Short Service Problem to Report

One of our hot water boilers decided that yesterday in the middle of the busy season was the day to fail.  Plumber is searching for the necessary parts to repair.  They will not be available in Taos so cold showers are the order of the day.  We will move Guests and reservations to the other building and accommodate you as best we can.  Thanks for the patience and we apologize for any inconvenience this causes anyone.

Taos Plaza Live Tonight plus more around Taos

After taking last week off for the Fiestas de Taos Plaza activities, Taos Plaza Live returns tonight.  This is a FREE concert on historic Taos Plaza in the heart of downtown Taos.  Enjoy the music, relax watching people, visit with family and friends.

Jenny Bird & Michael Mandrell from 6 to 7 PM

Mariachi Leon from 7 to 8

TCA and Working Class Theater present Fool For Love by Sam Shepard.  Starts July 30 at TCA.  Tickets are only $15 (have I got a deal for you!) at 575-758-2052.  Bring your ticket stub to Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza, we'll knock half the cost of up to two tickets from your room rate.  This applies ONLY to direct bookings.  If you booked online or elsewhere, we can't afford to make this offer.  Only 1 discount for single rooms, maximum of 2 discounts for doubles or more.  www,tcataos.org

Habitat for Humanity Taos "A Taos Experience" is July 31, 2010 from 2 PM to 5 PM at TCA - Stables Gallery.  Tickets at 575-758-7827 or http://www.taoshabitat.org/.

Taos School of Chamber Music, August 1, 2010 at TCA.  575-776-2388 or http://www.taosschoolofmusic.com/.  Same special mentioned above.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is the only hotel who'll discount our rooms so you pay only half price for these special entertainment activities.

"Like" our Facebook biz page!  If you're an active FBer, that is an easy means of seeing what we're doing.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taos-NM/Indian-Hills-Inn-Taos-Plaza/92952104085?v=app_2347471856

Take pictures while you were with us?  We'd love to share them with our Guest family.  Send me the link to the photos or videos of your time in Taos - indianhills@newmex.com

We appreciate any referrals of your family or friends.  Your Guest satisfaction is our "franchise".

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Enjoy your sojourns around the Taos Area!

Lobo NBA Player J. R. Giddens hosts Youth BB Camp

Former Lobo BB star, J. R. Giddens, is hosting a BB camp for young players from July 26 thru July 29 at Sandia High School in Albuquerque.  All skill levels are invited including beginners.  Individual instruction from J. R. and other NBA players is included.  Camp runs from 9 AM until 3 PM daily and is for ages 5 to 18.  Cost is $160 and the web site is: https://coopcamps.com/giddens.php

J. R. was a first round draftee in 2008 going as the 30th pick.  Playing first for the Celtics and then traded to the NY Knicks.  He is hoping to return for the upcoming season.

Danny Grainger also hosted a BB camp in Albuquerque earlier in July.  He too isd a former Lobo BB star, now playing with the Indiana Pacers and putting up some impressive numbers.

Kenny Thomas, also a former Lobo star player also hosted a BB camp earlier in July in Albuquerque.  It is gratifying to see these men continuing their involvement with New Mexico youth sports after their tremendous careers as Lobos.  More information of the Lobo Club here: http://www.unmloboclub.org/

Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is a Lobo Club supporter.  Our primary focus is the UNM Ski Team who finished the 2010 season by winning the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association Championship and finishing very high in the NCAA Ski finale.

Thanks for your support of Lobo Athletics.  We appreciate your continued support of Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  Lots to see and do throughout the rest of July, August, and September.  See you soon!

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Follow our blog, Twitter, or Facebook postings!

10 Reason Why You Want to Choose Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza

Saw a good post by another lodging operator that made me want to join the 10 Reasons Why program.
1.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza offers you the very best of historic downtown Taos locations for convenience
2.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza provides clean, comfortable, quality accommodations for your comfort
3.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza Guest Service is "tour guide" like with friendly, knowledgable associates
4.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza always has Taos' best lodging values for nightly, extended stays, weeklies
5.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza has someone on site 24 X 7 X 365 whereas some smaller properties don't
6.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza provides a means for you to book online direct with awesome specials/rates
7.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza almost always provides a human to answer the phone during normal biz hours
8.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza includes voice messaging for all rooms and direct to your room calls 24 hours
9.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza has one of Taos' largest central courtyards w/ grass & tall trees, relaxation
10.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza has a sparkling clen & clear solar heated toasty warm seasonal pool

See you soon!  Lots' to see and do in and around Taos!   www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn    800-444-2346

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR Continues Despite Fire

As you may have guessed, we're strong supporters of the Cumbres & Toltec.  We encourage just about every Guest to take a ride on the Cumbres.

Unfortunately, they recently experienced a fire on a 100+ year old tressle that will at least need major repairs if not complete replacement.  Origin of the fire is unknown.  The end result is they need all the help we can give.

My personal request and suggestion is that you come up to Northern NM for a couple days extra this year.  While here, take a day and ride the Cumbres.  My favorite ride is unavailable due to the tressle portion of the run out of Chama being unavailable but ANY of the choices are exceptionally beautiful and the entire experience is just amazing.

Remember, you're riding a 120 year old rolling, operating steam powered museum!  Got kids?  Grandkids?  Imagine the looks on their faces as the antique steam engine huffs and puffs it's way up and over 10,000 foot Cumbres Pass.  This is an experience you can't get anywhere else!

Here's the link to their Facebook biz page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1051787789&ref=pymk#!/ctsrr

Hope you'll plan that trip soon!  Here's a link to book Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza with your Cumbres excursion: http://mycrs.innpoints.com/book/book/Wizard?hotelCode=R2832

Oh, Cumbres & Toltec will also appreciate any donations.  Let them know Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza directed you to either buying your tickets or sending your donation or both!  Thanks for helping this historic operating museum of narrow guage rail roading!

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Ride and help Cumbres & Toltec TODAY!

TCA July - August Activities and lodging specials

Today, Friday, July 23, 2010, 6:30 PM at Taos Community Auditorium, the Jillana Ballet School performs.  The school is an intensive summer program fashioned towards young pre-professional dancers.  Tickets are $10 and available at the box office at 575-758-2052, at the door, and at FX 18 Gifts & Jewelry on Bent Street in downtown Taos.

The TCA Benefit Raffle still has tickets available.  $50 each and only 500 will be sold.  Here's a link to the raffle flyer with much better descriptoions of the prizes than I'd do justice to.  http://www.tcataos.org/news/view/46

Missoula Children's Theater returns to Taos in August.  They are auditioning for King Arthur's Quest on Monday, August 2, 2010 at TCA.  Audition will last 2 hours from 9 to 11 AM.  Some cast members will be asked to stay for rehearsal immediately after the audition.  Students entering 1st thru 12 grades are encouraged to attend.  Rehearsals occur throughout the week from 9 AM to 1 PM daily.  Perfromances are Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 3 and 7 PM.  Cost is free.  Up to 60 children will be cast.  Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza will offer out of town participants a special weekly lodging rate of $354 for 2, $389 for 3, and $424 for 4 Guests for that week.

Walking on Glass Tour continues thru August 15, 2010.  Several galleries host accomplished glass artists and their work as a part of a juried Taos Art Glass Invitational.  Ask at TCA 575-758-2052.  http://www.tcataos.org/

See you soon in Taos!    www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346

Great Team of Associates at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza

May I brag a little on our team?

Our accountant (wife) just came in and commented that she wans't certain how to complete the end of quarter tax reports with NO employee turnover.  You see, 2 years ago, we took over the day to day management from over 30 years of on site resident management.  Over those more than 30 years, we've probably employed more than 1,500 different people.  Mind you, that's for about 12 to 15 positions.  That means HUGE turnover.  Several hundred percent was normal.  We always wondered and inquired but the managers always blamed it on "Taos" or the "industry".  When talking with other lodging operators around the country, the turnover sounded normal.

Turns out, that turnover is not necessary.  Not just normal.  Last year, our turnover rate dropped massively but we were still seeking the last few keys to smoother and better operations.  So far this year, 6 months, we've had 1 true employee change (they quit) and 2 who may have to due to health issues (we still hope for the best, their return).  We've had a couple folks for two full years.  Many of the rest for more than 1 year.

While reading a Facebook post recently, I thought about our team.  The post was talking about drama.  Prior to our taking over, it seemed like there was always some sort of drama surrounding our employees and business.  I've never been a drama queen so instituted my policy of leave your drama at home.  Even on the busiest of weekends, the hotel is generally drama free, everyone scheduled shows up, not often we have conflicts amongst the team.

It's a bit like the difference between the Lakers (69.5% W) and New Jersey (14% W).  Not certain we qualify as a well oiled machine just yet but this group of people is likely the best team we've experienced in 35 years.  For that, I have to brag to you and thank each of them.  I hope they are making your experience with Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza a more positive one from your first phone call to make a reservation to the last thank you as you depart.  From our perspective, there are far fewer errors, problems, Guest complaints, etc.  Thanks to each team member!  Thanks for your business.

Taos Area on Facebook

Just a short reminder.  There are a number of Taos area businesses on Facebook.  Some offer specials, information, tourist activities, and other details that you may find useful in planning your visit.

For example, here's a discount from the Good Sole and they also have a blog.  Great ideas for hikingin and around the Taos area!  http://www.goodsole.com/goodsoleblog.html

Here's a directory that lists web sites for some and Facebook links for some. 
http://www.taos-newmexico.com/guide/links-B.html

Here's a good video of rafting the Rio Grande with Billy Miller - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVMYme1Z2vQ&feature=player_embedded

Here's someones ideas of the top 5 things to do in Taos - http://blog.gozaic.com/2010/05/five-things-to-do-in-taos-new-mexico.html

Couldn't find the page I wanted but the above offer numerous ideas to keep you and your family/friends entertained!  Certainly appreciate your reading, commenting, following on any of the sites we work - the blog, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.  If you are a Taos area business that found this note, let's connect, share referrals, work on improving our businesses this month, this year!

Fiesta de Taos and Much More!

First, our apologies to those Guests inconvenienced by recent electrical problems experienced in part of our rooms.  Our power supplier is Kit Carson Electric Co-op.  They supply us with power via a 3 phase system in which power enters the hotel on three different supply legs (wires).  Seems they've blown fuses a couple times over the last few weeks.  Last wee, they we awefully slow in responding to our initial call for service.  Thanks so much for your patience and understanding.

Most of the time there is far more to see and do in and around Taos than I'll ever be able to post.  Here's a couple of extras this weekend and upcoming week.

Fiesta de Taos starts Friday, July 23, 2010 and runs thru Sunday, July 25, 2010.  Many special events and activities.  The town will be very busy so you may want to choose Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza for convenient downtown lodging!  Book now as we and the town are expecting to be busy/full.

Saturday, July 24, 2010 is "RunWith It: The Sacred Blue" a multi media show/reception honoring this years Taos marketing theme, Return to Sacred Places.  Several galleries on LeDoux Street with wine, cheese, appetizers, from 6 to 8 PM.  LeDoux is just a couple blocks from Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  Up to Placitas, West to LeDoux, Left on LeDoux.  Same street as Blumenshien and Harwood.

Sunday, July 25, 2010, 2 PM, Santa Ana Corn Dances, Taos Pueblo.  No photograghy or recording as this is a religious ceremony.  More information at Taos Pueblo Tourism, 575-758-1028, http://www.taospueblo.com/

Thursday, July 29, 2010, 4 to 6 PM, Artshare for the Land.  A benefit for the Taos Land Trust.  Taos Inn.  http://www.taoslandtrust.com/

Thursday, July 29, 2010, 7 to 9 PM, Frontiers in Science Lecture, Los Alamos National Laboritory, El Alcalde Room, Coronado Hall, 120 Civic Plaza Dr.  Information at 505-665-9196.

Numerous activities at Harwood Museum, 238 LeDoux Street.  http://www.harwoodmuseum.org/

Sunday, July 31, 2010, Habitat For Humanity Taos holds it's 5th Annual "A Taos Experience" Fundraiser at The Center for the Arts Stables Gallery.  Info. at 575-758-7827, http://www.taoshabitat.org/

We've now past 100 folks on our Facebook page who "LIKE" us.  Thanks to those and we hope you too will join that page of activities and specials.  Posts shown on the blog often post to the Facebook page too.  Follow or Like either or both!  Add your comments.  Hope you'll help us grow to 200 and beyond!

Fiestas de Taos = Best Party of 2010!

The upcoming weekend is just about the biggest party of the year for Taos and the area!  The party begins Friday afternoon at 1:30 PM.  In other words, plan to arrive early in order to experience and enjoy the full package!

Many of the activities are centered on historic Taos Plaza.  That's just a couple blocks from Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  As crowded as Taos usually is for Fiestas, our convenient downtown location is even more important for those who desire immersion in the Fiesta events and activities.

Events continue until 7 PM Sunday evening.  Perhaps you'll want to stay an extra day before and after to really see it all!

The Fiesta web site is:  http://www.fiestasdetaos.com/ .  Lower left part of page has a link to the schedule.

Our best rates are available ONLY when you mention this blog/Twitter/Facebook post.  We'll do either a 2 or 3 night package for $99 for a single, add $10 for each added Guest.  That's a 20% savings from even a direct call!  Rates may be even higher if you wait until Thursday or Friday to seek a hotel.  Call NOW!

http://www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Call direct, mention this post for the BEST $!

It's Happening in Taos! Interesting Taos Videos of a wide variety of area scenes

Here's a wide variety of Taos area scenes including Taos Pueblo Pow Wow, creeks, artists, more.  Patty Sheehan talks about exploring your artistic nature.  Taos is THE place to be for creativitiy.  Varied cultures, varied scenery, spiritual diversity, awesome geography.  This site has well over 100 different videos all talking about Taos in one fashion or another.

Enjoy - http://www.its-happening-in-taos.com/its-happening-in-taos-index.html

Hope that entices you so emphatically that you'll spend at least a week with us at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  That time frame gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of the cultural experiences, the historically significant placesm the museums, the shops, the activities from white water river rafting to hiking New Mexico's highest peak, Wheeler Peak, 13,161 Ft.

You'll find Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is conveniently located in the heart of Taos vibrant downtown historic district.  Most Guests find our hotel to be comfortable, clean, inviting, relaxing.  I'm going to state that we have some of the very best "tour guide" like Associates on our team.  Ask about our extended stay specials which beat our already affordable nightly rates.  We'll greet you with a welcoming smile, cheerful attitude, and professional hospitality focus.

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Direct bookings always save both of us $$$!

Mid July and Acitivites Are Going Strong!

Rather than me trying to write a little about a lot, let me redirect you to the Return To Sacred Places, Taos 2010 Calendar of Events.  It is just loaded with more than I could write about.  Enjoy!

http://www.taossacredplaces.com/calendar

That calendar doesn't cover the numerous outdoor activities always available in and around Taos.  White water river rafting is still flowing down the Rio Grande.  Bicycle rides from mild to wild are always a good choice.  Hot air balloon rides are an experience seldom matched.  An air sight seeing trip around the mountains of Taos will leave you amazed.  Jeeps trips, horseback rides, hikes, and more.

The we could add the golf, the museums, Taos Pueblo, the other Northern NM Pueblos nearby, Taos Mountain Casino, shopping, architectural sight seeing, self guided drive tours from Southern Colorado to Santa Fe, Raton to Chama.  Maybe you'll just relax by our solar heated pool (about 80 degrees), read a book under the trees of our acre cetral courtyard.

We always appreciate your business and hope you'll refer your family and friends to choose us for their next visit to Taos.  Hope you'll join us on our Facebook biz page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taos-NM/Indian-Hills-Inn-Taos-Plaza/92952104085?v=app_2347471856.

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Always call direct for best values.  Call NOW!

Taos Part of NM's Eco Tourism Effort

Most of you know how important tourism is to states, localities, and small businesses such as Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  New Mexico claims tourism is a 7 Billion dollar industry in the state.  Including all the activities and services who depend to a large degree on toruism probably covers thousands of individual businesses, maybe 100,000 total employees.  As such, the state is promoting both Taos and the Silver City and Gila as Eco Tourism focal points.

The natural beauty, scenery, activities of all sorts are all keys to attacting and keeping visitors enthralled and etertained.  That's partially what we expect out of our front desk team at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  You may have heard us talk about being your "tour guide" when discussing Guest service.  We are here to help you experience Taos at it's fullest.  It's also partially why we've added a booking office at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza to improve your access to area activities.  Rafting, biking, hiking, climbing, jeep trips, and more for summer.  Snow, ski, and board activities and more during the winter.

Here's a short video of an Albuquerque TV news show from KOAT that discusses Eco Tourism.  http://www.koat.com/video/23742424/index.html

http://www.newmex.com/indianhilsinn     800-444-2346    Return to Sacred Places, Taos 2010

10 Destinations NOT to Visit, Does NM Make the Cut? Did Taos Make the Cut?

In AOL Travel, Cahterine Price, author of 101 Places Not to See Before You Die picks her to most overhyped tourist traps ever.  One of her choices is Four Corners.  It's the only place in the USA where four states meet in a single point.  Located in far NW New Mexico (the other 3 states refer to it a little differently), we visitied last year and it is honestly under whelming from a vista perspective.  Nothing like the Taos area.  The other problem is that the monument is now thought to be mislocated by about 2.5 miles according to an MSNBC report in 2009.

Whoops, those media reports in 2009 were wwwwwwwrong.  Doesn't surprise you does it.  A basic tenet of boundary surveying is that once a monument has been established and accepted by the parties involved (in the case of the Four Corners monument, the parties were the four territories and the U.S. Congress), the location of the physical monument is the ultimate authority in delineating a boundary. Issues of legality trump scientific details, and the intended location of the point becomes secondary information. In surveying, monuments rule!  In other words, it is 100% exactly what and where it is supposed to be.

The end result of Prices opinion is that you'd be better off spending your time enjoying the MANY other scenic spots of the area.  So, it would seem that Taos and New Mexico do make the cut but just in all the other parts of the state and Taos area that offer exquisite tourist sites to see.

Give me a week.  I'll keep you entertained in the Taos area for all those 7 days.  Our "tour guide" like front desk team will keep you moving through museums the likes of which you've never before enjoyed.  We'll keep you wandering by car and on foot from Southern Colorado to Santa Fe, from Cumbres & Toltec in Chama on the West to Raton on the East (both on US 64).  We can keep you hiking from going 500 feet down into the Rio Grande gorge to peaking the highest point in NM, Wheeler Peak.  All from the convenience of your downtown Taos comfortable hotel, Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.

Loads of activities from now thru October, 2010.   You don't have the time for me to write any more.  Frankly, a week is not enough!

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Call us today to book your room.  Do it now!

Taos Pueblo Pow Wow and More Taos Activities!

Taos Pueblo Pow Wow runs Friday July 9, 2010 thru Sunday July 11, 2010.  This is the 25th Annual Pow Wow for Taos Pueblo.  More information at http://www.taospueblopowwow.com/ or call 575-741-1081.  You will thoroughly enjoy the dancing, costumes, and celebrations.  Mention this post for a 3 night package special for $179 for 1 person, add $18 for each added Guest in same room.  Only available for direct bookings at 1-800-444-2346.

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, Taos Pueblo also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the return of sacred Blue Lake to the Pueblo.  This celebration will occur at the 1 PM Grand Entry at the Pow Wow.  That return culminated more than 60 years of effort by the Pueblo to regain ownership and possession of those sacred grounds.  Further commemorative activities are planned for September 17 and 18, 2010 covering the history, struggle, and victory of Blue Lake's return to the Pueblo.

Thursday Taos Plaza Live July 8, 2010 is another free concert on historic Taos Plaza. 

SOMOS, a tenant at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza shops, kicks off their Summer Writers Series.  Society of the Muse of the Southwest (SOMOS) will feature readings and teachings from a long list of writers.  Best and latest info at http://www.somostaos.net/.

Starting uly 9, 2010 and continuing thru August 15, 2010, Taos Institute for Art Glass hosts it's Glass Invitational.  This contemporary art festival features juried art exhibitions, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops.  Go to http://www.tiganm.org/ or call 575-613-6484.

BLM is celebrating both the Oro Verde Recreation Area and Wild & Scenic Rivers this weekend.  Both sites offer spectacular vistas, hiking, nature waslks, and more.  http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/info/newsroom/2010/june/blm_celebrating_the.html

Taos Art Experiences brings back a workshop series along the lines of Taos Institute of Art.  Many opportunities from July 11, 2010 thru July 23, 2010.  Jan Mellor Taos Art Gallery owner is aiding this new group to continue and grow the Taos Art culture.  jan@taosartexperiences.com or call (575) 758-3911.

That is just a sample of where to go, what to do, etc.  You best plan at least 3 or 4 days for the Taos Experience.  You'll be sorry if you don't immerse yourself in the goings on!

We'd appreciate your following this blog.  You're invited to connect on Facebook and "like" our biz page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taos-NM/Indian-Hills-Inn-Taos-Plaza/92952104085?v=app_2347471856 .  Hope you'll share with your family and friends.  Thansk for your business!

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Return to Sacred Places, Taos 2010!