Going to be doing a road trip in May which includes El Paso. Is the downtown area an attractive safe place? Thinking about staying at the Holiday Inn Express, 409 East Missouri Blvd. Are there good restaurants within walking distance?

We plan on definitely visiting Rosa's Cantina, 3454 Doniphan Drive, Concordia Cemetery, & Old Mesilla, NM.

Does anyone have any other suggestions as both what to see where to stay while in town?

Stay in Las Cruces. For hotels and restaurant suggestions, type in Las Cruces in the SEARCH this forum box at top of page and see recent threads on this topic. Also type in El Paso and see why to stay in Las Cruces.

Hope this helps...
Debi

We are thinking about staying for 3 nights in El Paso in April. We want to hike in Franklin Mountains one day and another day take a trip to White Sands. maybe staying at the Residence Inn. On the way from Mesilla to El Paso, try to take a scenic route 28 through Mesilla Valley and stop for wine tasting at La Vina Winery. Also check www.boarderjumper.com

Oops! Should be www.borderjumper.com

Thank you for the responses - they have helped.

If anybody's in El Paso area - I'm coming in April. Get ready

Totally agree with Debi. Avoid El Paso and stay in Las Cruces, NM.
M (SMdA, Gto.)

Faina, what will you be doing in El Paso?

Lee Ann

I was just through there on a road trip from CA to Austin, TX. Yes, avoid El Paso. It's smoggy, congested and has a high crime rate. Las Cruces is much nicer as Debi and others have said. Prices are about the same also.

O.K. you guys talked me into staying in Las Cruces so now I am looking at a B&B named Meson de Mesilla, which is only a block from the Old Mesilla Plaza. I figure that more will be happening in that area, however most of the Las Cruces lodging is downtown. The B&B is the only thing in that immediate area so I am now wandering whether that's a good area to stay or should I locate downtown & drive to Old Mesilla. We prefer to walk. There is a Best Western about 1 mile from Old Mesilla on Avenida de Mesilla. A mile walk is no problem for us but is that a safe street to walk at night?

Hoping to get a response from someone familiar with that area. Thank you.

Please anyone out there with info on the Old Mesilla area. Thanks.

I will fly into El Paso, take the complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport, have the tour group meeting, and in the morning our Caravan tour is off to Mexico - Copper Canyon train is on the list.

Coming back, the tour bus will take us to the El Paso airport. I should be safe for one evening only.

Las Cruces is a nice small university town, but no way! El Paso is bigger, nicer, and more sofisticate. There are many good hotels, but I would not stay in downtown area, it is better near the airport. If you choose downtown, try Westin, and for a very good dinner experience, try Cafe Central, across the street. Jaxon's is also a good choice, with some locations around town. If you'd like something more South of the Border, could try Barriga's, in Sunland Park. For something more bohemian, try Cincinnati St (good coffee!). And check, also, Ticketmaster, for the concerts or shows.

Lodging:

El Paso - the best is near the airport, Marriott, Courtyard

Good and inexpensive: LA Quina Bartlett (?), used to be a Baymont, solid hotel for about $89/night - Westside

Downtown El Paso - nahh. Food maybe, but not lodging.

Las Cruces - do NOT stay downtown - fleabags

If you want to be near but not in Old Mesilla, try the bunch of hotels right off Highway 10 and Avenida de Mesilla - two La Quintas, Springhill Suites, and a Hampton Inn.

Walkable to Old Mesilla? Yes, but not very exciting.

If you want to be right in Old Mesilla, then stay there. I believe there is a charming new B&B that's opening up right next to the church on the square.

The other bunch of hotels in Las Cruces is at the I25 and Highway 70 junction (Hwy 70 goes to White Sands). Fairly new hotels.

There are some hotels near the University, but I don't recommend these.


Food:

El Paso - Barriga's for Mexican is a great suggestion

Also on the Westside is Stateline Barbeque.

There are several Jaxons, but if I had to make a choice, I'd choose one of the two above over a Jaxon. Their Mexican food is not very good.

Las Cruces: in old Mesilla, don't miss the Double Eagle which is right on the square.

La Posta is slightly off square. (For Mexican food, I preferred Barriga's in El Paso over La Posta).

Lorenzo's for Italian food.

Whatever you do, do NOT eat Chinese food in this area of the US! LOL!

El Paso unsafe? That's nonsense. It is rated number 3 in the entire nation for safety.

Have a great trip!

Oh, one last thing - hiking in the Organ Mountains (east of Las Cruces) is better than hiking in the Franklin Mountains (east of El Paso), IMHO.

And, if you can fit it into your schedule, I do recommend a side trip to White Sands.

FainaAgain - I will be going on the Caravan Copper Canyon tour on May 8. Have you returned already?? If so, I would love to hear your comments.

I will be arriving early in the day and plan to get into ElPaso for the afternoon/dinner. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to see in that short period and a favorite restaurant (preferable Mexican)?????