Taos! (Santa Fe, Columbus, Taos Pueblo: luxury, budget, hotels)

[veggggies]

My husband's parents will be coming out in October. It's one of those bitter sweet visits. My mother-in-law has cancer and is doing chemo. They will be (hopefully) coming out in October for a few weeks. We'd like to take them to Taos for a long weekend (over Columbus Day would be ideal). I'd love something really authentic that doesn't break the bank. Does anyone have suggestions of a place to stay?

Thanks!

[kensgirl]

There are plenty of places to stay along the main road in Taos, and something for every budget. I've never had to stay in any of the hotels, but friends have stayed at the El Pueblo Lodge, near the Taos Pueblo,and enjoyed it. It's also within walking distance of Taos Plaza and shops and restaurants on Paseo Del Pueblo Norte. I'm sorry for your family's circumstances, but the fall is a great time to visit. Just the ride up is beautiful, especially as you go through the gorge.

[Idunn]

The San Geronimo Lodge
Taos Bed and Breakfast, Taos Lodging, San Geronimo Lodge
has an authentic feeling. It lies on the east side of town near the mountains in a fairly quiet location. It is surrounded by somewhat rural residences. I liked the ambience. It could be a good place for a family gathering. Few places in Taos, NM are really economical, and this more than some others, but not extravagant. You might feel the price well worth it.

The Don Fernando de Taos Hotel
Don Fernando de Taos Hotel & Suites in Taos, New Mexico
is an old authentic hotel directly on Taos Plaza. To be centrally located you couldn't do much better. I believe there is dedicated parking behind the hotel, otherwise it could be a slight challenge. I haven't seen any of the rooms; the lobby is nice enough, although not nearly as private or intimate as that of the San Geronimo Lodge. Not sure about room rates either, although suspecting it may fall within your budget.

The El Monte Sagrado
New Mexico Resorts: El Monte Sagrado Taos NM Santa Fe area luxury hotels spas conferences centers suites romantic family vacations getaways packages weddings meetings planning
is a relatively new and beautiful hotel located on Kit Carson Road, a fairly short walk from the Plaza. It has large, nicely landscaped grounds. The San Geronimo Lodge may not usually serve meals; I'm not sure. There is a restaurant within the Don Fernando de Taos Hotel, with others within a close walk. There is nice restaurant and bar within the El Monte Sagrado. Even if you elect not to stay there it would still be worth visiting. The room rates may be more than you wish to spend.

The Fechin Inn
The Fechin Inn - a Taos Hotel in NM - Bed and Breakfast
is a lovely newer low rise hotel with nice grounds and a pleasant ambience. It has a lovely lobby and nice modern rooms. This hotel is built behind the old residence of artist Nicoli Fechin. As such it is well separated the main street of Paseo del Pueblo Norte. It would be a fairly short walk to the Plaza. Not sure about dinner, but they serve a good breakfast. Not inexpensive, but you may find the room rates within your budget. Even if newer it has a nice New Mexico ambience.

There are also any number of Bed & Breakfast lodging options in the area which run the gamut.

The Bavarian Lodge and Restaurant
The Bavarian - Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
is located several miles outside of Taos in the mountains, slightly above the village of Taos Ski Valley. It has the ambience of an authentic Bavarian chalet (I suppose). Surely quite nice, although you may feel the expense too high. If considering such an option you would have decide just how close to Taos you wish to be.

The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa
Hot Springs, New Mexico - Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa
falls in the same category, as being well removed from Taos. In this case on the far side of the valley to the west, in the small town of Ojo Caliente. While the room rates probably within your budget, some of the older rooms may be a bit rustic. I'm guessing here, but would check. Nevertheless there is a very nice ambience there.

I mention this last because even if you elect not to stay at Ojo Caliente, I would highly recommend that you spend at least one day there at the mineral springs. This place fairly unique in having a variety of pleasant pools, each fed by a different type of water (in mineral content). While most of the pools are public, each with a different atmosphere, they also have private pools to rent by the hour. They are open from morning until about 10pm at night, with one modest fee for the entire day. If you wish, there are also spa services available. This is a special place, and moreover healing.

Taos and vicinity is a good choice for such a gathering.

[veggggies]

Thank you!!!!!!

[Vinegaroon]

I love the Bavarian during ski season. There are not many hotels left like it. You feel like you are in Europe. Nice and cozy, great bratwurst, beer and right on the slopes.

[JMRtraveler]

I'd suggest the Mabel Dodge Luhan house, it's quiet, historic and includes breakfast. Very nice and close to town too.

[Idunn]

Yes! Forgot that one.
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House offering supportive solitude for creative reflection
A very nice setting, within town yet without, on the edge of the Taos Pueblo land. An easy walk to the Plaza. A lot of history in the house and its owner, which I won't go into, but authentic Taos all the way.

Not sure what their room rates are, but even if not staying there it would definitely be worth a visit.