Roswell may not have received national attention until the supposed alien encounter of 1947, but settlers first arrived in 1869 following Nebraska businessmen Van C. Smith and Aaron Wilburn. Smith named the town Roswell after his father, Roswell Smith, an Indiana lawyer.
Roswell has enjoyed a colorful history as the site of much of the early rocketry work of Robert H. Goddard in the 1930s and a military base from 1941 to 1967. After the base's closure, Roswell marketed itself as a desirable retirement location.
But it's the kooky association with aliens that makes tourism one of Roswell's leading industries. Discover why Roswell is still one of America's most discussed cities on your next vacation.
When should you visit Roswell, NM?
Spring is ideal for visiting Roswell, with average temperatures in the high 60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and plenty of sunshine. The air is very dry, however, so make sure you pack your moisturizer.
Fall temperatures are comparable, although September is usually Roswell's wettest month. Showers are also common during October, and traveling during this season can be a gamble.
Summers can be unbearably hot, with temperatures soaring into the high 90s and higher. However, alien enthusiasts may argue it's worth braving the heat to attend Roswell's famous UFO Festival, which occurs every July.
Winters can be chilly, with average temperatures in the mid-50s and high 60s. Accommodation prices also surge around the holidays. If you wait until holidaymakers go home, then you can secure some great room rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Roswell, NM:
Roswell by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Roswell, NM. You can use these charts to determine the best dates to book a room in Roswell for any future trips.
Where are the top luxury hotel options near Roswell, NM?
If you prefer some pampering, try one of the following upscale Roswell hotels. These accommodations pride themselves on exceptional rooms, facilities, and customer service.
Hampton Inn & Suites Roswell has 70 stylish guest rooms, including suites and accessible rooms. All feature the best fixtures including plush Hampton beds, 32-inch high-definition TVs with premium channels, and WaterPik showerheads. If you can't leave the office behind, you'll appreciate the Hampton Inn & Suites business room and meeting space. In your downtime, you'll enjoy the swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Hampton Inn & Suites serves a generous and free breakfast buffet each morning. When you're short on time during the week, grab a complimentary On the Run breakfast bag.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roswell is another sophisticated choice. You'll get a great night's sleep in its elegant rooms, which feature plush bedding, climate control, and blackout shades. Getting out of bed can be difficult, but the free breakfast buffet should help you get moving. Sticking to your exercise routine is easy with a heated swimming pool and on-site gym. If you push your body too far, you can always soak your muscles in the hot tub. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites provides free transportation to Roswell International Air Center, so it's a smart choice for air travelers.
What are the most affordable hotels around Roswell, New Mexico?
3 Star Average Prices: $99.66
Roswell caters to travelers with all tastes and budgets. If you'd prefer saving money for souvenirs and eating out, you'll appreciate the low rates at the following Roswell hotels.
Rodeway Inn Roswell has modern, colorful rooms that are affordably priced, yet well-appointed. Along with standard amenities, you'll enjoy free premium movie channels on the flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi access. While those entertainment options are bound to keep you busy, you can also work out in the on-site gym, swim laps in the outdoor pool, or read a book on the sundeck. Enjoy a free continental breakfast each morning, then take advantage of the picnic facilities for a light alfresco lunch. The Rodeway Inn also has a business center for business travelers.
Budget Inn Roswell's name celebrates its commitment to affordable accommodations. The rooms are simple, but they have quality features such as pillowtop beds, LED TVs offering high-definition channels, and complimentary Wi-Fi connections. Each morning your hosts will deliver a small but satisfying continental breakfast to your room. Budget Inn Roswell welcomes human, pet, and even alien guests.
2 Star Average Prices: $73.19
What Roswell hotels offer the best discounts?
Could you qualify for a discount when you stay in Roswell? The following hotels offer special rates to selected guests.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Roswell has special rates for seniors and AARP members, government and military personnel, and AAA auto club members. Its modern rooms feature pillowtop beds, large flat-screen TVs offering premium cable channels, and work desks. If you need a computer or printer, head to the 24-hour business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, as is the generous Bright Side breakfast. With popular favorites such as cheese omelets, sausage patties, and fresh fruit, it's a cut above the average hotel buffet. Spend your days enjoying nearby attractions or being lazy around the pool and hot tub.
Candlewood Suites Roswell New Mexico discounts its regular room rates for AAA and CAA auto club members, U.S. and Canadian government employees, senior citizens, and Entertainment Card holders. It's an all-suites hotel with full kitchens in each room, ideal for travelers who want to see new places but don't want to give up their home-cooked meals. You probably have everything you need for your favorite dishes, but you'll discover extra appliances in the Lending Locker, along with tools and board games. Candlewood Suites also has an outdoor pool, but it's heated during cold weather so that you can swim throughout the year.
What are the hotels with the most value near Roswell, New Mexico?
High guest approval ratings point to the great value the following local accommodation options provide. You'll appreciate the extra space the suites provide and the generous complimentary perks all visitors enjoy.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Roswell has been recently renovated to offer guests the best accommodations experience. All guest rooms and suites are air conditioned, with ergonomic work stations, combination shower-tubs, and flat-screen televisions offering premium movie and TV channels. The free hot breakfast feels so indulgent each morning, with scrambled eggs, sausages, and homemade waffles all on the menu. Wi-Fi and parking are both free for guests. The picnic area features grills for outdoor dining during warm weather. The outdoor pool is another welcome summer feature. When a chill is in the air, try the hot tub.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Roswell is built for extended stays. You'll discover full suites with kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas instead of regular rooms, plus on-site laundry facilities. If you've forgotten anything or want items to enhance your stay, check out the Borrowing Closet which has everything from board games to umbrellas and extra appliances. The outdoor pool is heated for year-round swimming, and thanks to the hotel's partnership with Weber, the outdoor dining area has state-of-the-art grills. Enjoy the free breakfast every morning and free snacks and Pepsi fountain sodas every evening from 4 until 7 p.m.
What are the best things to see and do while visiting Roswell, NM?
Many people don't realize the alleged crash site of the 1947 UFO lies some 75 miles from Roswell. However, that distance has not stopped the city from capitalizing on its notoriety. If you love the alien folklore surrounding Roswell, then make sure you don't miss the following attractions and events.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is dedicated everything involving aliens. Its exhibitions focus on the incident near Roswell, but also touch on later UFO encounters around the United States and beyond. Its souvenir store offers a great range of alien-inspired mementos. The museum opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students.
For more alien merchandise, explore the stores of downtown Roswell. Within a short walk of the International UFO Museum and Research Center, you'll find wacky retailers such as Alien Invasion, Alien Stop, Alien Zone Area 51, and Imagine That Scrapbooks and Gifts.
Like so much of the city, even Roswell's McDonald's is also a little out there. The fast-food restaurant building looks like a flying saucer. Visit at night, when neon piping lights up its lines, to get the full effect.
Roswell holds its annual UFO Festival in early July. Thousands of alien enthusiasts and skeptics from all over the United States and the rest of the world converge on Roswell for the three-day event, which features lectures from guest speakers, a parade, live entertainment, and costume contests for humans, pets, and any aliens that happen to attend.
A visit to Roswell would not be complete without seeing the alleged alien crash site. Local guide and UFO researcher Dennis Balthaser will take you to the spot and teach you more about the fact and fiction of this period of American history with his Roswell UFO Tours.
Whether you're enamored with aliens or simply looking for a vacation destination quirkier than the average, you'll appreciate the unusual charm of Roswell. Book your accommodations early, especially around the popular UFO Festival, to secure the best rates.
FAQs about hotels in Roswell
How much does a cheap hotel in Roswell cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Roswell can be as cheap as $73.19 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Roswell cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Roswell has been $99.66 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Recent traveler guest reviews of Roswell, NM
Below are reviews of the city of Roswell, NM from an actual visitor's perspective.
"A Great Small Town"
Score
5.0 / 5
Roswell is a great small town. Enjoyed the visit.
Lourda B., from 12-Feb-2024
"UFO's!"
Score
4.0 / 5
All the places to eat, get groceries and sundries are located on one road. Roswell put on an incredible UFI parade and events. It offers concerts, activities for all ages, rides to the crash site and so much more. The city welcomes us and doesn't treat us like crazy people. If anything, it celebrates the UFO crazy 🤪.
Fawn C., from 29-Jan-2024
"UFO Museum"
Score
4.0 / 5
UFO Museum.
Barbara F., from 20-Jan-2024
"UFO Museum"
Score
5.0 / 5
Enjoyed the UFO Museum!
Linda O., from 20-Nov-2023
"Jazz Festival!!!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Jazz Festival!!!
Earl M., from 31-Oct-2023
"Aliens!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Aliens, of course!
Elizabeth F., from 16-Jul-2023
"UFO Museums"
Score
4.0 / 5
I liked the UFO Museums and overall atmosphere of the town!
George H., from 14-Oct-2022
"A McDonald's that looks like a spaceship landed in it!"
Score
4.0 / 5
I didn't have time to explore the town but driving through to get to my hotel was fun! They have a McDonald's that looks like a spaceship landed right in the middle of it!
Cheri S., from 09-Oct-2022
"UFO Festival and the Mexican food!"
Score
5.0 / 5
UFO Festival and the Mexican food!
Tim S., from 08-Jul-2022
"International UFO Museum"
Score
4.0 / 5
Mexican food and the International UFO Museum.
Tim S., from 06-Jul-2022
"Roswell is Beautiful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love Roswell! Friendly, beautiful. Been coming here since I was a kid
Jan B., from 04-Jun-2022
"Roswell is a delightful town."
Score
4.0 / 5
Roswell is a delightful town.
Marie S., from 17-May-2022
"Great Shops in the City "
Score
5.0 / 5
The restaurant next door was good. We were just passing through on a long journey and didn't get out into the area, but leaving the next day, it looked like there was some great shopping & such in the city.
John O., from 20-Jul-2019
"Liked The People"
Score
5.0 / 5
Most everyone we met was friendly.
Barry P., from 07-Mar-2016
The average traveler rating of the city of Roswell, NM shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 14 reviews