Socorro's Hidden Gem: Baymont by Wyndham Review & Booking!
Socorro's Hidden Gem: Baymont by Wyndham - A Rambling Review & Booking Plea! (With a Few Ups & Downs)
Okay, listen up, internet wanderers! I just got back from Socorro, New Mexico (yep, that little dot on the map!), and I’ve got the lowdown on the Baymont by Wyndham. Now, before you roll your eyes and think “another cookie-cutter chain hotel,” hear me out. This place… well, it's got character. And by "character," I mean a few quirks, some unexpected joys, and enough potential that it's worth a peek if you're passing through. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, it's gonna be a bumpy ride, and don't expect all the perfect answers.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Not Perfect, But Trying!
Landing in Socorro, you kinda feel like you've stumbled into another world. The Baymont sits there looking…well, like a Baymont. Expect the standard brick exterior and familiar logo. Accessibility is a mixed bag. The good news? Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, a HUGE plus. Elevator? Yep, thank goodness, because walking up stairs after a long drive is not my idea of fun. They also have facilities for disabled guests, which is always good to know. HOWEVER, the website isn't super clear on specifics. Call ahead if you have specific needs, 'cause I think they try to be ADA compliant, but I'm not 100% sure they've got it down perfectly. The parking is plentiful, and free of charge, which is always a win (and I'm thrilled they have car park [on-site] and an exterior corridor, because packing and unpacking in a hotel room, is one of the most stressful things ever!). They even offer airport transfer! Okay, they get points for thinking of everyone!
The Room: Comfort & Quirks – My Ode to the Closet
My room? Hmm. Let's start with the positives. Air conditioning? Check. Crucial in New Mexico, trust me. A desk for working? Yep. Free Wi-Fi? Woohoo! (More on the internet later.) The bed was…comfy enough. Not the cloud-on-a-mattress experience, but I got a decent night's sleep. They had a refrigerator, which I LOVE for stashing my drinks and leftovers. And the TV had a ton of channels, including on-demand movies. A very nice touch. The bathroom was… functional. Clean, but not exactly spa-like. They had toiletries (score!), and towels (double score!).
NOW, for the quirks. The closet! Oh, the closet! Honestly, it's worth mentioning separately. It wasn't just a closet, it was a feature! Big enough to hide a small army, and it was clean. I found a shelf that I'd consider home if I were homeless. Okay, I'm sorry, back to the review. There were bathrobes and slippers in the closet - a nice touch for lounging! And…they have additional toilet! What! It just made me wonder if the room was meant to be the king suite!
And, the blackout curtains helped me get some serious shut-eye. And the mirror in the room was very nice (important for checking yourself before you wreck yourself). I'd give the room a solid 7/10. It isn’t the Ritz, but it's comfortable. Also, the air conditioning in public areas was welcome when stepping out of the scorching New Mexico sun.
Internet…The Great Wi-Fi Challenge:
Okay, let's talk about the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - yes, they advertise this. But…it's not always super reliable. Sometimes it was blazing fast (Internet access – wireless!), sometimes it was…well, let's just say it felt like I was back in the dial-up days. They also have Internet access – LAN - that's the wired stuff, so bring your own cable, and maybe that'll work better. I will say the Wi-Fi for special events wasn't too bad. Overall, the internet is a gamble. If you need rock-solid Wi-Fi, maybe tether to your phone or consider the wired option.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – A Culinary Adventure (of Sorts)
Okay, so the dining situation at the Baymont is…interesting. They offer breakfast [buffet], which is the saving grace of any early morning. It's got the usual suspects: cereal, pastries, eggs, and…coffee. The coffee/tea in restaurant was…well, coffee. Drinkable. They had an Asian breakfast which was just amazing! Okay, and a Western breakfast…which was okay.
I didn't see any Asian cuisine in restaurant, nor did I see a vegetarian restaurant. But hey, they're trying! And they have a breakfast takeaway service, which is PERFECT for hitting the road early.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Not…)
Now, here's where it gets a little…thin. I didn't see a pool with view or a sauna. The fitness center was advertised, but I didn't venture in. Too many road miles to burn off, I guess. No Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna or Steamroom. But hey, you're in Socorro! The "things to do" are more about exploring the area. There's a shrine nearby, and, I heard the area is known for its stargazing.
Cleanliness & Safety: Covid-Conscious (Mostly)
The Baymont definitely seems to be trying to be safe. They have hand sanitizer stations, and the staff seemed diligent about daily disinfection in common areas. I appreciate the effort. They do have anti-viral cleaning products, and very important, rooms sanitized between stays. They have individually-wrapped food options. The breakfast takeaway service certainly helps. The emphasis on cleanliness gave me a feeling of security. The doctor/nurse on call and first aid kit were also reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
I loved that they had a convenience store! So convenient! They have dry cleaning and laundry service which is amazing! And they offer luggage storage and safety deposit boxes. Daily housekeeping was on point.
For the Kids: Bringing the Whole Family?
Here’s where things are a bit limited, but I am so impressed they have babysitting service. They have family/child friendly rooms which is awesome! But no kids facilities.
Getting Around & Beyond: Location, Location, Location
The hotel is located in a convenient spot in Socorro. They offer car park [free of charge] and a car park [on-site] that's great.
My Overall Verdict & Booking Plea (Please, Read This!)
Look, the Baymont by Wyndham is a solid choice for Socorro. It's not perfect. It's got its quirks. But it's clean, comfortable, and the staff seem to genuinely care. They are trying. They have nice touches and some amazing advantages that makes it a great place to stay.
Now, for the Booking Pitch!
Why YOU Should Book the Baymont By Wyndham (And Why I'm Begging You To!)
Hey, are you planning a trip to Socorro? Here's the deal! The Baymont by Wyndham isn't just a place to crash. It's an adventure!
- Perfect for… Road trippers who need a comfortable place to rest their weary heads and those who love exploring!
- Embrace the Imperfections: Okay, the internet can be a bit wonky, and the breakfast buffet is basic. BUT…the staff is friendly, the rooms are comfortable, and you're in Socorro! Where else will you get that charm?
- Book Now! Stop staring at the screen. You can find all the booking details and specific information on the website or calling them.
Book your stay today, because you will be making the absolute best choice for your adventure in Socorro.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: The Cartwright Hotel's Union Square Oasis
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is real life, Baymont by Wyndham Socorro, New Mexico, and all its glorious, dusty imperfections, as seen through the bleary eyes of yours truly.
A Baymont Bonanza: Socorro Edition - (Pray for Me)
Day 1: The Arrival (and Existential Dread)
- 1:00 PM: Okay, flight delayed. Again. Seriously, Southwest, what's the deal? Finally, after a 2-hour wait, I finally made it. I roll into Socorro. The vastness of the New Mexican sky? Gorgeous, I guess. Makes you feel incredibly small. Like, maybe my life is actually just… this tiny pinprick of worry in a giant expanse of nothingness. Anyway, I'm here. At the Baymont. It looks… beige. Very beige. Already feeling the desert sun baking my brain.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The lady at the front desk is super nice, bless her heart. She's seen more of the world than this beige box probably ever has. I get the keycard. It's one of those classic strip-key cards, praying it doesn't fail on my arrival.
- 3:00 PM: Room. It's… functional. Two queen beds (thank the heavens I booked a room for myself), a TV that might or might not work, and a faint odor of… well, let's call it "previous occupants." You know, that smell that only hotels seem to master. I open a window. Let's get some air in here. It's dusty. This might be a mistake.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Unpacked. Okay, this is going surprisingly well. I organized my things, all that stuff. But, ugh, I forgot to bring my travel pillow. Big mistake. Big. Now, there's a faint possibility of a sore neck and a sleepless night. Fantastic.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to find food for the dinner. I heard about a local diner a few blocks away.
- 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Tried to ask for a food. I go to a local diner. It turns out, the food is pretty good. Not amazing, but good. Like, "comfort food" good. This is exactly how I feel now. Decided not to go back.
Day 2: Socorro's Secrets (and My Growing Anxiety)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Baymont. The "continental breakfast." Cereal. Stale muffins. Anemic-looking fruit. I grab a banana, thinking positively. This is just what my body needs.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to visit the the New Mexico Tech Mineral Museum. It's smaller than I expected, but the minerals are actually pretty cool. I love how the light catches them, making them look like miniature alien worlds. Then, I realized I had no idea what I was looking at. I'm surrounded by people in glasses, and I'm just… me. A tourist.
- 11:00 AM: Stroll through Socorro's Historic Plaza. The architecture is charming, the adobe buildings are gorgeous. I walked around, thinking how everyone here has some sort of history. I'm also pretty sure I got lost. Twice.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little Mexican restaurant. The salsa was fire. FIRE! I ate so much I think I'm going to explode. But it was worth it.
- 2:30 PM: Feeling the need for a nap. Back to the beige box. The sun is relentless. I feel like a wilted flower.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to try finding a restaurant. I found the "Fire and Ice." Had a burger. I'm not sure if it's the desert air or the sheer existential dread of being alone on this trip, but I'm feeling a bit… melodramatic.
Day 3: The Skies and Soul-Searching (and the Beginning of the End)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The same sad continental breakfast. I'm starting to develop a real affection for the stale muffins, though. This is the definition of rock bottom.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to visit the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). Oh. My. God. Those telescopes are HUGE. The scale of it… it's mind-boggling, really. Standing there, I'm overwhelmed. I feel so useless. But in a cool way, I guess. I start to wonder if there's life out there. If there's other beings out there. Are they also at the Baymont?
- 12:00 PM: Started my drive back. I have a long way home from Socorro.
- 1:00 PM: Ate at a highway restaurant. The chicken sandwiches were good. I watched the sun go down. I was very tired.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea for Help)
So, Socorro. It's… an experience. It's dusty and strange and full of wonder, and a whole lot of nothing. I'm glad I came. I think. Maybe.
Okay, I'm not going to lie. I'm tired. I'm ready to go home. The Baymont, with its beige beauty, has definitely grown on me. I've spent more time talking to myself than anyone else.
But hey, at least I can say I survived. Now to find a good therapist and maybe some support group meetings to explain my Baymont bonanza experience.
(P.S. If anyone knows a good spa near Socorro, let me know. My shoulders are killing me.)
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Socorro's "Hidden Gem" - Baymont by Wyndham: The Unfiltered Truth (and a Few Rambles)
Okay, spill the tea: Is the Baymont in Socorro *really* a "hidden gem"? Or are we talking pyrite here?
Alright, alright, before you slap me with a TripAdvisor ban, let's be real. "Hidden gem" might be pushing it. It's more like… a reasonably priced, potentially-not-haunted stopover in the desert. Look, Socorro isn't exactly Paris. You're not coming here for the ambiance. You're here, probably, because you're working at the Very Large Array (VLA), or passing through on your epic road trip, and you need a bed and a shower. And in *that* context? The Baymont is totally… *fine*. It's clean-ish. The staff is friendly-ish. The continental breakfast... well, we'll get to that disaster of a pastry situation later.
Booking - Easy Peasy or a Password-Reset-Palooza?
Booking? Surprisingly straightforward. You can use their website, which is...adequate. Not the flashiest thing, but functional. Or, you know, Expedia, Booking.com, whatever your poison is. I've never had a problem, honestly. The real challenge is remembering *which* website you booked through when you need to change something at 2 AM because you're an idiot and booked the wrong dates (true story). My recommendation? Check prices around, but honestly, the Baymont's always seemed competitive price-wise.
Let's talk rooms. Are we talking clean-ish, or hide-the-light-switch-with-a-blanket levels of uncleanliness?
Okay, look, I’m a chronic germaphobe. I travel with anti-bacterial wipes like a weirdo. My expectations are low. The rooms at the Baymont… they’re generally clean-ish. I've never found anything *truly* horrifying. Once, I did find a rogue Cheerio under the bed, which, honestly, I kind of took as a sign of life. Like, “Hey, someone *lived* here at some point.” The bathrooms are functional. The beds are… well, they're beds. Don't expect luxury. Do expect a reasonable level of not-disgusting. That's a win in my book, considering the alternatives in Socorro.
Breakfast? Is it a glorious carb-fest, or a reason to hit up the nearest Denny's?
Oh, the breakfast. Bless its little, sad heart. It's the continental breakfast of legend. Expect: pre-wrapped pastries of questionable origin (the ones that probably came in a plastic bag from a warehouse), instant oatmeal that’s been simmering under a heat lamp since the dawn of time, maybe some sad, pre-cut melon, and… coffee. The coffee… is, let's be generous, *caffeinated*. Look, it'll fill a hole. But don’t go in expecting a culinary experience. My advice? Bring your own granola bars.
What about the Pool? Is it a sparkling desert oasis, or a murky swamp?
The pool! Ah, the pool. I *longed* for it. I imagined bobbing in cool water after a long, dusty day. The reality? Let's just say it's *present*. I’ve never actually *swum* in it. It always seems… a little murky around the edges. I've seen kids happily splashing in it, though, so maybe I'm just a wimp. Personally, I'd stick to the shower in my room (which, again, is generally clean-ish).
The Location. Is it convenient? Are you going to get eaten by coyotes trying to walk to dinner?
Location-wise, it's… decent. It's right off the main drag, which is handy. You're not going to be wandering the streets of Socorro late at night anyway; there's not much to wander *to*. Plenty of restaurants within a short drive. You're probably safe from the coyotes – they're more interested in the unsecured trash cans than you. Just… don’t expect a picturesque stroll. It’s the desert. Embrace it. Or, you know, stay inside.
The Staff. Are they friendly, or do they make you feel like you're bothering them?
The staff? Generally *fantastic*. Super friendly. Always helpful. I've had some genuinely lovely interactions with them. Once, the AC in my room died at 3 AM (perfect timing!). I called the front desk, fully expecting a battle. Nope! They had someone up to fix it within minutes. It was a heatwave, and I had a deadline. That level of service? Priceless. Seriously, give them a good tip. They deserve it.
Okay, so here's the big question: Would you recommend it? Or steer clear?
Look, let’s be brutally honest. If you’re a discerning traveler who demands luxury, five-star everything, and a breakfast buffet that rivals a Michelin-starred restaurant, then… no. The Baymont in Socorro is not for you. Go find a Four Seasons. (Good luck, and let me know how the caviar is!) But if you’re looking for a clean-ish, reasonably priced, convenient place to crash for a night or two in Socorro, and you’re not overly fussy? Sure. Absolutely. I'd stay there again. In fact, I *will* probably stay there again. Because, you know… the VLA doesn't book itself.
One last thing: Any weird stories? Did you encounter any… *unexplained phenomena*?
Okay, fine. This is where it gets weird. I AM A COMPLETE SKEPTIC. Absolutely. But… Once… I was staying there during a particularly windy night. The wind was howling. I couldn’t fall asleep. Suddenly, there was this… *thump*. Like someone *threw* something at the window. I peered out. Nothing. Then, another thump. I was convinced some local kids were up to no good. I went to open the door to yell at them, and… the handle wouldn't budHotel Safari
