Name: Rio Grande Motel
Address: 720 S Broadway St, Elephant Butte, Elephant Butte, Elephant Butte, NM 87942, United States of America
Rating: 9

Air conditioning

Smoking areas

Smoke-free property

Heating

Dryer

Patio

Outdoor furniture

No elevators

Reception desk

General

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Interconnecting rooms available

Fridge

Family room

Cable TV

Hairdryer

Shower/Bathtub

Bathtub

Shower

Linens

Toiletries

Rooms

Laundry

Services and amenities

Microwave oven

Bottled water

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

English

Languages Spoken

Barbecue grill(s)

Bowling

Hiking

Picnic area

Fishing

Recreation

Parking

Water park

Water sport facilities

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Cycling

Tennis court

Sports

Family/Kid Friendly

Kids

Extra decontamination measures

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the mini-hotel

Room amenities

Albert J. Lyon Event Center

Rio Grande Motel

Elephant Butte

I was investigating the range of my new HEAVY duty 48V60A eBattery on my eBikeKit-assisted CruzBike, and needed to overnight at locations which had electrical outlets—now a commonplace requirement with modern day technology, as well as to recharge my eBattery. I had planned to overnight at the Rio Grande Motel, but it was posted as “no vacancies”. Regardless, my previous travelling experiences compelled me to call; cancellations often occur at the last minute. 
Good thing, too; the owner told me that there was a room for me; I told her that I’d probably arrive around (18:00). Despite an electro-mechanical malfunction some 20miles/32kms South on NM185 (close to ArreyNM), I arrived close to my predicted time, was alarmed to see the office was shuttered and contacted the owner again. She wasn’t able to be at the motel, but assured me that her second-in-Command, Nancy, would arrive in 5-minutes to check me into a room. 
#42 was on the Western exposure, and was exactly what I needed! After wheeling my vehicle inside this roomy queen-bed and plugging my rugged extension cord/Grin Technology solid-state recharger, I looked around this lovely motel grounds.
The soda machine was easy to find, but the ice machine was no where to be seen. I spoke with another long-term customer, who told me that there had been a medical emergency with one of the owners and keeping an ice machine on the premises was too much more work. 
Since cycling throughout the HOT day (this was the second of four), I was consuming enormous amounts of clean freshwater albeit the ambient temperature. Ice will ensure easier swallowing of the water, and other nutritious fluids (chocolate milk/energy drink/etc.) I did obtain an 8-pound bag of cubed ice at an adjacent “Good2Go” C-store, stowing it in the freezer section of a large room ‘fridge. I also bought some microwaveable foods to keep my body functioning. The large flatscreen would gave me effective distraction. Sadly, I was unable to use it because, being a “Digital Dinosaur”, I couldn’t figure out to work the ROKU controller…! Good thing I had my 8+, which provided effective distraction despite the small screen. 
The attached water closet was superb; rinsing & soaping off the day’s 90miles/144kms cycling was essential to added comfort on the wonderfully firm mattress. The hot water was nearly instant, the a/c unit was also fast at cooling the room (I closed the bathroom door—no point in trying to cool off additional space). At the end of the day, it was well worth calling ahead with a reservation; I was extremely satisfied regardless of no ice machine. 
Definitely, the Rio Grande Motel has my coveted “iWheel of Approval!”

“No Vacancy” means call well-in advance!

This motel is old, room with 2queens was small but clean and a new working tv that was on cable so also had Wi-Fi. Pet allowed but no real exercise area. Very friendly housekeeper. Oh, and plenty of big fluffy towels and toiletries that have been missing in many budget motels.

Nice Budget Motel

Dump with a Capital D. I reserved a double Queen room and told him I had a dog.  He waits until I check in to tell me dogs aren't allowed in his queen rooms and said he was giving me a room with a queen and a double.B.S. He lied. I got two crappy old double beds. I asked if the room was big and he said,"All my rooms are large". Another lie. I have a 19 yr old in a wheelchair.  Poor kid could only sit in one place or lay on the bed. There was ZERO room to walk in this room. He even charged me for his "palatial" Queen Queen room, almost $100, but the room I got wasn't worth $40. The only reason I decided to give it a shot is because of the ratings. Well, that was mistake #1.

****Beware, there are NO deadbolts on the doors**** so one good kick into the door in the middle of the night and you've got problems. There are no phones in the room, either. This guy is in the business of selling sleep, yet none of us could sleep with all the freaking colored Christmas lights blasting through our thin curtains. At 2am, we questioned whether to get back on the road or not. The guy even wrote RIO GRANDE MOTEL in ink on his tub plug. Like who the hell does he think is going to steal that??

Keep on driving. Massive rip-off.

Enjoyed a quick one night stay here. Our room was spacious, very clean and comfortable. The seating area outside was cute and great selection for complimentary breakfast the next morning. Located just off the highway it was the perfect stopover.

Great stay

Excellent quiet location on main route to Albuquerque. Rooms / beds, etc. were clean & comfortable. Showers & toilet facilities clean and in good working order. Breakfast available but we did not avail of this facility as we were making an early start. Overall, very good value for money.

One night stay in Sept. 2019 - three people / two rooms.

This motel was quiet and clean. I would suggest to the owner to turn on AC before guests arrive, our room took three hours to cool down to a reasonable temperature. We ended up buying a fan and leaving for a few hours to let the room cool. 

Quiet and clean

Wifey and I nearly passed this place, as the signs really didn't say much on the highway. We were looking for gas, and saw the Rio Grande behind a 76 station. We were heading to Bellingham Washington for a family emergency but needed some rest. When we went to the office, the owner (who was off the property at the time and we as a result had to call) says, "we'll be there in about 20-30miles mutes. You can go over to your room" welcomed at each other because THAT has never happened before. Our room was AWESOME! Very clean nice and cool inside, all the creature comforts. Our AC blew cold and a few times, we kept our front door wide open while people passed by. This is a true definition of "small town America". When we left, it was around 3am. If you want to visit a truly wonderful place, this is one I highly recommend!

Best experience in a great little town..

Good value in today's market!  It is a very nicely maintained/renovated old motel.  Very well cleaned small room with a fun mix of eclectic furnishings and linens.  Coffee and munchies including breakfast fare, in a small separate room.  Easy access from IH-10.

Clean and Quaint

Stayed here because we couldn't get a room in the T/C Hot Springs district and are glad we did! Just an easy 5 minute drive to get to town, this "mom & pop" place is the style we prefer. The snack room is a nice idea and the breakfast is more than adequate. Easy parking right in front of the room, and so quiet (even though it's right off the highway). We will definitely be back!!

The hosts are the best!

this place is super eclectic, just like stepping back in time to the beginning. great location and easy to find off of 25.  it is not in the middle of town, nor can you walk there.  that was fine for us.  very reasonable and helpful.  there is much to do in the area from the museums, hot springs, to lakes. will be back. wonderful coffee, and fruit in the AM.

Rio Grande Motel

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