Where to begin? My husband and I traveled to Santa Fe to celebrate his birthday. We decided to stay at the La Fonda because of its location to the Plaza. We did not have a car this trip so we wanted to be able to walk everywhere. The location is perfect! We arrived quite late on a Saturday night and we were greeted warmly. Our room was lovely and warm and romantic and had a wood-burning fireplace in it. There was a wonderful bottle of wine and a nice birthday card awaiting my husband in the room. What a thoughtful gesture! The room was VERY large as was the bathroom. The bed was extremely comfortable and we rested well every night. The hotel was decorated beautifully for Christmas and we enjoyed noticing new decorations daily. The hotel staff could not be more friendly or helpful. We ate breakfast in the restaurant and had drinks and dinner in the bar and a birthday dinner in the restaurant (all reviewed separately). Our server in the bar, Isabel, was exceptional. We followed her recommendations and they were great. There is a great wood-burning fireplace in the lobby and we sat in front of it and read the paper every day -- it was like being in our own cozy living room. As others noted, this La Fonda is about to undergo renovations. Consequently, the room rate was excellent -- a very good value. We look forward to returning to the La Fonda soon!

Comeon' guys...I read some nasty reviews of LaFonda and I have to respond.
We were very pleasantly surprised at every turn with our stay there recently. While our room was not large by any stretch, it was pleasant and we knew going in that this was an older property and thus did not expect things to be untra modern and slick. In fact that was part of the charm. The location of Lafonda alone is worth an amazing amount, plus having covered parking at a reasonable $12/day. The breakfast was super good and my wife mentioned it was my birthday. The waiter, Gerardo, came back later with a giant cinnamon roll with a candle in it to celebrate. When we left, 3 staff gave me happy birthday greetings as we walked out...how they knew was a mystery. The cocktail waitress has worked there for 31 years. The recent retired bellman/jack of all trades for 60. This is a family owned and operated hotel and not some uncaring chain. This type of property is fast disappearing and we need to support them. The hotel is just starting a hugely expensive renovation which will make it more fastidious for those who retch at the sight of a frayed carpet, etc. but it will retain its charm, although a polished charm. I cannot say enough good things about our stay and the staff who made us feel like kings when the restaurant at a competing hotel down the street tried to charge us for the "free" birthday goodies. Stay here and you will see for yourself.

Fantastic family stay. Understated, elegance. Loved our rooms and the unique historic charm of this fantastic landmark!

I think our favorite thing was soaking in the hot tub, looking up at the view of the cathedral, while the snow was falling last night. Just breath taking!

If you want the full flavor of Santa Fe, the La Fonda Hotel is the place to stay. We went to a wedding there on December 1, 2012. The hotel is very close to the square and it was decorated with beautiful lights, as was the hotel. There is so much history in this city, and when you walk into the La Fonda you feel it, The food at the reception was excellent, as well as the wedding cake. We really enjoyed the hot cider during the cocktail hour. We also enjoyed the French Bakery ( which is accessible to the hotel without going outside) for coffee. Lots of old world furnishings and architecture flow through the entire hotel. The reception hall had stain glass skylights, beautiful!
You will know you have been to Santa Fe after visiting this hotel, close to St. Francis Cathedral and walking distance to the infamous Loretto Chapel with its miraculous staircase.