Few hotels are smart (and powerful) enough to capture the entire essence of a destination. Sure, most try, but how many are more than just places to crash after a day full of sightseeing and activities? The list is short, believe me.

The Fechin Inn, located in picturesque Taos, New Mexico, proves that a hotel can be just as impressive as the destination itself. In fact, the Fechin managed to enhance everything I adored about Taos - adobe architecture, painstakingly crafted art, storytelling, a warm fireplace, an unbeatable friendly atmosphere and those glorious red chiles hanging dramatically off the front porch.

On my second morning at the Fechin, I made my way down to the light-filled lobby for a continental breakfast in front the fireplace. The distinctive, soothing sound of a Native American flute filled the room as the fire snapped and crackled, translucent wisps of smoke spiraling upward before fading away. Barely awake, it took me a good five minutes to realize that the music was live - being performed by a man sitting on the hearth. It was hauntingly beautiful, made even more so by the respectful silence of the other Fechin guests as we dined and listened.

As the musician played, I sipped my coffee and was taken back to my visit to the Taos Pueblo just 24 hours earlier. The airy melody brought back images of adobe structures, long ladders and royal blue doors with the immense snow-covered Taos Mountain serving as the stunning backdrop.

It reminded me of the town's history - a colorful tapestry of Native American, Hispanic and Anglo influences. And, most of all, it served as yet another example of the creative forces that make Taos so unique, passionate and attractive to visitors.

For the uninitiated, suffice it to say that Taos is an artist's paradise. And in 1912, the Taos Society of Artists was formed in order to expose other creative types to the beauty (and the wonderful light) of the area. Artists drawn to the town in the northern New Mexico mountains included Ansel Adams, Willa Cather, D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O'Keefe, and Thomas Wolfe. And the artists still flock to Taos.

So when I discovered the Fechin Inn was named after (and built on the land of) Russian artist Nicolai Fechin (whose wood carvings inspired the decor of the Fechin Inn), I wasn't too surprised. Also, the historic Fechin House Museum is located on the grounds of the Inn.

Believe me when I say that you won't be able to escape art during your stay in Taos, especially if you're at the Fechin Inn. It's purely inspirational, though, to be in such close proximity to those honing their craft. Local artist Richard Alan Nichols even makes the Fechin's lobby his studio for a few hours every now and again, exposing passersby to his work-in-progress. He's more than friendly with those who want to chat about art...or Taos (just watch his eyes light up as he talks about his love for the community). Conversing with a local artist -- just another perk of staying at the Fechin.

Let's forget about all the gorgeous art, beautiful music and intricate paintings for a moment -- let's talk about the accommodations. My room, a spacious suite with an adobe balcony, did the impossible during my stay in Taos: it felt entirely like my own apartment rather than just another hotel room. A gas fireplace kept the atmosphere cozy in the sitting area, complete with a cushy couch and a television tucked away in a gorgeous hand-carved wood wardrobe.

The bathroom was large, warm, and well-lit. We all know the horrors of trying to put on makeup in poorly lit hotel bathrooms, don't we? What looks decent in the mirror ends up looking blotchy and clown-like outside in the light of day. Well, it's one less thing to worry about at the Fechin. Not only is the bathroom mirror perfect for makeup application, there's also a lighted makeup mirror. Ahhh, yes. It's the little things that make the room for a woman.

The king-sized bed faced another wood wardrobe (bigger and holding a larger television, of course), which had more than enough room for my clothing.

Standards in all 84 rooms include terrycloth robes, individual climate control (in my suite, there were separate controls for the bedroom and the sitting room) and dataports. Also of note is free Internet access in the Fechin's library - there's only one computer and the connection isn't exactly speedy, but it's fine for keeping in touch with office emails.

The Fechin's location is on Paseo del Pueblo Norte, the main street running through town. The Inn is just a few blocks from the Taos Plaza and is walking distance from most of Taos's wonderful shops and galleries. I spent an afternoon just touring the area -- happy to discover the close proximity of all the downtown attractions.

After an exhilarating day of skiing at the Taos Ski Valley or a bank-breaking day of shopping and gallery browsing, a relaxing visit to the Fechin's open-air whirlpool might be more than necessary. There's also a fitness facility onsite -- and a massage room if your sore muscles could use some pampering.

A number of restaurants are also within walking distance, but you might end up not wanting to leave the warm sanctuary of the Fechin, especially if it's storytelling night. Roberta Meyers, a local storyteller who also gives guided tours of Taos, happened to be performing in the lobby one night, enchanting a few guests with her tales of Kit Carson.

Eerily authentic, it's almost as if the woman is directly channeling the ghosts of Taos's past. She would close her eyes and suddenly there'd be this different voice -- one German, the next Native American, the next Spanish. A fascinating (and free) treat to those staying at the Fechin, numerous guests lounged on the lobby couches in front of the giant fireplace as Meyers seamlessly wove stories together. Some sipped wine or cocktails while others just gaped at this unique presentation of history.

I had to make my dinner reservation, so I grabbed my coat to leave as she started on her next story -- from the point-of-view Kit Carson's wife Josefa Carson.

"Bienvenidos, welcome to Fernando de Taos," she said with a gracious smile as I made my way to the door, looking over my shoulder all the while.

The fire crackled, smoke rose from the glowing embers, and the door shut behind me. I breathed in the mountain air, my lungs stinging from the crisp coolness, and marveled at the place -- both Taos and the Fechin Inn, mostly because the two overlapped more than I ever thought possible.

[READ OUR ARTICLE ON TAOS]