Cowboy Shack Trailhead Tours

Stayed May 16-18 2024. We are longtime customers, having stayed multiple times over the last 20 years. However, this was our first stay since the pandemic. The property is still beautiful, and an unsuspected pleasure just off the highway in Española. The gardens are beautiful and flowers in bloom. However, the inn no longer offers the breakfast that made it such an exceptional value. The Casita style rooms are beautiful, but showing signs of wear and just missing a few maintenance details, such as caulking around the tubs and shower, a very squeaky bed frame and the kiva fireplaces are turned off. I realize there are probably good reasons for this, but the character of the place suffers a little. Management is still exceptionally friendly and they were accommodating when we had to make a last-minute change to our reservation. But I think this gem of the Espanola Valley needs a little TLC and to serve breakfast that made it feel like a real B&B experience and an opportunity to meet other guests.

The hotel itself is beautiful but the service is incredibly spotty. I felt like our comfort was a complete afterthought and the restaurant, cafe, and concierge seem to be completely understaffed. I feel like I definitely overpaid and the service absolutely does not match the high cost. 1) It was very hard and took very long to catch the shuttle to and from town. 2) The room cleaning was not great. Empty dishes were left around and it was not up to par at all. 3) Service at the restaurant is very slow. I was told they’re looking for a new chef and don’t have a general manager currently so hopefully this will change. 4) No one helped us with our bags when we first checked in. Just not worth it.

private, intimate, and romantic. Very nice!