Jenny's View

Friends, 
 

Reopening our economy demands long hours and laborious efforts by local and state officials, and being part of the dialogue has been nothing short of inspirational.   

While the past few months have been filled with Zoom meetings and endless emails and phone calls, I’ve also found comfort exchanging recipes with old friends, getting outside to explore canyon rims on my mountain bike, and in the solitude of my backyard planting allium and daffodil bulbs – all to a playlist of my favorite performers.

Though it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to rock out to Bill Hearne, The Bus Tapes or Nacha Mendez—and so many other talented musicians that play La Fiesta Lounge—their collective spirits and creative rhythms keep me company daily.  There’s just something about Bill’s unwavering voice when he croons the lyrics to New Mexico Rain that transcends time and space.  Whenever I hear that song, I feel as if Bill is right here with me.  It’s certainly been quiet in the hotel without live performances and the energy of music resonating from the stage and into the lobby.

That’s why I’ve started a new tradition at La Fonda.  Every Friday since the onset of the COVID crisis our team has been compiling a song list to keep us in the groove—and have a little fun!  In fact, I’ve earned the nickname around the hotel as “DJ Jazzy Jenn,” and I’m afraid it will stick.  And, no, you won’t catch me spinning vinyl in our lounge anytime soon! 

We all know every good playlist begs one thing:  ROADTRIP!  Now more than ever is the time to consider your next adventure.  And it just might be the year to get your kicks on Route 66.  Make La Fonda your rest stop in Santa Fe, but don’t forget to visit some of the other notable properties that claim a piece of the historic journey, like the newly renovated Castañeda Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico or La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona.  We share a unique history as former Harvey Houses, which have no doubt endured crises in the past.  Each property is equipped with the historic grit and perspective to endure our current challenge while extending the signature hospitality and safety you expect.

At La Fonda you’ll find a well-prepared team, fully trained and equipped with the resources to promote the safety and well-being of our guests, team members and our community.  We’ve taken advantage of this pause to revamp our cleaning protocols and make enhancements to our employee training.  Our valet crew has scrubbed and sanitized every inch of our parking garage; the kitchen crew has deep cleaned all surfaces – including walk-in freezers and refrigerators, and even resurfaced the floors – they seriously sparkle!  Furnishings in La Plazuela have been sanded and repainted and the flagstone in the dining room has been scoured, polished and waxed.  Not to mention every single guest room and meeting room in the hotel are constantly detailed and sanitized by our amazing housekeepers.  These projects are possible now and have helped us bring many of our team back to work, and their flexibility in taking on new tasks has been remarkable.

With COVID-19 safety protocols and best practices in place, The Shops at La Fonda opened their doors for business a few weeks ago, and La Plazuela and our Bell Tower Rooftop Bar have officially opened!  And, to offer even more outdoor dining and distancing opportunities, we’re serving open-air drinks and lite fare on our expansive Terrace Garden Patio in the late afternoons and evenings.  The Terrace Patio features firepits and new, comfortable lounge chairs to enjoy cocktails and the breathtaking view of the Cathedral. 

I promise, there’s nothing better than touring the vast expanses of the Southwest to your own beat!  We’re here, waiting for you.

Safe travels!

Jenny

PS: Download our Spotify playlist!

View of the Sky from the Bell Tower Bar just after Sunset
A Close Up Of A Flower

                                                                                                                                              


A Sunset Over A Grass Field

Route 66 Package


Get your kicks off Route 66 and visit La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, where the original Route 66 ran from 1926 to 1937. Not wanting to forget our wonderful piece of history, we've put together a special for the road warrior in you that wants to get off the main highway and detour to Santa Fe.   

A Colorful Kite

Detours at La Fonda


Detours offers a variety of gifts for dad this Father's Day.  Pendleton blankets, hand-beaded belts, folk art guitars and leather bound notebooks are just a few of the great gift ideas we have in store...

A Close Up Of A Flower

THE SHOPS AT LA FONDA


Let's rally for small businesses!  It's the perfect time to explore online to find a Father's Day gift.


La Fonda and Santa Fe in the News

A Group Of Clouds In The Sky

FORBES
FOOD, WINE TRAVEL MAGAZINE
THE SANTA FE REPORTER