Uncover the Magic: La Fonda on the Plaza—Taos' Hidden Gem
Uncover the Magic: La Fonda on the Plaza - My Chaotic Confession (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, alright, here's the deal. I'm supposed to write a “detailed and insightful review” of La Fonda on the Plaza in Taos. Sounds…professional. But honestly? After my stay? Forget professional. This is a love letter wrapped in a slightly frazzled travel journal. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep.
First Impressions - Or, How I Almost Lost My Mind (In a Good Way)
Right off the bat, accessibility. They've nailed it. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Check. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a place that's thought about everyone. Kudos, La Fonda! (And yes, that includes the vital need for Wi-Fi in all rooms - FREE Wi-Fi! Bless you, La Fonda, bless you.) Speaking of, the internet and Internet services were… well, they worked! Let's just say I wasn't wrestling with dial-up from the dark ages. Definitely a plus for a neurotic workaholic like myself. And, y'know, they had Internet [LAN] too, for the old-schoolers.
But wow. The first thing that smacked me upside the head when I arrived (besides the thin air) was the charm. The place is soaked in history. It’s not some sterile chain hotel; it feels like a piece of Taos itself. Think adobe walls, a killer view of the mountains, and a vibe that says, "Relax, dammit."
The Room: My Own Little Adobe Fortress (and a Few Glitches)
My room? Glorious. Honestly, I spent half my trip just wandering around, gawping. The air conditioning was an absolute lifesaver in the desert heat. And the blackout curtains! Pure bliss for a sleep-deprived traveler. They had a desk, laptop workspace, desk, and a coffee/tea maker. (Speaking of, complimentary tea is a small but mighty joy in the morning). The bathroom was spacious, though the bathtub… well, let’s just say it screamed “vintage” in a way that made me question my own age. The slippers were a nice touch. And the safe box was great, although mine was a little tough to set up. (I might or might not have called the front desk three times. Oops.)
The bed was heavenly, with extra long bed and a mountain of pillows. And the view! Seriously, I spent hours just staring out the window that opens at the mountains. Pure, unadulterated zen. The hair dryer? Worked perfectly. And the bathrobes? Luxurious. I felt like a queen!
The Food: From Taco Fiesta to Gastronomic Galore (and My Mild Panic Attack)
Okay, food. This is where La Fonda really shines. The restaurants! There’s a ton! First, a confession: I’m a total sucker for a breakfast [buffet]. And theirs? It was epic. Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… it was a carb-lover's dream. They also offer breakfast service, breakfast takeaway service, and you can apparently get breakfast in room. (I’m still kicking myself for not trying that.)
The main restaurant? Delicious! I had a truly transcendent experience. A tender, perfectly cooked steak. The A la carte in restaurant options were abundant, the international cuisine in restaurant and western cuisine in restaurant were delectable and for the record the salad in restaurant wasn't what I expect, it was even better. The service was fantastic.
There's a coffee shop for a quick caffeine fix. A snack bar for those mid-afternoon cravings. And a poolside bar! Which brings me to…
The Pool: My Happy Place and a Near-Drowning Experience (Metaphorically Speaking)
The swimming pool [outdoor] and the pool with view? Utter perfection. I spent hours lounging by it, soaking up the sun and the stunning views. The whole setup is gorgeous, the poolside bar keeps the drinks flowing, and the atmosphere is pure relaxation fuel. I think I was actually happier by the pool than I’ve been in therapy. Seriously.
Things to Do & the Spa: From Bliss To… More Bliss
They clearly know how to relax you. There's a spa, a spa/sauna and some serious tempting massage options. They even offer Body scrub and Body wrap. I, however, opted for a massage, which was pure, unadulterated bliss. My therapist's name was Maria, and by the end of the session, I was pretty sure I’d achieved nirvana. My shoulders still ache, though…so may have to ask for another one. They also have a fitness center if you feel the guilt creeping in.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because 2024, Duh
Right, the serious stuff. They were on it. I mean, the room sanitization opt-out available, and even got a rooms sanitized between stays! There was hand sanitizer everywhere. They offer professional-grade sanitizing services. All the staff were super friendly, wearing masks but smiling with their eyes. I felt safe AND pampered. Staff trained in safety protocol.
Services and Conveniences: Because Life's Too Short To Stress
Let's talk service. Daily housekeeping? They do it well. The concierge was a lifesaver for booking tours. Laundry service? Thank the heavens. They even offered dry cleaning and the ironing service. The luggage storage was great for both before and after my stay. Cash withdrawal was a convenience and the currency exchange service was beneficial. The elevator and Facilities for disabled guests.
And Now, A Few Cracks in the Façade… (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
Okay, nobody's perfect. While the check-in/out [express] was super smooth, they could totally use a convenience store. (I mean, midnight snack options, people!) And finding the car park [free of charge] took a second.
For the Kids: (Because I’m a Big Kid At Heart)
Though I didn’t have them, they do offer babysitting service, which is a huge relief for any parents.
The Verdict: Book It. Now.
La Fonda on the Plaza isn’t just a hotel. It’s an experience. It’s a chance to unplug, to breathe, to soak up the magic of Taos. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the beauty of the mountains, in the warmth of the people, and in the deliciousness of the food.
Here's my messy, enthusiastic, slightly-obsessed pitch:
Tired of the same old vacation routine? Craving a dose of authentic New Mexico magic? Uncover the Magic: La Fonda on the Plaza is calling your name!
- Embrace the Charm: Step into a historically rich adobe haven, where every corner whispers tales of Taos.
- Unwind in Luxury: Spacious, well-appointed rooms with all of the conveniences
- Indulge Your Senses: From gourmet dining experiences to rejuvenating spa treatments, La Fonda spoils you at every turn.
- Relax and Recharge: Soak up the sun by the stunning pool view, or explore the artistic wonders of the Plaza.
- Experience True Hospitality: The staff at La Fonda will make you feel warmly welcomed, whether it's at the front desk or dining in their restaurant.
Book your escape today and immerse yourself in a world of relaxation, adventure, and pure Taos magic! Visit our website, or give us a call NOW to have the best experience ever!
P.S. Tell them the chaotic reviewer sent you! You might get a bonus cookie. (Or maybe that was just my experience…worth a shot, though!)
Schererville's BEST Kept Secret: Hometown Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to Taos, New Mexico, specifically to the legendary La Fonda de Taos. Forget your perfectly-organized, color-coded itineraries. This is going to be less "TripAdvisor Top 10" and more "confessions of a slightly-caffeinated traveler with a serious appreciation for chili."
Day 1: Arrival & The Mysterious Allure of the Adobe
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Albuquerque. Ugh, connecting flights are the absolute worst. Especially when the tiny plane smells vaguely of jet fuel and desperation. Grabbed a shuttle to Taos. The vast, dusty landscape is beautiful, but three hours in a van… well, let's just say I had to get creative with my hand sanitizer.
- 4:00 PM: ARRIVED! La Fonda. It’s… stunning. I mean, truly. The thick adobe walls, the heavy wooden doors, the scent of piñon burning… Okay, I might be in love already. This place oozes history. And, honestly? A bit of an eccentric aunt vibe. I mean that in the best way.
- 4:30 PM: Check-in. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, was trying. The reservation, however, wasn't for "Me." Apparently, I'm also "Mr. Bartholomew Worthington the Third" according to their system. Who knew? Fixed it, thankfully, and was handed a key. A real key! None of this plastic card nonsense. Instantly felt like I was about to unlock a hidden chamber.
- 5:00 PM: Room exploration – Double room overlooking the courtyard. Gorgeous! The fireplace already had a few logs laid out, practically begging me to set them on fire. And the view? Sigh. Taos Mountain is just… majestic. I plunked down on the bed, spent a solid ten minutes gazing out the window, thinking, "Okay, this is what it means to be on vacation."
- 6:00 PM: Drinks at the bar. La Fonda's bar smells amazing. Leather, wood, something vaguely spicy… They make a mean margarita. Okay, make that two. Found myself chatting with a local, a woman named Dolores, who regaled me with tales of the Taos artists' colony and how Georgia O'Keeffe used to just hang out there. Incredible.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant, Doc Martin's. Okay, the food was good, but the ambiance? Chef's kiss. Historic vibes and a killer wine list. And I swear, the ghosts of famous artists were probably judging my choice of the salmon.
- 9:30 PM: Back in the room. Curled up by the fireplace. Lit a match (!!!), and listened to the crackling fire. Read a book. Fell asleep halfway through a paragraph. Perfect. Total zen.
Day 2: Art, Chili, and a Near-Disaster with a Turquoise Ring
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to that delicious scent of piñon again. Coffee on the balcony. Life is good.
- 9:00 AM: Wandered around the Taos Plaza. Such a charming place. Got totally distracted by a group of artists setting up their paintings. Really, it's a free show, and it's fantastic. My wallet, however, may not agree.
- 10:00 AM: Taos Pueblo. HOLY COW. It's incredible. The oldest continuously inhabited community in the US. Absolutely breathtaking. Wandering around and absorbing the history… I felt a real connection there.
- 12:00 PM: The chili. Oh, the chili! Hit up The Gorge Bar & Grill. That first bite of green chili… oh my god. My taste buds did a happy dance. This chili is what dreams are made of. I ordered a second bowl. No regrets.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping. Found a gorgeous turquoise ring. Tried it on. PERFECT. Then, disaster almost struck. I nearly lost the ring in a local coffee shop. A frantic search, some grumbling from me, and finally, success. It was a bit embarrassing. But now I have the perfect souvenir AND a story.
- 4:00 PM: More art galleries. Honestly, it was a blur. Too much beauty to take in. Became completely overwhelmed.
- 6:00 PM: Back to La Fonda for a rest. Sat on the balcony and watched the sunset paint the mountains. Took a deep breath and just drank it all in.
- 7:30 PM: Doc Martin's once again. Tried something new on the menu. The conversation flowed. Feeling content.
Day 3: Ballooning, More Chili, and the Journey Home (Sigh)
- 5:00 AM: Up. Yikes. Balloon Ride. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?
- 6:00 AM: Balloon launch. Wow. Being up there, floating above the landscape as the sun came up… it blew me away. Quite literally. The wind was fierce. Definitely worth the early wake-up call.
- 8:00 AM: Post-balloon flight brunch at a little café I stumbled upon. Excellent.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. More chili. Seriously addicted.
- 1:00 PM: Checked out. The goodbyes to the staff were a little emotional. I've grown so attached.
- 1:30 PM: Shuttle to Albuquerque. The drive felt longer this time. The magic was fading.
- 4:00 PM: Flight home.
- 6:00 PM: Landed. Back to reality.
Final Thoughts:
Taos is magical. La Fonda is a gem. I'm slightly heartbroken to be leaving it all behind. I definitely ate too much chili. Absolutely worth it. I'll be back. Bartholomew Worthington the Third, you heard it here first.
Escape to Paradise: Santa Margherita Ligure's Luxurious Palace Hotel
Okay, spill. What's the actual deal with La Fonda on the Plaza? Worth the hype?
Alright, alright, let's get real. La Fonda… it *is* hyped. Big time. It's THE hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza, smack-dab in the middle of everything. And yes, it's worth it, with a gigantic asterisk. Look, if you're expecting pristine, cookie-cutter perfection, you're in the wrong place. This isn’t a soulless chain hotel. This is...well, let's just say it's got character. Maybe even a little *too* much character sometimes.
I went with my best friend, Sarah. We'd been planning this girls' trip for YEARS. The first thing that hit us was the lobby – that iconic smell of piñon wood, the massive fireplaces, the way the light filters in through those crazy high windows… it’s magical, I won't lie. We were immediately swept up in the atmosphere. We felt like we were in a movie!
The rooms? Again, character. Our room was… well, let’s say "cozy." Not enormous, but authentically furnished. The bathroom was tiny, but functional. And the view… OMFG, the view. We overlooked the Plaza, and just watching the world go by from our little balcony was pure gold. Definitely bring binoculars, though. You'll need them to people-watch effectively.
So, the location. Seriously, is it *that* good?
Look, I'm a city girl at heart. I thrive on walkable cities. La Fonda is pretty much as good as it gets. Right on the Plaza? Hello! You step outside, and you're IN it. Art galleries, shops, restaurants, the Palace of the Governors (a total must-see)…everything's at your doorstep. It's *dangerous*. You can spend a fortune without going further than a block.
We walked… *everywhere.* Didn’t use the car once. (Which, by the way, the parking situation at La Fonda is… well, let’s say you need to practice patience.) But the convenience? Unbeatable.
The downside? It can be noisy. Especially on weekends or during events. Expect to hear street performers at all hours (some good, some…less so). And the Plaza can get crowded, especially during peak season. But hey, that's part of the experience! Embrace the chaos.
What about the food? Heard anything good (or bad) about their restaurants?
Okay. This is where things get… complicated. La Fonda has a few restaurants. *The Shed*, right on the Plaza is good for simple, authentic New Mexican food. *The Bell Tower Bar* up on the roof is a must-do for the views, especially for a sunset cocktail.
Our first night, ravenous after a long drive, we ate at the *La Plazuela Restaurant.* The ambiance is stunning. Indoor courtyard, with a glass roof that lets you see stars at night. Romantic! We ordered the lobster enchiladas (fancy, I know). And then… the wait. Oh, the wait. It was LOOONG. We were starving, and the service? Let's just say it was a bit…chill.
When the enchiladas finally arrived? They were…okay. Not terrible, not amazing. For the price tag? A little disappointing. Sarah and I exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the fact that we'd both been expecting fireworks. I decided I still loved the ambiance more than the food.
The next day, we got takeout from a little place off the plaza. Ten times better!
I've heard about the decor. What's it *really* like? Is it authentic or cheesy?
"Authentic or cheesy?" Good question! It's... a blend. A glorious, sometimes overwhelming, blend. Think Southwestern meets… well, think a lot of things. Native American art, Spanish colonial design, a splash of Hollywood glamor from the hotel's heyday... It's maximalism at its finest, bordering on overwhelming.
The hotel is filled with art – paintings, sculptures, murals. Every corner is visually stimulating. The lobby is a total showstopper. The walls are covered in tiles. The furniture is beautiful. But it's a lot. Like, a *lot* to take in. You might need sunglasses indoors. And maybe a stiff drink.
I found it utterly charming. Sarah, bless her heart, found it a bit much. She kept muttering about "too many textures" and "visually busy". We had a good laugh about it. I will say, if you like minimalist design, this place will probably make you break out in hives.
Okay, be honest. Any major downsides? Anything I should be prepared for?
Alright, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Yes, there are downsides.
* **The Parking:** As mentioned earlier, it's a nightmare. Seriously. Factor in extra time and patience. Or, better yet, ditch the car altogether.
* **Service:** Can be inconsistent. Some staff are amazing, super helpful (and they're the ones that stick in your memory), some...less so. Be prepared for a wide range of experiences.
* **Noise:** As mentioned, it can get noisy, especially if you're on a lower floor or facing the Plaza. Bring earplugs, just in case.
* **The Price Tag:** It's not cheap. It's a luxury hotel, and the prices reflect that. Be prepared to open your wallet.
* The Elevator! The old elevators! It's a very specific thing, but if you are claustrophobic maybe don't take the elevator! It's like a tiny little box that takes forever to go up, and every time it creaks, you're certain it's going to stop forever. I was sure I was going to get stuck with my best friend, and she was laughing at me the whole time!
So, would you go back?
Absolutely. Even with the minor annoyances, the imperfect service, the sometimes-pricey food, and the elevator from Hell. La Fonda has a certain… *je ne sais quoi*. It's a vibe. It's history. It's a feast for the senses.
Would I recommend it? Definitely. But go in with your eyes open. Go expecting character, not perfect polish. Go ready to embrace the chaos and the charm. Go to drink a margarita on the Bell Tower and watch the sunset. Because, honestly, that alone is worth it. Maybe take the stairs to the rooftop bar, though.
