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    Shaffer Hotel

    3.6 (16 reviews)
    InexpensiveHotels
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    The exterior of The Shaffer Hotel
    Jim R.

    First of all, let me explain that this 5 star review is a bit different than the usual reasons for rating a business 5 stars. Actually the case could be made that the reason I rated it so high was, in fact, because the Shaffer Hotel/Diner/Gallery, has nothing in common with other 5 star hotels. 5 stars to most people means, luxurious rooms and amenities, fine dining, exclusive access to the property and a gallery that most of us would not feel comfortable walking into. However, the Shaffer Hotel offers an experience that none of these properties could even get close to. First of all, the Shaffer Hotel is located in the middle of Mountainair, New Mexico. It's a quaint town that is ready to welcome you with open-arms. No traffic, no parking problems, no hustle and bustle, no platinum credit cards needed. The hotel was built in 1923. It retains virtually all of the features in construction and architecture that instantly transports you back to the days when "luxury" meant a place where you could come in from the cold, enjoy a good meal and get a good's night rest in a comfortable room. An interesting fact about the Shaffer is that the builder, Clem "Pop" Shaffer, after experiencing a fire which destroyed a blacksmith shop he owned, built the hotel using concrete filled with metal machine parts, pipes, old car parts and any other pieces of metal he could lay his hands on. It should also be noted, that if you look at the pictures of the exterior of the hotel and in various places of the interior of the diner you will see what we now call, "swastikas." This symbol back in 1923 - long before the rise of Hitler in Germany - was a symbol used by Native American Tribes like the Navajos and Hopis to mean peace and goodwill. Even after the rise of Adolf Hitler, "Pop" Shaffer definately refused to relinquish this symbol to an evil dictator in a foriegn land. The rooms, by today's standards are small. Most have a double-bed, maybe a chair and a separate bathroom. However, there are other "cowboy" rooms, which just have a bed and chair with restrooms down the hall. You can literally feel the history all around you with every step you take into the lobby and up the stairway to the rooms. Are these accommodations for everyone? Absolutely not. However, if you and your family would like to literally "get away from it all" you will get this in spades at the Shaffer. The diner, which re-openned in June of 2019, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. All of the items are priced between $5.00 to $9.00. The meals are prepared "to order" in a kitchen at one end of the diner. The food is hot and flavorful and the service is welcoming and relaxed. It's not fancy, but oh so enjoyable! The gallery is just a few steps from the diner. It's a great way to enhance your overall experience at the Shaffer. The atmosphere is peaceful. The artwork (provided by several different artists) offers a range of different styles and subject matter. When we were there, one of the owners/artists, Linda, explained the origin of many of the pieces. She fascinated with stories about the history of the Shaffer and the people who were part of it's incredible backstory. If you should be lucky enough to visit the Shaffer and wander into the Gallery, ask Linda about the ghosts at the Shaffer. So how can a hotel with creaky floors, small rooms and basic amenities, with a diner that offers basic home-cooked meals at great prices and an art gallery that offers you a cultural experience in a welcoming, "come as you are" atmosphere merit a FIVE star review? Simple really...the Shaffer and the town of Mountainair offers you an experience that can't be matched anywhere else.

    Jeff S.

    Had a great time eating and staying at this off beat little spot. Didn't see any ghost, but had a vibe like you might.

    Trevor F.

    I work on Wind Turbines and travel alot, I find myself in the middle of nowhere New Mexico (Mountainair) and found the Shaffer Hotel and Restaurant. The Family that runs this hotel could not be any nicer! The hotel was build in 1923 and has some indian symbols on the building and the fence that look like Swatsaks but I asure you they are not. This hotel has been on Ghost Hunters and they have had a lot of inquires about weather this hotel is haunted or or not. The Hotel was remodeled a few years back and is very clean. They have 5 cowboy rooms witch is a bed and then you share a bathroom, they have 3 suites room 12 The honey moon suite is amazing! They have 10 more rooms that have private bathrooms.One room that is Handicap accessible. A banquet room and a meeting room. Along with free inter-net that works!!! A Game room, and a work out room, the hotel also has Dishnet work, the only down fall is the TV's are on the small side. There is a Restaurnt and a art shop, I haven't beeen in the shop yet but I've been to the Restaurant everyday! They have the best food in Town. It's not a large menu but there's enough on the menu to find something Different on a daily basis. So if you're looking for something to do check this historic build out! If you would like to research this hotel morego to there website www.shafferhotel.com and maybe a google search on Clem "pop" Shaffer. I hope this review is helpful!

    This is the view seen in the movie "My One and Only"

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    2 months ago

    I rented a suite for several months while my homestead was being built.Very clean, amazing prices, friendly staff.

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    Ask the Community - Shaffer Hotel

    Hi Ed, My brother James is getting married on 9.20.25, my wife and I would like to stay there on that day. Any rooms?…

    Is the Shaffer Hotel closed? Permanently?

    no - call 505.705.0112 and ask for Ed

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    Review Highlights - Shaffer Hotel

    However, there are other "cowboy" rooms, which just have a bed and chair with restrooms down the hall.

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    Best Western Moriarty Heritage Inn - Exterior

    Best Western Moriarty Heritage Inn

    (75 reviews)

    $$

    When traveling the 40, we often stop for the night in Moriarity and on this particular roadtrip, we…read morestopped at this hotel on our way out and again our way back. Sydney at the front desk recognized me when I came back and she was able to get us a room that minimized the amount of walking to/from as one family member is currently have mobility issues. The rooms are clean, the hotel is quiet, the parking lot is safe, and the breakfast is good. They offer both corn or flower tortillas with breakfast. The indoor pool and jacuzzi are nice to wind down after a long day driving. It is a small town and there aren't a lot of places to eat, but we've all been happy with both Nachos and La Hacienda which are both located near the hotel. The hotel also has some frozen meals available that are very inexpensive if you just want to microwave something quick to eat before heading to sleep. We have stayed here many times over the years and have never had any problems. I think this is the second time I've reviewed them, but we've been stopping here every year or two for what I think is about twenty years now.

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5 - Honest Review from a Traveler, Not......an Influencer…read more I was traveling through this area on vacation and chose this hotel based on reviews -- it had a 4.9 rating, the highest in the area. That said, I'm not sure how it earned that score. I suspect a few influencers may have artificially boosted the rating without even staying here. I'm not saying this is a bad place to stay, but it's definitely not a 4.9 -- not even close. I just want to give an honest account so others can make an informed decision. PROS: Security/Parking: Felt like a safe area. Our vehicle was untouched overnight, and parking was well-lit. Interior Design: The hotel is older, but it's been updated -- mostly with fresh paint and new furniture. Room Appearance: Generally clean. Rooms have hardwood floors instead of carpet, which helped with cleanliness. Breakfast: The breakfast was fresh and tasty -- no complaints here. Bed Quality: Beds were comfortable enough. The pull-out sofa wasn't great, but that's not unusual for pull-outs. Entertainment: Large TV with a good variety of channels -- definitely a plus. Pool: Pool and pool area were well-maintained and inviting. CONS: Customer Service: Check-in experience was poor. The front desk clerk was on her phone when we walked in. She seemed rushed and disinterested when helping us, like she had to get back to her conversation. Amenities: Only two washcloths provided in a suite with two queen beds and a pull-out -- not ideal. Towels and washcloths were rough and felt cheap. Also, bring your own body wash and shampoo -- the ones provided didn't lather or rinse well, according to several in our group. Housekeeping/Condition: There was a damp, musty odor in the room -- likely due to the age of the building. The overall cleanliness was acceptable, but the smell lingered. Food Options Nearby: Not much to choose from in the immediate area, so plan to eat before you arrive or drive a bit to find something decent. Final Thoughts: If you're just looking for a place to crash for the night, this hotel may work. But go in with realistic expectations -- this is more of a 3-3.5 at most star experience, not a luxury stay. I'm not trying to discourage you, just sharing an honest take so you're not misled by glowing 5-star reviews.

    The Mountainair Shaffer Hotel Cafe - The Historic Shaffer Hotel and Dining Room Built in 1923.

    The Mountainair Shaffer Hotel Cafe

    (3 reviews)

    This delightfully atmospheric restaurant features 80+ hand painted ceiling panels in Native…read moreAmerican motifs by painter "Poppa" Schaefer. The menu includes standard American & southwestern dishes. We ordered an Indian Taco, Taco bowl, Burger and Chicken sandwich. All were freshly made, amply portioned and delicious. This is a uniquely artsy venue with a capable kitchen. Not to miss!

    I am not one to write reviews but in this case I felt I needed to…read more . I spent the last couple of days in Mountanair, NM (1/22-1/24/25). It's a lovely small town. My friend had to be in Albuquerque and I had a 5 hour drive south but we decided we wanted to have breakfast in the historical Schafer Inn before we left even though it didn't open until 10. We arrived about 10:10 and the doors were still locked. Thankfully the very nice La Galeria next door was open. Linda Marie was so nice to give us the history of the Schafer Inn while we waited. The hotel opened 30 minutes late and the only employee (wearing both cook and waitress hats) was one the phone almost the entire time we were there. We gave her our orders. My friend ordered huevos rancheros and I asked for one egg over easy and a piece of bacon. Our drinks were water for my friend and I asked for tea. I should have been more specific since I got iced tea instead of hot tea but I figured it was my error. Eventually we're were given our breakfasts. They were inedible. I was given the basic breakfast even though I had asked for just one egg and one piece of bacon. Again, it wasn't a big deal. However the eggs were cold as well as everything that was on my plate. The hash fries did not even resemble potatoes. They were dried out and rock hard. The bacon was microwaved and was also devoid of any moisture. It was inedible! The toast was cold and the jelly was brown in color but was a name brand grape jelly. My friends breakfast was a total mess, cold and also inedible. How difficult is it to make breakfast? I have never had such a horrible meal. McDonalds would be considered gourmet next to this meal. I would rate it as minus since I ate none of mine and the waitress made it clear she didn't want to be there. It's such a shame since it's a lovely town and the building itself is a true gem. Shame on the Schafer for charging for inedible food

    Holiday Inn Express Albuquerque South - Belen

    Holiday Inn Express Albuquerque South - Belen

    (10 reviews)

    $$

    I ran out of space to include this above, but we continued to have problems DURING the wedding…read more Four of the rooms were reserved under my mother-in-law's name because she was getting them for members of the wedding party. Both she and I went in in person to discuss this with the front desk. Yet, the night before the wedding, there were a group of our groomsmen left to try to negotiate with the front desk. The front desk insisted they could not put it on a card with someone's else's name, though this had been pre-arranged and the HI manager/staff never once mentioned that before. They insisted on getting credit cards from different people for each room. The next day, my mother in law had to go in to confirm once again that she wanted the rooms on her card (and give them a piece of her mind). We all agreed this must have been the most business ever done by this Holiday Inn and, unless they improve their management, I don't see them contiuing to get much more. (And, for the record, the guests who did get rooms and manage to stay without getting hassled, said the rooms were quite nice for the price.)

    Stayed here for a gymnastics competition. Was only in the room for about 8 hours, 6.5 of them…read moresleeping but the room was very nice, clean, and comfortable. Big bathroom, nice work area, nice TV with regular Direct TV (no trapware). and a quiet heater. 2 pillows for each sleeping spot, one labeled soft one labeled firm. Bed was comfortable. Breakfast was great - cinnamon rolls, pancakes, eggs, muffins, cereal, juice, good coffee, sausage, ham, and hard boiled eggs. All free. Only complaint was the shower head. Lots of hot water but it was an adjustable head with 3 flow patterns, too hard, too soft, and WAY too soft. Small complaint though.

    Holiday Inn Express Socorro - Bathroom

    Holiday Inn Express Socorro

    (38 reviews)

    $$

    The first image you get is how clean the hotel is! The staff are all friendly and accommodating…read more It's conveniently located from the interstate and major highways and close to the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center it's also about expectations, everyone is under staffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and spacious. They had a continental breakfast in the morning. It has the usual good stuff where you make your own waffles and have sausage, scrambled egg and fruit. They also suggested a couple of nearby restaurants for both breakfast and supper. I have to say I was very pleased that the attention the staff made to making sure breakfast food was hot, plentiful and available.I always tip the breakfast person and housekeeping, It's an old school way of thinking and I hope you as travelers will consider adopting it. The room had all the space I needed and in a Mini refrigerator microwave and coffee maker. Everything was working just fine and very clean as I said, I was impressed with the staff and their willingness to try to help me in any way that they could. The hotel was great and made for relaxing two night stay. They also have laundry machines on every floor.

    This hotel is by far the best place to stay in Socorro. I've stayed here multiple times for work…read moreover the years and it never disappoints. The staff is always friendly and building is well kept. It's near almost all of the restaurants and they are within walking distance. So is Walmart if you need some supplies. Breakfast starts at 6am through the week and 7am on the weekends. Be advised it can be hard to get rooms if you are staying for extended stays. Try to book way in advance.

    Sunset Motel - motel sign

    Sunset Motel

    (81 reviews)

    $

    Step Back in Time at the Sunset Motel - Classic Charm with Modern Touches…read more The Sunset Motel on Route 66 is a true step back in time--in the best way possible. From the paneling and vintage furniture to the mid-century artwork, the entire place feels like a well-preserved piece of Americana. It's clear the owners take great pride in maintaining the property and providing guests with a welcoming, nostalgic experience. Though it's just 650 feet from the interstate, we didn't hear any road noise at night--a pleasant surprise. While we weren't traveling with pets, the motel is clearly pet-friendly, with a nicely kept grassy area for pet relief. The pet fee is also very reasonable at just $15. Our main challenge was the lack of accessible power outlets in the room. As someone who uses a CPAP and travels with other electronic devices, this made things a bit tricky. The continental breakfast came in a charming little bag and included a bran muffin and two oranges. There's a coffee maker in the room, which was appreciated, but don't expect a full breakfast spread. The beds were very firm--in our opinion, too firm for a comfortable night's sleep. That might work for some, but it's something to be aware of if you prefer softer bedding. EV travelers should know that the Tesla charger onsite is owned and operated by Tesla, not the motel. The staff doesn't have much information about it. There are two units, both with J1772 adapters, and they appear identical to Tesla destination chargers. I charged at 11 amps to avoid idle fees and was pleased to see no charges after about 10 minutes post-charge. The cost was $0.36/kWh--about half the price of the Francis Energy Superchargers in the area. All in all, the Sunset Motel offers a unique and memorable stay for travelers who appreciate a retro vibe, friendly service, and a touch of Route 66 history.

    A surprise! Family owned and friendly to travelers ! We like motels. This one maintains her 60's…read moreRoute 66 flair. Clean, well kept, and very furry friendly for our German Shepherds. Quiet the night we drive in mid week. Special touch having bed blankets available for hairy pets, lighted grassy run for walking and all for $15 each for pets. Worth it. We thought bed in our unit could have been firmer but that is the only negative. Surprise treats for breakfast were very yummy fresh pastries and suggestion list of good breakfast places.

    Shaffer Hotel - hotels - Updated May 2026

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