15 Best Hotels in Southeastern New Mexico, New Mexico

Here it is: the retro motor court of your dreams. Built in 1939, the glowing neon, the tidy grounds, the spotlessly clean rooms furnished with vintage and antique furniture, and the abundant charm of Bill and Terri, the proprietors, all come together in one neat, feel-good package. The Blue Swallow is a landmark and a genuine pleasure for an overnight. The rooms are not the supersize, supermodern ones you get at the chains down the road, but that just isn't what this place is all about. Arrive before sunset if you can and take a seat at a table on the front lawn; the views of the Western sky exploding with color are not to be missed. There is a feeling of camaraderie among the guests here—many of whom are diligently following Route 66 in its entirety—that lends a real sweetness to an already unique experience.

There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this beautifully designed hotel and resort with luxurious rooms and common areas that are decorated with contemporary Southwestern flourishes and nods to the inn's Mescalero Apache ownership. Stunning bronze crown dancer sculptures are found at the entrance to the resort, which includes a 38,000-square-foot casino with 1,000 slot machines. The views here are stunning; many windows overlook a serene lake and (in winter) the nearby snow-crusted mountain peak of Sierra Blanca. Big-game hunts, a championship golf course, guided fishing trips, wedding facilities, excellent food; it's all here. This resort is more Aspen in feel than southeastern New Mexico—with all the graciousness and none of the pretense.

You can rent these utilitarian, one- to four-bedroom cabins and be in the heart of the forest. Interiors are dated, and the kitchens are basic but functional, with a refrigerator, range, and microwave (except in the cheapest studio cabin, which just has a tiny kitchenette).

This contemporary hotel stands out even among the reliable Hampton Inn chain properties. High ceilings, cozy comforters, and very good beds are bonuses in large, elegant, contemporary rooms.

Locals send their guests to this updated facility for the clean, comfortable rooms and down-home friendly staff. Rooms contain appealing dark-wood furnishings and comfortable chairs, in addition to great beds. Good-size bathrooms with large showers and adjustable showerhead height are added amenities.

The most pleasant and contemporary of Alamogordo's several chain hotels, this centrally located mid-rise offers friendly, professional service, immaculate grounds and interior spaces, and spacious, comfortable rooms. Beds are triple sheeted with plush linens and comforters, and dark-wood furniture and cool, calming beige walls make for a pleasurable stay.

Modern and Western furnishings and paintings, sculpture, and Native American artifacts decorate the adobe casitas on the Sentinel Ranch. Peter Hurd made them available to friends and to customers who needed accommodations while he painted their portraits. The rooms have washing machines and dryers, fully equipped kitchens, and fireplaces. The newest one is named after actress Helen Hayes, who was a family friend and frequent visitor. Facilities also are available for weddings and conferences.

Perched on a high point in Santa Rosa, this motel is a good option for a night or two in town, and the wonderful views of the surrounding Pecos River Valley are a treat. The indoor pool is very clean, and relaxing in the seasonal outdoor hot tub, nestled amongst boulders, is a nice way to finish a day spent in the car. Rooms are spacious and immaculate, with contemporary furnishings in soft earth tones. The staff is helpful and friendly.

This comfortable hotel is next door to a top-rated New Mexico golf course (the Links at Sierra Blanca) and to the Ruidoso Convention Center. A dramatic rock fireplace looms majestically over the lobby; the indoor pool and hot tub are enclosed within a two-story atrium. A complimentary full breakfast (with eggs made to order) is served in a dining area that has views onto the 9th hole and surrounding mountains. Most rooms have views of meadows, pine trees, or the golf course; be sure to request a room with a view. Soft-yellow interiors with wood furnishings complete the feel of cozy luxury. King rooms have private balconies, fireplaces, in-room whirlpool tubs, and sitting rooms with kitchenettes. Guests get discounts on greens fees.

Sand dunes, huge cottonwood and elm trees, and the refreshing air from the 3-acre lake make this state park seem like an oasis. Especially pleasurable activities here include hiking, bird-watching (especially in winter), fishing, and camping. Horseback riding is allowed, although swimming and boating are not. Six miles north of Portales via U.S. 70 and NM 467.

In the heart of Ruidoso's gorgeous, tree-filled Upper Canyon, owners Judy and Kurt Wilkie oversee a placid retreat of renovated 1920s, knotty-pine abodes. The immaculate one- and two-bedroom cabins are adorned with Western and Southwestern decor. Some have whirlpool tubs, and all have fireplaces and decks with gas grills offering serene views. Porches with Adirondack chairs are great for barbecues and gatherings. The cabins are fully equipped with kitchen utensils and dishes. You can fish for trout here, right along the Rio Ruidoso, but you must arrange for your own gear. Hiking trails lead off the property through the pine forest. These folks also own the romantic Riverside Cottages across the river .

Designed for couples, this lodge in the Upper Canyon has king suites with fireplaces and furnished kitchens in the lodge, and cabins with queen beds, two-person whirlpools, and two-sided fireplaces opening into the living room and bedroom. The front veranda views tall pines and the lush, landscaped gardens. Separate cabins all have wood paneling and ample privacy. The staff here is gracious and attentive but not intrusive. The owners have other properties for families and larger groups—ask if you've got a family or a big group to house.

You can savor the forested surroundings and shade in this sanctuary far removed from any major community. The grassy site has full hookups and pull-through parking.

The imposing Bavarian-style architecture of The Lodge, with its tower and dramatic details, has drawn all sorts of notable characters over the years, including Judy Garland, Clark Gable, and even the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The bar was owned by Al Capone at one point. The outside looks like an Alpine lodge, but the interior, with its dark-wood furnishings and plush carpeted stairways, seems to have come right from a Gothic novel. Rooms are furnished with antiques, fluffy comforters, and ceiling fans. Rebecca's Restaurant ($$$) serves Continental cuisine in a beautiful room that is full of sunlight during the day and romantically lighted with candles at night. Rebecca is the resident ghost of a chambermaid apparently murdered by her lumberjack lover in the 1930s in the hotel—and she's reputedly quite playful.

For travelers wanting to do some fishing, this reservoir and campground is a quick and easy drive just north of Santa Rosa. Aside from fishing, waterskiing and boating are permitted, and there are numerous hiking trails. Weather in spring and fall is almost ideal at about 70°F, although summer tends to be at least 90°F. Beautiful, glossy black cormorants can be spotted on the shores and provide a real treat for bird-watchers. Reservations are allowed but are not generally necessary, even in spring.