We have visited Ruidoso, NM several times. It is a popular tourist attraction near where we live in El Paso, TX, because it is an escape from the desert. Either way there are many places to stay. Whether you want to go and be away from it all, or you still want a social atmosphere, just a change of scenery. Here are the pros and cons to both.

Resort - Inn of the Mountains Gods

Inn of the Mountain Gods is a resort in Mescalero/Ruidoso, New Mexico. It offers a Casino, Golf Course, and Event venue for concerts, chefs, weddings. It also includes a spa, and pool. Other Outdoor activities include a zip-line, pedal-boats, fishing, biking, and more.

The resort in town is Inn of the Mountain Gods. This is a Mescalero Apache owned business. It has all the amenities of a resort in which you won’t have to leave the property because you have everything you need for a vacation.

Casino
Golf Course
Restaurants
Taphouse
Recreation such as zip-line, pedal boats, fishing, and more
Spa
Special events venue for concerts, weddings, and even special presentations of famous chefs.
Beautiful rooms with a amazing views.

Condo - Tiara Del Sol

The condo we have stayed on more than one occasion is Tiara del Sol. This is a set of apartment complexes, way up in the mountain from where you can see Inn of the Mountain Gods, the nearby town, and a great view of Sierra Blanca, which is the main mountain where they do skiing from. This offers all the things you would have in a home away from home. Our unit was a suite that was 2 floors, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, dining, washer and dryer.

Full apartment/condo (for the most part).
More isolated (though you do have shared walls) and get see wildlife like deer and wild turkeys.
Great views
Can prepare your own meals
More space.

Pros and Cons

Depending on the type of vacation you are looking for, there are pros and cons to both

Inn of the Mountain Gods - PROS

Everything is there - entertainment, recreation, food
Beautiful rooms and facilities well maintained
Lots to do
Food
Atmosphere (depending if you want people around)

Inn of the Mountain Gods - CONS

Expensive rooms - especially when there is a special event or holiday weekends
Expensive food - the restaurants are good but it will rack up quickly if you are spending multiple nights there, multiple meals.
Average size hotel rooms unless you get a suite.
Atmosphere (depending on if you want people around)

Tiara Del Sol - PROS

Large condo/apartment to yourself
Peaceful and serene - watching wildlife go by from your balcony. Read a book with a cup of coffee. See the night sky.
Affordable - At least way way more affordable than Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Atmosphere - (depending on if you want people around)

Tiara Del Sol - CONS

Old Complex - Not as well maintained. Rustic. There may be bugs and spiderwebs.
Rooms - Rooms are ok also but not as nice of a bed as you would get at Inn of the Mountain Gods.
Not as much to do - Wish there had been a hiking trail nearby, but its pretty much just the complex and surrounding houses/cabins.
Thin walls and neighbors - One of the times we went we were a large group and pretty loud. Another time we were a small group and not a lot of noise, and we got a noise complaint… 🤨😅
Food - You have to make your own or drive into town.
Atmosphere - (depending on if you want people around)
The road - Getting up here in the winter if there is snow would definitely be safer with an all-terrain vehicle.

So it is up to you as to what you want. There are ways to make Inn of the Mountain Gods a peaceful getaway like the condo. If you go off-peak and during the week, it becomes affordable and peaceful without having the crowds. Food can still be expensive, but ammenities such as comfy bed and well maintained facilities stays the same. Let us know what you decide and your experience. Or have other alternatives for both.

Ruidoso, NM resort or condo? Where to Stay and How to Decide