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4- and 5-star hotels in Ruidoso
This shortlist gathers the 4- and 5-star hotels and vacation rentals in Ruidoso, New Mexico, from riverside inns in Midtown to cabins tucked into the wooded slopes. It is for travellers who want a higher-grade base for skiing at Ski Apache, hiking in the Lincoln National Forest or a quiet mountain break.
Staying in Ruidoso
Ruidoso sits at approximately 6,900 feet in the Sierra Blanca range, surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, with the Rio Ruidoso running through the village. Summer brings hiking, golfing and fishing with daytime temperatures often in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit; winter brings skiing at Ski Apache. The village hosts the Ruidoso Art Festival in July and the Festival of Lights in December.
The listed properties are spread across the village and its edges. Ruidoso River Resort & Inn and Bear Cave lie closest to the centre, 0.7 km away, and Midtown Riverfront sits 1.1 km out on River Trail. Others, such as Pinon Park Vacation Rentals at 2.8 km, Blue Duck Lodge at 2.6 km and Living the Dream at 4.2 km, are further into the wooded residential slopes, while Casa Bien and Adobe Mountain Views Four bedroom Holiday Home reach 4.5 km and 4.9 km. Couples and short-break visitors are best served by the near-centre inns; families and groups by the larger cabins and holiday homes with kitchens and family rooms.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Pinon Park Vacation Rentals
108 Jack Little Ruidoso New Mexico 88345, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 5-star vacation rental close to the village centre, Pinon Park Vacation Rentals suits families and groups who want a full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave, plus a fireplace and washing machine for longer stays. Free wifi and free car parking remove the daily hassle, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and a golf course are all within reach of the property. Non smoking rooms and a smoke detector keep things comfortable for everyone in the party.
See Pinon Park Vacation RentalsBlue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals
112 Bear Creek Trail, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereBlue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals is a 5-star option with a river setting and a fireplace, making it a good fit for couples or families who want a cosy base with a full kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine. Pets are allowed, so the dog can come along. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and table tennis give plenty to do without leaving the area.
See Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation RentalsRuidoso River Resort & Inn
206 North Eagle Drive Ruidosonew Mexico 88345, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereRuidoso River Resort & Inn earns a 4.7 guest rating from 256 reviews and sits 0.7 km from the centre, which makes it handy for travellers who want to walk into town. A garden, terrace and picnic area give guests outdoor space, while the kitchen and fireplace add a homely feel. Free wifi and free car parking are provided, pets are welcome, and skiing and a golf course are nearby for active days.
See Ruidoso River Resort & InnCasita Rios
104 Gh Stoneman Ruidoso New Mexico 88345, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Beach nearby
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereCasita Rios is a small 4-star property with a 4.8 guest rating from 60 reviews, best suited to guests who prefer a quiet, low-key stay over a large resort. Fishing and horse riding are close at hand, and a beach is nearby for waterside afternoons. Free car parking keeps arrivals simple, and the property is wheelchair accessible, with lifts and cleaning service on hand for an easy visit.
See Casita RiosLiving the Dream
104 East View Drive, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay hereLiving the Dream is a 4-star property 4.2 km from the centre, aimed at groups who want space and a full kitchen with dishwasher, oven and microwave. A fireplace and washing machine make longer stays practical, and a spa plus bar or lounge give evenings a relaxed shape. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and a golf course are all available for days out.
See Living the DreamMidtown Riverfront 1
442 River Trail, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereMidtown Riverfront 1 puts guests beside the river just 1.1 km from the centre, a 4-star choice for travellers who want the village within easy reach. The kitchen with dishwasher and oven suits self-catering stays, and the fireplace and washing machine add comfort for longer trips. Pets are allowed, free wifi and free car parking are included, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and a golf course are close by.
See Midtown Riverfront 1Tiara Del Sol
226 Excalibur Road, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereTiara Del Sol is a 4-star apartment-style stay 2.5 km from the centre, with a balcony, patio and terrace that give guests outdoor space of their own. A kitchen with oven and microwave plus a fireplace makes it work well for families or longer visits, and pets are allowed. Free wifi and free car parking are provided, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and horse riding are all within reach of the property.
See Tiara Del SolBear Cave
238 Country Club Dr., Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereBear Cave is a 4-star rental 0.7 km from the centre with a 4.0 guest rating from 3224 reviews, well placed for guests who want to be close to town. A full kitchen with dishwasher and oven, a fireplace and a washing machine make it a practical base for groups. Pets are allowed, free wifi and free car parking are included, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and a golf course are all on offer nearby.
See Bear CaveMidtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals
442 River Trail, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Swimming pool
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereMidtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals is a 4-star property 1.1 km from the centre with a perfect 5.0 guest rating, though from just 3 reviews. Guests have a swimming pool and jacuzzi on site, and fishing is available for days on the water. Free car parking is included and the property is wheelchair accessible, making it a simple choice for a short riverside break close to the village.
See Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation RentalsInnsbrook Village Country Club & Resort
146 Geneva Dr Ruidoso Nm 88345 Usa, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
Why stay hereInnsbrook Village Country Club & Resort is a 4-star resort 1.4 km from the centre, built around an outdoor pool and a tennis court for guests who want sport on the doorstep. A playground and table tennis suit families with children, and fishing is available on site. Free car parking and parking are provided, and family rooms and air conditioning keep the stay comfortable for larger groups.
See Innsbrook Village Country Club & ResortCasa Bien
110 Milagro Hills Court Ruidoso New Mexico 88345, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereCasa Bien is a small 4-star property about 4.5 km from the centre, with a limited number of rooms that keeps it quiet and low-key. Free car parking is included and lifts make access easy, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed, which suits guests who prefer an animal-free environment, and cleaning service is provided during the stay.
See Casa BienPanther Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals
303 Resort Dr., Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
Why stay herePanther Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals is a 4-star property 2.0 km from the centre, with a spa and bar or lounge for relaxed evenings in. The full kitchen with dishwasher and oven, fireplace and washing machine make it a strong fit for families and longer stays. Free wifi and free car parking are included, and canoeing, fishing, skiing and a golf course are all available nearby.
See Panther Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation RentalsSouthern Comfort Three Bedroom Cabin
155 Coronado Drive, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSouthern Comfort Three Bedroom Cabin is a 4-star property 0.9 km from the centre, close enough to reach the village easily. A spa on site adds a relaxing note, and free wifi and free car parking are included. With a small number of rooms, it suits families or small groups who want a cabin-style stay rather than a large resort.
See Southern Comfort Three Bedroom CabinAdobe Mountain Views Four bedroom Holiday Home
313 Valley View, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereSet on Valley View, about 5 km from the centre of Ruidoso, this 4-star holiday home spreads across four bedrooms, making it a practical base for a group or family travelling together. Free car parking takes the worry out of arriving by car, and wheelchair access is available. A fitness centre on site means you can keep to a routine without leaving the property. Choose it if you want space and quiet rather than a central location.
See Adobe Mountain Views Four bedroom Holiday HomeCedar Creek Retreat Four bedroom Holiday Home
278 Cedar Creek, Ruidoso, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereCedar Creek Retreat is a 4-star holiday home on Cedar Creek, roughly 4 km from the centre of Ruidoso. Four bedrooms give a family or a group of friends room to settle in, and free car parking comes with the stay. The spa is the detail that sets it apart: an easy way to unwind after a day out. Wheelchair access is also provided. It suits guests who want a self-contained stay just outside the middle of town.
See Cedar Creek Retreat Four bedroom Holiday Home
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinon Park Vacation Rentals | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 2.8 km |
| Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.6 km |
| Ruidoso River Resort & Inn | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Casita Rios | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 2.5 km |
| Living the Dream | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 4.2 km |
| Midtown Riverfront 1 | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 1.1 km |
| Tiara Del Sol | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 2.5 km |
| Bear Cave | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 1.1 km |
| Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| Casa Bien | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 4.5 km |
| Panther Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 2.0 km |
| Southern Comfort Three Bedroom Cabin | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 0.9 km |
| Adobe Mountain Views Four bedroom Holiday Home | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 4.9 km |
| Cedar Creek Retreat Four bedroom Holiday Home | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 4.0 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
These properties list family rooms and kitchens, and several add a washing machine, dishwasher and fireplace for longer stays. Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals, Living the Dream and Midtown Riverfront 1 all combine family rooms with cooking facilities, while Tiara Del Sol adds a cot and Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort has a playground and tennis court.
Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals · Living the Dream · Midtown Riverfront 1 · Tiara Del Sol · Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort
For riverside stays
Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, Midtown Riverfront 1 and Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals all sit along the Rio Ruidoso corridor, and Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals lists a river among its facilities. The two Midtown Riverfront properties are also the closest to the centre of this group at 1.1 km.
Ruidoso River Resort & Inn · Midtown Riverfront 1 · Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals · Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals
For pets
Travellers bringing a dog can choose from five places that accept pets: Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals, Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, Midtown Riverfront 1, Tiara Del Sol and Bear Cave. All five also offer free car parking, and most include a kitchen or cooking facilities for self-catering.
Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals · Ruidoso River Resort & Inn · Midtown Riverfront 1 · Tiara Del Sol · Bear Cave
For top guest ratings
Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals holds 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews, Casita Rios 4.8 from 60 reviews and Ruidoso River Resort & Inn 4.7 from 256 reviews. These are the highest-rated properties on this shortlist, and Ruidoso River Resort & Inn pairs its rating with a position 0.7 km from the centre.
Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals · Casita Rios · Ruidoso River Resort & Inn
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Ruidoso is in southeastern New Mexico, and the nearest major airport is in El Paso, Texas, about a two-hour drive west via US-54 and US-70. Roswell, New Mexico, has a smaller airport about an hour and a half north. By car, the village is reached from Alamogordo via US-82 over the Sacramento Mountains, or from Roswell via US-70 and NM-48, and it is not served by interstate highways. Getting around is easiest by car, though the Midtown area is walkable. Ruidoso Area Transit provides limited bus routes, and taxis and ride-sharing may be available but are not as prevalent as in larger cities.
When to go
Ruidoso's high elevation brings cooler temperatures than nearby desert areas. Summer, from June to August, is popular for hiking and outdoor activities, with daytime temperatures often in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Winter, from December to February, offers skiing at Ski Apache and cooler temperatures, with snow possible. Spring and fall are quieter, with mild days and cool nights. Events run through the year, including the Ruidoso Art Festival in July and the Festival of Lights in December, and visitors should check seasonal conditions for skiing and hiking.
Questions, answered
What is there to do around these hotels?
Popular activities include skiing and snowboarding at Ski Apache, hiking in the Lincoln National Forest, golfing, and fishing in the Rio Ruidoso. Several properties on this list, such as Midtown Riverfront 1 and Pinon Park Vacation Rentals, list fishing, skiing and a golf course among their facilities.
How far are these hotels from the centre of Ruidoso?
Distances range from 0.7 km at Ruidoso River Resort & Inn and Bear Cave to 4.9 km at Adobe Mountain Views Four bedroom Holiday Home. Midtown Riverfront 1 and Midtown Riverfront by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals sit 1.1 km from the centre.
Do any of these hotels accept pets?
Yes. Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals, Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, Midtown Riverfront 1, Tiara Del Sol and Bear Cave all accept pets. Casita Rios and Casa Bien state that pets are not allowed.
Which properties are best for a family stay?
Blue Duck Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals, Living the Dream, Midtown Riverfront 1, Tiara Del Sol and Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort list family rooms. Innsbrook Village Country Club & Resort also has a playground and tennis court, and several of the others include kitchens and washing machines.
Is parking available at these properties?
Free car parking appears in the facilities of nearly every property on this shortlist, including Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, Pinon Park Vacation Rentals, Bear Cave and Tiara Del Sol. Several also list a garage or valet parking.
What is the closest major airport to Ruidoso?
El Paso International Airport in Texas is the closest major airport, about a two-hour drive away via US-54 and US-70. Roswell, New Mexico, has a smaller airport about an hour and a half north of the village.
Can I ski from these hotels in winter?
Skiing at Ski Apache is the village's winter draw, and many listed properties name skiing among their facilities, including Ruidoso River Resort & Inn, Pinon Park Vacation Rentals and Panther Lodge by Ruidoso Vacation Rentals. Visitors should check seasonal conditions before travelling.