The Shared Spirit of Hospitality
Dear Friends,
La Fonda and Los Poblanos reflect the influence of the Pueblo Revival style spearheaded by the iconic architect, John Gaw Meem – a style that defines the region’s visual identity. Thick, rounded adobe walls, flat roofs with wooden vigas, structures with rounded corners and soft edges, and earth-tone colors that draw inspiration from the natural landscapes are part of his signature style.
Recently, our management team had the pleasure of spending a day at Los Poblanos, exploring green houses and lavender fields, examining the Meem influenced historic architecture and enhancing our understanding of the property’s unique similarities with La Fonda. Celebrating and learning with our talented crew is an annual tradition that helps us foster deeper ties to the region, New Mexico culture and each other.
We finished the day with a delicious lunch and a brief lecture by my dear friends, Matthew Rembe, Executive Director of the property, and his mother, Penny, who developed the signature lavender salve that truly put the property on the map. They told our crew some hilarious, never heard before stories about raising kids around La Fonda and Los Poblanos! Penny, along with her husband, Armin brought up their children at the farm and had a long-term vision for the gorgeous property located just west of the Rio Grande; they knew when the property neighboring their family land went up for sale, the best and only thing to do was to secure the purchase and open a hospitality-focused venue, committed to sustainability, preservation and respect for the agricultural and cultural traditions– many of the same philosophies we carry forward at La Fonda.
While John Gaw Meem is a bridge between these two historic New Mexico based properties, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, lead architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company, connects us to the broader Southwest. Known for her distinct influences at various Harvey Houses, Colter was a mainstay architect and designer for properties in Arizona: Desert View Watch Tower at the Grand Canyon, and La Posada in Winslow.
Beginning next month, you’re invited to attend a series of lectures and tours that pay tribute to an era past, with special Fred Harvey and Mary Colter focused events at the Heard Museum in Phoenix (where you can hear Harvey family members, Allan Affeldt, Stephen Fried and me discussing Fred Harvey historic hotels), the Grand Canyon and La Posada hotel in Winslow. Join us in celebrating Frediversary 2026, a series of events honoring Fred Harvey’s enduring legacy across Arizona and New Mexico. From Phoenix to the Grand Canyon to Winslow this summer—and of course in Santa Fe this November—we’re bringing together history, storytelling, and community in unforgettable settings. Learn more about the special programming or purchase tickets here.
To gear up for this amazing excursion into the Southwest, I invite you to read this captivating story of Trisha Cole, who, together with her best friend, ventured from Union Station in Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Arizona with detours to the Grand Canyon and La Posada in Winslow, then onward to Harvey hubs in New Mexico, ultimately, arriving to La Fonda. The photos alone will inspire your next Harvey adventure – from tile floors patterned in the fashion of Navajo rugs, to Moorish arches and stone domed fireplaces, to the Desert View Watchtower, ornately constructed with stones in 1932 and a restored classic 1929 Cadillac “Harvey Cars” available for tours at the Grand Canyon. Need I say more? I hope to see you at the Grand Canyon!
Here’s to long standing friends, shared experiences and Harvey adventures!
Jenny
Jenny Kimball
Ambassador and Board Chair Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza
BEST OF SANTA FE
Voting is officially open for the Santa Fe Reporter’s Best of Santa Fe!
Thanks to your incredible support, La Fonda on the Plaza has been nominated in multiple categories. Voting is open now through April 13, with winners announced on May 27. You can vote once per day, so let’s rally together! Help us secure our #1 Lodging position and show some love for our outstanding outlets and our sister property, Piñon Court by La Fonda.
Cast your vote for La Fonda in the following categories:
Arts & Entertainment
Best Hotel Bar: La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda
Business Services
Best Lodging: La Fonda on the Plaza
Best Lodging: Piñon Court by La Fonda
Health & Personal
The Spa at La Fonda
Local Shopping
Best Gift Shop: Detours at La Fonda on the Plaza
DETOURS AT LA FONDA
From HF Coors dinnerware, to Sandy Vaillancourt originals and prints, the Shop has an eclectic mix of hand crafted goods. Explore!
PIÑON COURT BY LA FONDA
Join us on the patio at Piñon Court for a special menu showcasing fresh flavors, thoughtful ingredients, and the warm hospitality that defines Piñon Court. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, savor a delicious meal, and experience one of Santa Fe’s favorite dining traditions. Don’t miss Happy Hour, 4-6pm daily.
CYNDE ROOF FINE ART
Spring is in the air! Stop by the gallery to see the newest pieces at Cynde Roof Fine Art. 105 Old Santa Trail.
Cynde Roof
105 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-365-2758
GEMSONG GALLERY
PRESEASON SALE!
Gemsong has never had a special, preseason sale before. Take advantage of this rare opportunity!
Entire Month of April
20% off Jewelry*
At Gemsong’s La Fonda Gallery
“Where History & Inspiration Meet!”
*Some exceptions apply
Discover Santa Fe’s largest collection of turquoise at Gemsong Gallery, next to Detours at La Fonda.
Learn about the history of turquoise through Gemsong’s “Turquoise 101 Tour” guided by Peter Vajda, an industry icon and a unique resource in Santa Fe, who:
- Led the jewelry and gemstone trades for over six decades
- Operated on every level of trade from mining to retail
- Is a world recognized expert in colored gems, has lectured widely and advised gemstone laboratories around the globe
- Wrote definitions concerning the proper disclosure and sales of turquoise and other gems, definitions related to authentic Native American jewelry and other Native American Arts and Crafts for both state and federal laws (testifying before the US Congress twice)
- Was intermittently the largest international turquoise dealer during his career (acquiring over 10 billion carats of turquoise from virtually every iconic turquoise mine in the world)
- Specializes in collectable American Turquoise and Native American Jewelry
- Served as a board member for the New Mexico Better Business Bureau and a member of Ethical Trade Organization
- Featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal
To book a tour, inquire at the gallery or call:
505.819.7227 or 505.988.5536
EXPLORE THE SHOPS