El Rancho Hotel in Gallup
by gonzo458 about El Rancho Hotel in Gallup
about 60-70 US dollars An unasuming historic hotel. Kind of looks like a Vegas hotel with the flashing lights in the front. Inside the lobby is like you walked into a movie set for a western ranch. Huge wooden staircase in the lobby with pictures of the movie stars who stayed there. In the days of the spaghetti westerns, this was the place to be. Each room has a name of a star on the door.
Sleep Where the Stars Slept
by AlbuqRay about El Rancho Hotel and Motel, Gallup, NM
Stay at the historic El Rancho Hotel just as many movie stars have done in the past, while they were making movies in the area. Their pictures adorn the walls of the lobby. The rooms are rustic but reasonably comfortable. Better allow at least an hour to browse around the historic lobby area.
El Rancho Hotel - Home of the Movie Stars
by Paulie_D
"Disclaimer"
Now, I'll be the first to confess that I didn't stay at this hotel, it was just a pitstop on my tour group's journey down Route 66.
We weren't given a great deal of information about it other than it was a favourite stop for the movie stars of Hollywood's heyday.
So the information given here is taken from the El Rancho website and their copyright is fully acknowledged.
However, all of the pictures were taken by yours truly.
"Some History"
The El Rancho Hotel was built by Joe Massaglia in 1937 for R.E. "Griff" Griffith. Originally, Griffith came to Gallup to direct a film.
He later returned to build the El Rancho Hotel. He also managed the local Chief Theater.
From the 1930's to 1950's, the hotel became a temporary home for many Hollywood stars. It also became a stopping point for tourists driving on old Route 66.
"Decoration"
The hotel is now protected by the National Historic Preservation Society. This historic hotel is continually cared for by Mr. Ortega who has made it his personal hobby since its purchase. The hotel is decorated and furnished in the Old West rustic style. It is constructed of original brick, ash tar stone, and huge wooden beams with a pitched wood shale roof.
"The Lobby"
The large portico overlooks the entrance and reflects the Southern Plantation style. Entering through the solid wood doors, one views the grandeur of the lobby. The floor is brick, inlaid in a basket weave pattern, and the light fixtures are made of stamped aluminum.
"Fireplace"
The stone fireplace cove is surrounded by handmade wooden staircases that spiral to the second floor balcony.
"Movie Stars"
The balcony encircles the lobby and displays original photos of the hotel and many autographed pictures of the Hollywood stars. Mr. Armand Ortega has recaptured the hotel's splendor and charm of yesterday.
"OK...That's enough"
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