Southwest Hospitality

 

Celebrating 90 Years of Southwest Hospitality at Sagebrush Inn & Suites

Located in the heart of Taos, New Mexico, Sagebrush Inn & Suites is a historic adobe hotel offering guests an authentic Southwest lodging experience. Originally constructed in 1929 and opened in 1931 by Frank and Helen Kentnor as El Chamiso Lodge, the property quickly became a favorite stop for travelers journeying between the East Coast and Arizona.

By 1933, the name was changed to Sagebrush Inn—a more recognizable term for guests, as “sagebrush” is the English translation of chamiso. The Inn’s 13 original adobe-style guest rooms were known for their Southwestern décor, warm hospitality, and rustic charm—qualities that continue to define the property today.

A Rich History of Hospitality

Shortly after opening, the Kentnors added a dining room to accommodate guests who preferred not to travel to Taos Plaza for meals. During Prohibition, the Inn couldn’t offer a bar, but guests enjoyed evenings by the fire with card games and jigsaw puzzles. In the late 1940s, the Inn even housed an illegal gambling room, which was shut down in a 1950 raid.

Over the decades, Sagebrush Inn & Suites has grown to include 156 guest rooms and suites, 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a reputation for authentic New Mexican cuisine and live music at the Sagebrush Grill & Cantina. The property remains a beloved Taos hotel, serving both visitors and locals with its timeless charm and scenic views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Historical Highlights

  • Original lobby and rooms built with 10-inch thick adobe blocks

  • 1931 rates: $3.00 per night, meals for $0.75

  • Georgia O’Keeffe lived in what is now The Artist’s Loft, inspired by its mountain views

  • Temporary home to the Los Alamos Boys School during WWII

  • Filming location for Easy Rider and lodging for the cast of Twins, including Arnold Schwarzenegger

  • Frequented by celebrities and dignitaries such as Ansel Adams, Marlon Brando, Dennis Hopper, Paul Newman, President Gerald Ford, and R.C. Gorman

Stay Where History Lives

Whether you're planning a Taos vacation, a Southwest wedding, or a group retreat, Sagebrush Inn & Suites offers a unique blend of historic charm, rustic ambiance, and modern amenities. From pet-friendly rooms to live entertainment and scenic courtyards, your stay promises to be memorable.