With green initiatives popping up left and right in the travel and hospitality industry, it’s about time someone was named a winner. The historic La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, N.M., has been honored Green Business of the Year by the city’s Chamber of Commerce during the annual Business Awards.
Of the 80 local businesses nominated across six different categories in 2018, the program honors outstanding businesses in the area. Through historical preservation practices, community outreach and environmentally focused efforts, the Chamber of Commerce seeks to better the city through spotlighting positive business practices.
By showing dedication to sustainable operations and economic preservation, La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel showcases what Santa Fe’s Chamber of Commerce considers the most active in green initiatives and sustainable practices.
Bedroom at La Fonda © Chicagoraccoon | Dreamstime.com
After years of implementing green initiatives and working to become more environmentally friendly, La Fonda was awarded the Hospitality Green honor in 2016. Over the years, the hotel’s improvements include recycling cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, paper and implementing water-saving techniques. Guests’ towels are changed only upon request, linens are changed on the third day of a guest’s stay and low-flow showerheads and toilets are installed.
Concierge desks reduced paper waste by relying on email more than printed documents, as well as recycling computer equipment and office supplies.
The hotel restaurant, La Plazuela, also uses washable cloth napkins, towels and tableclothes as well as eco-friendly food containers for takeout and food prep. Also upon request, guests use cornstarch-based straws that are biodegradable, rather than plastic.
The hotel as a whole reduced energy with eco-friendly light bulbs; non-toxic, soy-based printing inks; low-VOC paints; and environmentally friendly cleaning products. Families with sensitivity to harsh cleaning products and chemicals can breath a bit easier at La Fonda.
In addition to the many improvements to business practices over the years, La Fonda is also an active participant in Clean the World practices, having recycled more than half a ton of soap bars to date.
After opening in 1922, La Fonda on the Plaza is the only hotel on the famous Santa Fe Trail and offers a unique, historic take on the city. As one of the oldest hotels in America, reports state an inn resided in La Fonda’s location in the 1600s. Any one of the 180 guestrooms and 15 suites boast family-friendly accommodations for a quirky city stay. Take in the views from the rooftop terrace at the Bell Tower bar, open through October, or head out on the town for street-side dining.
Located near the many attractions of this artsy town and off the main drag, La Fonda offers a fun, sustainable and authentic dip into local culture for your family.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Travel Tips
Sep 16, 2026On Location: Experience The Real-Life Settings of Your Favorite Films and TV Shows
Set-jetting is more than just a cute play on words. It’s a travel concept that lets you visit the real-life settings of some of your favorite movies and television shows. At one time you had to go someplace like Universal Studios in Hollywood to visit your favorite movie and television show sets. While you can still take studio tours (the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is the place to go if you are a diehard fan of the Harry Potter franchise), these days there are filming locations all over the world, and the tourism industry makes visiting them in person as easy as buying a plane ticket.
Oceania
Sep 16, 2026InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort Announces 2026 Festive Program
Ring in the holidays in paradise with InterContinental Maldives Maamunagu Resort’s most immersive festive programming yet. Inspired by the surrounding Indian Ocean, these events are themed 12 Pearls of the Ocean, an elegant journey inviting guests to discover a new treasure each day. From Dec. 20, 2026 to Jan. 7, 2027, the 12-day celebration transforms the resort into a stage for live music, Champagne parties, family adventures, wellness rituals and culinary delights.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Cruising
Sep 15, 2026Young Explorers Experience the Arctic with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers something for every traveler, even the youngest ones with its Young Explorers program. Rather than traditional lessons, the program encourages children to explore, ask questions and make their own discoveries. For example, on voyages to destinations like Iceland, Svalbard and Greenland, young guests experience the Arctic through Zodiac rides, shore excursions, wildlife encounters and hands-on learning. Experienced expedition experts, including glaciologist Benjamin Schröter, accompany Young Explorers and help brings subjects, such as oceans, glaciers and polar ecosystems, to life.
ShareThis