Historic El Rancho Hotel

I was really looking forward to staying at this hotel, and it absolutely surpassed my expectations! As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by a mix of true Indian culture and Old world stardom, in the way of all the stars head shots upstairs. The rooms are themed by old legend movie stars. I have been a Lucille Ball fan since I was six years old. I genuinely didn’t think I would get lucky enough to have the Lucille Ball room. Shelley at the front desk, was the absolute sweetest person ever! She was so welcoming and kind. I mentioned Lucille Ball and she told me that the room was open and I could have it. I literally started to cry. The rooms are absolutely incredible! They are updated and have a new feel, while still maintaining the historical aspect. I highly recommend this hotel if you are passing through. If you get Shelly at the front desk, consider yourself lucky! Be kind to her!

I had a last minute trip to Gallup on a Sunday evening & I didn't want to drive 2hrs back to my home in Albuquerque. So I got a room. The night manager, Shelly was amazing. Gave me the history of the hotel, found me a great room and gave great food recommendations. The food was awesome and great service. It is a beautiful historical western hotel that is covered in old Hollywood History that you can see & feel. I will be back Thank you Historic El Rancho Hotel staff.

I was told by my good friend Stephanie to make sure after the coffee to visit the El rancho historic hotel. That was amazing and I'm so glad that I added that to my stops in Gallup. I can't wait to do a whole day visit to this city that has been uplifted and renovated with beautiful beautiful artwork murals etc

I lived in the area for a couple of years, but never got a chance to stay here until this most recent visit. Needless to say, interior is as beautiful as the exterior, and far more than just a regionally themed Southwestern hotel, El Rancho also serves as a time capsule - filled with little vintage tidbits, art, books, murals, and the story of New Mexico throughout this period including the conquistadors, the cowboys, and pueblo Native Americans - as well as Hollywood’s depictions of it. The Southwestern motif is homey, colorful, plush, and rugged all at once. Somehow, the rooms are adorable and cozy without feeling cluttered, especially if you’re lucky enough to stay on the hotel side facing Historic Route 66 with a functioning window - It truly feels like a moving picture of Gallup, New Mexico. The restaurant is excellent for breakfast and dinner, and I’m sure the motel side is also very comfortable to stay in. The bathrooms and showers in particular were absolutely gorgeous—easily as nice as any 4-star chain property. Also, the gift shop is as authentic as any of the trading posts I frequented during my time as a local...so be sure to stop in and grab something! Lastly, locals say the place is haunted...but I found the spirits to either look like someone I know, or be as friendly as any of the locals walking around Gallup. Well done, Ortega family. I hope that some of the wonderful business and reputation that truly make El Rancho feel like the center of Gallup - rub off on our beautiful town in the coming years. There is just as much potential there now as there was in the 1890s. I will be back to visit my friends in Zuni, and I will make sure to stay here every time. Thank you, Omar

After driving past Gallup for decades, we decided to stop and check out the town and historic El Rancho Hotel. While the room may have been a little small compared to today's standard, it was up to date and super clean. All the staff we encountered were very friendly and made us feel welcome. The history, architecture, and celebrity pictures made the visit extra special. We opted for the breakfast package, which was a great deal and the room rate was very reasonable as well. Stay in the original hotel portion instead of the later added motel, if possible, you won’t be disappointed!

This place is an absolute gem! I am a volunteer pet transporter (Chula's Uber) and Gallup was a half way point for a dog being transported to his new life! I've never been here before and had the choice between a lot of chain hotels and El Rancho. It's just no comparison! The gals at the front desk are so friendly and immediately greet you for check in and ask "Pets or No Pets?" I knew I'd picked the right place! It's a bit thread worn in places. You can see how many feet have gone up and down those fantastic staircases! But the little balcony, the secret room, the fire in the fireplace, the wonderful old elevator and all of the historic decor MORE than make up for the years! And the security guard looks like he has stepped straight out of Tombstone! I can't believe I forgot pictures of my little passenger! This is him meeting his new mom out front of El Rancho!

Staying at the Historic El Rancho Hotel is like stepping back in time or onto the set of a classic Hollywood Western. It is a total hidden gem for anyone traveling through New Mexico. The grand lobby, featuring a massive stone fireplace and autographed photos of movie stars, creates an incredible old-school Americana vibe. Our room was cozy, spotless, and filled with vintage charm that felt authentic rather than dated. Its location right on legendary Route 66 is unbeatable for road-trippers. The hospitality was truly top-notch the staff went above and beyond to share local tips about Gallup. If you appreciate history and unique character, this place is a must-visit. It’s an experience you won't find at a standard chain hotel!

Pros: This place is super cute and really fun to walk around in. The decor is log cabin vibes and nostalgic. It was so interesting to see all the photos that famous people who have been there have signed. The diner was ok as far as dinner and breakfast. The gift shop has a lot of neat things and souvenirs so be sure to check that out. Cons: My biggest complaint was the booking. We thought we booked the Marx brothers family suite, but it turned out we booked a ‘family suite’ in the motel building next door to the main hotel. It still had the same accommodations with the king bed in one room and two queens in an adjoining room. I am positive there was no indication of where your room is located when booking. I even went back and did it all over again (to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind) using several different travel sites and they all came out the same. The only way that I saw to actually book rooms INSIDE the hotel (that have celebrity names) is through the official website online. Though the room we ended up with was really cute with its decor and whatnot, the motel is RIGHT next to the main road and the door seals are lacking; so you can hear ALL the cars, ALL the trains (there were so many through the night) and people talking outside. My suggestion is to call them or use their website to book a room inside the hotel so your door doesn’t face the outside. Other than that, it was a good stay.