We are so excited to be going back to Santa Fe again after many years - we will be there for three nights in January.

I have read good reports about Inn of the Governors and La Fonda on Trip Advisor, and both are offering specials for next month, so the price is more or less the same.

After reading the message boards here for ages I am still undecided as to which one I should go for. Both locations seem to be perfect, the breakfast at Inn of the Governors sounds great, but La Fonda seems to be a Santa Fe institution full of character and history....?

Can anyone please advise which is the best out of these two? Thanks so much for your input!

We stayed at the Inn of the Governors and loved it there. We could walk everywhere and as others have said the breakfast was wonderful.

What about parking? It is free at Inn of the Governors.

Inn of the Governors is a little bit of a walk to plaza, has outside halls and looks like a old school motel from outside. I have not been inside so I can't comment on interiors.

La Fonda's public areas can be very busy, but it may not be to crazy in January. It is almost on top of the plaza. I have not seen rooms, can't speak to that.

We stayed at the La Fonda last June. We love the old part of town. They have done alot of renovations in the hotel, but have definitely not lost the charm. The hotel restaurant is also very good! The La Fonda has free garage parking and the hotel is right off the old plaza. I would recommend The Shed for wonderful southwest food and Pasquale's Cafe (just a couple blocks away). If you go to Pasquale's, go on an off hour since it can be a long wait--but definitely worth it. If you want to purchase some Native American jewlery, get it at the old plaza--very good quality and much less expensive than the stores nearby; also can bargain for the price.

The Inn of The Anasazzi is the best hotel in SF. Enjoy.

The Inn of the Governors is only two blocks from the Plaza. The rooms are very nice and are certainly not "old school motel". Have been gong there for years and have been very satisfied. I have no desire to try anyplace else. At 4:00 every afternoon, the hotel offers complimentary tea and sherry. A nice addition to their excellent service. I doubt that their breakfast offering can be matched anywhere in Santa Fe.

My comment was that it looks like old school motel on the outside, with outside corridors and a parking lot between the wings of the building. I also said I didn't know what the rooms look like - glad you like it and it works for you. I was just offering some food for thought.

I stayed at Inn of the Governors this past September. The location is great, a short walk to the plaza and Canyon Road. The building I stayed in had interior corridors, that could only be accessed with a room key, along with a very nice "common" sitting area inside. My room was quiet and comfortable--it felt as though I had the place to myself though it was evident at the complimentary happy hour and breakfast that I did not. I had a lower level room with a kiva, comfy king bed, patio, small but very pretty bathroom. Next time, I would re-think ground level because I don't like to hear people above me and this was a minor issue for me. I would choose a second story, balcony room next time. Hope this helps, can't imagine going wrong with this choice!

Well, whatever hotel/motel you choose, staying in Santa Fe is great! If you get a chance, drive to Bandelier and walk in the beautiful forest. It may be a bit cold this time of year, but take some walking boots, hiking shoes. It is definitely worth the drive. Also, visit some of those beautiful art galleries. Have fun! Oh, you may also want to try Tomasina's Restaurant near the old railroad station; the Zia Cafe and even the Coyote Cafe---all great food, but a little bit away from the Plaza. The Shed is a block or two from the plaza.

We've stayed at both LF and IOTG (as well as others). Given the choice, I would always stay at La Fonda.

Stayed at the La Fonda years ago...as I remember, sorta 'dumpy' room--or quaint, if you prefer that word. Inn of the Governors is nicer..we were there again last summer and will go again.

I don't know if you have your heart set on one of those two hotels, but we really loved the Inn of the Anasazi if you want to take a peek at it. It's in a great location right on the Plaza and the Shed is close by.

Of the two I would stay at Inn of the Governors. Located just off of the main plaza and decor isn't as tired at La Fonda is. Maybe take a lunch or drink at La Fonda to enjoy the historic charm of the building.

AnnMarieC - I thought I remembered you staying at Inn on the Alameda but then I can't remember what I had for lunch last week!

OMG! That is absolutely hilarious. I don't which is more crazy--the fact I had the wrong hotel in mind or that I went to the website first to confirm. Another reason moving is a BAD idea! ;-) Thank you, BG, I needed a laugh!

oh my, BIG diff between Inn of the Governors and Inn on Alameda!

Booking (finally) at the Inn of the Governors...we were there last year, and I remember the heated pool was a great draw for the grandkids..also, as I remember, they serve sherry and cheese/crackers in the p.m. Nice way to meet folks..
Now all I need is a recommdation for a good jewelery store..anyone.

If you mean native american jewelry--Ortega's Jewelry. It's been in business for years. If you want really good jewelry at a good price; you can bargain, go to the plaza. The jewelry there is not junk--it has to be good quality for the indians to sell it.

I was surprised how nice the items for sale on the Plaza were. It's really competitive to get a spot. I bought something from a vendor, and he had won multiple art competitions, etc.

We are booked into the Inn of the Govs. after considering other places. The La Fonda was very disapointing...our room at least--small and funky. We opted for a delux king, after being in the mini suite last year. I am not sure the extra $$ were worth it, especially since we do not stay in our room much when we are in SF.

Thank you, everyone, for all your suggestions - I only just saw the responses from Jan. and Feb. now! I landed up booking for the Inn of the Governors (in December), and then yet another huge snow storm put paid to our plans and we couldn't get out of Boston for two days, so the trip has been rescheduled for the fall! Many thanks again.