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La Fonda On the Plaza
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Restaurants Hotels, Restaurants [Edit]
100 E San Francisco StSanta Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-5511
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
49 reviews for La Fonda On the Plaza
Review Highlights
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"The Bell Tower bar is also a great place to unwind." In 2 reviews -
"They made the best Margaritas I've had by far." In 2 reviews -
"And the hot tub is awesome day or night - pretty cool view..." In 3 reviews
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/13/2012
La Fonda on the Plaza is a charming, historic hotel in Santa Fe.
We stayed here in March of 2012 and we had a lovely night. We stayed during the week and the hotel wasn't too busy, but wasn't empty either. Our deluxe room was gorgeous, decorated in a beautiful New Mexico fashion. The bed was comfy, the room was quiet. Every staff member we dealt with from registration, to our waiter, to the parking garage attendants, was kind, efficient, and knowledgeable.
The amenities were well appointed and we really enjoyed our stay here. We would definitely stay here again. Just be aware, that there is a fee to park at the hotel which is not included in the room charge. -
Review from Holly E.
4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
I chose La Fonda for the great reviews, but wasn't initially impressed. It looks like an old Mexican restaurant. However, my feelings improved over the course of my stay.
The good: it's in the perfect location in the heart of downtown Santa Fe. Walking distance to all the cool shops, restaurants, museums, churches.
It also has a cute little wood burning fireplace in your living area.
Very clean.
I also had a beautiful mountain view from my balcony and windows. Great value!
The bad: it's outdated. A little freshening up would go a long way.
I did not eat at the restaurant on site, so can't comment. -
Review from Matt F.
Dallas, TX
2/23/2012
I have been meaning to write this review for some time now, so here it is. What a stinking disappointment this place was. We ate here for New Years eve and I have never been more disappointed in a meal in my life. We booked this place on rumors that it was fancy and the food was good. Guessing by the menu and the old addage "you get what you pay for", we figured we couldn't go wrong. Well, we did.
What should have tipped me off is the fact that it is a hotel restaurant. Sitting down to eat I noticed people several floors up walking about going to and from their rooms. Ok, no big deal I guess. Because of the extrememly high ceiling and the fact that it was...as hotel made the acoustics terrible and it was kind of noisy.
I will say this, the tableside guacamole was pretty damn good. I ordered the fajitas because, being from Texas, I fancy myself as a fajita conesour. WORST FAJITAS EVER. This isn't a Santa Fe/Southwest cusine vs. Tex Mex thing either. They just had no flavor. And you have to pay out the butt for that no flavor. I was wanting to just stop eating and go over to The Shed for an after dinner, dinner. But when the tab for 3 was over $100, I kind of figured that wasn't a good idea.
My advice? Just don't. Go somewhere else. If you are hell bent on eating there, do yourself a favor and eat at Taco Bell and flush the other $95 down the toilet. -
Review from RUTH S.
Silver Spring, MD
5/15/2012
We did not stay there, but loved walking through the Plaza and the great shops.
Yummy Food! Great Service! After suffering through a lot of really, really bad Mexican Food in Northern NM, we had a late lunch at La Fonda. There were tables outside of the bar area which did not provide much atmosphere. But it was great for "people watching!" The food is outstanding; each dish stands out. Can't wait to go back the next time I am in Santa Fe! -
Review from Eric W.
San Antonio, TX
12/11/2011
I reserved this hotel through travelocity, and was treated me like I was garbage. The staff is extremely rude, and unhelpful in all regards. They took held over $350 on credit card for incidentals, and when I asked them why I was given a smirk and a shrug.
When we reserved the room we asked for an early check-in, and for king size bed. When I checked in they acted like I had never reserved the room, and then gave me two doubles for my wife and I. When confronted with the reservation again I was met with a shrug. I cannot in good faith recommend this hotel. Pay the extra $30 a night and stay at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. -
Review from Holly B.
Oceanside, CA
3/17/2012
It is a beautiful hotel but not if you are coming in for work. The lack of wall plugs were frustrating and the bathroom needs some serious updates. I do have to say that it's major saving grace was the bar on top of the hotel. It's also in a great location to explore Santa Fe.
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Review from Sara P.
Austin, TX
1/24/2012
This review is intended for the Tower Bar in the La Fonda Hotel.
As a service provider myself, while not in the same exact industry, I understand the need for exceptional customer service- especially when working for tips. Let me tell you my experience at La Fonda's bar was FAR from exceptional.
While waiting for our tour to start, my brother, sister-in-law and I decided to get a drink. We needed a quick drink however, being that the tour was going to start any second. Shots it is!
We decided on a Lemon Drop, a basic drink any entry-level bartender should know... even I know how to make one. So, first up to the bar I order "3 lemon drop shots". Forgive me if I'm wrong, but usually if one does not specify top shelf, you give them well liquor. Yet, our bartender reaches for Absolut Citron... and ONLY Absolut Citron. No lemon juice, no sugar, no sweet and sour mix, no nothing. Just straight vodka. I watched as she poured it and she also poured three doubles... never specified that either. She shakes it up, and as she does that, a waitress walks up with her own ticket. The bartender LITERALLY sets the ready-to-pour shaker down, walks over to the waitress, looks at the ticket, and pours two glasses of wine. SERIOUSLY?! She then proceeds to tell us "It's okay, I'm chilling it" in reference to the shaker... Uhhh, pretty sure it was good to go after you shook the thing?
So, after we shoot our citrus-flavored gasoline, and had ample leftovers from her over-pouring (that by the way, no one wanted because it was so disgusting), she hands us the tab. $33 for 3 shots?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? That is shady bartending right there. Regrettably, we didn't have enough time to complain, being that the tour started shortly thereafter, otherwise I would have.
I get that this isn't a shot bar at all, but it is a bar nonetheless. If you don't know how to make a drink, SAY SO. I would have been happy to tell her myself.
What really upsets me is the fact that A) she stopped servicing us to pour drinks for another table, and pretended like that was normal. B) She poured top shelf without double-checking with us first.
This was easily the worst bar experience I've ever had. -
Review from Mot Y.
Venice, CA
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Santa Fe handmade tequila and their own sweet and sour mix. The food was mediocre, but the margs were on point. Great vibe and downtown Santa Fe is good times.
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Review from Cecilia T.
San Mateo, CA
12/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This hotel was a GREAT experience for us for many reasons!!
1) The location is very convenient and central to the Historical District- for the price that we got in the winter ($100), and it's location, it's such a good deal for the quality. It's the most convenient of all the hotels in the Historical District area.
2) The shops inside the hotel are just fun -it's like being in a Vegas hotel but more older with more history
3) The history of this place speaks for itself- you can just tell by the ambience and décor that this spot is old but very well kept up. It's not modern but if you like hotels with character and depth, this is the place to stay in Santa Fe. The décor is New Mexican/Native American and matching.
4) Rooms are historical and fun. The complimentary toiletries are Neutrogena. The ventilation is good and modern. The rooms are a bit small but expected with it being an old hotel. T he bathrooms are dated but clean and with modern plumbing. The beds are comfy and tastefully decorated.
Service is friendly, and although we did not eat in the restaurant, it is so cute and probably a good place to eat. The atmosphere is so cute with its high ceilings and central open location in the center of the hotel with shops surrounding. -
Review from Tonya T.
7/22/2011
The name "Santa Fe" has always conjured up certain images for me. Adobe houses. Turquoise Jewelry. Desert landscapes. Rich white people. (Kidding about that last one. Sort of.) And, though this was previously unknown to me, the interior of La Fonda. I walked into the lobby and immediately thought, "This. This is the Santa Fe of my imagination."
I love older hotels, but sometimes what you get in ambiance and history you lose in comfort. Not so at La Fonda. Our room was a good size, as was the bathroom. The furnishings were lovely, right down to the light fixtures. The pool and hot tub area is gorgeous - nothing like laying in the sun staring up at the blue Santa Fe sky while soothing music floats in the air. The Bell Tower bar is also a great place to unwind. It has excellent views of Santa Fe and the mountains, as well as friendly bartenders, and one of the best margaritas I've ever had.
You can't beat the location. Steps away from the plaza and within easy walking distance of many attractions. The hotel's restaurant, La Plazuela, is excellent. All of the staff members we encountered, from the front-desk clerk to the concierge to the housekeeping staff, were very friendly and provided great service.
This was one of the best hotel experiences I've ever had. I'm already looking forward to returning someday.
Tip: check Priceline before booking your room. I got a great deal for about $100 cheaper than the price on the hotel's website.Listed in: Let's go to New Mexico
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Review from David T.
7/16/2011
The La Fonda was the first hotel I ever stayed in anywhere. My parents, who lived quite away outside Santa Fe, would often stay here when my dad had to be in town on business. Obviously, I have fond memories of the place. It absolutely screams Santa Fe and could you ask for a better location? I think not. Back when I was a kid the guests were an extremely eclectic group of artists and writers and, often, famous celebs. Quite the place to hangout and meet interesting people from all over the world.
Over the years they've done quite a bit to update the place. Certainly, updated the rooms, La Plazuela, added the really fun bar on the roof, and some new shops. Overall though, I'd say it has lost some of its charm and I'm not sure how to describe it. I think maybe it just feels more touristy than when I was younger. The shops seem more commercial than when they used to have "real" New Mexican Indian arts and crafts. It just doesn't feel like the Santa Fe I used to love so much but then neither does the rest of the plaza.
Is it still an OK place to stay? I'd say so but not a place that, as a former La Fonda lover, I'd probably stay again. Maybe drift into the bar for a margarita or into the French Bakery for breakfast or a pastry and see if you can catch a little of the old Santa Fe vibe (good luck with that.) -
Review from don k.
Morro Bay, CA
4/20/2011
We stayed here for 5 nights and it was wonderful. The hotel is very cool with it's Pueblo architecture and decor. It is very clean and the housekeeping service was excellent. Our room was quite small, but very cozy and comfortable. This place even has down pillows! The sheets are high quality and there is also a very warm down comforter on the bed. Thank goodness the windows open, which is great if you want some of that fresh, clean New Mexico air.
The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The man at the concierge desk was very nice and gave us great information on the local sights. The hotel sits just off the plaza, which is handy. Restaurants, galleries and shops are all within walking distance. We had a great time here and can highly recommend it. -
Review from Rick S.
Olney, MD
1/25/2012
Stayed here for 5 nights during the winter and was pleasantly surprised. The room (suite) was spacious, nicely decorated, had a very comfortable bed, with neutrogena toiletries (that they only brought on the first day...guess you have to request more). The room had a large coffee maker (and the prepackaged coffee was very good...and I am a picky coffee drinker). The hotel had two outdoor hot tubs, two different small exercise facilities and a heated outdoor pool. I would definitely stay here again. There was an bar in the hotel that had live entertainment each night and an excellent lunch buffet.
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Review from Nancy F.
11/28/2011
I am giving the La Fonda five stars for the following: Service, ambiance, food, and general great atmosphere. We stayed the night and got in late, Dennis upgraded our room and was a wonderful host at the front desk. The rooms are quaint and have the feel of Santa Fe. One must remember this is an old hotel. The fixtures fit the time period and decor. The bathroom is older with a real plug for the bathtub. We loved the charm. If I had one thing that could be updated, a new tub in the same style. There were many scratches and use in it on the bottom. We just loved the entire place. We had breakfast and it was superb with excellent service in the restaurant. Breakfast is upscale cuisine. Concierge was extremely helpful with our limited time frame. Also, the beds and bedding get five stars for comfort.
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Review from Eileen P.
Scottsdale, AZ
1/6/2012
Good lunch choice
Went there New Year's Week and finally found a seat in the bar area. We weren't in the mood for the buffet (which had great variety), so I ordered a quesidilla and my date ordered the green chile stew. Both great. Service was so-so, and I had to ask for water three times. The price for each was about the same as that of the buffet, but we didn't want that much food, and we wanted something made to order. And prices of course are high in Santa Fe in general. But we'd go back for another lunch, maybe check out some other places first. One rule I learned on my first trip to Santa Fe is to make reservations way before you get there! -
Review from Wendy B.
Sugar Land, TX
1/4/2012
Great location and very historical decor! We could really feel the history of Santa Fe in our one bedroom suite! The bed was very comfortable, with a balcony looking over the courtyard where the pool is, which by the way was heated! It was a pleasant surprise to have two full bathrooms in the suite and six bottles of complimentary water! Over all we were pleased and will be back! The pricing for the suite was very reasonable for the area!
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Review from Jennifer C.
Isla Vista, CA
6/20/2011 2 photos
The service is great. Not good, great. They have such friendly service even in the lounge. The lounge also has great service and food. The guacamole was my favorite.
Well anyways I stayed in a king suite with a balcony. The bed was so comfortable an the room and bathroom were so clean. The room was also roomy and it was such a joy staying here. -
Review from Laura B.
Santa Fe, NM
1/1/2012
This place was an incredible disappointment. Ek! I ordered fish tacos that were so bland I had to douse them in a mediocre chip salsa. Plus, they were covered with cheese. Fish tacos with cheese?
Everyone else at the table was equally disappointed with their over priced dish. -
Review from Suzanne C.
Santa Monica, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very nice hotel in the heart of town. The staff was super helpful and friendly!
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Review from Sam A.
Santa Fe, NM
Updated - 1/21/2011
The Cobb Salad at the La Fonda might well be the worst Cobb Salad I've ever had the misfortune to try to eat. The first bad sign was the use of Jimica, which should never be allowed near a Cobb Salad...
The service was great and happy, but out of all the light-lunch fare that were offered on the menu, none of them looked all that great. The tourists were there in droves, which is usually a good sign of not so great food. Avoid.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/20/2009
This review is centered on the La Fonda's "Lumkin's Ballroom" and the service I received at the 2009… Read more »
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Review from Arthur M.
10/18/2011
My family stayed here for my sister's wedding. I stayed at a roadie motel nearby (black sheep). Wicked beautiful hotel, with accompanying shops and bars and restaurants.
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Review from Suzanne P.
Aurora, CO
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok so I ate at the restaurant did not stay at the hotel but I would go again for either. Great service amazing food squash blossoms are not to be missed.
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Review from Moua L.
6/14/2010 4 photos
I stayed at this hotel with my husband for 3 nights. My husband (who was attending a conference in the hotel) and I, weren't so lucky to get the room right next to the room that was under construction. For the first 2 mornings, we were woken up by the loud machinery and conversations. What hotel doesn't inform their guests that their 3 nights staying will be filled with extremely loud machines?
On the 2nd night, I called the front desk about 3 times to have them ask the construction crew to stop. The first two responses were, "we are waiting for a call back from the Construction Manager about this matter". Well, who knew how long that would take. I called a third time and reached a woman at the front desk, who offered me free breakfast on the hotel for the inconvenience. I was then moved to another room on the third level, which just became available.
The new room came with a king-size bed and a bigger bathroom. The view was much better as well. On the way to my room, I got good advice from the Bellman about places to visit in New Mexico, along with my free breakfast.
If you decide to visit Santa Fe and book your visit here - ask them if there will be construction near your room. You don't want to be pleasantly surprised about waking up at 7am in the morning after going out late to the nearby bars the previous night.
To be fair, there were some positive aspects about the hotel. Stop by the bar in the hotel and order the two Margaritas on top of the menu. They made the best Margaritas I've had by far. It's $12 with $2 off w/ a coupon if you are staying at the hotel. I promise you will enjoy the plaza even more after having one of these.Listed in: New Mexico
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Review from Eric B.
9/7/2008
I stayed here once with family on a business trip. It's an historic hotel (literally at the end of the Santa Fe trail) and is right on the Plaza. The hotel itself is nicely appointed in faux adobe and other Southwest touches. The hotel rooms themselves are nice and stay with that theme, but are not amazing.
However, my fondest memory of La Fonda was when I lived in New Mexico in 1979. I would go to Shabbat services at the old Beth Shalom building and then for our Oneg, Rabbi Leonard (first name) would take us all over to La Fonda. His Catholic friend was in the band and did a killer latin dance version of "Hava Tequila".Listed in: Unique Places to Stay
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Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2009
I stayed here for a conference. I got a tiny room on second floor. There had been a mistake in my reservation! GRRRR! That after a horrible overnight unexpected stay in Alberqueque due to fog! WHEW!
The conference facilities were great- large, well-cleaned and spacious.. The food was superb. Staff very friendly. I really liked my little tiny room. Due to the mistake they brought me a mini-fridge. -
Review from Michaela D.
Denver, CO
7/14/2009
Gotta love the La Fonda, a Santa Fe fixture if ever there was one. While living in Santa Fe, the hotel became my favorite place to unwind with a margarita--upstairs on the roof during the warmer months, and inside during the winter. The view from the roof is a fine one, and during the winter there is usually some sort of live music each night, with an eclectic mix of dancers, consisting of both hotel guests and local regulars. Always with a happy, light-hearted vibe though.
And the creperie, well, that's easily my favorite breakfast spot in town. The crepes, pastries, and bread are all outstanding, and you get a little slice of Europe along with your breakfast in terms of atmosphere. It's cash only though, so be prepared. -
Review from Emilee C.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2010
Stayed here for 2 nights a few weeks ago and I was very impressed by the ambiance, the restaurant La Plazuela and the shops nearby. It was snowing all weekend and the Plaza was beautiful.
That said, our room was nothing spectacular, I got a $100/night deal and was more than satisfied, however, if I had spent the rack rate of over $200/night I would surely have been a little disappointed. There was also a mix up at the front desk and they said that I had reserved two rooms (my boyfriend was a little concerned about that one). Instead of assuring me he'd take care of the issue, the man at the front desk told me to "wait and see if I got charged, then come back." (?) Also, I gave my debit card at check in and a $500 hold was placed on it for incidentals. No big deal, however, I wasn't told they were doing that and was a little concerned when I noticed $500 was missing from my checking account the next day.
Overall it's a lovely hotel, the restaurant is fantastic and the ambiance is incredible. -
Review from Mike W.
10/31/2008
La Fonda is Santa Fe like chiles, turquoise, and O'keefe. If you are there to explore and enjoy the area around the plaza look no further.
I stayed in La Terraza and it was preh-T sweet, my friend. The food is great, as is the hotel bar where live music or a buffet is usually present. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It's got the classic look and vibe of SF, and the suites are unique and comfortable. And the hot tub is awesome day or night - pretty cool view too. It's huge, so I'd bring company ;)
Overall, I give it my rare two make-believe finger guns a blazin': Pow! Pow! -
Review from Mike F.
9/30/2008
I've been staying in La Fonda my entire life. It is a hotel that is near and dear to my heart. The hotel is simply beautiful, smells wonderful, and is ever so comfortable. The hotel restaurant is great, especially for breakfast--try the buttermilk pancakes.
I do miss the old hot tub/cold plunge setup. I once sat in a hot tub with Diane Keaton at this hotel.
La Fonda defines Santa Fe for me--at least the place where I rest my head. -
Review from Myke R.
Glendale, AZ
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
We did not stay here. We just visited this hotel because it's a Harvey House and it was on our way from Phoenix to Denver. WOW! I was very impressed with how well they've kept this hotel. It has great history as a Harvey Hotel and Mary Colter helped design much of the interiors that are still in use. They hand painted window pains in the courtyard added a great feel. I'd like come back and stay here.
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Review from Terra and brian M.
Pasadena, CA
7/19/2011
we sat in the "corridor", which basically is a fancy name for hallway outside of the restaurant. but it was actually nice, so, kudos to the hostess who thought my boyfriends "i love beards" hat wasn't exactly dining room attire haha. the food was alright, everyone in new mexico seems to be keen on giving out this frybread and honey and theirs was to die for. the fajitas could have been better, but i had to experience fajitas in santa fe, usually im a cheese enchilada kinda girl.
our server seemed to be in some sort of permanent xanax haze, which was alright with us because she was super nice and didn't mind too much that we were acting like 12 year olds. the building itself old and obviously has a lot of history to it which always seems to fascinate me, so the food tasted just a tad bit better -
Review from Courtney S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/12/2008 3 photos
We stayed here on our last few nights in Santa Fe for a more romantic visit to Santa Fe. We had a hard time choosing between here and the Hacienda, but ultimately went for the proximity of La Fonda (it translates to "Inn") to the plaza and the authenticity of Old Santa Fe. A hotel has been on this site for the last 400 years! But this inn has been around since only 1922.
The rooms are well appointed with nice hand painted furniture (see pictures) and it's extremely well located in the center of town.
We were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary bottle of champagne from this hotel in honor of our anniversary! This is our third anniversary, we've traveled 2 other times to hotels that haven't done anything to commemorate our special day before, so we felt really honored!
The only real complaint I have with the hotel was the amount of noise we could hear from the rooms next to us and on the street. I think the age of the place doesn't lend itself to the sound-proofing that hotels have now. It really wasn't THAT loud, it was just louder than I was used to.
While staying here, or perhaps just visiting, hop on up to the beautiful Bell Tower Bar for a spectacular sunset! (see my other reviews)
I'd recommend La Fonda on the Plaza to those coming to, and exploring Santa Fe.Listed in: October Trip to New Mexico
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Review from Finkle H.
Pomona, CA
7/30/2011
The other reviews pretty much say it all for La Fonda so I won't waste anymore space.
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Review from Vicki C.
Reno, NV
7/1/2011
Stoped here for lunch after checking out Santa Fe. Didn't know where to go and didn't have time to research. Very plesent surprise. The food was very good. I am glad we didn't do the mexican buffet in the same hotel and decited on the restaurant instead.
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Review from Shari G.
Chappaqua, NY
9/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
Great location. Got upgraded immediately to a large deluxe room. Spacious clean and friendly staff. Nice pool/whirlpool after walking all afternoon.
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Review from Jerry F.
Minneapolis, MN
11/15/2011
Hotel room was comfortable but small with a view of the pool area. Dinner at restaurant was sufficient; however, the meat loaf was dry, tough and somewhat flavorless. The flan was cooked at too high temperature (bubbly). Service was great.
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Review from Honest I.
Los Angeles, CA
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Review from Trisha H.
Reno, NV
1/28/2011
Our last night visiting Santa Fe we decided to do one more round at the Plaza and had breakfast here at the La Fonda. A little pricey but our food was very good. Everyone in our party was pleased, we had great service and the inside of the Restaurant was very nice. This would be my 3rd time enjoying a meal here, and it has never let me down.
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Review from Stan T.
Springtown, TX
9/21/2011
In the 50s, 60s, this was the crown jewel of Santa Fe. Now, it's showing it's age a bit. I used to stay in the La Terraza rooftop section for the views and concierge service, but it's way over priced now. Lumpy couch and chairs, old furniture, dirty carpets, needs updating badly. There are better options in Santa Fe.
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Review from Mary V.
La Grange, IL
4/19/2011
I cannot think of a single negative thing about this hotel. The rooms are not fancy but so clean and fresh. Great linens, pillows and matress! The staff was very efficient and helpful. Other than driving to go hiking we walked everywhere, restaurants, galleries, chruches, museums. The lunch buffet was delicious. I had never had green chili stew before. YUMMMMM!
