Ernesto Montaño Area Director of Sales at La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe - NM, USA
La Fonda Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Ernesto Montaño as area director of sales at La Fonda on the Plaza, the iconic hotel that sits on the historic city center in downtown Santa Fe, and Piñon Court, the historic and charming 58-room boutique court hotel situated near the city's historic Railyard District. Montano's addition to the team comes as La Fonda's longtime director of sales, Ed Pulsifer, transitions into the role of senior sales manager and hotel historian.
In his role as area director of sales, Montaño will lead La Fonda and Piñon Court's strategies and team performance to drive occupancy, event bookings and total revenue growth. Key priorities include expanding La Fonda's reputation as Santa Fe's premier experiential group and event venue, cultivating unique offerings that highlight each property's rich history, and bolstering relationships with the local community and corporate partners. Known for strengthening community and building robust corporate partnerships, Montaño has a strategic vision for continuing La Fonda's legacy as Santa Fe's preeminent boutique hotel.
A seasoned hospitality and business leader with more than 20 years of experience, Montaño is a Santa Fe native who has built a distinguished career working with leading brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Isleta and OYO Hotels, where he spearheaded sales growth, managed large-scale operations and launched major brand initiatives. Montaño has been widely recognized with multiple prestigious industry honors, reflecting his exceptional leadership, strategic expertise, and passion for excellence in hospitality and business development.
A dynamic and visionary leader, Montaño will collaborate closely with Director of Food and Beverage Albert Bilotti and Director of Marketing Britta Andersson to deliver an exceptional, well-rounded guest experience rooted in local flavor and tradition. His focus areas include elevating the La Fonda and Piñon Court's positions as one-of-a-kind destinations for meetings and events, expanding experiential offerings for groups, and celebrating the La Fonda's extraordinary legacy through authentic community partnerships.
La Fonda's historic property boasts 180-guestrooms and suites as well as seven venues for meetings and events and multiple dining outlets including La Plazuela, La Fiesta Lounge and The Bell Tower Rooftop Bar. Conveniently nestled on the Santa Fe Plaza, La Fonda on the Plaza enjoys a strong history at the heart of the city's social scene. Throughout the years, La Fonda's meeting spaces have played host to a myriad of events, helping countless guests to enjoy unforgettable Santa Fe business functions, and celebrations.
Renovated by La Fonda Hospitality Group in 2024, Piñon Court's 58-room boutique property offers 4,000 total sq. ft. of event space indoors and on the outdoor social patio. In partnership with sister property La Fonda on the Plaza, Piñon Court offers versatile small group and meeting options that cater to a variety of needs, whether it's a business function, wedding celebration or social gathering.
For more information, visit lafondasantafe.com.
More appointments at La Fonda on the Plaza