La Fonda On the PlazavsEl Rey Court
Both hotels are recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, La Fonda on the Plaza is preferred by most writers compared to El Rey Court. La Fonda on the Plaza ranks #3 in Santa Fe with accolades from 12 publications like Forbes Travel Guide, Fodor's and DK Eyewitness.
La Fonda On the Plaza Show All Reviews
100 E San Francisco St., Santa Fe, NM 87501
From $182/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Fodor's
"Some suites have fireplaces; the rooftop suites are the most luxurious and include Continental breakfast and private concierge services." Full review
Frommer's
"Whether you stay in this hotel or not, it's worth strolling through just to get a sense of how Santa Fe once was -- and in some ways still is." Full review
Jetsetter
"Newly renovated New Mexico–style digs with a bell tower bar, an award-winning restaurant and 92 years of history." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"The rooftop Bell Tower Bar is the place for sunset cocktails with a view of the Jemez Mountains." Full review
Rough Guide
Star
"Built in 1920 to replace the century-old original, it features hand-painted murals and stained glass throughout, and plenty of nooks and crannies where you sit and soak up the atmosphere."
Gayot
"Dates to 1922 but looks even older, with its stately Pueblo Revival architecture and snazzy tiled lobby decked with fine antiques and art... Rooms continue the theme with handcrafted wooden furniture."
DK Eyewitness
"Artworks are everywhere: the guest-room headboards, the blanket boxes, and even the light switches have been painted by the hotel's resident artist."
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"Staff artist Ernest Martinez has been painting thousands of windows and other fixtures since 1954, giving La Fonda its unique folk-art character." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"Amenities include a year-round outdoor pool, full-service spa, boutique shops, and fine-dining restaurant... all of the top local attractions are within walking distance." Full review
Afar Magazine
"Yes, it's big and bustling but this classic pueblo-style landmark (it opened in 1922) is a perfect place to rest your weary head." Full review
i
For the full Santa Fe experience, request a room with a cozy fireplace or balcony.
El Rey Court Show All Reviews
1862 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
From $110/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
Fodor's
"The kind of place where Lucy and Ricky might have stayed during one of their cross-country adventures, the El Rey was built in 1936 but has been brought gracefully into the 21st century." Full review
Frommer's
"Staying at "The King" makes you feel like you're traveling the old Rte. 66 through the Southwest." Full review
i
Be sure to request a room as far back as possible from Cerrillos Road.
Travel + Leisure
"A decidedly offbeat five-acre compound comprising 86 rooms in every imaginable configuration and style." Full review
Rough Guide
Star
"This white-painted adobe compound, here since the 1930s, offers the most character and best value of the Cerrillos Road motels."
i
Ask for a room away from the road.
Michelin Guide
"Built in the 1930s, renovated and well maintained, the motel boasts a Southwestern decor of hand-painted tiles and hand-crafted furnishings."
Gayot
"The El Rey has been a fixture on Cerrillos Road since the 1930s, when fabled Route 66 ran through Santa Fe. The five-acre mini-resort remains one of the city's most appealing vintage properties."
DK Eyewitness
"With a gracious lobby in a white adobe-style building, the El Rey is a mini oasis in Santa Fe."
Travel + Leisure
"What began as a humble 12-room motor court in 1936 (back when Route 66 ran past it) has grown into a decidedly offbeat five-acre compound comprising 86 rooms in every imaginable configuration and style" Full review
i
Tip: Book a room toward the back of the property to avoid the aural and visual traffic along tatty Cerrillos Road.
Condé Nast Traveler
"A next-gen Route 66 motel that’s full of character and mezcal—and just as popular with locals as out-of-towners." Full review
i
) The great thing about a roadside motel is you can just pull up to your room—you only need to go to the lobby or interact with anyone if you choose to, apart from at check-in.
Frommer's
"This enchanting, historic adobe property, which opened on the Original Route 66 in 1936, is pure Santa Fe, or as the management says, "Dennis Hopper meets Georgia O'Keeffe." Full review
i
No two rooms are alike—fun for repeat visitors—and you’ll want to request a room back from busy Cerrillos Road.