Motorcycle friendly places to Stay in New Mexico

[JadeRider]

Good day All

I will be riding from Denver to Houston in a few weeks.  One of my stops is Las Vegas, New Mexico.  Can anyone recommend a good, motorcycle friendly, and safe place to stay in or around las Vegas, NM?

I really do not want to ride into Albuquerque (adds to many miles for just an overnight)

Much Obliged

[dangle]

Personally, I've never had a prob with any hotel/motel in New Mexico or in the US for that matter to be unfriendly to motorcyclists.

[JadeRider]

I guess this warrants clarification:
What I meant as Motorcycle friendly and safe was a place where they offer some sort of ability to secure your bike, and also a place where one can feel safe leaving the bike parked there and being reasonably sure to still have it there in the morning.  Drive-by bike theft is common enough that it is a concern.

[beemerboy]

I guess this warrants clarification:
What I meant as Motorcycle friendly and safe was a place where they offer some sort of ability to secure your bike, and also a place where one can feel safe leaving the bike parked there and being reasonably sure to still have it there in the morning.  Drive-by bike theft is common enough that it is a concern.

I'm with you here. Whenever I stay at a hotel or motel I ask ask the registration clerk about parking my bike close to the entry and usually in an area that's covered. They all seem to understand my concern and I've always been told "that's where all the other riders park." In other words you wouldn't be the first motorcyclist to ask this question. The only two things I've made a point to do is to pick a hotel in decent area and to be very polite to the clerk because they'll mention it to the night staff and/or security guard and your bike will have an extra set of eyes watching it.

The only time got worried enough to leave was when I once stayed on the west side of Albuquerque while driving my Corvette to Las Vegas, NV. I wasn't in the motel ten minutes before I noticed the 'hood I was in and the patterns of the locals. There was no way I was leaving my baby parked outside in that area!

Again, scope out the neighborhood and follow your gut instincts. Aside from that you can never go wrong staying at one of the chain hotels.

[Scrogg]

I actually used to live in Las Vegas NM. Most of the chain hotels are along the highway. Crime was not that much of an issue, but things may have changed in the last 15 years.
If it's still in business, the Plaza Hotel in the downtown square is a nice place to stay. They don't have any specific motorcycle facilities, but it is probably the safest area. They also used to have a security guard who patrolled the property.

If time permits, you should go up 65 to nf-261 and then up to hermits peak. The views are breathtaking. Of course, if you are from Denver, then they may just be so-so  

Sorry I can't be more help. It's been 15 years since I was there, but I still remember the huevos rancheros from the Rialta Cafe and the smell of roasting hatch green chili's  

[Orson]

There are probably more people in Houston than the entire state of New Mexico  

That's one of the reasons I love the place. It's so empty of people  

don't sweat it...the bike will probably be fine. I always ask at the front desk if they have a place to park my bike. Who knows...sometimes they make room in a storage room for your bike.

[DangerMoney]

Several places I've stayed have let us park the bikes right outside the lobby doors so that they're under the lights and in sight of the front desk personnel all night and the foot traffic going in/out of the hotel. Other places have suggested where on the property to park them such as inside the fence surrounding the pool where they are under the lights and can be chained to the fence stanchions. If the rooms have exterior doors and you're on the first floor you can always put your bike in your room.

[sprintrock]

this is not really near LV, but since you asked about NM in general you should check out Glorieta. Actually it is Glorieta the christian camp grounds near the town of Glorieta. You can camp or get a room, both are affordable.  If you camp you will be right next to your scooter (my preference) and the camp has private security.  I am sure the crime is extremely low.  I went to camp there for five summers about six years ago, and have camped there one night since. Great place to stay and great scenery.  

[BigHoss]

Are you going through Chama? If so there is a candy shop across from the train station. The guy that owns it is a rider and offers to lock the bike up for you while on the train ride or if your staying over night. I can't remember his name but he was a good guy.

[BigHoss]

Here is the link with phone number. Nice guy, last time I was up there he had a Beemer. I usually buy 3-4 pounds of candy from him and it's pretty good stuff.

The Boxcar Fudge Factory & Gift Shop
503 Terrace / MountainView Mall, Chama, NM  87520
505-756-1000 | denimdepot@cvn.com

There are quite a few cabins there that you can park the bike right next to the porch.

[JadeRider]

Thank you for all the suggestions.

Ended rerouting through Amarillo.  Much obliged to all.

Keep an eye for a trip report in a few weeks

[dwilli]

I"d be much more worried about Amarillo than Las Vegas, NM. Stay on the west side of town along I-40 some where if you spend the night here. Don't take any chances. Use a cable lock and lock it to something that won't move.

[ben1364]

I guess this warrants clarification:
What I meant as Motorcycle friendly and safe was a place where they offer some sort of ability to secure your bike, and also a place where one can feel safe leaving the bike parked there and being reasonably sure to still have it there in the morning.  Drive-by bike theft is common enough that it is a concern.

Jade.  I have traveled extensively and never had a problem, knock on wood!  I take the same precautions as with a car by not leaving valuables in sight and cover the bike with a 1/2 cover to discourage kids from climbing on the bike.  I do try to stay in motels with outside room access and park as close to the room as I can, primarily to facilitate unpacking/packing.