While Santa Fe features a number of high-end, boutique hotels within the heart of the city’s historic center, it’s La Fonda on the Plaza that delivers authenticity with personalized luxury. La Fonda on the Plaza isn’t just a hotel; a member of Historic Hotels of America, it’s a cultural experience. A landmark since 1922, the hotel is steeped in history, blending Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences. To stay at La Fonda is to immerse oneself in Santa Fe’s fascinating past, where art and architecture tell the story of the region’s layered heritage. And to stay within La Fonda’s The Terrace Inn, its “hotel within a hotel,” is to surround oneself with the best of Santa Fe hospitality.
The Terrace Inn offers all of the amenities of a La Fonda stay, and then some. The hotel’s sixth floor rooftop retreat provides a quieter, more intimate setting and is ideal for those desiring a high-end, boutique stay in the heart of Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. 15 sumptuous suites in a variety of layouts are inspired by the landscape and distinctive architecture of New Mexico. Each features a furnished terrace that overlooks the iconic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and/or the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Included are a dedicated concierge, morning coffee and tea service, daily breakfast, and complimentary snacks throughout the day. En suite amenities include wood burning fireplaces, Nespresso coffee makers, plush bedding and robes, and deluxe bath products. The Terrace Inn guests also have access to a private and secluded rooftop hot tub that overlooks the Cathedral. The setting is sublime, and this indulgent amenity is the perfect denouement to a day of walking, hiking, and touring. (A dip in the hot water also provides a great start to the day.) This rooftop setting is also home to a small, yet stocked private gym. Simply put, The Terrace Inn is a decadent yet cozy homebase for exploration of the region.
And that exploration begins at the hotel itself. The La Fonda property, known to locals as “Santa Fe’s Living Room,” is on the site of the city’s first inn that dates to 400 years ago. The hotel property changed hands several times over the years, enduring milestones such as the Civil War, a railroad expansion, and New Mexico statehood, all while maintaining its status as a sought-after Santa Fe landmark and a preferred lodging option of trappers, soldiers, gold seekers, gamblers, and politicians. La Fonda embodies the Southwestern Pueblo Revival architectural style with its unique design elements such as adobe walls, tile floors, hand-carved wooden details, handcrafted furnishings, a hand-painted lobby ceiling, and its outstanding, original, museum quality collection of Native American and Southwestern art that includes more than 800 distinct works dating back more than a century. Paintings by the best Pueblo artists were acquired in the early years and former owners Sam and Ethel Ballen carried on the tradition supporting Santa Fe’s famed Indian Market and acquiring work by Native Americans and other artists for the hotel. Not only does original art hang in every guest room, but each piece has a connection to the people who designed, built, and owned the hotel. La Fonda also collaborates with local artists, displaying their works throughout the property. Hotel guest or not, La Fonda is truly a “must” on any Santa Fe visitor list of things to see.
Another of La Fonda’s assets is its unbeatable location. Guests are steps away from the city’s best museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants, including the New Mexico History Museum, the Palace of the Governors, and the celebrated and strollable Canyon Road, home to more than 100 galleries and boutiques within a half mile stretch.
Also a draw are La Fonda’s culinary offerings. The hotel is home to three standout dining options: La Plazuela is a destination for both guests and locals, and serves locally inspired cuisine under a beautiful, glass-roofed atrium within what was once the hotel’s original 1920’s patio. The picturesque, garden-like restaurant is possibly the most romantic in Santa Fe, with its dramatic, wrought-iron chandelier, central fountain, and twinkle-lit foliage. Here, Executive Chef Lane Warner serves traditional Southwestern cuisine such as Filet & Enchiladas, La Fonda’s signature tortilla soup, pan fried rainbow trout, and classic chile rellenos. (The Terrace Inn guests enjoy their daily breakfast here, or en suite.) The lobby located La Fiesta Lounge is a gathering spot for casual cuisine, signature margaritas and live music nightly. And the seasonal Bell Tower Bar is perched on the 5th floor with front row seats to the city’s spectacular nightly sunsets.
La Fonda on the Plaza is a one-of-a-kind destination in Santa Fe, offering a rare mix of luxury, history, culture, and a deep sense of place. It stands out not only for its physical beauty and unique location but also for its ability to offer a truly authentic Southwestern experience that few other luxury hotels in the region are able to replicate. And The Terrace Inn is the cherry on top.
Photos courtesy of La Fonda on the Plaza