Hi,

We've decided to travel to El Paso for the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. We've never been there before, but will need to make reservations fairly quickly. What help/advice can you give me? From what I've read it looks like we should stay at an airport hotel and rent a car. Any suggestions on a specific hotel? What attractions are nearby if we decide to stay a few extra days? Restaurant recommendations?

I'd appreciate any guidance you can give me. Thanks.

Joanie G.

You should probably book a hotel on the West side of El Paso if you are going to the Sun Bowl. UTEP is on the West side of EP.

The airport is at least 1/2 hour away with no traffic.

There aren't too many great hotels on the West side of town - that I can recall. Are you very particular as to lodgings?

If you are, then you will probably have to stay further away - the best hotel that i can remember staying in is the Marriott right outside the airport.

There is also a smaller Hyatt on I-10 several miles away from the airport.

This is Mexican style dining. Do you like spicy hot?

If you have a few days, I'd suggest that you take a loop trip to Carlsbad Caverns and loop over to Cloudcroft on your way to White Sands. Then go over the mountains to Las Cruces and spend a night there. Dine in Old Mesilla.

Hi Easy Traveler,

We're not too picky on hotels so we could consider the West side of El Paso. The airport Marriott is where the Pitt Alumni Assoc is staying.

And yes, we like spicy hot food. My husband isn't used to Mexican food, but I think he could learn to like it!

We'll take a look at your suggested route to Carlsbad Caverns, etc.

Thanks so much!

Joanie G.

On the west side, Try the La Quinta Bartlett off of Mesa, best for your money on the West Side. There's a Holiday Inn Express over that way too,but I've never stayed. The La Quinta Bartlett has free breakfast which is nothing fancy but adequate. Ask for a room(s) on the third floor. Of all the hotels that I've stayed in in El Paso, I'd recommend this one or the Hyatt for transiting through.

For restaurants: try Barriga (off of Sunland Park exit) - Mexican and really good.

Also try Stateline Restaurant which is right on the border between Texas and New Mexico. (Also on the West Side)

If you're willing to drive a bit, try the steak place that is in Fabens ~ 30 miles east of El Paso, everyone knows about this place). Forget it's name....something "ranch"... - sunsets are fab and their steak/beef is out of this world!

In Las Cruces the old town part is called Mesilla, try the Double Eagle Restaurant which I liked a lot better than La Posta, the other famous restaurant in that part of town.

Don't miss White Sands. It's one of the places that I shall always remember. Shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours more on the way from Cloudcroft to Las Cruces.

If you're a Pitt fan, then why not stay at the Marriott? The Hyatt Place off I-10 is really nice, too. It's about a mile or two from the airport and an easy drive to the Sun Bowl.

As for restaurants, you have to go to the State Line for barbecue and Cattleman's Ranch in Fabens for steaks.