Introduction / Description
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this landmark hotel off Route 66 is 0.9 miles from the Gallup Cultural Center and 1 mile from downtown Gallup.
Warmly decorated with Western-style furnishings, including wagon-wheel headboards, the casual rooms have TVs and sitting areas. One room is named for Ronald Reagan, just one of the stars from classic Hollywood Westerns who stayed here.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the lodge-like lobby, which is decorated with Navajo rugs and vintage movie photos. There's also a Native American craft store, a popular bar, a seasonal outdoor pool and a restaurant serving American and Mexican dishes.
t’s hard to miss the ubiquitous billboards that sing the praises of the historic El Rancho Hotel as you tool along the New Mexico Stretch of Interstate 40. And although Gallup isn’t exactly a tourist Mecca, it’s well worth a quick stop to check out this site, that was once home base to movie stars that filmed westerns in the area. It’s easy to find too, as it’s just a short hop off Interstate 40, on historic Route 66 – just follow the signs.
Built in 1936 this funky roadside attraction entices prospective guests with the phrase “The charm of yesterday and the conveniences of tomorrow” emblazoned across its front portal. The main building is constructed largely of brick, with stone and wood finishing touches. Inside it’s like a step back into another century – from the vintage shoe shine stand to the cigarette machine near the front door. Add in the lush bordello-like furnishings and the massive wood staircase, and you have a real blast from the past.
And even though access wasn’t an issue when the property was built, there’s an accessible parking space near the front entrance, with curb-cut access up to the porch. From there, it’s an easy roll inside the lobby. There’s also a small gift shop and restaurant on site, if you’d like to extend your stay. Unfortunately the elevator up to the mezzanine gallery looks like it hasn’t worked for decades, so the only way to view the portraits of the stars that stayed there is to climb the stairs. Still, it’s worth a quick stop just to see the outside of the building and the front lobby, which has a few display cases filled with film memorabilia. And it goes without saying, that it’s a must-see for movie buffs.
Arrival & Car Parking
Entrance & Reception
Accessible Rooms & Bathrooms / Accessibility
One accessible room featuring an ADA compliant bathroom with a standard Tub/Shower with safety bars. We do not have a roll-in shower. We also offer a visual and tactile alert device, door-bell, alarm clock and Braille labeled room numbers.
The rooms at The Ranch House are newly renovated in a drive up style building adjacent to the El Rancho Hotel in the same parking lot. Same hotel amenities with access to the restaurant, 49er Bar and the Ortega Indian Jewelry Store.
Nothing hits the spot like a great meal after a long day on the road. Well nothing except a great meal AND a great drink. Either way, the restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel will be able to accommodate you.
The Restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel primarily serves American and Mexican food including Steaks, Hamburgers, Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos, and Tamales.
The main dishes are named after Movie Stars who have eaten at the restaurant like the Ronald Reagan Burger with a side of Jelly Beans.
