Las Cruces for the Business Traveler

The crossroads border town of Las Cruces, NM, lies at the junction of Interstates 10 and 25 and boasts a rich, vibrant culture and history that dates back into the days of Spanish settlements in the New World. The area is famous for its New Mexican cuisine, featuring the powerful New Mexican chile pepper, for its art, its university and naturalmente, its fiestas!

The Whole Enchilada Fiesta, held annually in September, is the home of two of Las Cruces’ claims to a world record: the World’s Largest Enchilada, and the World’s Biggest Tamale. Other area world beaters include Largest University Physical Campus (New Mexico State University at 1,080 square miles), and World’s Largest Pecan Groves (Stahmann’s Farms, located just south of town). Other festival include the springtime Arte Picante, an outdoor gallery-style review of efforts from local and regional artists and the Renaissance Craftfaire, held annually on the first weekend of November. Additionally, the Southern New Mexico State Fair showcases the best of local skills, crafts, food and animals in the fall of every year.

Las Cruces has in the past been referred to as “a city without city problems,” and while not completely accurate, the region enjoys low crime rates, strong infrastructure and a bustling economy. Those interested in history should not miss the Branigan Cultural Center and Museum, or the King Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, where milking of cows, rides on narrow-gauge railways and traditional storytelling highlight the more sophisticated look at farming and ranching in the Mesilla Valley since the earliest days of human settlement. Business travelers will find the city inviting as well: two medium convention areas are already in operation and the city recently passed a bond issue to build a state-of-the-art 18,000 square-foot convention center in the Northeastern portion of town.

Las Cruces has housed the National Convention of Recreational Vehicle Owners twice in the past eight years, and remains one of the top winter homes for the snowbirding community. Day trips to area attractions, including shopping excursions in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or to the New Mexico Space Hall of Fame and Planetarium, located in nearby Alamogordo, and overnight trips to places like Carlsbad Caverns National Park (“the Eighth Wonder of the Natural World”) are easily managed from the city of the crosses.

For the business traveler, three hotels have recently positioned themselves to offer amenities aimed at the corporate road warrior. Leisure travelers who value clean and comfortable rooms may also want to take advantage of these hotel offerings.

The Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Las Cruces is positioned at the northern edge of town and offers easy road access to NASA’s White Sands Test Facility and the U.S> Army installation of the White Sands Missile Range. The three-story building sports 78 rooms and offers a small workout center and outdoor pool. Small meeting and banquet services can be arranged in the hotel and sophisticated suites are available for those requiring accessible rooms. All local telephone calls are free, and most rooms have dataport-equipped phones and high-speed internet. VIP services include fax and copy services, dry cleaning and courier/mail services.

Although not equipped with a restaurant on site, the Fairfield Inn offers a continental breakfast each morning and is within easy walking distance of two outstanding places to eat: Uno’s Pizzeria (which features Chicago-style deep-dish) and the Red Mountain CafÃ?© (the brainchild of Johnnie Giovengo and Joe Garcia).

Address: 2101 Summit Ct, Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (505) 522-6840
Fax: (505) 522-9784
Reservations Toll-Free: 1-800-228-2800
Current rates: Rates start at $69 standard, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, free local calls

For the longer-stay business traveler, the newest of the Marriott family additions to Las Cruces is your best bet. The Towneplace Suites, located near the heart of the commercial district, offers personalized voice mail, oversized rooms with massive workspaces, high-speed Internet services and fully equipped kitchens. A single well-behaved pet is welcome for a small additional fee.

A heated pool and whirlpool give you the chance to relax, while the continental breakfast gets every morning off to a good start. USA Today newspapers are delivered to members of Marriott’s reward program, and a small number of complimentary issues are available in the lobby are each morning. Nearby eateries include Cattle Baron’s Steakhouse, Farley’s Food Fun and Pub and Applebee’s Grill and Bar.

Address: 2143 Telshor Ct, Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (505) 505-532-6500
Fax: (505) 532-6552
Reservations Toll-Free: 1-800-228-2800
Current rates: Rates start at $79 standard, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, coffee maker in room, airport shuttle is available

Finally, the Teakwood Inn and Suites of Las Cruces offers the discriminating business traveler the best of the Old and the New World. Designed with a Spanish flair and attention to details, the hotel offers ample meeting space (a 1700-square-foot ballroom and several breakout rooms that can accommodate 30-50 people each), as well as free wireless Internet service, dataport equipped phones and a 24-hour business center with high-speed Internet and fax/copy services. An indoor pool gives you a chance to unwind, while a complimentary membership to a local health club means your exercise routine doesn’t have to be on hold just because you’re out of town. Finally, hot breakfasts are included in the room rate, and the hotel is located less than a mile from the historic district of Old Mesilla or the sprawling grounds of New Mexico State University.

Address: 2600 S. Valley Drive, Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (505) 526-4441
Fax: (505) 526-1980
Current rates: Rates start at $55 standard, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, airport shuttle is available for additional fee

How to get to Las Cruces:

From El Paso, TX: Take I-10 West to exit 151.
From Albuquerque, NM: Take I-25 south to Exit 6.
From Deming, NM, or Tucson, AZ: Take I-10 East to exit 151.
From Alamogordo, NM: Take US 70 West.
By Air: Las Cruces International Airport is not currently serviced by any commercial carriers. El Paso International Airport is the nearest large airport.
By Rail: The nearest Amtrak station is now El Paso, serviced by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle Line.