El Paso Airport in El Paso, Texas is the closest airport.
How far way is the El Paso Airport?
It is about 51 miles away and take about 52 minutes to drive.
How do I get from the El Paso Airport to the hotel?
Call Las Cruces shuttle at 575-525-1784. Note, that we hope to make arrangements so convention attendees will be able to make shuttle reservations from the airport to the hotel at a reduced rate. We advise you to make shuttle arrangements once your plane reservations are known. It might be cheaper for several people to get together and rent a car.
Does the hotel have a free shuttle?
Unfortunately, the free shuttle is a victim of the pandemic. There was one when we were planning to have the convention for 2021. You can call Lyft and Ubur. There is a public bus stop at the Hotel Encanto (Route 2). For further information check out http://roadrunner.las-cruces.org.
Does the hotel have free parking?
Yes, the parking is free and is self-parking.
Are there mini-refrigerators in each room?
Some rooms have mini-refrigerators. Mini-refrigerators and microwaves are available for rent at $10-$15/day but the hotel does not keep a large inventory of them. Check with the hotel for their availability and current rate.
I use a wheelchair sometimes. Does the hotel have wheelchairs to rent?
The hotel only has one wheelchair. You would need to bring your own or you can make arrangements with a wheelchair rental store in Las Cruces
Does the hotel have Handicap Rooms?
Yes, you will have to ask for one when making your hotel reservation.
I may get a roommate. Are there plenty of rooms with 2 queen size beds?
There are only about 35 rooms with double beds. The majority are king size beds. The hotel has about 7 cots to loan. Make room arrangements early.
Will the hotel cash checks?
No, but Bank of America is right across the street.
What is the weather like?
Chances are very good that it will be sunny. Average high for the month of April is 77.8. The record high is 96. Average low is 44.0 with the record low 20 F. This area is known for high winds in the spring. Dust storms are a possibility. Bring sunscreen.
Are there grocery stores nearby?
As with many conventions, you may bring your own food to eat in your room, but you might need a cooler for perishables if your room doesn’t have a refrigerator. Albertsons and Walmart are located within a mile. If you decide to walk, Albertsons is ½ mile 15-minute walk, though you will have to cross the very busy and multi-lane road Lohman Ave. Walmart is 0.9 mile, 25 minute walk and you will have to cross two very busy, multi-lane roads.
Is their shopping nearby?
The Mesilla Valley Mall is directly across from the hotel. It is also downhill so it might be best to get a ride.
Are there restaurants nearby?
There are many nearby restaurants. The hotel has a good restaurant on-site. It is open for breakfast at 7AM and dinner but not for lunch. The hotel may open for lunch by the time of the convention. We are trying to get them to open at 630 AM for breakfast due to the buses loading after 8 AM. We will create a list or restarants and place it in registration bag.
Where can I get good coffee?
Starbucks is near the corner of Telshor and Lohman. It is about a 10-minute walk, but you will have to cross very busy, multi-lane Lohman Ave. There is also a coffee/tea maker in each room
Are there pharmacies nearby?
Walmart, Walgreens and Albertsons pharmacies are within a mile of the hotel.
I have food restrictions, how can I let you know?
There will be an area on the Registration Form.
May I pay my registration fee with a credit card?
Yes, please visit the Registration page for more information once it opens October 1, 2021.
Do I have to be a member of AIS to attend the convention?
No, anyone can attend just as long as you register and follow the registration process.
Do I need a passport to come to New Mexico?
This is an old joke with New Mexicans. We are the 48th state of the USA. Yet, people do ask us this question.
Can I make arrangements to go to Juarez, Mexico or Palomas, Mexico?
You will need your passport to get into Mexico. Mexico is about 45 minutes away from the hotel on the other side of the Rio Grande from El Paso. You can park at the US side of the Santa Fe International bridge in downtown El Paso and walk over. Shopping is just over the bridge. Note, that federal employees will have to check with their supervisors to see if they are allowed to visit Mexico. Foreigners probably shouldn’t risk going in case there is a problem getting back. Palomas, Mexico is about a 90-minute drive. It is the home of the famous Pink Store and Pink Store Pharmacy. Many prescription medicines can be purchased without a prescription. Sometimes the price is much lower. You might need to call first (they have an El Paso number)
Is it safe going to Juarez, Mexico?
Juarez has gained a reputation as a violent city. If you decide to go, follow common sense; don’t travel at night, don’t display obvious signs of wealth, stay in busy areas, don’t travel alone, don’t bring weapons into Mexico and don’t engage in illegal activity.
What is there to see and do in Las Cruces?
We will visit the Farm and Ranch Museum on one of the tour days. A good place to visit and a good place to eat is Old Mesilla. It will be on the optional tour (see the link above). Old Mesilla is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico and will be on the dine-around but most of the stores close around 5PM so there will only be limited opportunities for shopping. Visit http://www.oldmesilla.org/ for more information on museum hours, walking tours, shopping and history.
I like to hike. Are their trails nearby?
Visit https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-mexico/organ-mountain-desert-peaks-national-monument to view some of the nearby trails in the Organ mountains. The Organ mountains are about 10-14 miles away. There are also beautiful trails on the other side of the Organs and one that crosses over. As always be sure to tell someone when you will be back.
I am driving to the convention is there anything I should be aware of?
Note that US 70 can be blocked east of Las Cruces for an hour between Alamogordo and San Augustine Pass in the Organ mountains if there is a missile firing over the White Sands Missile Range. It can be something to see if you happen to be at the right place at the right/wrong time. Call (575) 678-1178 before you go. Also note, there is border patrol checkpoints on all major highways out of Las Cruces (except to El Paso). They will ask your citizenship.
This area is known for high winds in the spring. Sometimes (not often), I10 can be closed between the Arizona border and the town of Lordsburg because of sandstorms and low visibility. Less often, I10 can be closed between Las Cruces and El Paso. If you do get caught in a bad dust storm, pull over, turn your engine off, turn your lights off and remain inside your vehicle with seatbelts on. Seriously, people have died because their stopped vehicle was rear-ended by someone who thought they were following a moving vehicle.
What can you tell me about Las Cruces and Old Mesilla?
Learn more about Las Cruces, the crossroads of Hispanic, Indian and American cultures at:
Eight of the 126 America’s Byways are right here in NM. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes these designated roads based on one or more intrinsic qualities — archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic. Scenic Byways to drive can be found at:
Note that New Mexico has a very large Hispanic population. Chances are good that the many of the Hispanics you might meet have ancestors that have been in the US longer than your ancestors even if they have a slight accent. Don’t embarrass yourself by assuming they or their parents came over illegally.
