Big Chile Inn & Suites

A few years ago, we stayed at Josefina's Gate in Mesilla, and loved it. Great location, really funky, cool hotel. Well, this is something of the same experience, except at a fraction of the price and in a more mundane setting - the motel strip area of Las Cruces. The new owners are hands-on and charming - they even let us book in at 11:00 AM because we have a pet, or perhaps just because. They then upgraded us at no extra charge to a massive pet-proofed room overlooking the fabulous courtyard which has a swimming pool, a koi pond, a waterfall, a gazebo, an arbor, two grills and a smoker, lots of tables and chairs dotted around, and many little artistic touches. Yeah, the immediate vicinity isn't cute or prestigious - but nor does it seem problematic - but this is quite the oasis. If you often use Motel 6 or similar, but fancy somewhere cheaper yet a lot more charming, funky and fun, do not hesitate. It is also only 5 minutes (if that) from the Rio Grande, where you can swim, ten minutes from the Main Street center of Las Cruces, and fifteen minutes from Mesilla with its 5 excellent restaurants. Highly recommended.

On s'arrête surtout pour le gros chili qui nous permet de savoir où nous sommes, si nous avions un doute. Après c'est tout car il n'était ni l'heure de dormir ni d'avoir besoin d'une chambre, du coup, rien que pour le chili, ça vaut bien le coup !