Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

La Dona Luz, Taos, New Mexico, USA
Nominated By: Lynda, San Francisco, California, USA, August '08

Price Range: US$69-$229 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 15 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes La Dona Luz so Darn Good? With its great atmosphere, very comfortable rooms, and nice people, La Dona Luz is authentic Taos at the right price.

Location: La Dona Luz is located in the heart of Taos, 70 miles north of Santa Fe. The town is a great base for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its proximity to the towering Sangre de Cristo mountains and the spectacular Rio Grande Gorge. Taos itself is known for its vibrant artist community and its multitude of top-notch art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Just a few miles away are the multi-storied adobe dwellings of Taos Pueblo, the only living Native American community designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Rooms: La Dona Luz has 15 richly decorated theme rooms. Every wall, bedspread, and fireplace of this 200 year old adobe home is covered with the artwork of both contemporary Taos artists and those of yesteryear. Our favorite room, Sonrisa, has a tile mural of the "Garden of Eden" wrapped around the Jacuzzi bathtub, which is big enough for two! We also enjoyed the small, fun, and inexpensive La Luz room on the top floor.

Food: A basic, continental breakfast is served either on the patio or in the dining room where in the winter, guests can warm their bones by the home’s original adobe fireplace. The coffee is decent and it will certainly get you going for the day.

Vibe: La Dona Luz is VERY Taos, funky, and relaxed.

Things to Keep in Mind: The steps are narrow and steep, so if you have a lot of luggage, you might want to ask for a room on the ground floor. Also, La Dona Luz is pet-friendly.