The El Rancho absolutely has the charm of yesterday. It was built in 1937 as a place for movie production companies to stay while filming in the nearby desert. It has maintained both the movie and western themes.
Actually the kitch used to be more intense. 20 years ago the chairs had long horns on their back and cowboy uphostelry.
The rooms are all named for movie stars. This trip I stayed in the “William Bendix” room, complete with his picture looking down on me.
The lobby has a balcony that is filled with western and movie memorabilia.
Now, this is an old hotel. The rooms, at least the ones with one double bed, are small and the bath facilities could use an upgrade. It is as expensive as some of the lesser chains (ie choice hotels). But you are paying for the experience and if you are out to get the Old Route 66 experience, than this is the place to stay in Gallup.
What a cool and uniquely American place! If the bed was comfortable, you’ve just given me the name of my next hotel when in New Mexico.
The bed was comfortable, the room was.clean and the technology was up to date.