!

Julia DuVal Ziegler

Google

What an absolute gem! I stayed here for Spring Break with my husband and toddler and it was glorious. The rooms were immaculate, super clean, spacious, and lovely, with artwork and beautiful finishes— lots of character unlike basic hotels. Also, it was SO quiet in the rooms. Honestly couldn’t hear anyone else and the hotel was almost at capacity. The hotel itself was covered in art and just truly beautiful. The staff was so kind and professional and the food and cocktails were—SO AMAZING. Above all else you can’t beat the location which is right on the plaza and within walking distance to everything. It was like staying at a $1K+ a night resort for way, way less. Will absolutely stay here when I come to Santa Fe.

John Morgan

Google

We just had a great visir. Bryan and Alex, who are locals, had a lot to say about growing up in SF. Maria, our server, is beautiful and so nice, and If you have her for a server, you are lucky. The hotel gave us the best flan we've ever had after finding out it was our anniversary. This place has a great view from the top, and it is highly recommended by us. Go there, you'll never regret it.

rinobarr

Google

The food and service as outstanding. The location is excellent and provides proximity to stores and museums. The Rooftop bar experience is a must as it provides a fantastic view of the city and the sunset is exceptional. It is an excellent hotel for the first timer to Santa Fe.

Candace Romero

Google

Stayed here for a wedding we attended everything was amazing until it wasn't. While I was physically assaulted by a man to say the least (long story).The police were called to deal with the incident. The bride and groom who had already paid thousands of dollars to this place were handed a $500 noise complaint. Instead of seeking information and being customer friendly, (after working with this couple for years) they just say pay us? Wait to go management. Be better talk with your guests about why there is so much "noise". There was a member of your staff there the whole time ask them why the "noise" was going on. Be compassionate. Will never return or recommend this place.

O1073DJalexanders

Google

An excellent hotel with meticulous attention to detail. From a comfortable bed and pillows to a quiet AC, the room fully met expectations, not to mention facilitating acclimation to the elevation. I enjoyed the gym, which offered a good selection of well-maintained fitness equipment.||Dining at La Plazuela was a treat - outstanding food paired with impeccable service. ||The hotel’s architecture and artistic touches add to its distinct character, all set in the heart of downtown Santa Fe.||Looking forward to my next visit.

Marci R.

Yelp

5 stars all around! Centrally located to all the amazing shops and restaurants. Check in was a breeze, the whole front desk staff were super nice and knowledgeable. Our room was just the cutest! We had a view overlooking the Loretto Chapel. Nespresso coffee, bathrobes, a separate closet space. One caveat was the bed. It was a bit hard. The amenities were a bit old. We brought our own so that was fine. We stayed two days and enjoyed it. Upon arriving home we realized I left my brand new boots in the room. La Fonda housekeeping shipped them to me free of charge and expeditiously. Thank you so much. We will be back for sure, the room was cozy, the restaurant was 5 star easily. Customer service is impeccable.

Terri B.

Yelp

We chose to spend a couple of nights at the La Fonda in Santa Fe, as it was the last hotel we needed to check off the bucket list item of staying in the old Fred Harvey Hotels along the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad line. There are only 4 of the hotels left that have been restored. The La Fonda is a beautiful hotel and the location couldn't be more perfect for walking the downtown area of Santa Fe. The front desk staff that checked us in were friendly and helpful. The parking garage attendants were also very nice. I had booked a historic king room and it was clean, comfortable and quiet. I did book the Route 66 package which gave us breakfast in La Plazuela daily, a free margarita each during our stay, a discount on parking and a few Route 66 perks like playing cards and a Route 66 magazine. I will say that this hotel didn't have any history information on Fred Harvey and has been completely remodeled, but they have kept the historic atmosphere of the scenery around Santa Fe and the Southwest. We were very happy with our room, the hotel and the location.

Stormy M.

Yelp

The location of this hotel is wonderful. It's within eyesight of the Plaza and easy walking distance to all the sights, shops and restaurants. The hotel offers on-site restaurant dining and a bar, which brings in live music in the evenings. The hotel is an older establishment, and has some of the issues that track with age. The plumbing is certainly spotty. The shower water temperature constantly changed depending on the use of water by the neighboring rooms. There was a slight smell in the room, not horrible, but not pleasant. The room offered a Nespresso, as well as all the other standard amenities and toiletries. I decided on this hotel because it offered the local Santa Fe flavor, however this hotel could use a refresh.

Shik P.

Yelp

First time staying at La Fonda On the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Friends recommended this place for their wedding venue and reservations. The hotel is beautiful and very historic. Plenty of art pieces and art work displayed all over the hotel. There's also a water station once you get off the elevator to go to the lobby. This hotel is also situated in a very historic town. Everything is walking distance. So much history not only in the hotel but the surrounding area. Plenty of restaurants around the vicinity that are walking distance. Parking is $30 per night. You can valet or self park. Checked in at the lobby and Ricky was excellent. Thank you Ricky for checking us in and telling us your recommendations. He even recommended to check out this coffee shop around the corner. He also gave us a map of the surrounding areas. Can't wait to try out the eateries around here as well as the restaurant in the hotel. Our room is small yet pretty, functional and extremely clean. Love the fact that our room has a Nespresso machine, hot water machine, mini fridge, glasses and ice bucket. The cabinet that holds these appliances and items also has cups, lids, sugar, stir, napkins and creamer. Extra points for creamer in the fridge. The art work on the bed posts were all hand painted. Even the rooms have a story to tell. Will add more to my review as the days come.

Caitlin K.

Yelp

Food was 10/10! I had the Chilean Sea Bass, we also ordered the enchiladas, lamb and the lobster Mac and cheese. Everything was amazing and we will be back!! Margs were also delicious.

Laura B.

Yelp

Very dog friendly. When we checked in our dog received a gift bag with treats and a toy. The restaurant is also dog friendly and the food is amazing. We ate breakfast there. You can't beat the location!

Chelsea W.

Yelp

Oh my. What a disappointment. I don't want to go too harsh yet the food for dinner was just not up To par. We've been here many times. We love the atmosphere and the service. Always beautiful and masterful, I don't know if it was just a bad day. I had the scallops with the watermelon burre. The sauce fantastic, but the scallops were not done well. So sad, a $45 menu item. The waiter was so sweet, he brought me out two more, but still not pan seared well. The rice , sauce and vegetables were very good , but for $45 ? No. I'll need to try again one day. This place is gorgeous and service is impeccable. My husband's dinner was not any better. It was a chicken dish atop pasta with a white mole sauce. The meal under the mole was good, but the mole was very strange and inedible. We ordered flan for dessert, it was ok but not the best we've had, raspberry purée was exquisite! We love this place and wanted and expected to have a great meal. Hoping it was just a bad day, Based on our prior experiences we will come back.

Walter C.

Yelp

Fantastic restaurant. I ordered the green chili cheeseburger and my husband had the steak fajitas (rare). Both entrees were perfect. The steak was rare - exactly as ordered and the burger was unique with the New Mexico green chilis. The food was served hot and there were multiple busser's to keep our drinks refilled. We enjoyed the food and service so much that we ordered dessert! The pineapple upside down cake and the flan! Next time we are in Santa Fe this is the go to place to eat.

Rebecca H.

Yelp

Great experience staying in this hotel. We arrived after a long day of traveling and I was grateful for the self park option. There really isn't a place to pull up to check in/speak with concierge to get yourself sorted but we, somehow and entirely by virtue of luck, pulled into the right parking garage and were able to park before entering the place. We did, however, have to schlep our luggage up to the check in area, which was annoying. It is hopefully easier if you take advantage of their valet parking. Once we managed to lug our suitcases up the elevator and down a long hallway with a floor made up of very uneven stones, we checked in. It's a little bit chaotic with all of the stores and all of the shit going on, people walking by. It was a challenge to then figure out which elevator brought us to our rooms. Once, thanks to some bystanders, we were able to locate the correct elevator, it was then a maze getting to our room. That maze included a small set of stairs which was VERY irritating for someone with an over 50lb suitcase. The whole thing was actually so frustrating that we just sucked it up and carried our luggage down the staircase which was pretty much across from our room. Not ideal. The room itself was adorable and pretty spacious. We had an entirely separate room with a desk/chair and another chair. The bathroom and shower were great. TV was a little smaller than I would expect. I loved the decor, very fitting for the atmosphere of Santa Fe. The location is PERFECT. There are so many things to see within a very short walk away. There were a couple of things about the stay that I wish were different but overall I enjoyed our time here and as long as you don't mind the chaos of the first floor and don't plan on bringing a lot of luggage, this would be a great place to spend the night.

Kathy J.

Yelp

Loved our visit here! Rooftop bar, great drinks, comfortable seating, friendly strangers to chat with, FABULOUS guacamole, salsa and chips. Did I mention we were there at sunset? A+.

Cherrie B.

Yelp

We drove to the Santa Fe Plaza to get breakfast at La Fonda and the food was pretty good. We enjoyed the atmosphere, inside but has a feel of outside due to the ceiling has sunlight coming in. So pretty inside. The staff are very nice too. Great place to come and eat some great breakfast.

Sameet R.

Yelp

Love the place. The hotel has so many quaint touches and the decor in the rooms is bright and cheerful. My boys loved this place. We will be back

Kaye S.

Yelp

Historic hotel with Restaurant inside below skylights keep the restaurant open and airy like you're sitting on a patio but with Airconditioning! Wonderful service

Lele S.

Yelp

Excellent nachos Excellent quesadilla Live music Bartenders Mark and Brandon = super fab service Dance floor! Lots of great artwork to check out everywhere!! Nice stop for apps and fun!

Brenda R.

Yelp

The best Shakshuka I've ever eaten. The richness of the sauce is so flavorful with just the right amount of spice! Order it, you won't be disappointed.

Alan M.

Yelp

100 plus year old facility issues with housekeeping, front desk, and hot water. Hot water first day and night was lukewarm. 2nd night Hot water was not available as they repaired it. Next morning no shower available because the water was dirty and color of weak tea even after running it 35 minutes. Front desk said " that's what you get with an historic hotel. Housekeeping was nonexistent. They never came in and cleaned my room during the stay. Walk through, admire the artwork, then stay somewhere else!

Kate A.

Yelp

This place is absolutely beautiful. It was a great date night spot before exploring the area. The food was good - not the best Tex Mex I've ever had, but still yummy! The service was great. This is a popular spot in Santa Fe, so I'd definitely recommend stopping by!

Jane C.

Yelp

La Fonda sits - as its name suggests - directly across the street from the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe. We stayed here for a short visit and enjoyed our stay at this beautiful hotel. Our first day here, we ended up spending a good chunk of time exploring the inner hallways of the hotel itself since there's a ton to see. La Plazuela - its gorgeous signature restaurant - is stationed at the very center while the hotel hallways surround it on all sides. On the first floor, there are also several stores and a cafe so that a lot of your basic needs are already met within. In all its decor, La Fonda plays homage to traditional folk art so that walking through the labyrinthine hallways can feel a little like ambling through a gallery. Even the headboards in every guest room have been hand-painted by local artists as a tribute to the hotels Mission Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Native American influences. Our room was clean and tastefully decorated, if a little small and oddly shaped. The bed took up most of the living space, with a tiny L-shaped sitting space next to it. In terms of square footage, it was likely standard for a hotel room, but the layout made it feel a little squashy at times. I had no complaints about the service, which was prompt, polite, and efficient. There's a pool and a small but serviceable fitness center (which is a little awkwardly located. You have to go outside to the pool and in through a separate door to access it), as well as a bell tower that wasn't unfortunately open for our stay. We enjoyed our stay thoroughly and would certainly stay here again on our next trip to NM, both for the convenient location, the thoughtful decor, and the many in-house amenities.

Adrian B.

Yelp

A beautiful restaurant with a central fountain, lighted trees, painted glass, exposed woodwork, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. The table side guacamole was fantastic, the don margarita was perfect, and the cheese stuffed peppers with steak was so good. I added a sopapilla for only $1.90. It was a lot of food. I had to take half of it home, and it was still great the next day. My wife had a special of marinated pork and asparagus over risotto, which was also delicious.

Blake I.

Yelp

You are paying for proximity more than anything else. The property has a historic feel, with shops and an open airy restaurant. They are definitely catering to an audience that doesn't mind paying a premium because the pricing in the shops and the restaurant were quite spendy. Our room was a bit basic. It has the historic feel with a very small footprint. This not a room I would spend a lot of time in, just not very comfortable. The sleeping experience was short. There was a lot of engine revving throughout the night which prevented us from leaving the windows open. Even when closed the road noise was evident. Then at six in the morning the church bells started, and there were few breaks from the bells. It felt like we were in the tower. If we were younger and didn't need much sleep we may have had a different outlook.

Arielle J.

Yelp

Dinner at the P was great! What an amazing room! The enchiladas were great and the pear mock tail was fantastic! I got two! I think the table side guacamole is overrated though. The man who did it was so nice and enjoyable but it was $22 for 2-3 avocados and chips that weren't very high quality.

Aja G.

Yelp

Gorgeous hotel with so much history! The rooms are spacious and clean but my favorite part is the local art that's installed in each one - all different! This is such an artsy community and that's reflected throughout the hotel. The bar downstairs is a nice spot to grab a drink before hitting the town or as a nightcap. Staff at check in are very friendly and will stow your bags before and after check in. The shops located in the building make for a fun shopping experience.

James S.

Yelp

Been looking at this place for years and finally stayed June 20. It did not disappoint. We ate at La Plazuela, incredible experience. The hotel is a special place and we'll definitely return.

Luke V.

Yelp

Great place to stay on the square. Lots of history but updated with good taste. Live music in the bar. Always a great stay

Betsy L.

Yelp

Our room was small and old and way too expensive. The location of the hotel was good. The service was very good. The food was just OK. I used to live in New Mexico many years ago and the food was so much better. Very disappointing. I will move on down the road next time to a different hotel.

Alexa S.

Yelp

Delicious food and tasty drinks. The table side guac can't be beat! The restaurant has a really cool vibe and a lot of history. Definitely make a reservation though.

Pooyie Y.

Yelp

Good as I remember. It's been probably 4 years ago we were here for dinner. Got the table side guacamole which was delicious as before. Good food and nice open dining area. Definitely recommend but reservations are a must

Hillary F.

Yelp

it is rare that one finds the kind of service provided at La Fonda in Santa Fe. As a vegan, I appreciated the haute cuisine quality of the cauliflower steak lunch entrée I enjoyed. From the hostess to the servers to the manager, everyone was incredibly attentive to my needs and endeavored to do everything to make my meal special. The serene ambiance, enhanced by a running fountain, bright skylights, and tranquil music, made my first time in Santa Fe an experience to remember!

Chris L.

Yelp

After a museum visit we wanted a light lunch and choose La Fonda. Amazing food, ambiance and service. Everything we had seemed so fresh.

Sylvia S.

Yelp

Omg...the food was delicious and service excellent and friendly! We made a 2nd day if it before we left Santa Fe! Highly recommend Chile Rellenos and Posele! Actually everything was good! You'll enjoy the treat...make it a stop on your next trip in Santa Fe!

Leslie C.

Yelp

I ate at the restaurant at La Fonda and highly recommend it to anyone. The food was absolutely delicious and cocktails were perfect. Our waiter Ti was awesome and made us feel comfortable and special. The guacamole, Mexican soup, Cesar salad, and margaritas were excellent. It's really a very special experience to dine there. Don't miss out. Definitely go.

Laura M.

Yelp

Was pleased to see a solid albeit small lounge menu. Caesar salad, burger and Margarita ($11, 18, 12) proved tasty and satisfying. The dining room Has a larger menu (see photo) and the same prices and gracious service. The quiet lobby, friendly staff and quality SW shops make the LaFonda my favorite place in Santa Fe.

Shea M.

Yelp

For the price, I was quite disappointed. The room was tiny, and honestly, I'm not a fan of showering without a door to the shower. The towels were insufficient, and the "luscious bath amenities" were what I'd call standard for any motel. AND they were never restocked for the three days my daughter and I were there (annual mother/daughter road trip). In fact, I had to provide my own soap for the shower. The teas weren't restocked either. And a microwave isn't provided - you have to request one from your personal concierge ("at no extra charge!"). The "plush robes" translated to one very skimpy robe. Honestly, what's touted as luxurious amenities are very standard in most motels. Sure, the rooms are appointed with handcrafted artistic pieces, but I'd forego all the art for soap and enough towels. The bed was comfortable, but the pillows were flat. Even stacked two or three deep, they provided little support. There were two plusses to our experience: the central location to Santa Fe's wonderful historic town, and the food in The Plazuela Restaurant. Expensive, but exquisitely delicious. But as for the hotel experience itself, definitely not worth the hefty price tag. There are other hotel options with the same convenient location (one's a chain), and we'll give those a try next time.

Mitch P.

Yelp

Our first night on vacation and we were looking for a place to eat and this looked good, so we took a shot and tried it. We all enjoyed our food, the margaritas were excellent and Francisco was the best server, attentive, answered questions, came to our table to ensure everything was going smoothly and even took a picture of us. We all enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere are would recommend it, especially if Francisco is your server and you drink margaritas.

Rhondi S.

Yelp

My review is for the bar and service. Located in the lovely hotel La Fonda, located across the Plaza. Came in the afternoon. Great posh mood lighting, nice fixtures, dark carpeting, wood fixtures and comfortable bar seating, tables or bar. Great decor, quiet surroundings so we could sit, chat and relax! Their tap was broken, the server was apologetic, no big deal. We ordered bottled beers and wine. Server was friendly, upbeat and attentive; she was great. Relaxing but upscale surroundings and awesome service- thanks La Fonda!

E K.

Yelp

A spectacular hotel with amazing employees. The breakfast was fantastic and the offered gluten free alternatives, the concierge was also very accommodating, the servers at the restaurants were also fantastic in particular Alyssa. The rooms are clean and updated with a comfortable bed, mini fridge and beautiful artwork displayed on the walls. 10/10 will definitely be staying here again.

Joanne H.

Yelp

We came in from Texas to visit family and came upon La Fonda by chance. The food and ambiance were great, but our waiter, Francisco, was what made the experience one to remember. He was so knowledgeable, friendly, and charming. Our entire group felt so welcome and comfortable. When we're here next, we'll definitely go back to La Fonda and request Francisco!

Alli M.

Yelp

Didn't have a reservation (mistake) but only waited 15 min. Came at sunset and views are spectacular. Queso was very very good. Pictured is the Cadillac, prickly pear, and mango margarita. All were great!

Daisy R.

Yelp

Fun place for lunch while on vacation in Santa Fe! I had a Chardonnay and my husband had the Seasonal Old Fashioned, our kids both had lemonades. My son and I both had the kale and quinoa salad and shared sweet potato fries. Fries were really good and they were nice enough to sub some avocado for the blue cheese on my salad. My husband had the trout and my daughter had the open-faced chicken sandwich. Everything was good, just a little pricey. Our server Ti was amazing though!!

Graphmaster ..

Yelp

Great location, historic hotel. Costly, though, considering the room. Booked a king-size traditional room. The website stated their amenities include a city view. False advertising. My room literally looked at a roof. I called and requested to change but was informed this is a standard room. Don't believe all they put as amenities. They also said a coffee maker was in the room, not so. Their website lists amenities that are not in the room, which is frustrating considering how much you pay for the room. The bad part is they do nothing to make it good. Nothing worse than being lied to.

Sylvia G.

Yelp

This place is a must see piece of southwestern americana. The decor is cute vintage handmade, with a southwest twist. I love that although the hotel has been remodeled, they have stayed true to the roots. Original, hand painted headboards are on display in the hallways, art everywhere, and the hand wrought metal and glass lamps and chandeliers are still in use. It's little touches like that that really set the mood. The atmosphere is wonderful, lunch was good, but not amazing. The menu board outside had not been updated, and we came in mouths watering for green chili meatloaf, only to find they weren't serving it anymore. That aside, our lunch was good and the service was impeccable. I would highly recommend, email or a stay at La Fonda.

Barrett B.

Yelp

The waiters here are so nice they were very attentive but not overbearing, the atmosphere in this restaurant is so good. Love the food very good service, would recommend!

Karin H.

Yelp

We visit Santa Fe each year and while we always eat in the restaurant at La Fonda we had never stayed here. We were very impressed with everything from the online booking of the room all the way through checkout. The hotel is very convenient to the things we like to do and see each time we are in Santa Fe and provided easy parking that allowed us to explore the area around Santa Fe without worrying about a hike from car to hotel on our return. This hotel is a bit on of Santa Fe's history that I highly recommend.

Jennifer W.

Yelp

Parking lot is attached to the hotel. Lots of good food options and shops inside the hotel. It is within walking distance to the Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Church, The Oldest House and Canyon Road. Great location and beautiful hotel.

Luanna I.

Yelp

We stayed a night here at the La Fonda. Very cute hotel the rooms were small but spacious we were very comfortable. They carried Lather products in the bathrooms and I highly recommend these products. The bed was comfortable. They also had water and coffee. The employees were very helpful and friendly from the stores to the hotels. Valet parking was easy you either could valet or self park.

Julie M.

Yelp

Oh my! Food is always so good. Freshly prepared, everything has that "special touch" of a restaurant where generations have enjoyed their meals. Service is always excellent, during Covid, and now after, the staff really looks after your needs. It's the real deal for a special occasion or just an afternoon in Santa Fe lunch or dinner!

Eric J.

Yelp

It's a beautiful hotel, stunning really, and our stay was lovely. The location is perfect. But here's the problem. They don't explain till you get there that a hold is going to be placed on your card each day for the amount of that nights stay plus a fifty dollar per room per day charge for incidentals which will be returned to you if there were no incidentals. But this wasn't spelled out in the confirmation email to my 79 year old mother who booked this months ago as a really special trip for my daughter and I. It only mentioned the charges, taxes and fees but didn't detail it. So here's what happened. Because of the holds, which are still treated as possible charges, my mothers credit card got declined. The holds had put her over limit. She had planned on paying for the rooms with her debit card. She was totally horrified and got very upset. We talked to the very nice night manager when we got back to figure out what was wrong. This would not have happened if on the confirmation email it had spelled this out. She could have positioned the money accordingly. She has the money. But these unpredicted charges have disabled her credit card. Luckily I've got money to get us back home. But it's absolutely panicked and embarrassed my elderly mother terribly. My point is that it's very important to be very transparent on confirmation emails. This may be found on their website somewhere. But my mom called to make her reservations. It was not explained to her that this would happen and it was not mentioned in her confirmation email. I sincerely hope that La Fonda will learn from this. If they do I will change my review.

Liz B.

Yelp

Exceptional hotel, quite a treat. Many thanks to the staff for the special experience, I highly recommend.

Janet S.

Yelp

Over the years we always make a pitstop here for Tea in the lobby. it's a lovely historic hotel and was a Harvey House for 40 years from 1926-1968. If you are visiting Fred's places this is a beaut. It was my birthday and a very nice girl allowed us tea at 8.00am in the morning in the lobby. A great way to start my day.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotel-within-a-hotel-concept-8640625

This Ultra-exclusive Idea Is on the Rise at High-end Hotels Around the World

"In 2022, La Fonda on the Plaza added 15 suites to create the Terrace Inn, a private top-floor enclave with city views, a private gym, and a whirlpool." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-santa-fe-2023-7551710

Our Readers' Favorite Hotels in Santa Fe of 2023

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-new-mexico-ski-resorts

@cntraveler

The 5 Best New Mexico Ski Resorts

"Or the just-off-the plaza La Fonda—perhaps the most quintessential local property, with many rooms including fireplaces."

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