The Americano Motel was an oasis in the middle of the desert. I rolled into town from Roswell around 9:00 PM. and I expected everything to be closed. The Oak Tree Inn was completely booked, unfriendly, and way over priced. The Desert Inn did not even have hot water, so that was out. The management at the Bel Air Motel falsely advertise themselves as a Best Western, which is absurd considering the conditions. And my impression of the Sands Motel was that it was run by junkies.
I walked into the front door at the Americano and was immediately greeted by Rhonda. She was so pleasant and shared wonderful history of Vaughn, and so many parts of New Mexico. I was so pleased with the room! After camping in Carlsbad for two weeks the freshly attended to room, the large tiled shower, satellite television, and two double beds let me spread out and live a life of luxury for a night. I even walked over to Penny's Diner at 1 AM and brought a piece of pie back to the room to enjoy a late night snack.
While I was there I saw a family come into town with car trouble. Rhonda took them in free of charge and made sure they received proper care and attention for their children and their car. I am a young traveler from upstate New York, and have never been to the desert before. This motel felt like a second home. On the way back to New York I was sure to stop in again with all the same results.
Rhonda remembered me by name and face and we discussed the new amenity she has up and running - a full size crystal clear swimming pool! She shared her plans for the near future. Rhonda is currently remodeling to include a gift shop to sell her own arts and crafts as well as souvenirs from all over the southwest. In addition to all of these perks there will be a full continental breakfast station available every morning. I will be back to Vaughn, NM in August of this year and I refuse to stay anywhere else in this town. Rhonda and the Americano Motel trumps all the rest! read more