Casa Gallina Taos

The Best!

From the moment we arrived, Richard (owner - host) made us feel as welcome as long-lost friends. The "room," which is connected to his house, yet completely seperate and private, is vintage Southwest, warm, inviting and well-appointed. It felt like it was ours, immediately. Richard took a few minutes to point out the amenities (satelite TV, computer with internet connection, roomy closets, fireplace, well-stocked kitchenette...) In the front is a beautiful garden (it didn't hurt that we arrived at the peak of lilac season.) The sitting room has french doors which open onto a patio, which in turn opens onto an enormous yard, where several hens and one lucky rooster have the run of the place. We sat out there each morning over coffee, feeling the serenity that is Taos.

Casa Gallina is situated off a small country road, and yet within easy access to the plaza. We spent much time taking in all that Taos has to offer, yet the best part of each day was coming "home." At the end of our three-day stay we reluctantly said goodbye to the casa, the poultry and Richard. But I know we'll go back - we left a part of us there.

The Chicken House makes a lovely nest for guests

From the moment we arrived until we left after hugs, our host, Richard Spera, owner and operator of Casa Gallina, treated us as respected friends just visiting his home for a few days. He greeted us with little treats of a variety of healthy snacks, good wine, cool water flavored with lime slices and mint picked from his garden. and the freshest eggs from the nests of his own chickens. Our room (really a little suite with an efficiency kitchen and a sitting area) was decorated in Southwest style and live green plants. Pots of cooling, humidifying water lent serenity as well as refreshment for Richard's gentle, friendly dogs. We enjoyed DVD movies, radio, and CD music and we could check home email on a computer in the room if we really wanted to. (It was more relaxing to leave it until I got home.) After painting and seeing the sights and shops of Taos, we'd relax on the patio right outside our room, drinking a little wine, munching fresh bread and cheese, and watching the chickens pecking their snacks in the backyard. The rooster was a little annoying in the mornings when he got up a little too early to greet the sun, but it was easy to go back to sleep after he'd exerted his lungs. All in all - it was a superb stay and memorable as much for the kindness of the host as the amenities. P.S. If you order breakfast, be assured that Richard is a fabulous cook!

An Extraordinary Treat

The Casa Gallina is an extraordinary treat - a B & B with a single, gorgeous room. Filled with the spirit of Taos from its kiva fireplace to the antique furnishings, this retreat is truly special. Richard welcomes you warmly and is available to provide insider information to make your visit to New Mexico most enjoyable. My wife and I have traveled the world and have stayed in many B & B in the US and abroad. There have been few that exceeded our expectations the way Casa Gallina has.

Relax at the Casa Gallina

While making our plans to visit Taos for the second time I reviewed several places to stay online and I had stayed in Taos last year but the condo was unavailable this year. Lucky for me one of Richards prior reservations canceled and we had the opportunity to stay at Casa Gallina for a week.

The space is one that is just the right size for a couple or a small family. It's clean and in a nice out of the way location but not to far out of the way. Once we unpacked Richard was available to give us any information we requested on the area. It felt like a home away from home immediately. The chickens and the dogs are great and the fireplace had plenty of Pinon wood which has the greatest smell when burning.

The room also has a DSL hookup with a computer so you can check your email if you start having internet withdrawals. You should also know that Richard has a licensed massage business on site. Which was GREAT!

Casa Gallina was great and our host Richard Spera was excellent. The value was incredible and we plan to visit Taos again soon, and as far as we are concerned, Casa Galina is the only place to stay.

PS: Try the nationally acclaimed Joseph's Table in the main square for dinner. (Richards pick for us)

Bryan

Spoiled and pampered...

Wow...how does one spell that deep, internal sigh of peace that comes from being in a very special place? I found Casa Gallina online and loved the sense of welcome and eclectic charm displayed by the photos and text. I could only hope my instinct and the photos were accurate. From the second we drove in we were spoiled and pampered...by Richard himself, by the environment he has created and by the spirit of Taos.

I will definitely return as often as I can...to be recharged, pampered and surrounded by beauty. Unfortunately I can't share my photos online since I spent most of the time in jammies with a mud mask on! :)

Thank you Richard, for Casa Gallina and your commitment to excellence for your guests.

The Only Place to Stay in Taos

While making our plans to visit Taos for the first time, my friend and I reviewed several bed-and-breakfast places online.

Fortunately, we chose Casa Gallina. Once we had arrived and experienced Casa Gallina (and physically inspected all of our other "options") we were quite happy with our choice - the other places just did not compare.

Once snuggled into our cozy room in Taos, we weren't really all that motivated to get out and sightsee as much as we had originally planned. It was just that relaxing and welcoming. We slept in each day. The chickens and the dogs kept us company, the fireplace kept us warm, the good food kept us content.

Casa Gallina is in a word, exceptional. And our host Richard Spera is delightful. The value was incredible. We plan to visit Taos again soon, and as far as we are concerned, Casa Galina is the only place to stay.

Relax and Renew

Casa Gallina was a deeply relaxing and renewing place for me. I had just spent 4 months traveling in Southeast Asia, and landed in Taos and Casa Gallina after returning to the States. A perfect choice. I was able to enjoy the beauty of the space and the peace that it had to offer. Enjoying the sunrise with my morning coffee made it difficult to leave the warmth and comfort of the space. Quiet evenings next ot the adobe, kiva fireplace were a perfect place to read a book and relax into a deep, peaceful sleep. I would highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to enjoy a gourgeous space and a generous, loving host. You'll love it!

A Slice of Heaven

Trip Advisor has done it again. I have found the most wonderful jewels on this site and once again Casa Gallina is one of them. From the first contact with Richard via email you just know you are in for a treat. Not only is he more than you dreamed of but his place reflects all of the love that went into creating this space. Thank you so much for opening your home and your heart to us. I highly encourage anyone headed to Taos to spend some time at Casa Gallina... it is impossible to feel this kind of warmth in a larger environment. It is truly special.

New Mexican Charm

Who would of thought a one room retreat would hold such enjoyment. From the cozy bancos, natural mud plaster walls, nichos and the kiva fireplace within view of my bed...i didn't even want to get out of my room. Now thats a treat. Richard is helpful, informative and quite the breakfast chef! All I have to say is get in here!

Please never change

Had the most wonderful romantic getaway possible. I was lucky enough to know someone who knew someone etc etc. otherwise this jewel would have totally escaped my knowledge. My host Richard a transplanted ex New Yorker retired from the restaurant business has worked his magic on the most charming little guest house. If you feel like a guest in his home it is because you are... breakfast eggs from his hens vegeatbles from his garden all to make your trip totally unique. The best getaway I have had in years I am so looking forward to going back when his garden is in full bloom... don't ever change a thing.