As the highly anticipated opening of Hotel Willa, a Casetta Hotels property, approaches—marking the brand’s first hotel debut in the Southwest, signaling a landmark year of expansion—Casetta is proud to announce Santiago LaRoche’s appointment as general manager. Bringing a keen passion for hospitality, LaRoche’s love for the industry has evolved into a distinguished career dedicated to creating exceptional guest experiences. He joins Hotel Willa from his previous role with Casetta serving as general manager of Casa Cody in Palm Springs, known for his proven track record of enhancing guest satisfaction and driving operational excellence, making him well-equipped to lead Hotel Willa with a focus on exceptional service, creativity, and meaningful community engagement.
“It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to bring Hotel Willa to life and collaborate with Casetta during such an exciting period of expansion for the brand,” said LaRoche. “Taos’ artistic spirit and cultural vibrancy provide an inspiring backdrop for creating a unique hospitality experience. Hotel Willa will be more than just a place to stay—it will be a vibrant gathering place for the community and a beacon of creativity and hospitality, reflecting Casetta’s commitment to offering unforgettable experiences. I look forward to leading a team that will bring this vision to life, making it a destination that both guests and the local community will treasure.”
Originally from Mexico City, LaRoche’s career includes previous roles with Radisson Paraíso in the University City neighborhood, where he began honing his hospitality skills, prior to heading to New Mexico to join the historic Inn & Spa at Loretto in Santa Fe as Director of Guest Experience. There, he refined his leadership abilities, driving operational efficiency, enhancing guest satisfaction, developing high-performing teams, as well as overseeing complex hotel operations, and implementing personalized customer service strategies. With this extensive background, LaRoche brings a deep understanding of hospitality excellence to his new leadership role at Hotel Willa, where he is poised to guide the property into its next chapter, ensuring it thrives as a vibrant destination for visitors and locals alike.
Originally built in the 1960s, Hotel Willa has been beautifully reimagined from its former hotel roots into a stunning tribute to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Taos. Featuring 50 thoughtfully redesigned guest rooms with traditional Southwestern elements like terracotta walls, arched doorways, and local art, the hotel seamlessly blends modern touches with the vibrant culture of the region. Guests will have the opportunity to unwind at Hotel Willa’s pool, hot tub, and wellness facilities, partake in storytelling by the fire pits, enjoy the community’s dark sky heritage via the stargazing deck, or indulge in fresh fare at Juliette-the property’s forthcoming restaurant and bar created in collaboration with the acclaimed local design duo SIEMPRE Design, led by chefs Johnny Ortiz-Concha and Maida Branch. With a deep appreciation for Taos’ artistic heritage, Hotel Willa will also feature a partnership with The Paseo Project, offering an art gallery and an Artist in Residency program, inviting both artists and guests to explore and celebrate the region’s creative spirit.
Hotel Willa joins the Casetta portfolio, a collection of boutique hotels renowned for revitalizing historic spaces with modern design and elevated service, and celebrates the beauty and artistry of the Southwest.