The Best Hotels in Ruidoso, New Mexico

Keen golfers won’t need to go far to get a game in at this palatial property surrounded by the national forest. There’s an 18-hole golf course at the hotel itself and the resort also has the largest indoor saltwater pool in Ruidoso, an on-site massage therapist, and a huge convention center. Pets will be happy too, with two dog parks for them to stretch their legs after long journeys.

If you prefer a little more space and freedom than a hotel can offer, this property on the river is a perfect choice. With a choice of one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos available, it’s a fantastic option for those visiting Ruidoso with a family or a group of friends, but also for those couples who like to cook for themselves when away. Condos come with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, fireplaces, and balconies so it’s easy to make yourself at home and there’s a shared courtyard with waterfall and fire pits for alfresco evenings.

This property is smack bang in the center of the Lincoln National Forest, so is ideal for anyone heading to attractions including Ruidoso Winter Park and Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts. It was renovated in early 2020 so rooms are clean and contemporary, with a microwave, fridge, and coffee maker and some have sofa beds if you’re traveling with the family. Breakfast is free and there’s an indoor heated pub and hot tub for total relaxation.

A local institution since 1959, this inn makes a welcome change from identikit chain hotels yet rooms are still a great price. Distinctive details lend a homely feel including handmade pine headboards, bedspreads from El Paso Saddleblanket Company, porch swings, and outdoor picnic tables for a drink at the end of the day. There’s a library to borrow books and board games, an outdoor whiskey barrel steam sauna for soothing ski-weary limbs, and free locally roasted coffee and fresh muffins served in the lobby each morning.

Location is everything at this property – one of only two hotels within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of the historic Midtown District. There are plenty of places to eat just a stroll away but guests are also treated to a free hot breakfast including fresh waffles – and there’s a 24-hour sweet shop on-site for midnight sugar cravings. Rooms have LCD flat-screen TVs and movie channels, fridges, microwaves, gourmet in-room coffee, and MP3 docking stations.

Party animals are in the perfect spot at this budget hotel on Highway 70, just five minutes from Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy The Kid Casino. There are plenty of restaurants close by for grabbing dinner before nights on the town too. The hotel itself has free parking and breakfast, a gym, indoor pool, and business center, and bright, airy rooms with HDTV, ironing boards, coffee-maker, and mini-fridge to stash snacks.

Embrace a simpler way of life at this rustic, family-friendly resort at the top of Camelot Mountain. With an elevation of 7,484ft (2,281m), the sweeping view is the real draw here but the one, two and three-bedroom condos are also great for large groups who want to rent more than one property for a holiday together. All guests can take advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, and games room with a snooker table and there’s a concierge service to help plan activities further afield.

Get back to nature at these gorgeous knotty pine cabins right by the water’s edge on Ruidoso’s Main Road in Upper Canyon. All ten cabins are surrounded by soaring pine trees with plenty of grassy areas for children to run around on. Each lodge has a full kitchen for cooking meals when it suits, but also comes with a barbeque grill so you can get out in the fresh air. There’s a fireplace for cozy nights in and some cabins have a whirlpool tub for added luxe.

This budget hotel on Highway 70 is in a great spot for checking out Ruidoso’s many attractions, particularly the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the Pillow’s Funtrackers amusement park which are both within walking distance. The hotel itself has 102 rooms that each come with a fridge, microwave, and separate bathtub and shower, and extra beds can be supplied for a small charge if you have children in tow.