Where to Stay in Taos: 3 Top Areas & Unique Hotels

a hotel with cars parked in front of it

This small town in New Mexico compensates in attractions and architecture what it lacks in size! But hey, I love a good old town that’s small but filled with things to do. If you feel the same, then follow me!

If you’re thinking about where to stay in Taos, you should know that Downtown is the best area as it has all the major attractions, impeccable hotels, and great restaurants. Don’t leave yet, though, as I found 2 more amazing areas which are great for those traveling on budget and winter activities: Ranchos de Taos and Taos Ski Valley.

Since there is such a treasure of hotels here, I also came up with a bonus section with some unique hotels in Taos, which I’m sure you’ll love!

But like with any small tourist town, the good places tend to sell out fast. So book yours early, and you won’t regret it!

Who’s ready to get started?

Vamonos amigos!

If you are in a hurry

I’ve got everyone covered! If you can’t read the whole post, just check out the list below, which has the best hotels in Downtown Taos:

mid-range hotel
hotel's swimming pool next to table, chairs and umbrella

El Pueblo Lodge

Best value for money

budget hotel
hotel's bedroom with bed, arm chairs and decorative pieces on the wall

The Historic Taos Inn

Best affordable accommodation in the center

airbnb
hotel's bedroom featuring the bed with lots of pillows and a lamp

Serene Casita

An Airbnb with amazing reviews

Check out this map if you need a bit of guidance! It has all the areas I’ll talk about in the post:

Where to stay in Taos map
  1. Downtown Taos : for first-timers
  2. Ranchos de Taos: for budget
  3. Taos Sky Valley: for winter activities

1. Downtown Taos – where to stay for the first time

a bridge over a canyon with a river below

Since this town is fairly small, it makes sense that most of its important attractions are set in the Downtown area, which is also the Historic District!

Perfect for those traveling to Taos for the first time, this neighborhood is not only home to fun things to do and see, like the Taos Historic Museums, restaurants, and many other cool things, but also to some fabulous hotels that I’ll tell you all about in a minute!

History lovers will have a blast here as Downtown Taos Historic District was actually established in 1796 by the king of Spain, which definitely gives a special air to the whole place! 

But definitely make sure you also explore the Taos Plaza, which is filled with cute boutique shops and cafés.

Downtown Taos Historic District is great for travelers who want to be just within walking distance of all attractions! You can hop straight from your hotel to a bar or museum within minutes.

That’s why I recommend booking your hotels here in advance, as most tourists will hunt for the top rooms in this area!

Luxury hotel
a collage of photos of a bedroom, fireplace, and house

What a quaint, lovely hotel! This pet-friendly hotel has some amazing guest rooms with a seating area and such cool decor! During your stay in Taos, you can chill in the garden and enjoy your coffee on the patio!

Other accommodation options in Downtown Taos

mid-range
hotel's bedroom with 2 beds, bedside tables and lamps

Chill in the outdoor pool or hot tub of this boutique hotel that offers spacious rooms and a free hot breakfast

budget
hotel's bedroom with bed, wardrobe and bedside table

This charming hotel is made of multiple adobe houses, and it has beautifully decorated rooms and an indoor pool

airbnb
couch next to a fireplace

A gorgeous home that’s so cozy and has an indoor fireplace, laundry facilities, and a kitchen 

Things to do in Downtown Taos

  • Shop for Spanish colonial antiques at Taos Plaza
  • Visit the Taos Art Museum & Harwood Museum
  • Grab a drink at Manzanita Market Coffee Shop
  • Stop by the Kit Carson Home
  • Check out the Couse-Sharp Historic Site
  • See the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

2. Ranchos de Taos – best place to stay on a budget

a church with a cross in front of it

Looking for some affordable accommodations for your stay in Taos?

I got you covered! Ranchos de Taos is not really a central area, but hey, it’s perfect if you’re traveling on a tight budget!

The neighborhood is just outside the main part of town and is mainly known for the San Francisco de Asís Church, which you can visit. Other than that, you’ll also find some of the best hike routes around New Mexico near this area, so if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you’ve got some options.

Ranchos de Taos is small and pretty quiet, so you can relax during this holiday, and of course, don’t forget to head Downtown to see all the touristy spots!

Now let’s check out those great hotels!

Luxury hotel
collage with hotel's backyard with lots of garden furniture, a bedroom with a bed next to the fireplace and an outdoor hot tub

Fancy staying in an 1830s adobe hacienda in New Mexico? Then check out this stunning place which is so colorful and chic! The rooms come with kiva fireplaces and a flat-screen TV! When you’re not out and about, you can chill on the porch or enjoy some of the spa facilities.

Other accommodation options in Ranchos de Taos

mid-range
hotel's bedroom with 2 beds, bedside tables and a lamp

This great boutique hotel offers delicious breakfasts, elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi, and a car park

budget
a wooden cabin next to parked cars

A modern and affordable hotel that offers spacious rooms with a kitchenette and free private parking

airbnb
hotel's living room with a couch, desk and chair with lots of decorative pieces on the walls

You’ll love this old remodeled home which has great decor, an indoor fireplace and a kitchen 

Things to do in Ranchos de Taos

  • Visit the San Francisco de Asís Church
  • Shop for hidden gems at Fernandez Plaza Thrift Store
  • Take a short trip to Taos Pueblo or Santa Fe
  • Grab your coffee from Mountain Monk Coffee
  • Head Downtown to visit the historic Taos Plaza
  • Enjoy the fresh air while hiking around the Miranda Canyon

3. Taos Ski Valley – best place to stay for winter activities

a large brown building sitting next to a river

If you love hitting the ski slopes wherever you go, then check out this area!

Set a bit further away from central Taos but still within Taos County, this village and ski resort is perfect for those who love winter sports!

Don’t worry though, if you travel during the summertime you can still get the best of this village as they offer lots of fun outdoorsy activities from hiking to mountain biking.

Taos Ski Valley is a bit secluded from the rest of the town, but hey, you’ll find everything you need here, from luxury hotels, great activities, and fabulous restaurants where you can indulge in some yummy food after a day of exploring the Taos Mountain!

Luxury hotel
a collage of photos of a hotel with a pool, living room and a bedroom

One of the best luxury resorts that offers ski-to-door access and some incredible facilities like spa facilities, a restaurant, and a steam room which will do wonders after a day spent on the slopes. The exclusive rooms come with kiva fireplaces and some great views of the mountains!

Other accommodation options in Taos Ski Valley

mid-range
a large house in the middle of the forest and a hill in the background

Chill in one of the best hot tubs with a view at this hotel that offers amazing views, a spa center and ski storage

budget
hotel's bedroom with bed,tv stand next to a kitchenette

An affordable Taos hotel that has a hot tub, suites and cabins with a kitchenette and a flat-screen TV

airbnb
hotel's bedroom with bed, bedside table

Enjoy the incredible view from the window wall of this place that has an indoor fireplace and a kitchen

Things to do in Taos Ski Valley

  • Spend all day skiing and snowboarding
  • Go on a hike and enjoy the views of Taos Mountain
  • Visit the World Heritage Site, Taos Pueblo
  • Try mountainbiking with your friends
  • Take a trip to Carson National Forest or Santa Fe
  • Enjoy a yummy meal at the The Bavarian Restaurant
📍 Best area:Downtown Taos
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:Casa Gallina – An Artisan Inn
💵 Best mid-range hotel:El Pueblo Lodge
👛 Best budget hotel:The Historic Taos Inn

BONUS 1: Unique hotels in Taos

Now that we’ve seen all these amazing areas where to stay in Taos, Northern New Mexico, and some of the fun things you can try there, I thought I’d spoil you with some more accommodation options in this stunning town in New Mexico!

So here are some unique hotels in Taos which I ordered from most to least expensive, and the prices start from US$350 to US$140:

a collage of photos of a bedroom, living room, and pool
  • El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa â€“ Spend a few relaxing days at this amazing resort that’s set a 10 min drive away from Taos Pueblo. The accommodation offers an on-site spa center, 2 restaurants, and an indoor pool.
  • Hacienda Del Sol â€“ You’ll never want to leave this amazing hotel that’s set within walking distance of the Downtown Taos Historic District. The accommodation has a serene atmosphere, adobe buildings, all-white rooms with wooden beam ceilings, fireplaces, unique furnishings, and a yummy breakfast!
  • Inn on La Loma Plaza â€“ Architecture lovers will love this unique hotel which is perfect for a romantic getaway! It comes with a lush yard, spacious rooms that have handmade furnishings, and a fireplace! Start your morning with a yummy breakfast, and then head out to visit Taos!
a collage of photos of a hotel's building with parked cars in front of it, a hotel's bedroom and people and a dog sitting in front of a campervan
  • Hotel La Fonda de Taos â€“ Set in the Taos historic Plaza, this hotel offers a more vintage vibe! But we’re here for it! The accommodation offers rooms decorated with period pieces and colorful paintings, plus a restaurant that serves yummy food!
  • Dreamcatcher B&B â€“ Oh my! What a dreamy hotel! That garden is definitely calling my name, and if you feel the same, then check out the fabulous surroundings, the incredible fireplace, and all the other cute aesthetics!
  • Hotel Luna Mystica â€“ Live your van life dream in this incredible place when you visit Taos! Each apartment is individually decorated, and it has all the amenities you need for your stay, like free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and even ski storage!

FAQs about where to stay in Taos

a building housing lots of shops with a fountain in front of it

📅 How many days do you need in Taos?

I would recommend taking 2 days to visit Taos to get a feel of the city and also not be in too much of a rush, or even more if you want to go skiing or hiking!

🤔 What is the best neighbourhood in Taos?

Downtown is the best area to stay in Taos, New Mexico. That’s where you’ll find attractions like the Taos Plaza and the top Taos hotels like one of my favorites, El Pueblo Lodge.

🤩 What is so great about Taos?

Taos, New Mexico, is filled with so much history and cool attractions, plus it has so many hiking areas and a ski resort!

🏨 Which are the best hotels in Taos, New Mexico?

Some of the best hotels in Taos, New Mexico, are Hacienda Del Sol and El Pueblo Lodge. Both places have great locations and amazing designs!

Conclusion

a group of adobe buildings sitting on top of a dirt field

I do love quaint, small towns, and I’m sure you do too since you’re visiting Taos, New Mexico, that’s located along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and Rio Grande River Valley.

Now you’re even more prepared for your trip as we’ve seen the best places where to stay in Taos, plus a bonus section with some unique accommodations!

But as I always say, don’t dwell too long before booking your hotel! This place is super touristic, and I won’t be surprised if the good hotels sell out fast!

By the way, if you have a hard time trying to pick a place (I know they’re all so good), then check out my 2 favorite hotels below:

  • Casa Gallina – An Artisan Inn â€“ This super homey accommodation offers a great location, beautifully decorated rooms, and a terrace
  • El Pueblo Lodge â€“ Enjoy the New Mexico sun by the outdoor pool of this hotel that has a hot tub and spacious rooms

Alright everyone! Have a wonderful trip, and if you’ve got some tips from your travels to Taos that you want to share with our community, just drop me a comment below, and I’ll answer as soon as I can!

Safe travels,

Victoria


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collage with ca couple of places in Taos - hills with forests and buildings

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