The Best Hotels to Book in Las Cruces, New Mexico

Although the building is modern, Hotel Encanto’s rooms and suites have a bygone, aristocratic look. Antiques and rich fabrics deck the elegant rooms, and some open out to leafy terraces or the pool, lined by tall palms. Mezcla, the restaurant, is inspired by the ancient highway, El Camino Real. Dine on Spanish-style specialities, such as chicken with saffron rice, cod tortilla, Spanish meatballs and gazpacho at Spanish-feeling surroundings shaded by colonnades and with polished terracotta floors underfoot.

With a hacienda vibe, this white-washed sprawling building shaded by tall palm trees is a mid-range hotel that’s handy for nearby New Mexico State University (in case you’re visiting your kids at college); easy highway access means that you’re less than 20 minutes’ drive from the natural wonders of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument and its hiking trails. Rooms are comfortable, in neutral pale colors, some a bit fancier than others. Perks include a small pool, a fitness center and a bar-restaurant, Las Palmas, decked out in lemon and rose hues, serving classic cocktails and Mexican food.

The upscale accommodation at SpringHill Suites features dark-blue feature walls and lemon-yellow curtains, giving them a fresh, zingy look. Rooms have sofa beds and large double beds, and suites come with private whirlpool tubs. A complimentary continental breakfast is included, plus you can fire up the grill on the shared barbecue patio. While many nearby restaurants are chains, the Luna Rossa Winery & Pizzeria is a standout option. Fitness fiends will enjoy the outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness center.

With rough-stone exposed walls and a rustic feel, Staybridge Suites Las Cruces offers accommodation that has plenty of space, home-away-from-home comforts, kitchenettes and relaxing living areas. Other boons for guests include a theater room, an internet cafe with massage chairs and a den to lounge around in. Hang out with fellow guests beside the fire pit or al fresco TV, or trade barbecue tips around the gas grills. The just-off-the-highway location on the town’s eastern fringes means it’s well positioned to explore the surrounding nature.

A creamy meringue of a building, the Hilton Garden Inn is a Spanish-style hotel in Las Cruces, with a large outdoor pool and plunge pool surrounded by sunflower-yellow lounge chairs. Rooms are decorated in warm browns, with polished wood furniture. The hotel has a fitness center and whirlpool, and you can load up on burgers, tacos and pizza at the Great American Grill or snack at the Pavilion Pantry. Art lovers: it’s only 1mi (1.6km) from the New Mexico State University Art Gallery.

Next to Las Cruces Convention Center, the Courtyard by Marriott Las Cruces offers the signature contemporary rooms in shades of pale biscuit with feature walls of pale, abstract murals that are echoed in the dappled carpet. The Bistro serves all-day American cuisine in an elegant dining space featuring mid-century styling – head here for pancakes or avocado toast in the morning and gourmet burgers in the evening. Work off any over-indulgence in the indoor pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Hampton Inn is a few miles from the Aggie Memorial Stadium and the convention center, and close to the natural splendors of Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, along with the appealing old town of Mesilla. This large, well-run hotel has business-friendly, old-school rooms dominated by dark polished wood features. The handsome furnishings include ergonomic chrome-and-leather desk chairs and busily patterned carpets. Amenities comprise a sizable indoor pool, plunge pool, fitness room and spacious lounge. A complimentary hot breakfast is included, and you’re within walking distance to Olive Garden, Whataburger and a slew of other popular chains.

The Fairfield Inn is a reliable choice among the best of the Las Cruces hotels. Appealing contemporary styling means that there are plenty of bold color pops to lift the spirits, from warm-yellow feature walls in the guest rooms and handsome polished wood furnishings, to lounge chairs around the outdoor pool. Lounge areas feature bright blue easy chairs to sink into. In the cheery breakfast room, you can start the day with superb pastries, cereals, yogurt and pancakes.