Historic Touchstone Inn

Circa 1800, Touchstone is a quiet adobe estate secluded among tall trees at the edge of Taos Pueblo lands. One of the last visages of old Taos, Touchstone offers the astute traveler serenity and ambiance not seen elsewhere.  USA Today calls Touchstone Inn “THE place to stay in Taos,” but if you have come here to talk on your phone or watch TV, you might as well stay home. Nothing works in Taos the way it is supposed to.  Most phone providers are marginal, the electric grid is unstable, and the internet often goes down all over the valley – in short, Taos is like living in a third world country, but isn’t that why we love it!

The grounds have choice views of Taos Mountain on historic Taos Pueblo Lands.  Mature trees, extensive gardens, trickling fountains, and the sound of the Rio Pueblo add to the charm of Touchstone.  The best kept secret in Taos is that air conditioning is not required! We are located at 7400 feet in elevation and the property features mature trees along with the Rio Pueblo which keeps us cool.  All rooms at Touchstone have 10 foot high ceilings with fans which are rarely used, also available are Arctic Air Coolers if needed.

All rooms have coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave.  We celebrate many restaurants nearby that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Our CAM contractor, Looks Like New, is the best! Eco friendly, Non-toxic Green Cleaning! Touchstone passes all inspections with EID, is COVID – SAFE CERTIFIED by the State of New Mexico, and the fire department, and we pay tax to the State of New Mexico supporting our local infrastructure, because of our location, our property tax is the highest in Taos. If you book a non-inspected entity, like Air B&B then you are undermining our community and its ability to provide services to you.  An added bonus to Touchstone Inn is the availability of art studio rentals on a daily or long term basis as well as art classes offered through Touchstone Foundation, 501C-3.

Taos Ski valley is 18 miles to the north, Taos Casino is one mile north, Kit Carson and Taos Plaza are less than one mile south of Touchstone Inn; 2 miles away is Taos Pueblo.

D. H. Lawrence visited this house with his friend Spud Johnson in the 1930’s; accordingly, many of the rooms are named after famous Taos Artists and literary figures. The enormous Royale Suite has a second-story private deck that overlooks the Rio Pueblo as it leaves Pueblo lands. This suite has a large bathroom with Jacuzzi tub, walk-in double shower, and round skylight over the tub.

Plan to include a visit to Taos Pueblo while at Touchstone.  We cater to couples for a romantic getaway and elopement packages; we have workshops, weddings and business seminars, and a perfect place for your next family reunion! We can arrange for many activities to enhance your get together: rafting, tarot card reading, play acts, horseback riding, and mask-making to name a few.
Touchstone is considered Medicine land by the Peoples of Taos Pueblo and is an exquisite space for Taos lodging and resorts.

View from my studio – by Bren Price