Look Before You Sleep

Normally, we stay at another hotel when we're in Taos but on the last trip we weren't there to hang out and shop, we went to find property. So we thought we'd save a few bucks since we didn't plan on spending much time in the hotel anyway, and we found a great price at the Best Western. For decades now, the Best Westerns have been the first place I look for a room when traveling. But like I said, we have another place in Taos we prefer but under the circumstances, we booked at the BW. What a mistake! They gave us the key and we went to our room. It looked like a poor attempt at a remake of the Bates Motel. My wife and I looked at each other and I said, I've never stayed in a room like this in my life. I don't think I'll start now." She concurred. We went to the other end of town and found a satisfactory room and then returned to the BW to cancel our reservation. We told them what the problem was and they offered to find us another room but if they had a better room, why didn't they give it to us in the first place? We later found out that there is an old part of the hotel and a new part. We're told the new part is very nice. So, the moral of the story is; if you choose or have to stay at the BW Kachina Lodge tell them you want to stay in the new part of the facility or at least ask them to show you the room first.

Great Value in Taos

What a find! We were priced out of the Ski Valley and stayed at the Kachina this Christmas. Much value for the money: renovated room, large dressing area, free wireless internet, free wine and snacks in the bar, and a full hot breakfast. There's even a shuttle to the slopes. We'll definitely return.

Unfortunate: A Diamond in the Rough

This could be a great place, but it is not. The current management does not know that they have a diamond in the rough or worse, they just do not care. Our room was filthy, the carpets old, the bathroom moldy, the windows in bad condition, etc. The breakfast buffet was poorly presented and we were glad to go in town just a few blocks away. I would not go near the hot tub. On a positive note, someone with a bit of imagination could quickly turn this place around and make it the magical motoring haven that it once was. I know because I stayed there when I was 9 years old in 1965 and immediately remembered the place when I drove up for the first time in almost 40 years! Ian Schrage, where are you?

Great value!

If you are looking for a super value in Taos this would be a great choice. While not the most elegant place to stay in Taos, there are a lot of great things to say about the Kachina Lodge. The nightly Native American dancing was wonderful. The free wine in the afternoons was a huge bonus. The breakfast food was not good, but the setting was really neat. The hot tub was simply gross, but the pool was nice. The Kachina Lodge was very colorfully appointed with local decor (ristras, vigas, etc). I had a bit of trouble with the staff on the phone (refused to honor the internet rate, was a smart-alec about it & hung up on me - don't count on getting the "election year special") but in person, the staff was very kind & accomodating.

We would stay there again, I just wouldn't go anywhere near the hot tub. Pee-yew!

Terrible

we chose this place because of the location, but that was the only redeeming feature. the place is in terrible shape and badly in need of renovation. the curtains were torn, the carpet and comforters were filthy and there were even spiders on the floor. the "full breakfast" was sparse and very poorly prepared. we ate at a restaurant in town instead. i would strongly recommend staying somewhere else.

Needs renovation badly!!!

Needs renovation badly!!! From cold water in the showers to non-smoking room reeking of smoke to poor breakfasts...this place needs a complete redo! Love Taos, but will NEVER stay at the Kachina Inn again! Oh yes, being on the first floor...you can hear everything upstairs...like people stomping around in their ski boots all night long. Staff needing lessons in courteous behavior also! We will try a bed and breakfast next time!

Excellent!!

The service was great. Very nice place.

Fair for those on a budget

This hotel definately needs renovation. Pretty decor doesn't make up for sagging beds, inadequate lighting and either hot or cold room temps. The room was okay for the bargin price compared to other rates for available rooms at the time of our visit, but we would not stay again unless serious inroads are made to improve accomodations. We only received two free breakfast coupons, we were not told we had to get them daily from the desk. The buffett for that breakfast wasn't worth it anyway. The food was cold, served portions skimpy and very unappetizing. It was worth paying to get a better breakfast in the coffee shop. The restaurant menu was limited and a bit pricy, but good.

The Indian dancers were entertaining, until the asked for "donations" for costume expenses after the performance, putting guests on the spot.

Used to be nice

We have stayed at the Kachina Lodge several times but haven't in the past few years. We remember it as a wonderful hotel, large swimming pool and within walking distance to town. Well I don' really know where to begin. The good points first. The rooms are large, the pool is great especially for kisd and of course the Native American dances nightly.

The bad things -- to say the least the whole place needs renovating from the carpets to the staff. Everything seems to be falling apart - lights going on and off by themselves, tiles falling off in the bathroom - non smoking rooms reek of smoke - advertises free breakfast but doesn't mention its only for 2 per room which doesn't include children (actually they gave it to us anyway since we complained) - had to ask for towels, washcloths since they only gave 2 per room. I was very disappointed with the service and quality of this room and believe me it wasn't cheap. Unless they renovate the rooms and hire more staff who has a clue I certainly would never stay there again.

The rooms are really spacious but the place is...

The rooms are really spacious but the place is a little run down. The service in the coffee shop was atrocious. An older woman with black hair was downright rude. Food though is great. They have a nice gallery too. They have an indian dance every night and that's pretty cool. And breakfast is a full buffet that is worth getting up early for. The establishment is 40 years old and it shows. Really could use some repair work and major clean-up.