Taos - American Southwest - page 207

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Hotel La Fonda de Taos Finally, Taos has a recommendable hotel on the plaza. A
$3-million renovation to this historic property built in 1880 has turned it into a comfort-
able, fun spot with a stellar location. The charismatic Taos figure Saki Kavaras put this
hotel on the society map in the 1930s, when, most notably, British author D. H. Law-
rence frequented it. His legacy is preserved in a unique D. H. Lawrence Forbidden Art
Museum, where some of his risqué paintings hang—a must-see even if you don't stay here
(free for guests; $3 for nonguests). Rooms are set off broad hallways, each styled in earth
tones, Southwestern furnishings, and tile bathrooms. Standards are small, each with a
queen-size bed. Your better bet is to reserve a plaza or deluxe plaza room, or a suite. These
are larger, with king beds. My favorite rooms are nos. 201 and 301, which overlook the
plaza. Groups can rent the whole top floor (or the whole hotel), which includes a full
kitchen suite. Joseph's Table (p. 212), one of Taos's finest restaurants, is off the lobby.
108 South Plaza, Taos, NM 87571. & 800/833-2211 or 575/758-2211. Fax [phone]. www.la
fondataos.com. 24 units. $109-$149 standard double; $139-$209 plaza and deluxe plaza double; $199-
$239 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; coffee shop. In room: A/C, TV,
hair dryer, Internet.
Moderate
Taos Hampton Inn Kids The most reliable moderately priced hotel in town, the
Hampton was built in the mid-1990s and is about 5 minutes (by car) from the plaza.
Rooms are medium-size with either two queens or one king bed, a few with Jacuzzis and
mountain views. All have nice pine furnishings, quality bedding, and a hint of South-
western decor, some with desks, others with a table and chair. The beds are comfortable
and the bathrooms very clean and functional. The indoor pool keeps kids entertained
year-round.
1515 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571. 800/HAMPTON (426-7866) or 575/737-5700. Fax 575/737-
5701. www.hampton.com. 71 units. $109-$149. Rates include full hot breakfast and afternoon snack. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Indoor pool; Jacuzzi. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.
Inexpensive
Best Western Kachina Lodge & Meeting Center Kids Built in the early 1960s, this
lodge on the north end of town, in walking distance of the plaza, has a lot of charm
despite the fact that it's a motor hotel. Unfortunately, with an aging owner who's looking
to sell the property, it's in dire need of remodeling right now, so only stay here if you don't
mind crumbling sidewalks and frayed carpeting and furnishings. The Southwestern-style
rooms—some have couches and most have Taos-style trasteros (armoires) that hold the
TVs—have comfortable beds and small but functional and clean baths. Rooms sit around
a grassy courtyard studded with huge blue spruce trees, allowing kids room to run. In the
center is a stage where a family from Taos Pueblo builds a bonfire and dances nightly in
the summer, and explains the significance of the dances—a real treat for anyone baffled
by the Pueblo rituals. A full, hot breakfast is served in a retro kiva-shaped cafe.
413 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (P.O. Box NM), Taos, NM 87571. & 800/522-4462 or 575/758-2275. Fax
575/758-9207. www.kachinalodge.com. 118 units. $59-$159 double. Rates include full breakfast. Addi-
tional person $10. Children 11 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restau-
rants; bar; outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi.

8

Bed & Breakfasts
Expensive
Casa de las Chimeneas This 82-year-old adobe home set on spacious
grounds has, since its opening as a luxury inn in 1988, been a model of Southwestern
elegance. Adding to its appeal is a spa with a small fitness room and sauna, as well as