Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [110]
This motel, its sister property (Best Western Guadalupe Inn) across the street, and other associated lodgings are the most convenient places to stay during your visit to Carlsbad Caverns. Rooms here are spacious, with Southwestern decor, two queen-size beds, and whirlpool tubs. Most folks dine and drink at the complex's Velvet Garter Saloon and Restaurant or pick up a quick meal at nearby Fast Jack's (see "Where to Dine," below). The White's City arcade contains a post office, a small grocery store, a gift shop, a museum, and a theater. Guests at the Cavern Inn and its neighbor properties have free access to the complex's water park, swimming pool, hot tub, and tennis court.
Best Western Stevens Inn
1829 S. Canal St., Carlsbad, NM 88220. ☎ 800/730-2851 direct, or 505/887-2851. www.stevensinn.com. 202 units. A/C TV TEL. $79–$99 double. Rates include full breakfast buffet. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted; $10/night fee.
Well-landscaped gardens surround this handsome property, composed of several buildings spread across spacious grounds. All the rooms have Southwestern decor and coffeemakers, and most have two queen beds. Some units, with peaked ceilings that make them feel even larger, also have back-door patios. There are some wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers. The motel has a restaurant (see "Where to Dine," below), room service, courtesy airport transportation, guest laundry, 24-hour front desk, an outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool, and playground.
Where to Dine
INSIDE THE PARK
There are two concessionaire-operated restaurants at the park (☎ 505/785-2281). A family-style full-service restaurant at the visitor center serves three meals daily. It offers standard breakfasts such as bacon and eggs, hot cakes, sweet rolls, and Spanish omelets. For lunch and dinner you'll find a variety of sandwiches, beef burgers, a veggie burger, and a few Mexican items. The menu also includes chicken-fried steak, a garden salad with breast of chicken, and daily specials. Prices are in the $4-to-$9 range. The restaurant is open daily 8:30am to 4:30pm most of the year, with longer hours from Memorial Day through mid-August and on Labor Day weekend.
The Underground Rest Area, inside the cavern 750 feet below ground, contains a cafeteria-style eatery that offers fast food such as sandwiches, pizza, and burritos. Prices run from $3 to $7. There is also a gift shop. Concession hours are coordinated with cave hours (see "Just the Facts," earlier).
NEAR THE PARK
The Flume
At the Best Western Stevens Inn, 1829 S. Canal St., Carlsbad. ☎ 505/887-2851. Main courses $4.99–$10 lunch; $10–$20 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 5:30am–10pm. AMERICAN.
This relatively elegant restaurant has comfortable seating, candlelight, wall sconces, and chandeliers. For breakfast and lunch you can choose from a good selection of American favorites. The dinner menu includes the house specialty prime rib, a variety of steaks, seafood such as the broiled halibut, and chicken, including teriyaki chicken breast. Lighter dinners for those 55 and older are also available.
Larez Mexican Restaurant
1524 S. Canal St., Carlsbad. ☎ 505/885-5113. www.larez.net. Main courses $3–$13. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Fri 11am–1:30pm and 4:30–8:30pm. MEXICAN.
Authentic Mexican food prepared personally by restaurant owner Dora Larez is what you'll get here, and be prepared to wait a little for it because items are prepared from scratch. The decor is unpretentious—simple and cafe-like. The food is tasty and not excessively spicy. Try guacamole salad with homemade chips for an excellent appetizer. The menu includes a variety of Mexican specialties such as chimichangas, a chile relleno plate, a green-chile plate, and a taco plate. A good choice is the Larez deluxe plate, which includes an enchilada, tamale, asado, taco, rice, beans, chile relleno, green chile, and guacamole salad. Mexican beer and wine and New Mexico wines are available with meals.
Velvet Garter Saloon and Restaurant
26 Carlsbad Hwy., White's