We are planning a getaway to Santa Fe this February, for 6 women.
We want to be at or nearest the Plaza, in an authentic, historic Southwestern resort/hotel.

We are considering La Fonda
https://www.lafondasantafe.com

or La Posada de Santa Fe
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/tribut...4035&SWAQ=958P

They look similar, but I'm leaning toward La Fonda, because I think it's right at the Plaza square.
La Posada looks awesome, but it might be almost a mile from the Plaza.
The hotels are similarly priced, although La Posada charges a resort fee.

Does anyone have direct experience with one or the other?

Is there another one of that stature that we should consider?

Thank you, Fodorites!

The two hotels you are considering are only about .4 (4 tenths) of a mile from each other.

La Fonda is across the street from the Plaza while La Posada is about 5 blocks from the Plaza - not really much of a difference(but you may feel otherwise..

Not sure what you mean by "another one of stature" but check out Inn of the Anasazi - 1 block from the Plaza - it's one of the best hotels in Santa Fe.

We stayed at La Fonda about 30 yrs ago and found it to be very comfortable and liked being on the Plaza. We didn't like all the tours buses there and in Santa Fe in general.

Hotel Santa Fe in addition to the La Fonda and La Posada.

It is Native American owned and quite lovely. They are a bit further from Plaza but they offer free transport to plaza in a London black taxi!

Even if you don't stay there, go to see Ronald Roybal play flute. He is amazing. The lounge has the best prickly pear margaritas.

http://www.ronaldroybal.com/performa...otel_santa_fe/

Stayed at La Fonda a few years ago. I think it is authentically old and has a great feel to it. WiFi was a little spotty in our room but your experience may vary. At the time there were 3 restaurants in or adjacent to the hotel: A fancier one in the middle, maybe a bar type restaurant that sometimes had a lunch buffet, and then a bakery/breakfast/coffee place adjacent. Of course, eating in SF is never a problem! Location is great and would likely stay there again.

Thank you, Roams, Bedar, Deb and Bitter!

I'll look at the Anasazi. And, I love the idea of a native American-owned hotel, so will also look at Hotel Santa Fe.

I hear ya about tourist buses, and hope they won't be an issue in February.

Just caught a great price on hotels.com for La Fonda, which I was favoring.

I got $170/night for a traditional king, or same price for two doubles. Payable in advance, but fully refundable, with 2 hour later checkout.

Yay. Got a plan. That can be cancelled
My five friends need to confirm dates.

Check out the Old Santa Fe Inn. It's only a few blocks from the plaza and has parking right in front of your room. The breakfast, which is included with the room, is amazing!

Thanks, wave. That Inn looks nice for another visit. This time, I think the 'girls' want to splurge and be pampered a bit! I think we've all reserved La Fonda, at that great rate now.

I forgot to come back and report on our stay at the La Fonda. We loved it. It is a virtual art museum in its own right. Be sure to take the complimentary tour of the hotel, to learn of its history and art. We ate breakfast in the hotel's lovely restaurant, and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, food (moderately priced) and service. Our room prices were extremely affordable. I paid just $139/night for a standard king with a balcony. Highly recommend this hotel!