Jenny's View
Dear Friends,
The Bell Tower at La Fonda was part of renowned architect, John Gaw Meem’s first project at the hotel. Inspired by the bell tower at Acoma Pueblo’s San Esteban del Rey Church, the endeavor allowed Meem to demonstrate the influence of his extensive volunteer work restoring Spanish mission churches throughout the southwest. Commissioned by the Fred Harvey Company in 1928 to expand the hotel in response to increasing demand for comfortable accommodations and authentic cuisine, the iconic addition, along with 105 new guest rooms was added. The project was ambitious, and together with La Fonda’s distinctive in-house designer and architect, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, Meem created one of the City Different’s most iconic rooftop destinations.
Our creative culinary and beverage crew at the Bell Tower fully understands the popularity of our rooftop gem. Each spring and summer our team welcomes an endless stream of visitors to our 5th floor perch to enjoy open-air drinks with family and friends. Offering a laid back vibe, it’s the perfect place to take in the magic of the southwest.
It’s been so refreshing to welcome folks back to town as things shift toward normalcy. With the new recommendations issued by the New Mexico Department of Health regarding the use of face coverings and the increased distribution of the vaccine, we’re finally able to breathe a sigh a relief and move forward with events long postponed.
Our Director of Weddings, David Stone joined us right when the pandemic hit. Needless to say, most of his time last year was spent rebooking rehearsal dinners, tastings and ceremonies to ensure those special events could take place in a celebratory fashion. Visionary and collaborative, David has a knack for anticipating needs and a reputation for creating seamless events that showcase the best of our creative city — even during a crisis. His ability to maintain composure, empathy and a positive attitude kept eager brides-to-be at ease and afforded grooms the confidence that things will fall into place.
And though he’s been working toward what must have felt like a constantly shifting goalpost, it seems we’ve finally touched down — bring on the wedding bells and the mariachis! We are deeply honored that so many couples choose La Fonda to celebrate their union and lifelong journey. And with David’s attentiveness and expertise, I’m confident the celebrations slated for this summer will be extraordinary!
Throughout the hotel our team members are back in action and it truly feels like a family reunion. I so missed the friendly banter and inside jokes of our staff, the laugher brimming from the employee cafeteria and the choreographed motion of our busy La Plazuela kitchen line preparing culinary masterworks. Chef Lane is all smiles at the sight of his busy team and our Director of Housekeeping, Mary Nuanez is filled with relief as she welcomes back her fleet of the most dedicated and detail-oriented room attendants in the state. Each department at the hotel maintains a steadfast commitment to adhering to COVID safe practices. We are NM Safe Certified and will always put guest and employee safety first, especially as travel becomes more popular.
As travelers, it matters where we spend our money. When you make your way back to Santa Fe, be sure to frequent your favorite mom & pop establishments, explore the Shops at La Fonda and plan to safely attend our world famous summer markets that support local artisans.
I know this summer I will travel with more intention and frequent locally owned hotels and businesses with a renewed sense of appreciation for what they mean to our communities. Remember, it’s the unique, intimate experiences and conversations we have with shopkeepers, bartenders, local residents and fellow travelers that make each journey worth taking.
Safe travels, my friends!
Jenny
