The Doctor’s Inn

The Taos Inn is a little hotel with a lot going on. Located in the center of town just off the famous plaza, the hotel is within walking distance of galleries, museums and eateries. And clients who arrive at night will probably find a lobby packed with people listening to live music. Almost every night, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., the Adobe Bar in the hotel lobby hosts musical guests playing a range of music from bluegrass to Celtic to old-fashioned rock ‘n roll. It is for this reason that the Taos Inn’s lobby has been called the “living room” of Taos.

The three buildings that make up the hotel were originally purchased by “Doc” Martin Taos County’s first doctor and his wife, Helen. It was originally called the Martin Apartments, but after Doc’s death in 1933, the building was transformed into a hotel by Helen, and in 1936, it opened as the Hotel Martin. The Martins’ support of Taos’ emerging art community lead to visits from Georgia O’Keefe, Aldous Huxley, Thomas Wolfe and D.H. Lawrence.

Each of the 39 rooms at the hotel has its own character. The largest rooms are on the courtyard, and have king-size beds, some with two to three twin-size beds or trundles, perfect for families traveling with children. Rooms can hold up to five people, and some are equipped with small kiva fireplaces to warm guests after a cold day of sightseeing or skiing. A Jacuzzi is also located just off the courtyard. Rooms in the main building and the Sandoval house are perfect for couples. For clients who don’t mind a little noise from the music below, rooms just off the lobby are in the center of the action, and are the least expensive. (For a complete list of rooms and specifications, see the Inn’s Web site.)

Not only is the hotel a popular local hangout, it’s home to the historic Doc Martin’s Restaurant, which is located at the hotel and was formerly Doc’s office. The restaurant’s wine list is consistently ranked as one of the top in all of New Mexico and the food is sensational. Serving contemporary American cuisine, the award-winning establishment has received accolades from both Zagat and Wine Spectator Magazine. After a recent visit, my personal recommendation is Doc’s famous chile relleno that is available as both a main course and an appetizer. For clients staying over the holidays, the restaurant offers special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and also offers a prix fixe menu. In the summer, guests can dine outside on the inn’s popular patio. Clients should be sure to make a reservation to avoid a long wait.

The Inn’s other eatery, the Adobe Bar, is where Robert Redford and Julia Roberts a local resident come to sip margaritas, and it’s one of the best music spots in Northern New Mexico. The bar and bistro serves hand-crafted cocktails and features a Mexican-style menu with items like taquitos, nachos and tacos. Adobe Bar also boasts one of the best margaritas in Taos.
For clients wanting a taste of traditional New Mexican hospitality, there’s nothing better than the Taos Inn.