LA POSADA HOTEL, WINSLOW
La Posada is a charming example of how Fred Harvey used storytelling through design to capture the hearts of travelers. Company designer Mary Colter spun local history to create fanciful narrative themes that directed design work. At La Posada, she envisioned a 1789 Spanish hacienda owned by generations of well-heeled noblemen. The resulting inn opened in 1930 with iron rejas (grilles) and medium-sloped tile roofs laid out in the rambling style of Mexican rancheros. The Spanish Colonial Revival style integrated organically into the natural and historic surroundings by incorporating human scale, natural textures and local materials. Call 928-289-4366 or visit laposada.org.
BRIGHT ANGEL LODGE, GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Fred Harvey had a unique arrangement with the Santa Fe Railroad. The railroad built Harvey Houses on its land grants while the hospitality company furnished and operated the eating and sleeping establishments. For the almost 100 years that Fred Harvey was in business, the partners danced a fluid waltz with one or the other taking the lead in the architectural design of various projects. Working with the national park to incorporate existing structures, the partners opened Bright Angel Lodge in 1935. Rustic elements including Y-shaped log poles that support roof beams, flagstone floors and huge nativerock fireplaces reflect the style known as “park-itecture,” which can be seen throughout the national park system. Of special note is the History Room’s “geological” fireplace, which Colter designed to represent the Grand Canyon’s rock stratum. Call 888-297-2757 or visit grandcanyonlodges.com.
FRAY MARCOS HOTEL AND DEPOT, WILLIAMS
Fray Marcos, now known as the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel, opened in 1908 on the southern terminus of the rail spur to the Grand Canyon. Architect Francis Wilson designed the typical Harvey House in Mission Revival style with a dining room, lunch counter and “Indian room” for selling Native arts. Wilson, a personal friend of the president of the Santa Fe Railway, also planned the log Grand Canyon Depot and El Garces Hotel in Needles, California. Today, additions made in 1995 that were designed to resemble the historic hotel obscure original and later Renaissance Revival features. Call 800-843-8724 or visit thetrain.com.
LA FONDA ON THE PLAZA, SANTA FE
In 1926, Fred Harvey took over this lovely hotel designed in the Spanish Pueblo style, which is known for thick walls and smooth lines punctuated by the exposed ends of log vigas. After the company sprinkled its magic with fresh interiors, expansive fireplaces and additions that nearly tripled capacity, La Fonda became known as the Grand Dame of Santa Fe. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation employed local artists and craftspeople to tie in New Mexico’s indigenous culture and landscape. The hotel’s museum-like attention to detail, including custom tile art and whimsically painted headboards, has preserved Fred Harvey’s knack for casual elegance. Docent-led tours based on the hotel’s deep and lively history happen Wednesday through Saturday mornings. Call 800-523-5002 or visit lafondasantafe.com.
THIS MONTH IN FLAGSTAFF
March 10: State Street Ballet’s The Jungle Book; Ardrey Auditorium, NAU; events.nau.edu
March 13: Lunar Legacy Lecture Series; Coconino Community College; flagstaffarizona.org/lunarlegacy
April 5: First Friday ArtWalk; flagartscouncil.org/artwalk
Stacey Wittig is an award-winning travel writer and author located in Flagstaff, Arizona. For more travel & world-wide adventures visit Stacey’s website at unstoppablestaceytravel.com.
