If a resort came with the recommendation that every New Mexican governor has stayed at a particular resort, one could assume that the establishment was one of regal and grandiose class. You certainly assumed correctly! The Lodge is all that and more!

 

On the way to my own suite in the Retreat Suites (a nearby set of separate group structure housing four suites),   I stood looking up at the majestic building, The Lodge at Cloudcroft. I knew why so many, over a hundred year span, have made the pilgrimage to this stately resort that has drawn such celebrated names of eminence as Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Gilbert Roland, and even Poncho Villa. Renowned U.S. and Mexican government officials, military leaders, astronauts, are among the rich and famous who have came to this haven of seclusion and rest among grand Victorian splendor and radiance.

 

The Lodge was first built by the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway in 1899, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1911.   Here one can enjoy fine dining, golfing (read last month's the golf story in archives), swimming in the summer, dry sauna, hot tub, massages, tennis, as well as other outdoor activities. At 9,200 feet above sea level the cool mountain air of the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico makes for pleasant spring, summer, and fall days. Winter brings a magical beauty that only the mountains can produce. Winter sports activities offer local slope skiing, ice-skating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The Lodge is surrounded by the 215,000 acres of the enchanting  Lincoln National Forest . The average winter high is 43 degrees and the average summer high is only 73 enjoyable degrees! That alone accounts for the many Texans who leave out during July or August for The Lodge at Cloudcroft !

 

If the comfort zone summer temperature alone is not enough to draw you to The Lodge,  how about eating at Rebecca's dining area looking out from a panorama glass view and eating a luscious breakfast that ranges from $5.95 for two eggs, bacon, sausage, or ham, home made biscuit or toast, and hash browns? The most expensive item for breakfast is only $10.95 for a six oz rib eye with two eggs, potatoes and homemade biscuit. *

 

For lunch you can choose from dishes that are as great as the view. Blackened Shrimp, Chili Rellenos, Fajitas, several wonderful pasta dishes, Medallions of Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Breast, Quiche and Fruit, Smoked Trout, and the usual soups and sandwiches and burgers. Most of the lunch meals are well under $10.00.

 

At night, Rebecca's turns into a place of eloquence and charm. The low burning lamps, the music from the grand piano, the "dressed for dinner" waiters, all say, "this is going to be a special night!" It was for my wife and me!  Their award-winning chefs are some of the best! There are mouth-watering appetizers and salads, perfectly cooked steaks, prime rib, shrimp, salmon, pasta, duck, and lobster tail among the many menu choices. The incredible Sunday Brunch that fills the entire main lobby is something you do not want to miss (even if you have to stay over to experience it). My eight or more meals there were all culinary delights! Conrad Hilton who managed The Lodge during the 30's would be proud of the class of food and service that is found there today.

 

Descriptive words that come to mind when I think of my recent visit at The Lodge are ... exquisite, friendly, eloquent, charming, and outstanding. It is a romantic getaway for many couples, and a honeymooner's utopia. The awards for excellence in food, lodging and service, The Lodge has received through the years, would fill a page in the magazine. There is the main Lodge with 47 rooms, the separate building nearby-The Retreat Suites (4 rooms) with fireplace, jetted tubs, the Pavilion (10 rooms) about a mile away which is a bread and breakfast. The rooms are appropriately furnished in lovely antiques.

(The Lodge does have conference facilities.)

 

 

*Meal prices vary with seasons, as do rates.

 

Location: Southern New Mexico near Ruidoso and Alamogordo on Highway 82. www.TheLodgeResort.com Phone 800 395-6343 or 505 682-2566.  Happy traveling.