La Fonda Hotel, Santa Fe

La Fonda on the Plaza, often simply called La Fonda Hotel, is one of Santa Fe’s most celebrated landmarks, blending history, art, and hospitality under one roof. Standing at the end of the Santa Fe Trail, the site has hosted travelers since the city’s early days in the 17th century, when a modest inn served merchants and explorers. The current hotel, built in 1922, was designed in Pueblo Revival style, reflecting the adobe traditions of the region. Its thick walls, hand-carved beams, and decorative tiles give guests a sense of stepping into Santa Fe’s past while enjoying modern comforts.

The hotel’s interior doubles as an art gallery, filled with hand-painted furniture, local folk art, and murals created by artists of the early 20th-century Santa Fe Art Colony. One of its most famous contributors was artist Ernest Martinez, whose work can still be seen on walls and ceilings throughout the building. This artistic flair, paired with architectural details like kiva fireplaces and colorful tilework, makes La Fonda not just a place to stay but an experience of Santa Fe’s unique cultural identity.

Over the years, La Fonda has attracted a diverse array of guests, from traders and cattlemen to politicians, artists, and celebrities. Its rooftop bar and restaurant provide sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the historic Plaza below, making it a favorite spot for both visitors and locals. Today, La Fonda continues its legacy as a living symbol of Santa Fe-where history, art, and community converge in one remarkable setting.