Branding La Fonda on the Plaza (Strategy)

Listen to our featured Ask Those Branding Guys™ radio show podcast: La Fonda on the Plaza

Hello, I’m Jim Glover, That Branding Guy, for Once a Day Marketing™. On our radio show Ask Those Branding Guys™, we discussed branding and marketing of a historic Santa Fe hotel.

Joining us on the show were Jenny Kimball, Owner/CEO and Jayne Weiske, Director of Marketing for the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel.  La Fonda has been operating for 93 years and is the oldest hotel site in the country.  The name, La Fonda on the Plaza, specifies the unique differentiator of the hotel, which is the only resort located on the plaza in Santa Fe.

Kimball works to keep the brand updated in response to changing customer needs and ensure it is relevant for the younger market and, at the same time, keeping in mind the impact for long time customers who may not want anything to change.

La Fonda has a rich history.  Its architecture is authentic and all artwork is original.  Kimball uses photos for marketing material which beautifully and accurately depict the hotel to set accurate expectations with customers.

Weiske shared that a big part of the La Fonda on the Plaza brand is the experience they provide to visitors.  To achieve this, their focus is on anticipating guest needs. They reach out to reservation holders prior to arrival and ensure anything guests require is in the room when they arrive to make the experience special.  La Fonda management also recognizes that a friendly, knowledgeable and attentive staff is critical to deliver a wonderful La Fonda experience.

Kimball & Weiske offered tips to brands that are starting out.  First, to ensure a high level of service by the staff, foster an environment where employees are happy and empowered to resolve customer issues.  They also shared that it is vital to listen to your customer.

Enjoy the show.

Once a Day Marketing™ positions brands to become #1 in the minds of target customers. Visit our website at www.onceadaymarketing.com. Contact James Glover at (505) 501-1330 or email glover@onceadaymarketing.com. Listen to Ask Those Branding Guys™ every Monday at 11:00am (MT) streaming live on SantaFe.com KVSF 101.5 FM.

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