Luxe Beat Magazine APRIL 2015 | Page 86

By Debbie Stone

Put A Pin In It !

Cloudcroft , NM

9000ft Above Stress Level

By Debbie Stone

If 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 ��������nt�y ���troy�� �y �r� an� r���i�t ��� y�ar� �at�r at it� ��rr�nt 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 �ith a �ni��� �i�torian �air� 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 �o��rnor�� ��it�� �t �or roya�ty �ith its four-poster bed , intimate sitting area and elegant foyer . Nearby , the �o��� a��o off�r� it� �a�i�ion ��� � �r�a��a�t Room�� t�n �o�y room� 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 .
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