Vacation Rentals by Owner

Weekend stay at Puerta Colorada

Guest: Carmen from Placitas, NM
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

My husband and I really enjoyed our weekend get a way. The stay at your condo was much nicer than we expected it to be. It was cozy and comfortable. We were able to sit back and relax, the weather was perfect and the awesome views in and around Taos were just breathtaking. I love your paintings! My husband and I are hoping to be able to go back there again soon. Thank you for letting us stay in your home.

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Our stay at Puerta Colorada

Guest: George and Carlyne, Texas
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

Hi Don and Mary, We had a great time staying at Puerta Colorada earlier this month. Visiting Taos and staying at your lovely condo was one of the highlights of our trip through New Mexico and Colorado. Your condo met with our expectations…in fact, it was more than we even hoped for. Upon arrival we found it to be immaculately clean and welcoming. I can’t stress enough how nice it is to find accommodations so well maintained. As owners of two rental units in Port Aransas, Texas, we find it most disconcerting when the cleaning crew has failed to meet the highest of standards we try to set. Your place shined!! Another pleasant surprise was the well stocked refrigerator and cupboard full of spices and cooking basics. The furnishings were definitely upscale and comfortable. Thanks again for your helpfulness with driving directions, restaurant recommendations and practical instructions. We and our guests often struggle with Dish Network/DVD/TV technology at our rental homes, but we had no problems at Puerta Colorada. I don’t know when we’ll be back in Taos, but we’ll give you a call for another rental should we travel there again.

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Canadians visiting Puerta Colorada

Guest: Jean-Francois, Canada
Date of Stay: 07/11/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

Hi Don We had a great time in Taos.Your place was perfect.Thank you also for the suggestions of restaurant. We appreciated particularly The Shed and El Patio. Have a nice summer.

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Excellent Vacation Condo in Taos

Guest: Liping (Houston)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10

We stayed in this Condo for four nights for our ski trip. This is a well built new condo with more then average amenities, including gas grill plus washer & dryers. We enjoyed the decoration of the condo, and the convenient location - walking distance to ark galleries. Don was always available when we had questions, and gave very detail instruction. Thank Don for a very memorable vacation stay.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.

beauty, space, and value

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/02/10

an excellent choice for a visit to taos. less than one mile to the square, tastefully decorated (including paintings by the owner), clean, and spacious as well. hope to visit again soon. would be hard to do better.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Cathy
Date of Stay: 07/01/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

Hi Don, We had a great time again. We really like your place. Clean, convenient, classy, comfortable. Plus it is close to a lot of the things we do. The kitchen affords me the opportunity to shop at the wonderful farmers' market and then cook it up fresh. We just don't have that opportunity much in Arizona. Thank you again. We will be back again. Cathy

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Guest: Vicki & Caleb (San Antonio, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

Wow, what an incredible ski vacation. It was all Don said it would be and much, much more. We checked in on Saturday, March 13th and it snowed quite nicely Sunday & Monday for skiing at the mountains! The kitchen was fully stocked with everything you need from cooking utensils to even condiment items. Bathroom was even stocked with all the necessities. Bes & Pillows were incredible. I can honestly say this is the 1st time the photo's on the web don't do the condo justice. We would come back in a heartbeat to stay at this lovely condo again, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

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Guest: Rileys
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/10

Thanks so much for a wonderful place. It was everything you said it would be. Skiing was great and the vacation was relaxing. We will be back!

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Guest: Claire and Rusty
Date of Stay: 01/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

Mi casa es tu casa! You two are gifted with fabulous tase and a very charming, cozy condo. Rusty and I are very thankful for your hospitality. It snowed Wednesday eve and we skiid on powder today. Awesome ski week. A great ski vacation, and staying at your place was a treat-- a home away from home. Thanks!

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Guest: A. and V. Lopez
Date of Stay: 11/25/09 Review Submitted: 11/24/09

Thank you so muh for letting us stay in your beatiful hom. It has such a warm lovely feeling. And it is so convenient to everything. We loved the Christmas decorations and the art....

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Guest: The Dunkins
Date of Stay: 10/03/09 Review Submitted: 10/02/09

If one must turn 60 this is the greatest plan in the world to experience this milestone. Your Taos home is warm, classy and very comfortable. The furniture, beds! and accessories enhance the welcome and laid back feeling. We enjoyed your art work also....

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Guest: LaDonna and Rick
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/09

We count this as one of our greatest vacations for several reasons...one of them was your gracious hospitality. The accommodations were fabulous. Your home adn condo are beautiful (love the art) and most comfortable.

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Guest: The McGuires
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/09

We hope the next time we come to Taos from Denver we can stay here again. Your home is the perfect base and really, really comfortable. Really loved your artwork! Really!

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Guest: Andrea, Rachel & Melinda
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 09/22/09

As you said in the descripition--"you will be comfortable from the time you awaken until you go to bed" was perfect! Thanks for sharing your place with us--a perfect blend of aesthetics, comfort and caire. You were perfect hosts, start to finish, for this most enchanted trip to Taos. Vaya con Dios!

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Guest: Kassie and Dave
Date of Stay: 08/23/09 Review Submitted: 08/23/09

We are back in Chicago, and wanted to thank you for a wonderful stay. Your place was ideal. Thank you again for the perfect place to stay. I hope we can visit Taos again soon. We loved it there. Kassie and Dave P.S. I've attached a picture from our wedding. :)

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Guest: Candyce G
Date of Stay: 08/03/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/09

Tomorrow morning we leave your place on Tewa, with regret, since we have had such a great time. We have enjoyed your place so very much. It is so quiet, beautiful, it has everything, great location...on and on. We loved it. By the way, the mattresses are so comfortable! Could you tell me what kind of mattresses you have on the beds? Do you remember where you got them? We bought an inexpensive CD player/radio at Walmart and will leave it for future guests. It works very well and the radio stations come in perfectly. Again, thanks for everything, and especially for fixing up the Red Door so beautifully. take care, Candyce G

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Guest: B.Bonet
Date of Stay: 07/27/09 Review Submitted: 07/26/09

Querida famila Vigil, Thansk for allowing us to stay in your beautiful adobe during our first visit to Taos. As other have mentioned, your attention to detail and beautiful furnishings put your home above and beyond other places we've stayed...We're sad to leave-- we had a gret stay in Taos. We hope to return soon. Un abrazo, Familia Bonet

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Guest: Jon and Gitta
Date of Stay: 07/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/18/09

Don, We had a great time. Really, really liked your house. Met Jim Wagner at one of the galleries. Love his work. We will tell our friends about your place - they're looking for suggestions for September. Wonderful house you have here. Everything is of such good workmanship and quality. By the way - is that your artwork on the walls? Jon

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Guest: Cathy
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

Thanks Don. Like I said on the phone, your place is lovely. We feel really at home here. We have stayed many years at Casa Benevides, Hacienda del Sol, and last year we tried Casa Gallina. This is the best after 14 years coming here every 4th. My husband and I have a Taos tradition. We go to the Storyteller Theatre every 4th to watch the blockbuster of the summer. We park in front of the bank facing the street, so when we come out of the movie we are perfectly situated to watch the fireworks. We drove into town on the 4th a few years ago just as it started raining. We quickly left for the theatre and noticed a small fire on Taos Mt. When we came out of the theatre it was a huge fire. No fireworks that night. We were staying at Casa Benevides and we told we could stay although everyone North of Kit Carson had to evacuate. We parked facing out for a quick getaway, slept in our clothes, and kept the car packed. The smoke was so thick we had to leave on the 3rd day. We are looking forward to the fireworks tomorrow. After reading the comments from former guests, I noticed a few remarked that some of the artwork is yours. Fantastic. Are you still painting? I particularly love the painting of the gorge over the couch. I keep thinking I will take it up when I grow up! My Mother, my brother, my daughter all have talent. I got skipped. I can't make what is in my head appear in/on any medium. But coming to Taos lets me enjoy other people's gifts. Also, where did you find the fantastic metal furnishings? I found a metal desk from Mex ico (in Tucson) but have never seen anymore metal pieces of furniture. I especially love the dining set that looks like a metal take on the Mexican pigskin chairs, and the mirrors and sconces. Thanks for your hospitality, Cathy

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Guest: Deb, Gary, Amy, Lauren
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/06/09

We truly had a wonderful stay in Taos. Your condo is very lovely. It was relaxing and very peaceful. I enjoyed cooking in your top grade kitchen and feasting upon amazing gallery art! Thank you for your generous hospitality!

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Guest: Beth C.
Date of Stay: 06/29/09 Review Submitted: 06/28/09

We enjoyed staying at your Taos home very much! It is furnished beautifully and we loved all the art in the house. We did forget to sign the guest book but I think that is the only thing that we neglected! We hope to stay again some time and will pass on the info to my sister and her husband who hope to make a trip to Taos soon.

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Guest: The Aguilar Family
Date of Stay: 08/26/08 Review Submitted: 08/25/08

Don & Mary, Thanks for letting us use your wonderful condo. It made our Taos experience wonderful. Traveling with an infant is always difficulty, but you had everything you could have imagined in your condo.

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Guest: Jean C.
Date of Stay: 08/26/08 Review Submitted: 08/25/08

Thank you for the use of your casita. It was much more than I expected and the luxury quite a treat! I tried to put the bed in my suitcase...it is so comfortable, but alas, it did not fit. Again thank you for your hospitality and kindness. I look forward to returning to Taos and seeking out the Red Door.

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Guest: Fred, Bev, and Deb
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/17/08

Don and Mary, What a beautiful, peaceful retreat. We had a wonderful time while staying at your place. It was equipped with everything we needed. Our stay in your casita was just what the doctor ordered. The R and R in such a lovely place was wonderful.

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Guest: P. Evans
Date of Stay: 08/06/08 Review Submitted: 08/05/08

Your condo is beautiful as well as the fantastic art. We will come again. Thank you.

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Guest: Kathryn, Walt & Mary
Date of Stay: 07/25/08 Review Submitted: 07/24/08

Our stay at your delightful casita was one of the best Taos visits yet! We are frequent visitors who are always looking for that "perfect" place here. I think we've found it. Not only was it beautifully furnished, it was lso very comfortable! We were instantly at home. We appreciated your art on the walls and that of your son's...We especially enjoyed the fireplace since we've come during the rainy season. Mil gracias for sharing this special place with us and for being such charning and gracious hosts.

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Guest: Chapins and Leathems
Date of Stay: 07/22/08 Review Submitted: 07/21/08

We all greatly enjoyed our stay. We've been passing through and vacationing in Taos for many years, but this time we felt as if we truly had a home here!

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Guest: Barker family
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

This place was incredible and made our first visit to Taos a truly wonderful experience. Your home is beautiful. if we are every fortunate enough to pass this way again we only hopethere is room in your inn one more time. Thank you!

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Guest: Jay, Paula, Bonnie, Jess & Ian
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/31/08

Everywhere I gazed was how beautifully that or that goes with teh setting! Mary, have you thought about interior decorating? Thanx

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Guest: Rich and Nick
Date of Stay: 05/11/08 Review Submitted: 05/10/08

We really enlyed the peace of this casa. The art work looks great makes this stay even more special. Many thanks for your hospitality and generosity.

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Guest: C. Cushman
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/30/08

Three guests from Germany and I enjoyed our stay in your beautiful casa. Taos is much more beautiful than Santa Fe.

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Guest: Mc Kenna family
Date of Stay: 03/26/08 Review Submitted: 03/25/08

Dear Don and Mary, Lovely artwork Don! Beautiful decor Mary! We loved returning to our comfy cozy condo after our daily adventures! What wonderful hosts you are!

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Guest: Susan and Steven
Date of Stay: 03/21/08 Review Submitted: 03/20/08

Don and Mary, Your condo was an integral part of our family's first ski vacation. To come "home" each evening to a place so lovely to look at, and so comfortable to rest and relax made the trip truly wonderful. We marveled at the original art, the tasteful decor, and the quiet surrrounds so close to everything. You forgot nothing to make a guest feel welcome and delighted to be here. Our daughter swears the art in the bathrom are Joan Miro originals.

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Guest: Cathy and Stuart
Date of Stay: 03/06/08 Review Submitted: 03/05/08

It has been a real pleasure staying in your "blushing door" condo. We were able to completely relax and enjoy the superb skiing--your place is so comfortable and well appointed. Thanks for all the "little touches" which raised the experience even further.

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Guest: John and Rod
Date of Stay: 02/27/08 Review Submitted: 02/26/08

We had a spectacular ski trip. This place is really beautiful. Thanks for everything. It was a real treat!

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Guest: The Richardsons
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/31/08

Don & Mary-- Your condo made our stay in Taos so enjoyable! The skiing and sightseeing have been great.

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Guest: C. Martinez
Date of Stay: 01/20/08 Review Submitted: 01/19/08

We loved your place and the strict attention toevery detail you paid! Thanks for helping make this a wonderful weekend.

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Guest: Val and Steve
Date of Stay: 10/22/07 Review Submitted: 10/21/07

What a joy to have a waarm lovely place to come "home" to after enjoying Taos and the wonderful desert. You have provided everything we need. Thank you for providing such a beautiful surroundings.

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Guest: Pat and Nita
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/30/07

Mary and Don, We always look forward toour annual trip to Taos and this year staying in your beautiful condo made our visit special. Lord willing, we'll do it again next year!

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Guest: The Espejo Family
Date of Stay: 09/10/07 Review Submitted: 09/09/07

We really enjoyed staying in your beautiful condo. It's a great place to stay when your in New Mexico for the first time! The art inside was gorgeous because it really went with the New Mexico culture. Thanks again!

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Guest: Mark & Sharon
Date of Stay: 08/20/07 Review Submitted: 08/19/07

Dear Mary and Don, You two are incredible hosts. Your casita was wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity to stay here. Best wishes, Mark and Sharon

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Guest: The Romero family
Date of Stay: 08/14/07 Review Submitted: 08/13/07

Thank you so much for helping to make our stay inTaos comfortable and memorable. Thanks to this wonderful space and your generous hospitality, every day felt as if we were coming home.

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Guest: The Romero family
Date of Stay: 08/14/07 Review Submitted: 08/13/07

Thank you so much for helping to make our stay inTaos comfortable and memorable. Thanks to this wonderful space and your generous hospitality, every day felt as if we were coming home.

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Guest: The Franklins
Date of Stay: 08/08/07 Review Submitted: 08/07/07

Thank you so very much for your hospitality! This place is so welcoming and what I wish my home decorating was like! It's beautiful! You guys are great!

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Guest: Christine H.
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/31/07

Don and Mary Staying inyour home, with all the beautiful art you have created was truly an ethnic experience. It was a place in which sisterhood was shared, love was shared and an appreciation of the majestic gifts God has createdfor us to enjoy. Thank you for this extraordinary experience... Christine H.

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Guest: Barefoot and Rochelle
Date of Stay: 07/27/07 Review Submitted: 07/26/07

Hard thunder rumbles on this July afternoon as a gentle rain wraps itself around me. I have left my possessions; taken up yours for one sensuous week in this adobe-like dwelling dressed in earthy reds; adorned with originals on the pale velvet walls...outside the "coyote" fence is softened by a young Hawthorn sapling prayerfully receiving the afternoon offering of rain. Thanks for a pleasant week.

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