Historic El Rancho Hotel - Hotel in Gallup - 1000 E Hwy 66, USA

We always try to stay at El Rancho when we're passing through Gallup. It's a beautiful hotel, well-loved and full of amazing history. This time we opted to stay in the renovated motel section for the first time, and it was pretty cool! Big photo murals and Rt. 66 art on the walls, a cool cactus lamp and the room even had a record player (but just one of the album sleeves actually contained a record to play, so they may want to hit the thrift shop to restock some vinyl).||We hung out in the main hotel lobby a bit, soaking up more of the vintage vibe. Sadly the pool was closed during our visit. Not sure why. Heavy summer monsoon rains hitting the area before our arrival may have had something to do with it. Front desk staff is amazingly friendly and helpful. Gift shop has some great locally-made jewelry. The hotel restaurant was decent and fairly-priced. We also love that it's pet-friendly because the dogs come along with us.||The neighborhood around the hotel is a little sketchy. Not really "bad", but not so good. I was taking a photo of an old motel sign when a couple locals walking by flipped me off from the other side of Rt 66 and shouted "Don't come here!" That was kinda sad for me, as tourism is something important the Gallup's economy.

Great experience there. I’ve seen comments from others that the rooms are small. The bathroom was definitely small, but very manageable and updated. |I love the character of the place. I only stayed one night and so didn’t get to completely enjoy it. Very close to Route 40, which was convenient. Right off the exit. Lots of little restaurants around. Not the best area, but didn’t feel dangerous at all.||Highly recommend. Staff were excellent and very kind.||I will say that the elevator is old and so if you have issues with climbing stairs, you should ask for a first floor room. I overheard them saying that the motel rooms outside of the main building are larger as well. I like staying in the main building and didn’t have any trouble with the stairs.

Genuinely nice people working there. Not just nice because it’s their job – Pleasant, friendly, and helpful! The lobby is beautiful with tons of art, and the rooms are clean with a wonderful “mid-century cowboy charm.” When we stayed, everyone we encountered, guests and employees were happy. This is a great place to say, and a “must do” stop, even if it’s just for lunch and a cocktail named after an old movie star.

Great retro hotel with 30s-60s decor but still with all modern amenities. Room was very comfortable, parking right outside your door and restaurant & bar on sight. The lobby is beautiful and a sight to behold with old signed movie star pictures lining the walls. A bit of nostalgia you don’t want to miss!

I have been coming here for a long time and with the new upgrades this hotel is the gemstone of the area. Rooms are smaller than average hotels but cleanliness and comfortable beds make up for the room sizes. The entire front desk was absolutely on point as were the entire restaurant and bar staff. I stood for 3 nights and ate breakfast, lunch and dinner here. The stories of when my family came here before I was born ( I am 45) and now in 2024 this hotel looks like it's on the way to getting even more enhancements including a secret room they are working on. After a great conversation with Felix the manager I 110% will always be a guest when I come through the area. Excited to see this great piece of historical Americana being so well kept. Also the grounds are kept very nicely, they have security so parking lot and inside are always monitored plus full camera system. If you haven't been here yet you need too. Great prices across the board and the best staff of any hotel I've stayed. I've been traveling for over 20yrs and countless hotels I've stayed. This is the first hotel review I was excited to do because this staff needs to be recognized for the great work they do.

We found this gem on our way back to Oklahoma from a West Coast road trip. We were pleasantly surprised with such a neat place to stay. The rooms/ bathroom are small; however, I didn’t see this as a bad thing by any means. I love that a place this old has been taken care of and is operating at such high standards. Each room has its own unique characteristic which makes this experience even better. The bed was super comfortable for a good nights sleep. We had a beer at the saloon and our bartender was incredibly nice and so helpful. We will stay here again if in the area.

This review is mostly for the John Wayne Suite. Firstly the staff at the front desk and restaurant are five stars. The John Wayne Suite two stars at most. The most expensive room in the hotel was a major disappointment. When we first walked in the smell of smoke was overwhelming. The last guest tried to light a fire in the fireplace and didn’t open the damper I guess along with unburned trash including soda or beer cans in the fireplace . No open windows to air it out. After we get something to mask the smell we are amazed at what little amenities there was. The TV only had useless channels. No glasses for water. This is a full kitchen suite. Bathroom door would not close because of damage like someone kicked it in. Faucet in kitchen was broke. This room was a major disaster for $200 a night hotel. Could be a great room if cleaned and supplied properly.

The staff is warm and friendly. The breakfast is fantastic, and the rooms are inviting and newly renovated with classic cowboy charm. I wish I could’ve stayed longer and checked out all of the crafts for sale. They welcome dogs to boot! A perfect pitstop between Phoenix and Telluride, Colorado.