Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Some of the Hotel Details we miss but you may need!

Had a call earlier today from a Guest who needed to know about our WIFI.  First, we have it via Qwest DSL.  Works most of the time but there are days.  Different from the big city hotels, ours is free, not an added $10-15 per day.  How do they get away with that...high rooms rates...parking fees...WIFI fees?  Our basic rates are usually amongst the most reasonable in Taos plus we thro in the free WIFI, parking, continental breakfast.

Another party asked about the various online booking systems and agencies.  You know, the ones who advertise on TV all the time.  Famous actors and such.  Let me tell you bluntly, if you get a quote of $65 from one of those sites, call us direct, we will almost always be able to match that number.  If we happen to be busy with rates a bit higher, we'll still try to meet any website you get rates from for us.  We'll often be able to match other property quotes.  It certainly makes it easier if you even have a copy to give us when you check in but we'll probably let that slip too.  The real benefit for booking direct is accuracy and easy changes or cancellations.  We'll cover all the details when you book (unless the numbers change), we'll always allow a 24 hour cancellation (unless you bought a super discounted non refundable prepaid rate direct from us), we don't charge any wee-wee fees (it's rate plus tax) like some of those online people do.  Remember, there is NO FREE LUNCH.  They buy a block of rooms from us, mark the rate up, add some service (wee-wee) fees, and sell it to you at something higher and with more restrictions than you calling us direct.  BTW, that advice applies to every hotel you stay with, anywhere in the world.  Do your research online, check out all the sites, then go to the hotel site directly and/or call the hotel direct.  That also means try to get around the central reservations number.  Direct means call the front desk or property front desk/reservations person.

Our single king deluxe rooms offer a small gas log heater/fireplace.  Pretty romantic on a cold fall/winter night.  The heater is a thermostatically controlled "wall heater" that has a glass front with manufactured logs.  They are more efficient than a real fireplace and vastly cleaner for air quality.  Hope you enjoy them.

Why do we triple sheet our beds?  First, it looks much cleaner and neater than a pilled blanket.  Second, it keeps the blankets cleaner.  Third, we just think it is a more professional way of offering the room.

Our solar heated swimming pool is still open but will be closed soon.  The sun is keeping it in the 70's but that will decline shortly.  We usually close it around late September or early October.

Continental breakfast is a bit varied but usually includes bagels, toast, juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate (seasonal), yogurt, hard boiled egg, oat meal (seasonal).  We also try to have little gift bags with an assortment of give aways.  Nothing fancy but always a little extra.  We also offer single cup coffee in the rooms.

We currently offer an full lineup of cable TV chanels including HBO movies and specials.  Our TVs are all 25 and 27" models with remotes (as long as the remotes don't gro legs).

Our office is open from 7 AM until 10 PM daily, year round.  Late reservation arrivals use the night bell to rouse the night person.  Our phone system allows Guests to call out 24 hours and to receive calls by instructing your family to call the hotel, then follow the instructions you've given them to ring your room.  The phones also include voice mail and wake up / alarm clock features.

We also hope you'll join us by following the blog, tracking us on Twitter.com/indianhillsinn, and follow us on Facebook.  I also invite you to share us with your family and friends.  As a small independent business, we live for referrals.  Earning those referrals is our franchise.  Thanks for both the returning Guests and the referrals of business and social network connections.

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Fall Colors are Coming to the Mountains of NM

Taos Grand Art Weekend and Taos Fall Arts Festival

Taos biggest late summer early fall art celebration is about to commence.  From September 24 thru October 11, 2010 you'll discover numerous art oriented opennings, activities, specials, art galleries, retail shops, museums, and the convention center.

It all starts off Friday, September 24, 2010 with the festival opening at the Taos Convention Center.  More details for the fall program at - www.taosfallarts.com.

Saturday, September 25, 2010, the action moves to the Taos Center for the Arts - www.tcataos.org where you'll find 40 local artists to view, watch, and visit with.

Saturday, September 25, 2010 you can weander the high road art galleries and shops for an amazing trip of beauty.  Remember, the mountain tops are about to be adorned with the turning aspen leaves.  http://www.highroadnewmexico.com/

Saturday & Sunday, September 25 & 26, 2010 is the fall Taos Trade Fair at Martinez Hacienda.  http://www.taoshistoricmuseums.org/

Sunday, September 26, 2010, SOMOS (one of our retail tenants at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza) presents Sam Sheppard with readings from his latest book, Day Out of Days.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. somos@somostaos.org, 575-758-0081, http://www.somostaos.org/.

San Geronimo Days are next week at Taos Pueblo followed by the Wool Festival the first weekend of October.

Hotel specials are available at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.  A 3 night package from $159 for a single, $174 for two guests, good throughout the Fall Arts Festival.  You'll find yourself downtown in the heart of the Taos historic district.  Guests tell us our memory foam matress toppers provide a great nights rest.  Let our front desk team be your "tour guide" means great service.

Always lots to see and do in and around the Taos area.  Let us be your home away from home for this exciting time of year.

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

Monday, September 20, 2010

Here's More Taos to See and Do

Saturday, October 2, 2010, Taos Kiwanis Magic Show.  Held at Taos High gym.  This is a wonderful event that benefits kids in and around the Taos area.  We've been aiding their effort for many years and it is always a worth while event and effort.

The word is out.  It's not just me bragging about the fall color tours around Taos.  Taos is named among Travel and Lesiure online’s “America's Best Fall Color Drives” - http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-fall-color-drives/10

Part of the magic of the fall colors is a ride on Cumbres & Toltec.  Cumbres Pass is at 10,000 feet so the colors change a bit earlier up there.  Cumbres and highway 17 are always worth the side trip.  www.cumbrestoltec.com/.  Tell them Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza sent you!

I've mentioned this before but did you know that the Taos area is home to over 30 water falls?  Amazing that the high desert is home to some amazing water features.  Most are hard to get to so are relatively unseen.  Here's a link to our local expert's web site with a state wide data base.  www.dougscottart.com/hobbies/waterfalls.htm

There are still Return to Sacred Places, Taos 2010 activities and events going on.  http://www.taossacredplaces.com/

If you want more information on Taos area activities and want to invest a little extra time, wander back thru our year ago posts.  I likely am talking about somewaht different activities this year than in prior times.  Most will probably be as good or better than before.

And don't forget to ask our front desk team.  They've all been with us for 1 to 2 years.  They are quite accomplished at being your "tour guide".  Let them know your interestes and they'll likely steer you in a direction that you'll appreciate.

Take a picture of your crew in front of our SW carved totem poles, around our pool area, in the courtyard, or on one of your area adventures.  Post to your Facebook page and let us know.  We'll brag about you too.  Anyone take a video of your ski, raft, bike, fly, fish, hunt, hike trip this year?  Send us the link if you'd like to share.

Enjoy fall in Taos!  It's a spectacular time in NM's Northern Mountains.

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Location, Quality, Service, Value!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Angel Fire is an ACTIVE part of the Taos area and the Enchanted Circle.

The too have activities scheduled many weekends.  Plus there are numerous other Circle sights and places to enjoy while in and around Taos.  As the mountain colors begin their annual golden show, the Circle and Angel Fire are good choices for more vistas.  Eagle Nest lake and the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial State Park are must sees when you visit the area.

Here's the link to the Angel Fire promotion page - http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=d9kqn7cab&v=001VK-ta8v4JpW1W03trItnCuk2Ubf2dd4ysHYZ2Y3sclq34W5132KwN4d5v6yOTgsNgTCb2lZBvBNF5nNa2h8ob3-_6SJJXMLBRQSIXu0zl4zmNsA_xoSg_w%3D%3D

Along with the Taos Fall Art Festival, you'll find that Indian Hills Inn always offers some of the best values, best Guest service, awesome convenient location, and clean comfort in the area.  Our team of Associates is proud of the number of referrals and repeat Guests who've decided to visit us and Taos again this last few months.

Our Taos Fall Art Festival Special is 3 nights for $159 for a single and $174 for two Guests.  That's about a 25% discount from normal single night rates.  I promise, we will keep you busy enjoying the area for those 3 nights...easily!  Fact is, you may prefer a couple of added nights to cover the area better.

Hope you'll consider "liking" our Facebook biz page, following us on Twitter, following this blog site.  I also invite you to become a friend on my Facebook page but I am rather political this year...be forewarned :-)  Our prime marketing effort for 2010 is Facebook.  We are enscounced in seeking and earning referrals from both Taos area folks, New Mexico friends, and Guests from around the world.

We're just 2 blocks South of historic Taos Plaza, a block South of McD's, and across from Smith's Grocery and Gas (best gas prices around Taos).  You can also buy your spouse a bouquet at Enchanted Florist, relax in a Yoga class at Santosha Yoga, and book a raft trip at Los Rios River Runners, all right here at Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza.

Remember, this week was Constitution Day.  Reading it is rather instructive.  Might even make you questions some of our governments decisions.

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

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Like Many, Computer Problems Ended Posting for a Few Days

Hopefully, the old system is up and running!  And continues.  Early fall weather is simply gorgeous in Taos and the mountains of North Central NM.  Numerous activities are also available many days and most weekends.  Fall colors are showing at the mountain tops.  This is a great time to visit the Taos area!

September 16, 2010 you'll find Billy Archuleta;s music and dancing at Sagebrush Inn and Cantina.  No cover.

Taos After School Music Program is having a fund raiser at Shadows Bar & Grill Friday, September 17, 2010.  $10 per person, $15 a couple.  Come on folks, Shadows is just a block from Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza!  And The Damn Band is playin!

This weekend, Friday, September 17 & Saturday, September 18, 2010 is the Taos Pueblo Blue Lake Return Celebration.  Also a key compnent of the Return to Sacred Places theme for 2010, this is the official public commemoration of the return of Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo from the US Government.  Festivities commence Friday with a mass at St. Jerome Church at Taos Pueblo with an evening reception at Kachina Lodge - Caberet Room.  The highlight activities occur Saturday with differing activities throughout the day at historic Taos Pueblo Village.  Visit http://www.taospueblo.com/ for more information or call 575-741-9085.

Just a couple blocks North of Indian HIlls Inn, Taos Plaza is Ledoux Street.  Saturday, September 18, 2010 is the Ledoux Street Art Stroll.  Museums, galleries, shops, and artist studios are ready with openings, festivities, fun, and happenings.  Hours are 3 PM to 5 PM.  575-751-1262 for further information.

Taos Ski Valley gets into the fall spirit with  Oktoberfest Saturday, September 18, 2010.  Beer tents, 13 piece Oompah Band, German food, German dancing, Best Costume, Yodeling, and brats suggest this to be a fun filled day in the Mountains.  Details at 575-776-1413 of log onto http://www.skitaos.org/.

TCA continues there amazingly wide range of activities with Five Saturdays, Five One Act Plays by Graham Sudbury.  First show is Saturday, September 18, 2010.  Tickets at Taos Center for the Arts, $12 per person, 575-758-2052.  Box office opens at 7:15 PM.  http://www.tcataos.org/

Our nearby neighbor, the Couse/Sharp Historic Site Studio & Garden Tour holds their last open house for 2010 Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 1 to 5 PM.  The tour is of the studios of two of the original Taos art colony founders.  Family members Virginia Couse Leavitt and Earnest Leavitt will be present to share their personal experiences and tell stories passed down from prior generations.  The price is right - FREE!  They are just East of the second light North of Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza (at the Plaza) and a block in from Paseo del Pueblo Sur at 146 Kit Carson Road.  dmclean@newmex.com

Uncertain of what to do, where to go, etc.?  Our front desk team is amongst Taos finest.  Give them a chance and they'll keep you busy for days at a time.  In other words, make plans to stay a while longer.  Daniel, Lisa, and Gini are all exceptional at being your "tour guide".  See you soon!

Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza knows you have many choices for your lodging in the Taos valley.  We appreciate your patronage and referrals.  Mention this "Blog914" when you call for our blog/twitter/facebook special.  Singles from $49, add $5 for each added Guest in room.  Not available with any other special or coupon.  Direct call bookings only.  Remember, mention "Blog914" when you call!  We invite, even ask, you to share that code with family and friends!

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     You won't find better sleeping beds anywhere in Taos!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hello September! Great Taos Activities continue!

Labor Day weekend upcoming with much to see and do in and around the Taos area.

The Taos Gallery invites visitors to view some works by Issa de Nicola  such as "The Sacredness of Art" and "Sacred Journey" along with the other artists represented by the Taos Gallery.  Artwalk First Saturday, September 4, 2010, 4-7 PM.  In keeping with this years Taos marketing theme of "Return to Sacred Places", the artist selected the above titles to describe his displays for this event.  More information at http://www.taosgallery.com/.  133 Bent Street.  575-758-3911.

Prefer to immerse yourself in the world of art?  Take a look at enrolling in an art experience.  Visit http://www.taosartexperience.com/.  Jan Mellor is one of the creators of this added Taos art experience program.  Enjoy!  For September, you'll find wood carving, childrens literature, and more.

September 4, 2010, Saturday, 4-7 PM is another Paseo del Pueblo Norte block party.  Come out and stroll the shops, galleries, listen to music, and enjoy the food.  More details and activities at http://www.taossacredplaces.com/

A Night Out With Taos Pueblo is a fundraiser for the 40th Aniversary of the Return of Blue Lake Commemoration.  The evening includes food, dance, song, and fashion.  September 8, 2010, 6 PM, $35 per person, Taos Pueblo Community Center.  Shawn Duran at 575-758-5990 for tickets or information.

Details on the 40th Anniversary Commemoration at the Taos Pueblo site - http://www.taospueblo.com/.

Thanks for visiting. You're invited to experience Taos soon. Indian Hills Inn, Taos Plaza is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Taos about 2 blocks South of historic Taos Plaza. Many of mour first time Guests tell us "we're the hidden gem of downtown". We hope you'll enjoy our friendly hospitality and great "tour guide" like team of Associates.

www.newmex.com/indianhillsinn     800-444-2346     Location, Quality, Service, Value!