Carlsbad New Mexico Accommodations

When to Visit Carlsbad, NM

With its location on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, it's no surprise that Carlsbad enjoys a warm, dry climate year-round. During the summer months, high temperatures regularly reach the upper 90s and can exceed 100 degrees. While the Carlsbad area receives between one and two inches of rain per month throughout the summer, the precipitation picks up in September, with an average of three inches of rain.

Temperatures generally cool down from the late fall through the early spring. December and January are the coolest months, with average highs in the upper 50s. Since winter and spring mark the off-season in Carlsbad, you'll typically find great deals on accommodations during this time. Room rates can jump in the summer and fall, so consider booking in advance for the best deals.

If your visit falls during one of Carlsbad's most popular festivals, you'll also want to book accommodations in advance. In early June, the Mainstreet Cavernfest kicks off the season for the Carlsbad Downtown Farmers Market with local merchants, food vendors, and events throughout the downtown area. In early December, the Carlsbad Winter Wine Festival welcomes wine lovers to taste a variety of vintages, enjoy wine and food pairings, and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Best Hotel Discounts in Carlsbad, NM

Use standard hotel discounts to save 10 percent or more at many Carlsbad area hotels. For instance, AAA members and AARP members get discounts at the Best Western Stevens Inn and other area hotels. Government employees and members of the military get low rates at the Econo Lodge and the Super 8 Carlsbad.

Best Value Options in Carlsbad, NM

Stay at Carlsbad's best mid-range hotels when you want more space and amenities but you don't want to blow your budget.

When you stay at the Best Western Stevens Inn, you'll be just minutes from the center of town. In addition to close proximity to Carlsbad's attractions, the hotel also features a range of standard rooms equipped with mini fridges, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs with cable programming. Cool down in the outdoor pool on a hot Carlsbad day, relax in the spa tub after a day of sightseeing, or grab a drink at the hotel lounge. The Best Western offers a free airport shuttle to make your trip to and from the hotel stress-free.

Conveniently located near the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, the Holiday Inn Express Carlsbad also offers quick access to the Carlsbad Museum & Art Center. Choose from queen or king rooms, and book early to secure the hotel's advance saver rate on standard rooms. All accommodations include LCD TVs, mini fridges, and workspaces. Go for a run in the fitness center, or swim a lap or two in the indoor pool. In the morning, stop by the complimentary Express Start breakfast bar, which includes eggs, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and hot coffee.

Also located near the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens National Park, the Comfort Suites Carlsbad is convenient to downtown Carlsbad and most of the city's top attractions. Relax in spacious suites equipped with plush pillow-top beds, separate sitting areas, and free Wi-Fi. Keep your favorite snacks and drinks on hand in the mini fridge, or head over to the hotel's picnic area for an outdoor meal. You can also stock up on snacks or drinks at the Comfort Suites' convenience store. Business travelers will appreciate the available meeting room and 24-hour business center.

Can’t-Miss Attractions in Carlsbad, NM

Get to know Carlsbad at the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center, located in the heart of town. Since 1931, this museum has preserved thousands of years of Carlsbad history and culture through art, artifacts, documents, and more.

On the north side of Carlsbad, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park is home to hundreds of native desert plant species and about 40 animal species. Go hiking, plan a picnic, or join an interpretive program to learn more about the plants and animals native to the Chihuahuan Desert.

Also perched on the north side of Carlsbad, Brantley Lake State Park offers fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, and bird watching. This is the ideal place to catch the sunset, and the dazzling night sky here is one you won't soon forget.

Just 20 miles south of the downtown area, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is well worth a visit. You'll have to see this visually stunning park to believe it, from the rocky canyons to over 100 caves to the ancient sea ledges. Try a self-guided hike through the legendary Big Room cavern chamber, hike the 750-foot Natural Entrance, or plan an adventurous hike through the Chihuahuan Desert backcountry. You can also join a park ranger for a guided hike through some of this national park's greatest highlights.

From caverns to gardens to lakes, Carlsbad has it all. Whether you're planning a trip with friends, a family vacation, or a couples' getaway, make Carlsbad your destination.