Review: Historic El Rancho Hotel—Gallup, NM
Riding into the sunset, we followed freight trains into Gallup, NM. The tracks run alongside Route 66 for miles, and we chased them to the soft glow of El Rancho Hotel’s red neon lights.
El Rancho Hotel is a true spaghetti Western legend. Built in 1936–37 by R.E. “Griff” Griffith, brother of famed film director D.W. Griffith, this rustic hotel quickly became the favorite home away from home for Hollywood stars and crews filming more than 100 Westerns in the region.
From the moment you step through the heavy wooden doors, you’re immersed in vintage elegance: a grand lobby with Navajo rugs, carved dark wood furniture, bear skins, a massive stone fireplace, and curved log rail staircases echo lodge‑style architecture. Each guestroom is named after a film star from Hollywood’s golden age who once stayed there, like John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart. These A‑list guests helped cement Gallup’s reputation as a prime filming hub from the 1930s to the ‘60s.
After falling into decline, the hotel was rescued in 1986 by trader Armand Ortega, whose family, well-known for their Native American trading posts, restored and reopened it by 1988. Today, El Rancho shines again with the original slogan flickering in neon: “Charm of Yesterday… Convenience of Tomorrow”.
The rooms are cozy and charming, with incredibly comfortable beds we did not want to leave in the morning. When we did, the downstairs restaurant’s chile relleno breakfast was one of the best meals of our Route 66 trip.
If I could plan our ride again, I would stay here a second night. I’ll just have to resolve to come back later.
Gallup itself is known as the “Indian Capital of the World,” with deep Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Acoma heritage. The city serves as a rich cultural gateway, offering access to nearby pueblos, trading posts, and tribal arts markets.
From the hotel’s restaurant’s Southwestern favorites (like enchiladas and the John Wayne Burger) to the Last Trading Post boutique showcasing regional jewelry and pottery, Gallup is full of cultural immersion and quite a pleasant place to rest your head.
The rooms are cozy and charming with incredibly comfortable beds we did not want to rise from the next morning. When we did, the downstairs restaurant served up one of the best meals of our Route 66 trip, a chile relleo breakfast fit for kings. If I could plan our Route 66 trip again, I would stay here a second night.
Facts & Info
Amenities
- Pillow-top beds
- Bottled water, tea, coffee in the room
- Grand lobby with fireplace
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Trading post gift shop
- Movie Star Museum
- 49er Lounge on-site
- Fantastic on-side restaurant
Nearby Attractions
- Historic Route 66
- Gallup Cultural Center
- Red Rock Park
- Downtown Mural Walk and Arts District
- Trading posts and galleries
Nearby Roads
Gallup, NM sits on a scenic stretch of Route 66. But for those craving dirt and solitude, the town is also intersected by the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route (NMBDR), a rugged north-south trail that weaves through remote desert and high-elevation forest. The surrounding red rock mesas and open plains provide stunning scenery and varied terrain.
Food & Dining
The El Rancho Hotel’s restaurant serves classic Southwestern comfort food with a cinematic twist. Dishes like green chile enchiladas, tamales, and the John Wayne Burger nod to its Hollywood roots.
The 49er Lounge, once named one of Esquire’s Top 50 bars, is a cozy spot for a margarita or craft beer. For more local flavor, nearby Jerry’s Cafe and the Railway Cafe in downtown Gallup dish out beloved New Mexican staples at friendly prices—perfect for riders refueling after a day on Route 66.
Price
Starts at $119/night
Location
Find it at 1000 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM 87301