When you go on vacation, what’s the #1 thing you’re looking for? A break from the daily routine. An opportunity to experience something different. Somewhere special… maybe even spiritually energizing. Although the classic destinations of Taos and Santa Fe are a must, we HIGHLY recommend spending a few days in the cozy town of Red River. And when it comes to lodging, here’s some of the most popular hotels in Red River NM to stay in.
Why Visit Red River NM?
Before we go into the best hotels in Red River NM, let’s talk about WHY you should visit. One of the most fascinating things about New Mexico is how different each city is. A combination of cultures, foods, and vibe all within a few hours’ drive of each other. Taos has its rugged artistic soul with a deep connection to the native community. Santa Fe is a foodie’s heaven, and like its motto “City different”, it truly is one-of-a kind. Red River is its own flavor. A little bit Western. A sprinkling of Southwest flavor. A true ski town and a whole lot of fun. Regardless of WHEN you visit, you’ll find a ton to do. Don’t believe us? Check out our in-depth travel guide:
Where to Stay In Red River
If it’s your first time visiting, the most important thing to know is you can’t really pick wrong from a location perspective. The town itself is about a mile long and only a few blocks wide. You literally can park your car and NEVER touch it again. In the winter, Red River Ski area’s slopes descend right into town. And in the summer, a lot of the hikes and biking activities start in town itself. The only time you’d need to drive is if you’re planning on a day trip out to something like the Cowboy Dinner at Bobcat Pass.
Copper King Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Located smack dab in the center of Red River NM. Copper King is a great choice of the hotels in Red River NM to pick from for a rustic lodge feel. Less than a 10 minute walk from Red River Ski Area, you’ll be skiing / snowboarding lickety-split. And if you want to cook a few meals, they do have some rooms with a kitchen AND dishwasher.
Three Bears Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
Adorable doesn’t even begin to describe this quaint accommodation. Yet another example of ski-to-door access available in Red River. Each lodging option feels like your own cabin in the mountains. Decorated in wood paneling and accentuated with southwestern flavor, you’ll be able to kick off your boots and let all the stresses from life disappear. Three Bears Lodge also provides you free WiFi and certain rooms come with a kitchen featuring a fridge, oven, and microwave.
WorldMark Red River
To see prices and read reviews, check: Hotels.com | Booking.com
Situated mere footsteps from the Copper Chair, the WorldMark Red River hotel provides some of the most up-to-date lodging in town. A Wyndham property, you can pick from a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment that’s furnished including washer and dryer for clothes. If you need a bit of extra comfort in your bed, this is a solid choice. Also, for those that need to soak their weary bones after too many laps on the mountain, there’s a hot tub on the premises as well along with a BBQ.
Best Western Rivers Edge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Hotels.com | Expedia
Located right next to the Lift House at Red River Ski Area. It’s practically ski-in / ski-out accommodations. In the summer, it also provides easy access to the hiking trail network. And once the fun is done for the day, you’ll find the rooms spacious and comfy enough to spread out and take in the views. If you do book a room here, attempt to get for one on the river’s edge (the back side of building). The tranquil sounds of water rushing by along with the scenery will literally melt your stresses.
Sitzmark Sports Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Hotels.com | Booking.com
A name tells a lot about a place and Sitzmark Sports Lodge is no different. Its exterior has European accents like white-washed walls and wooden balconies you’d expect to see in the Alps. And on the first floor is a sports shop. They’ll fit you up for the season’s activities from fishing to skiing to biking and everything in between for your endeavors into the Carson National Forest. In regards to the lodging, you’ll find an assortment of chalet options from a studio up to 2 bedroom units with a kitchen.
The Lodge At Red River
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Out of all the hotels in Red River NM, if you’re an outgoing person that wants to be near the beating heart and soul of town this is it. Warm up your evening with a great steak at Texas Reds downstairs and mosey on over to the bar to hear some live music being strummed. Afterwards, head across the street to Motherlode Saloon. For a town of only a few hundred, the music acts that grace the stage are something you’d find in a big city.
Deer Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com
The hotels in Red River NM provide you the full assortment of choices depending on your price range. If you’re looking for a clean, well-kept, and comfy accommodations, Deer Lodge will fit the bill. It isn’t the Four Seasons, but it isn’t trying to be. You’ll get free WiFi. Have a quiet peaceful stay. And if you get one of the larger units, they even come with a kitchen.
Carson Cabin
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Named after the national forest that is its backyard. This cabin has been Chris and Lacie Wilson’s labor of love since they purchased it in August of 2021. They’ve invested time, money, and effort into making it their own little slice of heaven in Red River. When they aren’t using it themselves, they offer this gorgeous cabin to visitors. If you have an opportunity to book this cabin, do it. You’ll be happy that you did.
Compared to the big stars of New Mexico like Santa Fe or Taos, you’ll find even the nicest accommodations here are a fraction of the cost. They may not be five star lodging and that’s not what it’s all about. But you’ll definitely come back with unique memories that are worth the journey to this part of the enchanted circle.
