The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Ruidoso, New Mexico

This recently renovated hotel is a dream for anyone planning to spend long days out in the fresh air. It’s right in the heart of the spectacular Lincoln National Forest, so you can head straight out after a complimentary buffet breakfast. Soothe aching limbs after hiking with a dip in the indoor heated pool and hot tub, or whip up snacks in the room’s microwave before a well-deserved rest.

Stay near the restaurants and galleries of the historic Midtown district by booking this hotel within walking distance, perfect for nights out on the town. There’s plenty to keep you busy just steps away, but back at the hotel, guests can enjoy a fitness center with an indoor heated pool and spa, a barbecue area to rustle up a family-friendly dinner, and a 24-hour sweet shop the children will love.

It’s hard not to check into this cheap hotel in Ruidoso with a smile after clocking its sunshine-yellow exterior. Located on Highway 70 just a few miles from Midtown, there’s plenty to be happy about inside, too, including free breakfast and wifi, laundry facilities, an indoor pool, gym and business center. Early checkin and late checkout are also available.

The crackling lobby fireplace and cozy dark wood decor make this the ideal spot for winter visits to Ruidoso if you don’t want to break the bank. There are 102 rooms that all come with flat-screen TVs, separate bathtubs and showers, fridges and microwaves; local calls and wifi are both free. Elsewhere, there’s a 24-hour front desk, free self-parking, a computer station, fitness center and self-service laundry.

Gamers have plenty of options if they stay at this property less than a mile (1km) from the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. When you want to up the stakes, there’s a host of casinos within minutes of the hotel, including the Billy the Kid Casino. Recover from a late night in the hotel’s outdoor pool and hot tub, then tuck into a complimentary full breakfast; you can even make your own waffles and eggs just the way you like them.

Family-owned since 2001, these mountain condos are a great place to take time out from everyday life and get back to nature. The site is less than a mile (1km) from Midtown and 3mi (5km) from the base of Ski Apache ski resort, making it a good year-round choice whether you love hiking or skiing. Condos come with wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens and living rooms with extra sofabeds – though families will love the Bear Hug Home with four bedrooms and an enclosed deck with gas grill.

A hit with skiers in the know, this chalet-style property proves budget hotels don’t need to skimp on details. After a day on the slopes, guests can return to relax in the outdoor whiskey barrel steam sauna or mingle with friends on the porch swings and picnic tables, with gas grills available for sociable dinners. There’s also a library where you can borrow books and board games, locally roasted coffee and fresh muffins available each morning and thoughtful touches in the bedrooms including colorful bedspreads from El Paso Saddleblanket.