Hiway House (p. 159) has redone its rooms—not so retro, but the carpeting is fresher. Ownership is a little cagey about prices, however, which can be annoying. Feel free to bargain.
La Posada (p. 161) will be reopening as Andaluz—not sure when yet, however.
Fechin Inn (p. 117) is now the Wyndham WorldMark, a timeshare resort.
Budget Host (p. 53) is now a Red Roof Inn.
El Rey Inn (p. 54) is incorrectly placed on the map—it’s actually about midway between Llano St and 2nd St, so closer to the plaza than on the map.
Chapelle Street Casitas (p. 54) has changed its name to Adelante Casitas.
La Tienda and Duran House (p. 54) is now part of the larger Las Palomas property across the street. Physically everything’s the same, but there are reports of service suffering. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough info to judge.
And I didn’t include the Santa Fe Sage Inn (www.santafesageinn.com) in this book, but it has since gotten a complete overhaul and is now excellent value—free wi-fi, pool, big breakfast, really comfortable beds and clean rooms. It’s only a little farther out of the center than Santa Fe Motel & Inn.
I’m hearing terrible reports from La Posada de Santa Fe (p. 56), and it did seem exceptionally scattershot when I visited. At least I’ll have to retract that ‘top pick’ status.
This hostel in Albuquerque (p. 158) now has a website: www.rt66hostel.com.
This B&B in Taos (p. 116) is shut.
Prices at this Albuquerque place (p. 158) have gone up just a tiny bit, to $18 for dorm beds and $24-35 for private rooms. It’s not much, but it can make a difference to those on a serious budget.
El Vado Motel (p. 159) is closed.
La Posada de Albuquerque (p. 161) is also closed, but is under major renovation. This is great news, because the place was on its last legs.
Budget Host (p. 115) has a fresh coat of paint and wireless Internet access. Prices are now squarely in the $50–100 category—a double room is about $65 now. But it’s still the cleanest budget motel in Taos. Try to get one of the back-facing rooms, for less traffic noise, and if you want a non-smoking room, make sure it’s adjacent to other non-smoking rooms, because the walls are thin, and the smoke smell can seep through.
A reader just dropped me a note to say his experience at the Hotel Blue in Albuquerque (p. 159) was far less than satisfactory: the pool was closed, the airport shuttle was discontinued “until further notice,” the shower didn’t work, and his non-smoking room had an ashtray in it and smelled smoky. And then there was the small matter of a cockroach.
From this info, it sounds as if the original manager, who was extremely scrupulous, has gone on to another job. This is really disappointing, since this would be a huge waste of a hotel in a prime location.
So, until I check on this myself when I’m back in ABQ next month, proceed with caution. You might consider instead the Best Western Rio Grande, in roughly the same price category.
UPDATE: I checked on the Hotel Blue in September ‘06. The pool was closed this summer due to citywide water restrictions during a severe drought–this can affect hotels all over the state.
The staff claims an airport shuttle is available, and the rooms look clean enough, but there was a general air of disorganization and slight untidiness about the place–cigarette butts around the front door, for instance, and rumpled carpeting in the room I saw. The staff was having problems with the in-room Internet access, but weren’t really equipped to fix the situation. If I’d been staying there, I would’ve been deeply frustrated.
I’d say this hotel is still a decent option, though at this point, I’m removing the wholehearted “Moon Pick” support of the place.
I’ll check in again in December.
The hotel (p. 117) alerts me that not only is No. 301 a balcony room, but so is No. 302–which doubles your chances of securing a good deal and a view!
Alma del Monte in Taos (p. 118) will no longer be functioning as a B&B after October 6, 2006–it’s shifting to a full house rental, for weddings, retreats, etc. So if this place sounds appealing, book your visit now…or plan on renting it out later with your whole gang of friends.
…that Rancho Jacona (p. 55), just outside of Santa Fe, has a swimming pool, which the makes the place even more desirable. Not the spot for people looking for a city break, but really a good deal for those who want a little bit of country life not far from all the sights, especially for families.
Grant Corner Inn (p. 56 and p. 58) in Santa Fe is closed.
