Cultural, Not Cookie-Cutter Hotel in Las Cruces: A Review of Hotel Encanto

As the cultural crossroad where Native American, European, and Western influences intersect, I had high expectations for New Mexico. I expected to feel as if I had been swept into another country altogether without traveling very far, and immerse myself in the foreign surroundings.  Our first stop on a ten day road trip was the city of Las Cruces, a city that was just a short drive from the Texas border. With the GPS pointed towards the hotel, I was somewhat disappointed to find myself in the middle of a typical North American retail area. Target on the left of me and Walmart on the right of me did not fit well with my vision of a New Mexican retreat.

A Lobby Entrance into another place…and time

The exterior of the Hotel Encanto de las Cruces was unobtrusive and typical of a chain hotel, but that is certainly where the mundane aspect of the property ended. With the first step inside the Spanish colonial style lobby, and I was immediately swept away to the foreign experience I was longing for, and I was suddenly in a New Mexico frame of mind. Target and Walmart forgotten, I soaked in the lemon yellow light bathing the courtyard from the sky light above, and noticed that my senses were heightened by the unique décor from old Mexico and the rich, vibrant colors and textures.   This was certainly not a cookie-cutter hotel and the attention to detail in the decorations was immersive. I no longer felt as though I was just a few hours from home, but rather that I was strolling the grounds of Spanish colonial palace as a welcome guest.

Rooms with a View

The unique and culturally authentic details continue to the guest rooms. Linens are lush and while there are plenty of high-tech amenities, they are carefully tucked away behind majestic, carved furnishings. For a traveling family, I appreciated that there was plenty of space in the room, even with a roll away bed. Microwaves and refrigerators are also available free of charge upon request.

High above the city, the shopping center faded further into the background as the mountains take center stage on the horizon. The hotel is perfectly situated among the Organ Mountains so that eastern facing rooms can enjoy a view of the sunrise over the mountains, while western facing rooms catch a sunset view over the city.

~Pool Oasis~

Old World Style…New World Amenities

The distinctive styling of the hotel is the most notable feature, but the modern amenities have not gotten lost in the Old World shuffle.  A newly redesigned outdoor pool and patio area is nothing short of an oasis and completely captures the resort feel with an authentic cultural twist. Spa services and an upscale bar are also available for the adults in the group.

The onsite restaurant, Garduno’s, is one of the most highly acclaimed in the state and a convenient dining choice for families.  The restaurant features New Mexican and Mexican cuisine in an indoor restaurant with a  patio cocina vibe.  The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and can even be ordered poolside.

~Cathedral in Old Mesilla~

Location: Desirable

Although I was initially concerned about the location of the hotel, it turned out to be ideal for both the needs of a family and the attractions we wanted to visit.  Las Cruces is the nearest town with luxury amenities to the sites of White Sands National Park and White Sands Missile Range. Nearby historic Mesilla and New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum are also close and allow visitors to explore the culture and history of the area.  With the prime location of the hotel, it is an easy walk or drive to any shopping or restaurant needs and the hotel has easy access to all major roads for exploration.  The Target that I disparaged on the way into the hotel, was a lifesaver when I realized we were out of diapers and needed to make a quick run to the store.

~A Wall of Traditional Silver Crosses Lines the Lobby~

Trading Consumerism for Culture

Hotel Encanto is a member of the Heritage Hotels & Resorts, a collection of New Mexican hotels that embody the culture, spirit and tradition of the area.  Locally owned and operated, each hotel strives to provide a rich experience for a visitor that creates a true sense of place. In keeping with this mission, a portion of the nightly rate is donated to local artisans and culturally significant endeavors.  Learning about this initiative rounded out my complete love affair with Hotel Encanto.  When choosing a hotel, I hope to find something more than just a place to lay my head, and something more unique than I could see around the corner from my home. Hotel Encanto met and exceeded those expectations,and not only gave me the cultural experience I desired, but allowed me to contribute, in small part, to keeping that culture and spirit alive.

~Hotel Encanto hosted our stay during our visit to Las Cruces. They did not require that I express a particular viewpoint and all opinions are my own~