What makes an establishment the oldest hotel in the state? Is it the hotel that’s currently housed in the oldest building or one on a site where there has been some form of hotel for centuries? While those certainly qualify a hotel as historical, it isn’t enough. We expected the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas or the Palace Hotel in Silver City to earn this title. However, the oldest building in New Mexico that has always functioned as a hotel is actually Hotel La Fonda de Taos.
Flickr/Mike Fisher
This gorgeous hotel, brimming with Southwestern flair, was built in 1880 (although an earlier hotel previously stood at the same location).
Flickr/Robin Kanouse Originally named the Columbian Hotel and Bar, it was the brainchild of a man named Aloysius Liebert. Since then, it has passed through several local families: the Poolers and their kin, the Karavas family, and the Sahd family.
A married couple purchased the Hotel La Fonda from its first owner. Their names were Robert and Maclovia Pooler. In 1909, they ejected a rowdy patron from the hotel bar; the man returned to the bar and shot Robert Pooler, killing him.
Thankfully, the West is less wild today. However, with such a long past, it’s not surprising that Hotel La Fonda de Taos is part of the tapestry of local history.
Facebook/Hotel La Fonda de Taos It became a popular hangout for the Taos Society of Artists, a commercial artistic co-op of which Ernest Blumenschein was a founding member. They liked to breakfast at La Fonda and play cards here. Their influence is why there remains an art gallery in the lobby to this day.
Other celebs have stayed at the La Fonda as well, including the likes of Rock Hudson, Julia Roberts, Prince Peter of Greece, Judy Garland, Georgia O’Keefe, Tennessee Williams, Robert DeNiro, Dennis Hopper… The list goes on.
Tripadvisor/management
Although the hotel is a landmark on Taos Plaza, it only acquired its current appearance and name in 1937. That’s when the Karavas brothers expanded the La Fonda, adding a second and third story, and changing its name.
Flickr/Christopher Rose The architecture of this pueblo revival style building continues to appeal to guests today.
The ambience is warm - full of character and old world charm.
Tripadvisor/Donna H
The hotel isn’t particularly large; it offers 19 rooms and 5 suites, along with a penthouse.
Facebook/Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Noula’s, the hotel’s small coffee shop, sells Starbucks Coffee.
Yelp/Charley C.
The on-site Plaza Café dishes up salads and sandwiches at lunch, and more substantial fare at dinner.
Tripadvisor/management
The Hotel La Fonda de Taos is located at 108 South Plaza in Taos.
Facebook/Hotel La Fonda de Taos
Visit the hotel’s website for more information.
Flickr/Mike Fisher
Flickr/Robin Kanouse
Originally named the Columbian Hotel and Bar, it was the brainchild of a man named Aloysius Liebert. Since then, it has passed through several local families: the Poolers and their kin, the Karavas family, and the Sahd family.
A married couple purchased the Hotel La Fonda from its first owner. Their names were Robert and Maclovia Pooler. In 1909, they ejected a rowdy patron from the hotel bar; the man returned to the bar and shot Robert Pooler, killing him.
Facebook/Hotel La Fonda de Taos
It became a popular hangout for the Taos Society of Artists, a commercial artistic co-op of which Ernest Blumenschein was a founding member. They liked to breakfast at La Fonda and play cards here. Their influence is why there remains an art gallery in the lobby to this day.
Tripadvisor/management
Flickr/Christopher Rose
The architecture of this pueblo revival style building continues to appeal to guests today.
Tripadvisor/Donna H
Yelp/Charley C.
Have you stayed at this historic hotel?
If one-of-a-kind hotels appeal to you, discover some more unique establishments here or check out New Mexico’s most haunted hotels!
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