Hacienda Nicholas

Specialties

This enchanting Bed and Breakfast, located just a few blocks from the Plaza and Canyon Road, offers guests a true taste of the Southwest. Enjoy a great night’s sleep in our beds of feather and down. Unwind in the peace and tranquility afforded by extra thick adobe walls or go one step further and experience sublime bliss next door at our award-​winning Absolute Nirvana Spa. Our Master-​Level therapists, all with 17 – 23 years of experience, will ensure you are fully relaxed and rejuvenated.

Savor the luscious scents from our heavenly rose garden and partake of delectable Southwestern inspired breakfasts, homemade cookies and teas, and afternoon wine & appetizers.

As members of the Green Hotels Association and endeavor to be as eco-​friendly as possible while offering the finest in guest services and comfort.

Let our dedicated staff help you make the most of Santa Fe so you can have the holiday you deserve.

History

Established in 1997.

According to legend, Antonio Abelard Rodriguez built the hacienda in 1910 for his bride, the exquisite Dona Isabella. They had been married less than a year when Isabella, while riding in the mountains, were attacked by marauding banditos. When she did not return, Antonio searched frantically for his beloved.

Isabella was at death’s door when Antonio finally found her, but he was able to nurse her back to health. However, the experience so scarred Isabella that she was terrified to venture outside their small home.

As a testament to his love, Antonio built the hacienda so Isabella might find refuge behind its thick adobe walls and peace in the enclosed garden. Here she and Antonio shared their perfect love for decades to follow.

Carolyn Lee purchased the building in 1997 and after a thoughtful and thorough restoration, Hacienda Nicholas was opened in 1998. It is named for her son, Nicholas. The Madeleine Inn, just across the street, is named for his twin sister.

Meet the Business Owner

Carolyn L.

Business Owner

Carolyn Lee has been an innkeeper for the past 23 years, opening Alexander’s Inn in 1997, shortly after moving to Santa Fe from Paris, France. As the daughter of a career diplomat, Carolyn has lived in many different countries, including Germany, Canada, Turkey and France. Her first career was as a dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet and Wisconsin Ballet. She later attended Tufts University, getting her degree in International Relations. Upon graduation she moved from Boston to New York and worked on Wall Street as well as in the field of advertising. From New York she moved to Paris, where her son Alexander was born. In 1986 Carolyn moved to Santa Fe and opened Alexander’s Inn with just four rooms. As the business expanded, so did Carolyn’s family. She is currently married to artist Ted Larsen and now has three children — Alexander and the twins, Madeleine and Nicholas. In 1998 she purchased two new inns, naming them after the twins. Absolute Nirvana Spa was opened in 2005.