When to Visit Ruidoso, NM
Thanks to its elevated location, the Ruidoso area experiences a subtropical highland climate with relatively moderate weather throughout the year. The area does have seasonal temperature variations, though, with warm summers and chilly winters. Visit in July, and you'll find high temperatures in the low 80s and about four inches of rain over the course of the month. In December, highs typically reach the upper 40s and a few inches of snow fall throughout the month.
Due to the chilly weather, winter tends to be the least expensive time to visit Ruidoso. If you're planning to visit during peak season in spring, book in advance for lower rates or be prepared to spend a little more for great accommodations.
While you'll be able to join in many of Ruidoso's most popular annual events during the spring, you'll also find plenty of fun-filled festivals in other seasons. In March, the Mountain Living Home & Garden Show draws attendees from all around to see the latest home decor, try gourmet foods, and watch cookware and decor demonstrations. This engaging event might even inspire you make the Ruidoso area your permanent home!
In mid-May, motorcycle enthusiasts gather in Ruidoso for the AspenCash Motorcycle Rally, which features a massive trade show and impressive competitions. Late May marks the beginning of racing season at Ruidoso Downs as well as the Two Rivers All Handcrafted Arts and Crafts Festival. Music fans won't want to miss the Wind Rider Music Festival in early June, and rodeo buffs will want to stake out the perfect spot to cheer on the Smokey Bear Stampede in early July.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ruidoso, NM:
Ruidoso, NM: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Ruidoso, NM. Browse these charts to determine the most cost effective months to book a room in Ruidoso for any future trips.
Luxury Hotels in Ruidoso, NM
4 Star Average Prices: $207.19
Upgrade your stay in the Ruidoso area, and book one of the area's top-rated luxury hotels.
Situated just south of Ruidoso, the Pinecliff Village Resort offers easy access to most local attractions, though you might never want to leave the upscale property. All 58 guest rooms feature kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators, so you can enjoy meals and snacks in the comfort of your room. Watch the latest movies on your in-room DVD player, or have a blast in the game room. Make a splash in the resort's indoor pool no matter the season, or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Rollaway beds are also available, making this resort a smart choice for families.
The MCM Elegante Lodge & Suites is located near the Links at Sierra Blanca and the area's best skiing, shopping, and dining. Reserve a deluxe guest room, a studio, or a one-bedroom suite, depending on the size of your group. You'll find that all rooms are equipped with upscale amenities like MP3 docking stations, LED TVs with digital programming, and free Wi-Fi. Business travelers can make use of the 24-hour business center, and all guests can book a tee time at the golf course. In the evening, unwind with a cocktail or a glass of wine the hotel bar.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Ruidoso, NM
3 Star Average Prices: $130.18
Ruidoso offers several affordable hotels ideal for budget-minded travelers. Take a closer look at some of the best options in town.
Located near the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the Hubbard Museum of the American West, the Nob Hill Lodge offers quick access to the top attractions in Ruidoso. Save by booking standard double, queen, or king rooms, which include features like private balconies and flat-screen TVs with cable programming. Grab a complimentary cup of coffee in the lobby area, and add to your savings with free parking during your stay.
Located just minutes from the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, the Travelodge Ruidoso is a short drive from the Cree Meadows Public Golf Course and other area attractions. All guest rooms include essentials like free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and coffee makers. If you're traveling with young kids, don't hesitate to request a crib for no additional charge. Wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast, and take the whole family to the outdoor pool to cool down. Pets are welcome in most guest rooms for a fee of $10 per pet per night.
When you stay at the Super 8 Ruidoso, you'll save big by booking a standard queen room. King rooms cost just a little more per night, and rooms with stunning views of the mountains are available in a higher price category. No matter which room type you choose, you can look forward to essential amenities like microwaves, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, workspaces, and coffee makers. In the morning, begin your day with the hotel's complimentary Super Start breakfast.
Perched on the south side of town, the Ruidoso Mountain Inn is convenient to both downtown Ruidoso and the center of Ruidoso Downs. Guests rave about the comfortable and quiet rooms, which feature mini fridges, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi. Wake up with a quiet cup of coffee in your room, or fuel up at the hotel's complimentary breakfast buffet. This budget-friendly hotel welcomes pets for a fee of $10 per pet for each night of your stay.
2 Star Average Prices: $105.76
Best Hotel Discounts in Ruidoso, NM
Make your trip to Ruidoso even more affordable by applying hotel discounts to your stay. AAA members and AARP members get discounts at the Comfort Inn - Midtown and the Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at the Travelodge Ruidoso and the Super 8 Ruidoso.
Best Value Options in Ruidoso, NM
Get the ideal balance between price and amenities at Ruidoso's best mid-range hotels.
For a convenient location in the heart of Ruidoso, plan your stay at the Comfort Inn - Midtown. Guests rave about the hotel's location, which is within walking distance of shopping and dining, as well as the clean and comfortable rooms and the wide variety of options at the complimentary breakfast buffet. Guest rooms at the Comfort Inn include essentials like free Wi-Fi, workspaces, and mini fridges, and the hotel also offers a family-friendly indoor pool and spa tub. You can even store your skis right on site and cozy up by the lobby fireplace during a winter visit.
When you stay at the Swiss Chalet Inn, you'll have quick access to Ruidoso's downhill skiing areas. This inn is also just minutes from downtown Ruidoso and Alto. Enjoy the views from your guest room, which includes free Wi-Fi and a coffee maker, or head out and explore this scenic area. Don't forget to help yourself to a free cup of coffee or tea in the common area before hitting the slopes in the morning. Use the inn's laundry facilities to keep your ski gear fresh.
For quiet accommodations in suburban Ruidoso, set your sights on the Best Western Plus Ruidoso Inn. Whether you choose a standard room or a suite, you'll get amenities like a pillow-top bed, a mini fridge, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary wireless internet access. Chill out beside the indoor pool, soak in the spa tub, or book local tours with the assistance of the front desk staff. If you're traveling for work, use the business center or book the hotel's available meeting rooms. This Best Western Plus also offers a free breakfast buffet with both hot and cold items.
Just minutes from the center of Ruidoso, La Quinta Inn & Suites Ruidoso Downs is situated near the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and the area's best golf courses. Reserve your choice of 63 guest rooms, which all come equipped with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and plush pillow-top beds. Explore the beautiful Ruidoso area, or stay inside and go for a swim in the indoor pool. With a business center, meeting rooms, and express check-in services, this La Quinta location is also ideal for business travelers.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Ruidoso, NM
Get to know Ruidoso's diverse arts scene at the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, a stunning venue that hosts local musicians and dancers as well as international touring performers. Nearby, Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Billy the Kid Casino is the place to catch the area's best horse racing and try your luck at over 300 slot machines.
In any season, Ski Apache offers the area's best outdoor adventures. In the winter, you'll find unparalleled skiing, and when the weather warms up, the mountain biking is unmatched. In the summer and fall, visitors can even join Moonlight Zip Tours to see a whole new side of the majestic mountains.
Adjacent to Ruidoso, Lincoln National Forest boasts some of New Mexico's best hiking. Make your way to the Trestle Recreation Area for some of the most popular hiking trails, or go horseback riding or off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding on marked trails. In the winter, you can even go skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in the forest.
From the ski slopes to the forests, Ruidoso has plenty to offer all types of travelers. Don't wait another minute to start planning your getaway.
FAQs about hotels in Ruidoso
How much does a cheap hotel in Ruidoso cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Ruidoso can be as cheap as $105.76 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Ruidoso cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Ruidoso has been $130.18 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Ruidoso cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Ruidoso has been $207.19 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Ruidoso, NM
Below are reviews of the city of Ruidoso, NM from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Happy Place!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Been going to Ruidoso since the 50s. Happy place.
Harold B., from 19-Nov-2024
"Favorite Bakery!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The Buttery Bakery was our favorite place we stopped at.
Cinnamon K., from 16-Nov-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable and perfect for our needs."
Score
4.0 / 5
Wonderful, clean, friendly
Valerie G., from 30-Oct-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable and perfect for our needs."
Score
4.0 / 5
Wonderful, clean, friendly
Valerie G., from 30-Oct-2024
"The room was clean, comfortable and perfect for our needs."
Score
5.0 / 5
Wonderful, clean, friendly
Valerie G., from 30-Oct-2024
"Just Find"
Score
5.0 / 5
was just fine
Bob B., from 21-Oct-2024
"Many Great Eateries!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Many great eating places and kind and friendly people.
Katrina B., from 08-Oct-2024
"Wonderful place to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Wonderful place to visit!
Carlos B., from 29-Sep-2024
"Great Getaway!"
Score
5.0 / 5
A great weekend or longer get away. Friendly people, easy to get around.
Maria M., from 16-Sep-2024
"Ruidoso is our place to go and relax!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Ruidoso is our getaway place for 50 years. We had a second home there for 33 years that was destroyed by 2024 fire. Ruidoso is our place to go and relax!
James K., from 25-Jul-2024
"Casinos, Stores & Churches!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sites like the casinos, stores and church services!
Maria A., from 13-Jun-2024
"The Mountain!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The mountain!
Randall M., from 23-Jan-2024
"Beautiful Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful place!
John G., from 04-Jan-2024
"Very Nice Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very nice and clean place with friendly staff.
Luana H., from 25-Sep-2023
"Beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Nice and beautiful!
Jose G., from 30-Aug-2023
"Good Restaurants & Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good restaurants and shopping! Love the forest and the snow!
Daniel G., from 27-Jan-2023
"Mountains & Pine Trees!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Mountains, pines and very good restaurant selection.
Larry R., from 27-Jan-2023
"Room clean and comfortable, quiet."
Score
5.0 / 5
Room clean and comfortable, quiet. We like to hike in the forest and have seen deer, horses and elk. We are here about every month.
Oscar M., from 10-Dec-2022
"Relaxing"
Score
4.0 / 5
Relaxing
Larry S., from 27-Sep-2022
"Sightseeing & Fishing!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Sightseeing and fishing!
Mayra M., from 16-Sep-2022
"Ruidoso is Fabulous!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Ruidoso is fabulous!
Michael M., from 16-Aug-2022
"Great mountain village!"
Score
4.0 / 5
City is a lot of fun. Great mountain village!
Mickey M., from 15-Aug-2022
"Good location."
Score
4.0 / 5
Easy access to every business.
Randy W., from 11-Apr-2022
"Nice Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice area. A lot of young people there. It must be spring break and they are skiing.
Catherine S., from 17-Mar-2022
"Excellent City!"
Score
4.0 / 5
City was excellent/
Angel T., from 03-Jan-2022
"Beautiful Area"
Score
4.0 / 5
This place is nice and green with a lot of trees. A beautiful clean town.
Thompson B., from 19-Dec-2021
"Lovely Area to Visit"
Score
4.0 / 5
We live 45 miles from Ruidoso and know the town well. We had many recommendations for the group. Restaurants, Casinos the fun we had at Sacred Grounds. Galleries.
John D., from 27-Jun-2016
"Great City"
Score
5.0 / 5
I liked the city and everyone was friendly and good food in the restaurants.
William J M., from 27-Sep-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Ruidoso, NM shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews