traveling on theI40. need a room near the arizona - new mexico border. any ideas?

The towns of Heber and Over guard are right there.

on I-40, I would either stay in Albuquerque or Flagstaff. The only other real places to stay along the way are Wilson, AZ, Holbrook, AZ, Gallup, NM and Grants, NM. they are small and you won't have a huge selection of hotels to choose from. If you really want the border, stay in Gallup, NM. it's larger than Holbrook (and closer to the border)

There is a Red Roof Inn between Flagstaff and Albuquerque....