Taos, perched on its mesa west of the Rio Grande gorge at the foot of the Sangre de Cristos, is known for its rich art-colony history, a unique new-age vibe, and, for a select few, its mysterious Hum. It would be a shame to visit the place and stay in a sterile, chain-motel box of the sort you find all over the country. Rather, what’s indicated are accommodations that steep you in the place and make you feel a part of what makes Taos so special. “Little Juanita,” as the owners call this one-bedroom casita, does that quite nicely.
Hidden away on a quiet, dead-end side-street, about a ten-minute stroll from the downtown plaza, this stand-alone, vintage adobe has been completely updated to be fully functional while still retaining its authenticity. It offers a large and well-equipped kitchen in the main room, which is separated from the bedroom and its wonderful premium linens by a hallway. The L-shaped building encloses a very private flagstone patio that has a gas grill plus table and chairs for outdoors dining under the piñons and junipers.
Maybe the next time we’re in Taos, we’ll hear that Hum. In any case, Little Juanita will be our first choice of where to stay.