We were going on day 3 of a 2-day fun road trip, and decided Raton as a good stopping point. After checking Tripadvisor, as I always do, we decided on the Raton Pass Inn. I called and made a reservation from nearby Cimerron. The owner was very friendly on the phone, and I liked her immediately!
We arrived and she knew I was the one who called! There wasn't a crowd (the summertime peak is just starting to pick up) so we had no issues with getting a room or checking in. A King bed room cost us about $50.00.
We checked in and chatted with the friendly owner, who made us feel very welcome and comfortable. We learned she is retired military (a BONUS in my book!)
She only opens the motel in the summer - so if you're a winter travler, you're out of luck!
We went to our room, to find a very, VERY clean room, with comfortable furnishings. Besides the king bed, there was a nightstand, table, desk, chest, TV, mini-fridge, and microwave, alarm clock. There was no blow dryer. There IS free wi-fi connections.
She recommended a few restaurants in town after we asked. We chose Crystals, a wonderful Italian restaurant in town. She knows the town and local area very well.
The room was quiet -- almost TOO quiet! It was wonderful.
The next morning, we had a great continental breakfast, and wonderful company as she sat and chatted with us.
This is the kind of person with an outgoing, warm personality, who makes you feel at ease right off the bat. The hotel and rooms were very comfortable. I highly recommend this place to anyone going through Raton. You get a cleaner room, and better service here for 50 bucks than at many of the $100.+ chain hotels. AND a little bowl of candy in the room -- how many chains do that?
I'd call this a "hidden gem" for sure!
