Santa Fe offers a rich history and unique accommodations such as La Fonda on the Plaza, near downtown attractions.

My family and I visited three national parks in west Texas and southern New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park for a quick stop, and White Sands National Park.

On our way home from the national parks, we stopped in Santa Fe to visit family and check out a few sites during our one night here.

LA FONDA ON THE PLAZA

We stayed the night at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza, which has a pool, a restaurant, and historic charm.

City records indicate that La Fonda sits on the site of the town’s first inn, established when the city was founded by Spaniards in 1607, making our property the oldest hotel corner in America.

Room Choices

We stayed in a traditional double queen room with a hand-painted headboard. The paintings and decorative touches throughout the room really charmed us.

The hotel also has one-bedroom suites and deluxe king suites that feature piñon wood-burning fireplaces.

La Plazuela

La Plazuela restaurant sits in the middle of the hotel, on the original patio built in the 1920s.

It’s an elegant spot where you can enjoy creative New Mexican or Southwestern dishes while natural light pours in through the skylights.

Bell Tower Rooftop Bar

David and I especially enjoyed the Bell Tower Rooftop Bar, an open-air spot on the fifth floor of La Fonda. They serve light snacks, and the view of the Santa Fe sunset is amazing.

NOTE: If you stay here, make sure to visit before sunset in order to find a table; the place fills up.

Pool Area

The pool is big and definitely worth a visit. My son had a great time swimming and playing there. The outdoor pool sits in the middle of the hotel and features a unique two-level whirlpool.

Valet parking is available in the hotel’s garage.

Final Thoughts on La Fonda on the Plaza

We would definitely stay here again. The hotel is older, but I love all the artwork and history you see everywhere. Staying here really makes you feel like you’re in Santa Fe. The pool was nice, and the two-level whirlpool was something special.

I also enjoyed wandering around the hotel because the space itself is fun to explore.

Address: 100 E San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501

NEARBY SITES TO SEE

There are plenty of attractions near the hotel, like museums, chapels, shops, and restaurants. Take the time to explore this unique adobe-style town as we did.

Staying in the middle of Santa Fe gave us a chance to visit the nearby cathedral, the Loretta Chapel, and the Palace of the Governors.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Close to the hotel is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, which is worth a visit.

The cathedral was built from 1869 to 1886 in the French Romanesque Revival style. Its design stands out from the nearby adobe buildings, but it’s still one of Santa Fe’s most famous landmarks.

Hours: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday- Friday; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday; Closed, Sunday-Monday

Address: 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Loretta Chapel Museum

This historic Loretta Chapel was built in 1878 using local sandstone.

Special History of the Chapel’s Stairs

Because the loft was high and the chapel was small, a regular staircase would have taken up too much space and left too few seats.

Legend states that seeking guidance and help, the Sisters of Loretto prayed a nine-day novena to St. Joseph, Patron Saint of Carpenters. A novena is a special prayer said for nine consecutive days.

On the last day of the novena, a carpenter showed up with just a hammer and a carpenter’s square.

He built what is now called the Miraculous Staircase using simple tools, wooden pegs, and a rare wood not found in the American Southwest. When he finished, people say he disappeared without being thanked or paid.

Admission: $5

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 pm. Daily

Address: 207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Palace of the Governors at New Mexico History Museum

Since 1610, this long, one-story adobe building has been home to the offices and living quarters of 58 Spanish Colonial Governors, 16 Mexican Governors, four military and three civilian governors during U.S. rule, and 17 Territorial Governors.

The Palace of the Governors has survived many events, including the 1680 Pueblo Indian Revolt, the Spanish reconquest in 1692-1693, the arrival of Brigadier General Kearny in 1846 who raised the U.S. flag and declared New Mexico part of the United States, and the 1862 invasion by Confederate troops from Texas.

You can discover New Mexico’s history inside this historic building.

Native American artists from over 41 pueblos and tribes also display and sell their art, jewelry, and other works every day under the Palace of the Governors portal.

Admission: One-day visit to the museum: New Mexico residents $7, nonresidents $12, FREE on First Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. May through October

Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday; Closed, Monday-Tuesday

Address: 105 W Palace Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

MORE TO EXPLORE IN NEW MEXICO

Sledding Fun at White Sands National Park

Slide down or walk along the top of the world’s largest gypsum dune field at White Sands National Park near Alamogordo, N.M. 

Exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park

See the largest underground chamber in North America, at almost 4,000 feet long, and watch thousands of bats leave the cave at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Short Hike at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, a short hike led to the ruins of the Old Butterfield Stagecoach Route Pinery Station and native plants.