Los Poblanos in Albuquerque opens new guest rooms in September

The original seven guest rooms and suites were built around the colorful courtyard in a classic New Mexican style with kiva fireplaces, carved ceiling beams, and hardwood floors. New guest suites are scheduled to open mid-September 2010, bringing the total number of rooms and suites to 20, which will allow Los Poblanos Innn to accommodate large family celebrations, retreats, business meetings, and guests attending special events at the Cultural Center.

The new suites have private patios (all the original rooms face the colorful courtyard with ample seating all around). Artisan foods made on-site, original artwork, and lovely views of the fields and gardens (not to mention the Sandia Mountains) are special features of these guest rooms. An outdoor salt water swimming pool will be heated by solar energy.

This expansion will allow more than 80 percent of the gardens and agricultural fields to be preserved in perpetuity. Full amenities and a tasty, healthful breakfast using products grown on the organic farms are provided for guests.

Los Poblanos encompasses sweeping formal gardens designed by renowned landscape architect Rose Greeley. A pond thick with lotus plants almost seems out of place in this desert climate, but delicate pink blossoms confirm its success.

Hundreds of lavender plants create an aromatic ambience and provide oils for soaps and other products used by the inn. These plants have inspired the annual June Lavender Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from around the country. Even with a variety of activities scheduled year round, many visitors are satisfied with luxuriating in the calm, relaxing ambience of Los Poblanos. What could be more serene than sipping wine in the evening overlooking the lovely courtyard?

Executive director Matthew Rembe’s guided tour of the property is really the best way to learn about all the history tucked inside its buildings. It also helps visitors like Larry and me understand and appreciate the many facets of this jewel.

After our stay, we knew what Rembe meant when he said, “People are just awed by what is here. It’s a New Mexico legacy that we want to leave to the city.”

http://www.lospoblanos.com/

Photos by Beverly Burmeier
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