The Sangre de Cristo Motel, a longstanding fixture in Questa since the 1970s, is for sale. Owner Virgil “Bud” Martinez Jr., who has operated the 14-room motel for more than two decades, says the time is right to pass it on.
“My family has had roots in this area for many years,” Martinez said. “Now that most of my family has come and gone, I feel like it’s time to sell it to someone who can carry the business forward.”

The motel has been in the Martinez family since 1974, when Bud’s father purchased it from George Wisehart. Soon after, the family also acquired the adjacent El Seville restaurant. That two-story building, which now sits next to the current motel, was once the original lodging site.

“My father’s motivation for purchasing the motel in 1974 was that he wanted to make sure there was a place to stay for visitors in Questa, as well as a restaurant for people to enjoy,” Martinez said.

Since the passing of his parents in 2003, Martinez has operated the business largely on his own, with some help for housekeeping. “I’m basically a one-man show,” he said.

Martinez’s ties to Questa run deep. His grandfather, Marcellino Martinez, was the first mayor of Questa, and Bud has spent most of his life in the community. He says it’s the town—and the people—that give the motel its special character.

“It has a local and retro charm to it,” he said. “When people come and stay, they try the restaurants and realize Questa has some good food. It’s also away from the hustle and bustle of a larger town and a bit more affordable.”

The motel attracts a mix of repeat guests and travelers passing through—often those seeking outdoor adventure or local workers in need of a quiet, budget-friendly place to stay.

“In a way, it gives people a glimpse into authentic northern New Mexican life and takes you back in time,” Martinez said.

The motel has never had a website and instead relies on word of mouth and loyal returning customers. Despite its low-key approach to marketing, it continues to do steady business. “There’s always someone passing through Questa who is looking for a spot to stay,” Martinez said. As of this writing, the motel was operating at near full capacity.

Though he hasn’t listed the property publicly, Martinez is fielding interest from potential buyers. “I don’t have it listed anywhere because I wanted to give someone local a chance to carry the business forward,” he said.
The Sangre de Cristo Motel is located at 2440 NM-522 in Questa. Martinez can be reached at (575) 586-0300 for inquiries.