Planning a visit to the otherworldly landscape of the world’s largest gypsum dune field? Discover the best hotels near White Sands National Park, so you can chill out in style after a long day of exploring.
Trust me when I say that New Mexico is full of hidden surprises. But White Sands National Park truly steals the show with its majestic white sand mountains.
Get ready for a trip filled with incredible hikes through the gorgeous white sand terrain and feel the rush while sledding down the slopes. But, to fully experience all that is on offer, you need to make sure you have a comfortable and convenient hotel near the park.
Spoiler alert: There might not be any hotels in the park itself, but the abundance of cool spots around the park more than makes up for it. These are the best places to bed down near White Sands National Park.
Best Hotels in White Sands National Park: At a Glance
| Best Hotels Near White Sands National Park – Top Picks | Hotel |
| Best Overall Hotel Near White Sands | Home2 Suites By Hilton |
| Best White Sands Hotels for Value Luxury | The Cabins at Cloudcroft |
| Best White Sands Hotels for Short Stays | Holiday Inn Express and Suites |
| Best White Sands Hotels for Quick Park Access | Hampton Inn Alamogordo |
Best Hotels Near White Sands National Park, New Mexico
Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo
££
Alamogordo
I doubt you’ll find a better lodging near White Sands National Park than this clean 3-star hotel with super-spacious rooms.
In fact, this is where I stayed on a recent trip to White Sands and I had zero complaints. You’ll get to enjoy all the comforts of home, from a fully-kitted kitchenette to a comfortable bed.
The pastel colours create a calming space where you can completely defrag after a hectic day of dune surfing. If stiff legs kick in after all that exploring, head to the fantastic spa or loosen those limbs in the heated pool.
There’s also a fitness centre for all my gymming fanatics, and the complimentary breakfast means you’re getting tremendous value for money.
PS: The 20-minute drive to White Sands National Park also makes it one of the most convenient hotels.
The Cabins at Cloudcroft
£££
Cloudcroft
Luxury hotels near White Sands are few and far between, but, if you’re willing to take the 45-minute drive from the park, the Lodge at Cloudcroft will make your stay extra special.
The rustic cabin-style stays bring homely comfort to a truly boutique visit in the Lincoln National Forest. The large patio offers the perfect palace to sip on a morning coffee, or you can opt for a dip in the pool on site.
While this is a self-catering abode, you can always grab a hearty pizza and a pint of craft beer at the Cloudcroft Brewing Company. With the Cloudcroft ski lifts two miles away, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a winter wonderland.
Hampton Inn Alamogordo
££
Alamogordo
I’ll say it once more: when trying to decide where to stay near White Sands National Park, it’s all about location. And that’s precisely what the Hampton Inn offers.
It’s the closest White Sands National Park hotel (15-minute drive) and provides one of the most impressive boutique stays.
The rooms are sleek and simple, with touches of blue and yellow to add a bit of pizazz. Better yet, rates are extremely reasonable – especially for a Hilton.
There’s also a fantastic array of pastries and tasty breakfast treats. Feel like some Italian flair? Johnny Carino’s should be your go-to dinner destination right next to this glorious hotel.
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott
£££
Alamogordo
Book your stay at Fairfield Inn and Suites if you want lodging that doesn’t shy away from bold colours. Much like the vibrant feature walls of each room, you can expect some genuinely out-of-the-box features in your spacious room.
Blast your music on iPod docking stations (ok, be respectful of your neighbours), or melt away in your spa bath with fantastic mountain views. If you like the sound of that, you’ll love the indoor swimming pool and complimentary breakfast that pushes this hotel into legendary status.
While these are some fantastic features, the location is simply perfect. It’s just a 15-minute drive to the White Sands National Park and Lincoln Forest National Forest.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
£
Alamogordo
Don’t write off the two-star Holiday Inn – it still boasts some rather opulent features. How about calming your nerves after an adrenaline-inducing day at the indoor pool and hot tub?
If you’re more of a social butterfly, then mingling with other guests at the communal lounge may be more your style. Spending time in your spacious room is always an option, as you can enjoy views of either Lincoln Forest to the east or White Sands to the west.
Don’t get me wrong, the continental breakfasts are pretty tasty, but you may want something more authentic while in town. Luckily, the D.H. Lescombes Winery and Bistro offers hearty all-American meals right at your doorstep.
White Sands Motel
£
Alamogordo
Book a comfy room at the White Sands Motel if you’re looking for a quick fix on a high-flying New Mexico road trip. Though, I’ll be honest – don’t expect a luxury stay here. It’s a simple option with no fancy gadgets or finishings.
That said, every room still has all the necessary amenities, such as a kitchenette with a coffee machine and microwave. Each room has a seating area, and the bathrooms have all the essential facilities.
They don’t offer breakfasts or dinners here, so you may want to explore the local eateries (not an issue at all). Some great options include the nearby Waffle and Pancake Shoppe for breakfast and Bangkok Tokyo for dinner.
The Summit Inn
££
Cloudcroft
The Summit Inn may be a 45-minute drive from White Sands National Park, but it’ll be hard to find a more picturesque lodging. It’s the tiny details that really add to the resort’s allure, from the handmade river resin tables to fantastical pine forest surroundings.
While the bathrooms are basic, the lounge with a fireplace makes up for that slight flaw. If you consider yourself a barbeque specialist, the on-site fire pits are the perfect place to put your skills to the test.
Did I forget to mention that the Cloudcroft ski lifts are a mere two miles from the inn? That’s right. If you visit in winter, you can experience a skiing vacation and dune extravaganza all at once.
The Classic Desert Aire Hotel
££
Alamogordo
Don’t let the humble exterior of the Classic Desert Aire Hotel confuse you because this apache-inspired getaway is the perfect place to call home. Choose from various lodging options, including a terracotta-coloured suite or a snug open-plan abode.
While the bean-shaped pool is ideal for a refreshing dip, it’s also a mesmerising spot to admire a White Sands sunset. The hotel even has a fitness centre, although you’ll likely get all your exercise in as you wander through the magnificent dunes 15 minutes away.
Days Inn by Wyndham
£
Alamogordo
Bring the mystical White Sands scenery into your room at Days Inn by Wyndham. What do I mean by this exactly? Each room has a unique panoramic photo print of the surrounding landscape above your bed.
Despite the humble price tag, you can expect nothing but the best here. I rate everything, from the granite-furnished bathrooms to the soft-to-the-touch bed linen. Alamogordo’s historic downtown is also a 5-minute walk away, so you can live it up with the locals along White Sands Boulevard.
Their complimentary all-American breakfasts are also the perfect way to start the day. Need I say more?
Super 8 By Wyndham
£
Alamogordo
The Wyndham specials don’t end there, as the Super 8 hotel is another fantastic low-budget option. Each home is decorated with a distinct colour combination that will captivate your senses.
They also offer some really nice perks, such as loaning out sleds for a blood-pumping day in White Sands National Park. It may not have a pool, but the spacious bathrooms offer everything you’ll need to freshen up after a busy day.
You can grab a delicious meal at Pizza 9 Alamogordo. Or, grab some snacks and watch the sun go down on the outdoor patio. Sounds like heaven to me.
Quality Inn & Suites
£
Alamogordo
Many hotels close to White Sands National Park offer all the bells and whistles for a comfortable stay. But if you want comfort at a great price, stay at the Quality Inn and Suites.
Each room is spacious with soft linen and a brilliant turquoise feature wall. Better yet, the breakfasts are pretty snazzy – you can also enjoy hot waffles each morning.
Let me not forget the outdoor pool, which is great for a cooling summer swim, and the indulgent hot tub for those chilly winter nights.
Suburban Studios Alamogordo
£
Alamogordo
If price is your ultimate dealbreaker, stay at one of the most affordable White Sands hotels, the Suburban Studios.
This simple lodging has various room options, from carpeted suites with a kitchenette to tiled rooms with fantastic views. And the wooden furniture throughout only adds a touch of class to a relatively simple hotel space.
The Rose Garden is a short walk away, and you can bring your pets along, too. If you’re not sold yet, the outdoor heated pool and sunset terrace make this an even better option.
Best Hotels Near White Sands, NM: Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tips to Consider Before Booking Your White Sands National Park Hotel
- I visited in February when it was super quiet, but the weather wasn’t fantastic (it did, however, make for some cool shots). So I suggest visiting in the shoulder months of April and May to avoid the blistering heat and hectic crowds of summer.
- Book your stay with a hotel that loans out sledding and equipment – this saves you so much time and money when it comes to renting your sleds. And, trust me, you definitely want to try sand sledding.
- If you’re working with limited time, I strongly recommend you try to book a stay as close to the park as possible. The nearest accommodation is 15 minutes away.
