Put A Pin In It!
Cloudcroft, NM
9000ft Above Stress Level By Debbie Stone
I
f things go bump in the night during your stay at The Lodge Resort & Spa, not to worry. It’s most likely Rebecca, the friendly and mischievous ghost that wanders the hall of this historic hotel in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. In these parts, she’s a popular legend, whose tale is one of passion, betrayal and unrequited love. A beautiful young chambermaid with striking blue eyes and long red tresses, Rebecca mysteriously disappeared from her quarters after
her jealous and enraged lumberjack boyfriend found her in the arms of another. That was a century ago, yet there are those who vow that Rebecca’s spirit is still present in the hotel today. Some have seen her apparition in mirrors; others note such unexplained incidents as ashtrays sliding across tables unassisted, doors opening and closing for no apparent reason, lights turning on and off by themselves and even fires that have spontaneously ignited in the lobby
fireplace. Over the years, both guests and employees attribute these odd happenings to Rebecca’s ghost, who many believe is in search of a new lover or friend who might appreciate her playful and flirtatious nature. Rebecca is not the only famous person associated with The Lodge. Among the notables who have stayed at this grand dame of a property are Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Pancho Villa and every New Mexico governor
since 1901. Originally built in 1899 as a residential hotel for timber cutters working for the Alamogordo and Sacramento Mountain Railway, the property opened to the public in 1906 and became known as the “Queen of the Mountain”. It was subsequently destroyed by fire and rebuilt five years later at its current location, where it has since been in business as an upscale mountaintop lodge, complete with its own observation tower. Though the property has been refurbished inside and out, it still retains its historical bones and is a testament to a bygone era. Old photos, newspaper clippings and various factoids line the walls, giving visitors a snapshot of the hotel’s storied past. Each of the resort’s 47 rooms are decorated with a unique Victorian flair. There are several types of accommodations, including romantic Parlor Suites, family-friendly Guest Rooms and even a Honeymoon Suite that’s a treat for lovers of all ages. And of course, there’s the famed Governor’s Suite, fit for royalty with its four-poster bed, intimate sitting area and elegant foyer. Nearby, the Lodge also offers its Pavilion Bed Breakfast Rooms ten cozy rooms with knotty pine walls that provide rustic yet quaint quarters. Then there’s also The Retreat Suites, four private luxury suites that share a common area with kitchen and conference facilities, making it an ideal setting for small company meetings or family reunions. A massive copper fireplace is the
