Guide to the Historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup

Easily identified by the signature tagline of “charm of yesterday … convenience of tomorrow” proclaimed in glowing neon just off of Route 66, the El Rancho Hotel is a landmark of Gallup, New Mexico, with a storied past that only adds to the hotel’s immersive southwestern lodging experience. A visit to the hotel’s historic main building to admire the decor and memorabilia — whether it’s for an overnight stay or a meal at the on-site restaurant — is one of the top real true things to do in Gallup.

History & Hollywood

R.E. “Griff” Griffith, brother of legendary movie director D.W. Griffith, built the property in 1936 after his brother introduced him to Gallup in the early 1930s. Upon opening its doors, the El Rancho Hotel promptly became a base for movie productions due to Griff’s family connections as well as the hotel’s rustic charm and convenience to the region’s stark landscapes, filled with endless vistas defined by mesas and craggy ridgelines.

As one could expect of a hotel known to host some of Hollywood’s elite, the El Rancho boasted superior service and accommodations. This was thanks in large part to a nearby Route 66 location of the Fred Harvey Company hotel chain — renowned for their employee training program — from whom the El Rancho Hotel poached experienced employees.

Lobby with western decor in El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico

The El Rancho Hotel has been recently renovated with modern upgrades, while still preserving the character and history of the property.

During the 1930s and 1940s, more than 100 westerns were filmed around Gallup, with Hollywood’s most notable stars staying at the El Rancho. Notable guests included some of the giants of Hollywood’s Golden Age: Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, Katherine Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Errol Flynn, Mae West, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, and Humphrey Bogart, among others.

Though El Rancho was linked to Hollywood and the movie industry until the mid-1960s, the appeal of westerns waned by 1964 and the hotel gradually fell into disrepair. A well-known Indian trader in the area, Armand Ortega — who had long dreamed of owning the hotel — purchased the hotel in 1986, restoring it to its former glory. The hotel reopened in May of 1988 and was soon thereafter listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic property has since reclaimed its title as one of the most unique accommodations in the American southwest.

Second story of El Ranch Hotel in Gallup NM includes wall gallery with pictures of movie stars who have stayed at the hotel

The second story includes a gallery of the movie stars who have stayed at El Rancho.

Charm of yesterday ... convenience of tomorrow

Hotel Experience

True to its promise of delivering the “charm of yesterday,” stepping into the El Rancho Hotel is like stepping into a 1930s Hollywood western. The hotel’s original, main building is constructed using wavy brickwork and rough sawn lumber reminiscent of a hunting lodge, with a central stone fireplace and curved stairs leading to the second floor. Mounted deer heads, authentic Navajo rugs and artwork, and punched tin art pieces accentuate the space, transforming the hotel into a tribute to the history of Native Americans, the wild west and Hollywood.

Two cowboys stand below a turquoise ox skull and a sign reading "El Rancho" inside the El Rancho Hotel in Gallup NM

Motel-styling housing encircles the main building, and the guestrooms are named for the most well-known star to have stayed in each room. A gallery of portraits on the second floor of the hotel’s main building account for each of the celebrities and actors who have lodged at El Rancho throughout its over 80-year history.

In early 2022, a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation project began at the hotel under the current ownership of Shane Ortega, Armand’s grandson. Updates include a mix of chic decor and vintage fixtures in bedrooms and bathrooms, the repositioning of the hotel’s restaurant to its original home in the Andalusian room — complete with updated floors, outdoor seating and a historically accurate backbar — and other improvements that aim to deliver the “convenience of tomorrow.” Look for an updated pool and pool deck, as well as an expansion to the hotel’s retail store, which sells beautiful Navajo, Hopi and Zuni artwork, jewelry and more.

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In addition to the hotel’s vintage western characteristics, guests will find all the amenities of a modern hotel or motel, including free WiFi, flatscreen TVs in each room, a washer and dryer and other contemporary comforts. The hotel is also one of Gallup’s many pet-friendly lodging options, perfect for those traveling along Route 66 with their furry friends in tow.

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The 49er Lounge & El Rancho Restaurant

No trip to Gallup is complete without enjoying traditional southwestern cuisine at one of our local restaurants, including the two options at the El Rancho Hotel.

The 49er Lounge is known for its friendly western service, fresh-squeezed margaritas and beer, the likes of which have been enjoyed by western film stars, bikers and other Route 66 explorers throughout history. For a true taste of southwest cuisine, visit the El Rancho Restaurant, where you can enjoy a menu of fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, tamales and all-American burgers, including some dishes and cocktails named for movie stars who were once restaurant patrons, such as the Doris Day Cocktail or the Ronald Reagan Burger (fittingly served with a side of jelly beans).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the El Rancho Hotel located?

The El Rancho Hotel is located at 1000 East 66 on the corner of Route 66 and Ford Dr. in Gallup, NM. When approaching from I-40, take exit 22 and turn south onto Ford Drive/Miyamura. The hotel has both overnight accommodations and a restaurant. Click here to book a room and view other area accommodations.

What famous people stayed at the El Rancho Hotel?

The El Rancho Hotel has hosted more than 150 major movie stars, including 75 who stayed at the hotel during Hollywood’s Golden Age while filming in the area. Notable guests include Jane Fonda, Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Gregory Peck, Betty Grable, Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and Ronald Reagan, among many others.

How old is the El Rancho Hotel?

The El Rancho Hotel first opened in 1936, making the hotel 86 years old as of 2022. The hotel was closed for a short period of time after falling into disrepair, before it reopened in 1988, the same year it was added to the list of the National Register of Historic Places.