Las Cruces for the Leisure Traveler
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.
For the more sophisticated traveler, Las Cruces plays host to a number of concert and exhibitions every year and entertained headline acts such as Bon Jovi, Neil Diamond, Metallica, the U.S. Marine Corps Band and the London Symphony Orchestra. New Mexico State University is home to some of the most advanced agricultural and agritech scientists, and the historic atmosphere of Old Mesilla has received mention in travel publications from all over the nation.
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 leisure traveler looking for high-end accommodations, Las Cruces offers three major locations. Each has its own appeal, and all provide well-apportioned rooms, firm mattresses and dataport-equipped phones.
The Best Western Mission Inn, located in the heart of Las Cruces, not far from the commercial district, is a beautiful Mission-style motel of 70 units. Built in 1948 and remodeled in 2001, the Old World grace of Spanish tiling around sinks and vanities is offset by the modern high-speed Internet service and the piping hot made-to-order breakfast that is included in the room’s price. A shuffleboard and play area is available, and an acequia or irrigation ditch provides a quiet walking or running trail. The hotel offers two small conference rooms and on-site catering. Nearby health clubs and golf clubs offer discounts to guests and an outdoor pool is heated an operational most of the year.
Address: 1765 S. Main Street, Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (800) 528-1234
Fax: (505) 523-4740
Current rates: Rates start at $59 for doubles and $82 for suites, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, coffee maker in room, hairdryer, iron and ironing board
The Holiday In de Las Cruces lies at the junction of I-10 and University Ave and is among the largest of the hotel complexes in the city. Spacious rooms overlook the grand entryway, with vaulted ceiling s reaching three stories up. An indoor pool and whirlpool is available, and some of the finest dining is available on site. Three ballrooms accommodate meetings and dances; a lounge offers local musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights and the entire effect is one of stepping into another world.
On-site businesses include a small art gallery, a barbershop/salon, a gift store and a shoe repair facility. Dry cleaning services are also available. The room price includes a full made-to-order breakfast.
Address: 201 E. University Ave, Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (505) 526-4411
Fax: (505) 524-0530
Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-HOLIDAY
Current rates: Rates start at $89 for double rooms and $125 for suites, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, airport shuttle, golf packages are available as well
The Las Cruces Hilton is the area’s only Heritage hotel, and boasts 203 units in a seven-floor high-rise (at least for Las Cruces). A full bar and lounge facility is on the first floor, as is a small restaurant with a wide selection of traditional and cultural fare. First floor and basement levels include a large amount of meeting space and several shops adorn the ground floor with everything the absent-minded traveler may have forgotten to pack. An airport shuttle is available to and from the El Paso International Airport, an indoor pool and spa gives relaxing a new meaning high-speed Internet is now in every room in the hotel.
Address: 705 S. Telshor Blvd., Las Cruces, NM
Phone: (505) 522-4300
Fax: (505) 521-4707
Current rates: Rates start at $89 for double rooms, $125 for suites, AAA/AARP and government rates are available. Most credit cards are accepted.
Other amenities: Cable TV, valet service, express checkout, airport shuttle, Golf packages are available, VIP/concierge services are available on request.
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.
