The landmark La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico, will be inducted this month into the 2025 New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame.
The New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner will start at 6 p.m. on May 21 as part of the Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism, presented by New Mexico True.
This is what the New Mexico Hospitality Association wrote about La Fonda:
A cherished landmark in the heart of Santa Fe, La Fonda on the Plaza stands as one of the most enduring symbols of hospitality in the Southwest. The site where La Fonda stands has been associated with hospitality for centuries, with city records indicating that an inn operated on or near this location as early as the early 1600s — a legacy that positions La Fonda as one of the most historically significant hotel sites in the country.
While the current structure was built in 1922, La Fonda’s role in shaping New Mexico tourism spans generations. As a former Fred Harvey Hotel, it helped usher in a golden era of Southwestern travel, offering curated experiences that introduced guests to Native American and Hispanic cultures. Its Pueblo Revival architecture, handcrafted furnishings, and hundreds of hand-painted windows celebrate the spirit of Santa Fe, making the hotel both a place to stay and a living museum of regional artistry.
Today, La Fonda’s legacy of hospitality continues to thrive under the care of its current ownership group, who have thoughtfully preserved its historic character while continuously elevating the guest experience. Their stewardship has ensured La Fonda remains a vital part of Santa Fe’s cultural and community life by supporting local artists, hosting civic and cultural events, and providing a uniquely New Mexican experience to generations of visitors.
La Fonda marked its official centennial a few years ago, though records indicate a lodging establishment was on the site as far back as 1607, bolstering its claim as “the oldest hotel corner in America.”
La Fonda sits less than a block from the 1926-1937 alignment of Route 66 that runs into downtown Santa Fe.
(Courtesy image of La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico)