Last Updated on May 24, 2022
The minute we arrived to Taos, it was love at first sight. For me, at least. Dani thought it was ‘cute’ and I couldn’t understand how she wasn’t equally smitten. That’s when Dani told me about the legend of Taos Mountain. There is a powerful, sacred energy that attracts some while rejecting others entirely. The mountain decides whether or not you can stay.
I don’t usually believe in these sort of spiritual legends, but I can tell you that when we pulled in to our bed and breakfast for the night, there was no doubt we were equally enthralled with this absolutely gorgeous property just off the central plaza in Taos.
Everything about Posada de Taos is spot on, but that is no surprise with owners Brad and Michael running the show. In addition to owning the Posada, Brad is also the president of the Taos County Chamber of Commerce. During the few short minutes at check-in, Brad had already made enough recommendations and suggestions for Taos that we already wanted to extend our stay to one week. Brad’s partner Michael is super sweet and after chatting away, he and I discovered a shared background from Illinois and a love of Chicago. Both Dani and I felt great affection for him, and that was without knowing the magic of his breakfasts, which we would find out the next morning.
Along with its owners, Posada de Taos has a great charm throughout. It is a historic Inn, originally built by one of the founding members of the Taos Society of Artists. Today, its location in the Historic District just west of the central plaza makes it within walking distance to almost anywhere in town. In the front, a flourishing vegetable garden is where Michael sources some of his culinary ingredients. The living room feels warm and welcoming, decorated with beautiful Southwestern knick-knacks and artwork, and guests made themselves comfortable both here and in the beautifully manicured backyard, taking in the sunset with glasses of wine the night we arrived.
The rooms
During the winter months, the Kiva fireplaces are prepared for guests daily to keep guests toasty November through April. Our visit at the tail end of September was already chilly and I would have loved to have a fire glowing in the room at night. Otherwise, the accommodation was absolutely perfect, especially considering we spent the same amount to stay at a Courtyard by Marriot for the same price as this incredibly unique bed and breakfast. The first night we stayed in the Lino Room. The main feature is the picket fence Queen bed, which brought a casual yet chic design element to the en-suite room, as did the spacious private patio just through the room’s back entrance.
The second night in El Solecito left no doubt of the level of elegance present at Posada de Taos. Out llama trekking all day, our bags had been brought to the room for us and after such a long day, walking in to the split-level suite with its King bed was heaven. As relieved as we were for this charming room, however, Dani and I both felt a twinge of sadness. It was already 8.30pm by the time we arrived and we were scheduled to leave just after breakfast the next morning to head into Rocky Mountains to Colorado.
Enamored by El Solecito, now all we wanted was to spend a full day right here, sitting in the oversized chairs, hanging in the whirlpool in the Mexican-tiled bathroom, passing in and out of the grand old Mexican doors that lead out to the stone patio with views of the garden and the mountains beyond.
Occasionally, between napping and whirlpooling, I imagine we would make mugs of tea and nibble on cookies or cheese that is put out for guests each afternoon, and maybe thumb through a few of the hundreds of books lining the bookshelves throughout the house.
Come if just for the breakfast…
Just like everything else at the Posada, we wish we had stayed another night or two for another chance at the delicious breakfasts, which are the jewel in the posada’s crown. Breakfast is where both Brad and Michael are in their element and truly shine. Brad hosts both breakfast shifts (there is one sitting at 7.30 and one at 8.30am each day), keeping conversations going around the communal table with his charm, sharing stories and advice for what to see and do around town.
Being a pair of mid 30s nomadic lesbian media types, I wasn’t sure we would fit in at the table with this somewhat older and well-to-do crowd, but the truth is, we had some great talks over breakfast and getting to know the other guests so well made us feel much more at home throughout our stay.
As Brad graciously hosts, Michael creates Michelin star quality breakfasts in the kitchen and brings them out after guests have nibbled their way through fresh fruit and yogurt, juice, tea, coffee and freshly baked pastries. As with any hot-blooded traveler, the way to our hearts is clearly through our stomach, so you can imagine that we fell head over heels for Michael when he brought out a polenta cake topped with an over medium egg and exploding with flavor one morning, and on the second when he served us gourmet chilaquiles better than any restaurant we dined at in the South West.
We left for Colorado after our short two-night stay in Taos knowing that we would have to return. Not only for all there is to do in and around Taos, but also for a couple of days just soaking up the vibe at this historic inn where Brad and Michael have created a perfect balance between feeling right at home and on a special vacation as well.
La Posada de Taos: The Details
Website: Book a room at the Posada de Taos on Airbnb
Location: 309 Juanita Ln, Taos, NM 87571
Price: Double rooms start at US$159
LGBT Friendly: Yes, definitely
Digital Nomad Friendly: Very good WiFi connection, lots of space to work
Amenities: Gourmet breakfast included in room rates, free WiFi, snack buffet in the afternoon, free parking
