Remembering a 10 year anniversary

In 1983 we celebrated our ownership of the Inn by dedicating our new two-story eight rooms overlooking the lovely pool towards the back of the property. We had owned the El Rey for ten years and thought that it was time to celebrate our accomplishment. The new units were beautiful with each one facing the pool with a patio or courtyard depending if the unit was upstairs or on the ground floor. There were sliding doors for the guests to easily step outside and enjoy the fresh air and smell the roses. The terraces had a settee and an umbrella for shade. On the inside we installed beautiful brass beds, brass or tin star lights in the ceiling; brick floors downstairs and thick carpeted rooms upstairs. We made every effort to have good sound insulation between floors and between the individual units. The end unit had a kiva fireplace and a kitchen and three sets of French doors opening onto two different terraces. That unit has been incredibly popular with everyone who has had the pleasure of staying in it.

Owners Terrell and Hanneke stand in front of the new addition overlooking the pool

We also had made a special reproduction piece known as a vargueno, or cabinet patterned after the 16th century Spanish Colonial empire antique that graces our reception area and is an authentic antique. We had these reproductions placed in each room and they served as a writing desk and a placement area for the television and when closed, one would not be aware there was a television in the room, only a handsome reproduction of an antique vargueno from Spain. We also hung original art in each and every room and recessed lighting above the bed so that one could easily read in bed while another person could sleep. The bathrooms had tin lights and southwestern tiles in colors to reflect the southwestern palate.

Our party to celebrate this milestone was great fun with a large tent pitched to shelter the buffet of mostly Northern New Mexico cuisine, margaritas prepared by La Tertulia, a very popular restaurant during that time, and wines of New Mexico vineyards. We had a very lively mariachi band that played wonderful music during the entire party. Everyone enjoyed themselves by dancing and singing along with the band. Some of the guests enjoyed themselves even more than others as it seemed that the tequila was already in the margaritas when they were delivered to the Inn. However, we did not know that was the case so we added the tequila again into the margaritas. Needless to say, there were a few folks who were napping on the chaise lounges around the pool before the party was over. It was truly a memorable celebration and everyone had a delightful time on a very beautiful fall afternoon. The roses were in profusion as well as the plaza banked by the most incredible array of cascading petunias of every color imaginable. It was quite a display! Ole’!