Jenny's View
Dear Friends,
Located on the historic Santa Fe Plaza, we have the perfect vantage to witness the colorful winter lights the City of Santa Fe displays each year. With such a glittering expression of gratitude for our residents and visitors alike, it’s no wonder The City Different has become a destination for winter travel and La Fonda the central hub for all things festive this season.
We’re about to embark on our 100th Anniversary Year, and the sense of enthusiasm surrounding our celebration is brimming throughout the hotel. Our gift shop, Detours at La Fonda, has a rich line of distinct products that reflect our colorful past, including commemorative ornaments for your tree. And if scent is the strongest tie to memory, you’ll never forget La Fonda after we launch our signature fragrance crafted by our friends at Los Poblanos in honor of our Diamond Jubilee! Stay tuned for the rollout of our unique candles and soaps.
In April last year we lost our dear friend and La Fonda family member, Gil Mesa. During the holidays, especially, we remember his festive cheer and the special traditions he carried forward at the hotel, including the creation of gorgeous ice carvings and our annual gingerbread hotel. Gil always spearheaded our gingerbread display with the spirit of a master craftsman and the heart of a true artist. In his honor, Chef Lane Warner, along with our talented culinary team, will continue the tradition. Stop by our lobby after December 15th to see our extravagant gingerbread hotel and pay tribute to the kind, gracious and generous, Gil, who is dearly missed.
La Fonda’s 100-year spirit of hospitality extends far beyond our walls and corridors. It’s a characteristic present in the people we hire, in our devoted guests that return year after year, and in the vendors and partners whose relationships we value.
At the hotel, Mary Nuanez, in particular, stands out as a beacon of warmth and generosity. Hired as a housekeeper in 1978, she was quickly recognized as a compassionate leader and promoted to a supervisor role, and soon thereafter elevated to Director of Housekeeping, a position she’s spearheaded with class and integrity for over forty-three years. Yes – you read that right. Forty-three years!
That’s why, it is with equal parts sadness and joy that I announce Mary’s recent retirement from the hotel. It’s been less than a month, and I already miss her contagious compassion and relentless attention to detail. I know her children and grandchildren are loving being closer to the receiving end of her energy as she has more time to be present and focus her attention on them.
You’d be hard-pressed to find another member of La Fonda’s family that has such a deep-rooted connection to our historic property. In fact, Mary’s aunt worked here as a Harvey Girl! For Mary, the hotel holds a special meaning, being the place where she met her husband, John Nuanez (our Engineering Director for over 42 years). According to John, it took two years for Mary to even consider his constant invitations for post-shift milkshakes at The Five and Dime (Woolworth’s back then), but thanks to the persistence of his courtship, Mary finally fell for his quiet demeanor and charm. They married in 1983 and together have enjoyed successful careers with us. I’m sure glad we got to witness those lovebirds at the hotel for so many years! Please join me in wishing Mary a well-earned and happy retirement!
Remember, no matter where you are, please support the mom-and-pop establishments, like La Fonda, still privately owned by families, that are the lifeblood of local economies the world over. And of course, spread the joy of the season by supporting the local Shops at La Fonda!
May your holidays be merry and bright!
Jenny
P.S. Plan your holiday shopping at Detours. Check out our holiday gift guide here!
