La Fonda on the Plaza
Iconic historic hotel on Santa Fe Plaza, blending Pueblo-Revival architecture with a vast art collection and rooftop bar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best sunset views
La Fonda on the Plaza
Best Time
Best sunset views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic historic hotel on Santa Fe Plaza, blending Pueblo-Revival architecture with a vast art collection and rooftop bar.
"Unbeatable location and rich history make La Fonda a must-stay, despite occasional noise concerns."
🎯 Rooftop Reservations
For sunset at the Bell Tower Bar, consider getting on the waiting list early or visiting during off-peak hours.
👟 Walkable Location
La Fonda is perfectly situated for exploring the Santa Fe Plaza on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bell Tower Bar
5th Floor Rooftop
Sip cocktails with breathtaking 360° views of Santa Fe, especially magical at sunset.
La Plazuela Restaurant
Interior Courtyard
Enjoy delicious Southwestern cuisine in a stunning, art-filled courtyard with a historic fountain.
Historic Art Collection
Throughout the Hotel
Wander through the halls and discover a remarkable collection of Native American and Spanish colonial art.
Prime Plaza Location
Adjacent to Santa Fe Plaza
Step right out onto the historic Santa Fe Plaza, putting shops, galleries, and attractions at your doorstep.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the History & Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rooftop Reservations
For sunset at the Bell Tower Bar, consider getting on the waiting list early or visiting during off-peak hours.
👟 Walkable Location
La Fonda is perfectly situated for exploring the Santa Fe Plaza on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
🖼️ Art Immersion
Don't just stay in your room; explore the hotel's impressive art collection. It's a highlight for many guests.
🍽️ Dining Delights
La Plazuela restaurant offers excellent food and atmosphere. Tableside guacamole is a must-try!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rooftop Reservations
For sunset at the Bell Tower Bar, consider getting on the waiting list early or visiting during off-peak hours.
👟 Walkable Location
La Fonda is perfectly situated for exploring the Santa Fe Plaza on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
🖼️ Art Immersion
Don't just stay in your room; explore the hotel's impressive art collection. It's a highlight for many guests.
🍽️ Dining Delights
La Plazuela restaurant offers excellent food and atmosphere. Tableside guacamole is a must-try!
🐶 Pet-Friendly Stays
La Fonda welcomes dogs, making it a great option for travelers with furry companions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Fonda on the Plaza is praised for its unbeatable location on the historic Santa Fe Plaza and its rich, immersive history and art collection. Guests enjoy the stunning views from the Bell Tower Bar and the excellent food at La Plazuela. However, some visitors have noted that rooms can be noisy due to thin walls or proximity to the rooftop bar, and furniture in some rooms may not be the most comfortable.
"I was really excited for this hotel based on the reviews. The rooms are exceptionally noisy- you can hear every hallway conversation and every car or conversation on the road outside. Im really surprised this wasn’t mentioned in any of the reviews I read.
Other than the valet staff who were great, everyone was nice but not overly helpful or friendly.
Rooms were very clean and beds were very comfortable. It’s a well maintained hotel & lovely to walk through. Location is top notch but that’s all.
It really surprised me based on the glowing reviews & the price. Not sure I’d stay here again."
Emma Grant
"We recently stayed here with our toddler and loved the experience. They had the crib set up in the room and even had a little stuffed animal for our baby. The room was very clean and comfortable. The hotel is in a perfect location to walk around town. Highly recommend."
Yashera Torres
"Great location! Room furniture not very comfortable. Bed is fine, chairs are hard wood, no cushion. Nespresso coffee maker and refrigerator in the room, as well as a safe. Walking distance to everything in the plaza. We walked to the gallery block also.
Would definitely recommend."
Lynn Carpenter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The nearest airport is Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF). You can take a taxi or rideshare service, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes to reach La Fonda on the Plaza. Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is another option, about an hour and a half drive away, with shuttle services available to Santa Fe.
Yes, La Fonda on the Plaza offers valet parking for guests. It's a convenient option given its prime location on the busy Santa Fe Plaza.
Absolutely! La Fonda on the Plaza is located directly on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, making it incredibly walkable to many shops, galleries, and restaurants.
To reach the Bell Tower Bar, head to the back of the La Fonda Hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza and take the elevator to the 5th floor.
The hotel is generally accessible, with elevators available to reach different floors, including the Bell Tower Bar. However, some older parts of the historic building might have minor limitations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
La Fonda on the Plaza is a hotel, so you don't need tickets to enter the lobby or common areas. However, access to specific amenities like the Bell Tower Bar or La Plazuela restaurant may require reservations or be subject to capacity.
The Bell Tower Bar typically opens around noon and stays open until 9 PM daily, weather permitting. It's best to check their official website or call ahead, as hours can vary seasonally.
Yes, making reservations for La Plazuela restaurant is highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours or for special occasions, to ensure you get a table.
No, the art collection is part of the hotel's ambiance and is free for guests and visitors to admire as they explore the common areas.
Standard check-in time is typically around 3:00 PM, and check-out is around 11:00 AM. It's always a good idea to confirm these times directly with the hotel when booking.
🎫 🏨 Onsite Experience
La Fonda offers a variety of rooms, including king-size rooms, often featuring comfortable beds, Nespresso machines, refrigerators, and safes. Some rooms may have views of the plaza or courtyard.
While La Fonda on the Plaza is known for its historic charm and amenities, it does not prominently feature a dedicated spa. However, they have hosted wellness experiences.
Families with toddlers have reported positive experiences, with the hotel providing cribs and even small gifts for babies. The central location also makes it easy to explore with kids.
Yes, La Fonda on the Plaza is a highly recommended wedding venue, with spaces like the LA Teresa Room and outdoor terraces suitable for ceremonies and receptions.
The Bell Tower Bar offers a casual yet elevated experience with stunning 360° views, cozy seating, and even blankets for cooler evenings, making it perfect for soaking in the Santa Fe atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
La Fonda on the Plaza features La Plazuela, a beautiful courtyard restaurant known for Southwestern cuisine and tableside guacamole, and the Bell Tower Bar, a rooftop spot for cocktails and light bites. +1
Reviews consistently praise the food at La Plazuela, highlighting its excellent Southwestern flavors, including chicken tortilla soup and fresh guacamole.
The Bell Tower Bar serves elevated cocktails, including popular options like the Camarón cocktail trio, alongside other refreshing beverages.
There's a pastry shop inside La Fonda that offers beautiful and delicious treats, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, historic hotels of this caliber often offer room service. It's best to inquire directly with the hotel upon booking.
📸 📸 Photography
The Bell Tower Bar at sunset offers iconic skyline views. The art-filled interior, especially La Plazuela's courtyard, and the hotel's historic architecture are also fantastic photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The hotel is renowned for its Pueblo-Revival architecture, vibrant art collection, and stunning rooftop views, making it incredibly photogenic.
While the hotel welcomes visitors to admire its art and architecture, it's primarily a private establishment. Respectful photography in common areas is generally acceptable, but commercial photography may require permission.
Golden hour, leading up to sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photos at the Bell Tower Bar.
The unique art in the La Plazuela dining room, which retains the original fountain, is often highlighted as a particularly interesting and photogenic spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Pet-Friendly Travelers
💍 Couples & Honeymooners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
This rich heritage is palpable throughout the property, from its adobe-inspired exterior to its meticulously preserved interiors.Beyond its architectural significance, La Fonda is celebrated for its extensive art collection. It houses one of the most significant collections of Native American and Spanish colonial art in the Southwest. Guests can spend hours exploring the hallways and public spaces, discovering vibrant paintings, intricate pottery, and unique sculptures that tell the story of the region.
This commitment to preserving and showcasing local art makes staying at La Fonda a truly immersive cultural experience, far beyond a typical hotel stay. Culinary Delights and Rooftop Views
Here, guests can savor Southwestern cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Popular dishes include tableside guacamole, rich chicken tortilla soup, and other regional specialties. For a more casual experience with unparalleled views, the Bell Tower Bar is a must-visit. Perched on the hotel's fifth floor, this rooftop bar offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Santa Fe, especially stunning during sunset.
Visitors can enjoy elevated cocktails and light bites while soaking in the vibrant colors of the New Mexico sky. It's a popular spot, so arriving early or during off-peak hours can help secure a prime seat. The Perfect Santa Fe Wedding Venue
Couples often highlight the hotel's ability to create a magical atmosphere for their special day. The combination of the historic architecture, the stunning art, and the dedicated event staff contributes to a memorable wedding experience.
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