Austing Haus, Taos Ski Valley

Where to start....how about the two positives, it is very close to the ski slopes and the hot tub water was certainly hot! My husband and I booked this B & B (more like a motel that needed a serious renovation) over the Xmas & New Year's holiday on a last minute trip online through a travel agent. Because it was last minute, I think we got the last room in the place....maybe in the worst condition as well. The bathroom was the worst. Peeling paint, caving in ceiling, leaking shower head that squirted water when you tried to move it, a tub that didn't drain well, water hot enough to scold the skin right off of you, a toilet that was uneven, and the seat that needed a serious replacement (paint peeling off everywhere). We stayed 5 days and two of the days, the maid service never came. When we approached the office desk, the woman gave the excuse that they were busy this week....ummm, never a good excuse. The front door only has a regular turn door lock with key that anyone could bust in if they wanted to get in the room or use a credit card....no chain lock or other protection from the inside. The crack between the door and the floor was so large; a huge draft could be felt. The walls are very thin. Recommend not getting a lower level room. The room was so cramped with old, torn, run down furniture. The clean towels smelled of cigarette smoke more than once. The towels and toilet paper are very thin. The continental breakfast was at best....par. Nothing spectacular to say about it, plus it is only open from 7:30 to 9 am, which makes for a very crowded dining room. The set up was not great. It was in a small corner in the dining room, which when packed with people, offered little room to move around and get food. The hot water was never hot each morning we ate there and the food was not very tasty. Even the hot waffle iron could use a replacement. The hot tub was very nice, but the room was only open from 3pm to 9pm. This is also where the 3 very outdated exercise equipment pieces were located. No TV in the room, or a good view to look at when exercising. The bed was pretty comfortable. The TV only had about 14 channels to pick from. The fireplace was nice, but the room was so dry, we couldn't have one every night. We would end up in a coughing fit. Ordinarily, I would have asked for another room, but it was booked for the week. I'd say if you are going to stay here, don't expect much. The skiing was the best, even in sub zero temps! Might recommend staying in the town of Taos where there is a larger and probably cheaper & updated or newer selection of hotel rooms, plus many more places to eat. The drive from Taos is not that far...maybe 30 minutes max. It's a beautiful drive.