| Ruidoso, New Mexico is in the southern part of the | | | | One of the more economical lodging alternatives are |
| state, about 120 miles north of El Paso, Texas. | | | | the area's vacation rentals. Private owners place their |
| Ruidoso is a resort community of approximately | | | | cabins, condos and homes on the rental market when |
| 8,000 people that can grow to over 30,000 during | | | | they are not occupying them. Units offer amenities |
| the winter peak of our skiing season and in the | | | | not available in commercial accommodations...private |
| summer for horse racing. When the snow flies | | | | hot tubs and pool tables only begin to scratch the |
| thousands head for the slopes of Ski Apache, owned | | | | surface. Due to the fluctuation in lodging rates they |
| and operated by the Mescalero Apache Nation. In the | | | | can be an economical and enchanting alternative for |
| summer, the attention turns to the Ruidoso Downs | | | | your stay. The key to staying in Ruidoso is....BOOK |
| Race Track, the home of the richest quarter horse | | | | EARLY! It's NEVER too early to plan that journey. |
| event in the world! | | | | Ruidoso has a variety of lodging accommodations. |
| If you're not into skiing or horse racing you may | | | | The big chains are here...Motel 6, Hawthorn Suites, |
| want to consider a stay in Ruidoso during our "low | | | | Comfort Inn and many more. After having traveled |
| season". There are some outstanding values from | | | | more than a few times on business, I've seen |
| the last week of March through the middle of May or | | | | enough of the chains formula. It is clean, comfortable |
| from the last week of September through until | | | | and predictable but then again that is what they |
| Thanksgiving. Area lodgers have specials during these | | | | want! For my money, locally owned and operated |
| periods and Ruidoso abounds with low cost | | | | hotels, cabins and lodges add charm and intrigue to |
| accommodations. Local restaurants, galleries and | | | | your stay. No two are the same and each has their |
| attractions are less crowded and you can enjoy the | | | | own brand of amenities and environment. Let's meet |
| "Mountain Cool" of the area. | | | | some of Ruidoso's best! |
| Noted wild west outlaw Billy The Kid hung out in | | | | The Village Lodge in an all suite facility. The entire |
| Lincoln County and there are many museums and | | | | lodge is non-smoking with one and two bedroom |
| displays depicting the times. Smokey Bear Park in | | | | suites. Each suite has a kitchenette and fireplace with |
| Capitan is perfect for the youngsters and the young | | | | a shared hot tub and picnic area on the grounds. The |
| at heart. Particularly emotional, Smokey's final resting | | | | Village Lodge is owned and operated by Charles and |
| spot is on the park grounds. Did you know that old | | | | Jane who have a knack for making each and every |
| Smokey is the only celebrity with his own US zip | | | | stay enjoyable. The lodge is located at 1000 Mechem |
| code? Several staff members answer thousands of | | | | (Hwy 48) in Ruidoso. |
| letters yearly as the message of Wild Fire Safety | | | | Further north on Highway 48 is the Casa del Cocinero |
| continues. | | | | Bed and Breakfast. Translated from Spanish that |
| Ruidoso is truly an artist's community. Almost | | | | would be "House of the Chef". The inn is operated |
| everyone, the guy at the convenience store, your | | | | by Hal who happens to be quite a chef and one of |
| waitress or the folks next door are aspiring artists. | | | | the most accommodating men I've ever met. |
| Ruidoso is alive with galleries containing every form | | | | Breakfast is the event but other amenities including |
| of expression imaginable. At the very least plan on | | | | an in-room hot tub make the Casa del Cocinero one |
| one of the rather unique carved bears...a Ruidoso | | | | of the areas most rewarding "finds". |
| signature! | | | | The Sitzmark Chalet is a touch of old world Europe in |
| Three casinos add the element of chance the year | | | | the heart of the New Mexico Mountains. Your hosts, |
| round. The Billy the Kid Casino, and two Mescalero | | | | Todd and Lori have a small but extremely |
| Apache casinos will give ample opportunity to try | | | | comfortable hotel. Located near the heart of Ruidoso |
| your luck in search of the elusive "jackpot". | | | | on Sudderth Drive the Sitzmark has reasonably priced |
| If you like the excitement of a bustling resort | | | | rooms, a hot tub and picnic area. Stop and say Hi! |
| community, by all means come in season! Ski Apache, | | | | Todd and Lori will provide a generous dose of area |
| at 12,000 feet, has the largest lift capacity in the | | | | hospitality. |
| state. More skiing...less waiting! Horse season has it's | | | | Nestled in the heart of Ruidoso is the West Winds |
| own magic...with summer residents from all over the | | | | Lodge. Bob and Kristine will welcome you to a warm, |
| country. Naturally, lodging in Ruidoso books solidly for | | | | inviting getaway complete with a hot tub and indoor |
| many prime weekends. Due to the laws of supply | | | | swimming pool. The lodge is just a short walk from |
| and demand, room rates rise during the "high season". | | | | the restaurants, galleries and shops dotting the |
| During many periods Ruidoso is booked solid, with | | | | Ruidoso mid town area. A walk through the Porticos |
| many quite content to stay in adjacent communities | | | | of the West Winds Lodge will create memories for a |
| as much as an hour away. | | | | lifetime. |