History Meets Luxury at La Fonda on the Plaza

My expectations tend to run high when I’m splurging on an upscale hotel. And the historic La Fonda in Santa Fe has never let me down. I’ve been lucky enough to stay there several times, and each one has been a treat. Every room in this six-story, Pueblo building exudes authentic Spanish charm yet also feels fresh and light. Each is meticulously decorated with hand-painted headboards, tile or hardwood floors, and hand-crafted, rustic furniture. Some rooms also have fireplaces.

Comfort Zone
For a recent stay at La Fonda, I purchased a package that included a basic traditional room, a pair of tickets to the Georgia O’Keefe Museum and breakfast for two in the hotel's La Plazuela restaurant for $ 274.56. Upon checking-in, I learned we'd been upgraded to a suite. Score! I’ve stayed in some pretty nice hotel rooms. But my jaw almost hit the floor when I saw our gorgeous digs for the first time. 

I loved the living room with its adobe fireplace and whimsical tin chandelier--big enough to swing from-- dangling from the high, wood-beamed ceiling. A bright floral-patterned rug spiced up the coffee-hued tile floors. There was even a dining table in one corner.

French doors opened onto a private, enclosed patio that ran the length of the suite and overlooked downtown Santa Fe and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The bedroom, with a king bed dressed in soft Egyptian cotton linens was also enchanting. (Oh, how I wanted to take that headboard home!)

Bath & Beyond
The attractive, well-lit bathroom combined contemporary amenities like a big, glass-door shower with Spanish accents.

A hammered tin and wood  armoire in the living room held complimentary water, a mini-fridge and a Keurig coffeemaker with a generous supply of individual capsules. Like all La Fonda accommodations, ours included free WI-FI.

Grounds for Approval
La Fonda's large, open lobby is a lively hub of activity. It's a great place for people-watching, checking out the impressive architecture or just browsing the artfully arranged display cases filled with wares from the hotel's shops. 

At the heart of the lobby is La Plazuela, open for breakfast lunch and dinner. (Try the killer huevos rancheros with green or red chili.) Filled with plants and circled by turquoise windows with colorful, painted glass panes, the airy restaurant feels like a Spanish courtyard.

Our room was next to the Bell Tower Bar on the fifth floor. With sweeping views of the city, it's a popular spot for a drink or light bite, especially at sunset. We didn't make it there this time. But we did stop by La Fiesta Lounge to catch the band. No one in our group could two-step, the dance of choice for most couples cutting a rug that evening. But that that didn't stop us from joining in the fun and making fools of ourselves on the dance floor.

The hotel also has a pool and hot tub, fitness room and spa services. 

Neighborhood
La Fonda sits on the edge of the historic Santa Fe Plaza where Native Americans continue their tradition of selling jewelry and other goods in front of the Palace of the Governors. Shops, art galleries and restaurants rim the Plaza. The Georgia O'Keefe Museum and New Mexico Museum of Art are also within walking distance. 

Just outside the hotel entrance, majestic Saint Francis Cathedral rises above downtown while lovely Loretto Chapel, with its legendary floating spiral staircase, is right around the corner. 

The galleries and cafes of Canyon Road, many housed in pretty casitas, are also a short stroll from La Fonda.

Good to Know
La Fonda is the rare luxury hotel that doesn't charge a resort fee. It's also dog-friendly and has an on-site parking garage.

Room for Improvement
I feel guilty saying anything remotely negative about this hotel. But I do have to mention the loud fan in the bathroom that I couldn't turn off. I eventually figured out it was  located above the room. The fan finally shut off by itself at around 5:30 a.m. We also got some noise from the Bell Tower Bar, but that wasn't a big deal since the bar closed at 7. 

Vitals
La Fonda has 180 rooms and suites. Rates vary according to the time of year and a variety of packages are available. 100 E. San Francisco St, Santa Fe NM 87501; 800-523-5002. http://www.lafondasantafe.com