Stay at the Gardner and see how this hotel inspires you

Our Historic Hotel

Gardner Hotel and Hostel in El Paso

Welcome to Gardner Hotel, the oldest continually operating hotel in the city of El Paso, Texas. This hidden jewel will transport you back to the 1920’s and offer an experience like no other hotel in El Paso. Our hotel was first opened in 1922 by Preston E. Gardner, and has been in the Nebhan family since the 1940s; a stay with us is an experience in El Paso history.


Guests are transported from the busy Downtown El Paso streets to a place that is reminiscent of another era. Our marble staircase leads to rooms that have seen countless guests and still retain their charming features. One such guest was America’s Most Wanted, bank robber John Dillinger and two members of his gang who checked into Gardner Hotel while on the run. American novelist, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award Winner Cormac McCarthy was a longer resident here who used to stay at the Hotel while writing his novels. He even mentions the Hotel in his books! Stay at the Gardner and see how this hotel inspires you.

DISCOVER MORE

Why to choose GARDNER HOTEL & HOSTEL

Reasons to book with us

STEP BACK IN TIME

Travel back 100+ years and see what hotels used to  be like (minus our modern amenities!)

Discounts & Neighboring Restaurants & Bars

Show your room key & get  discounts just for staying with us!

ACCESS TO SELF-SERVICE KITCHEN

All guests have access to our self service kitchen

Best Price Guaranteed

Booking straight through us will guarantee the best price you can get

BEST LOCATION

Located in the heart of downtown, you will be surrounded by some of El Paso’s best restaurants, bars, and nightlife! 

Private Hotel Rooms & Shared Hostel Rooms

Enjoy the Cozy Atmosphere

HOTEL & HOSTEL

OUR HOTEL ROOMS

All the rooms are maintained to the highest modern standard and have been recently renovated. Many of our rooms still have their original antique furniture and features, along with modernized bathrooms and suites.

New Title

OUR SHARED HOSTEL ROOMS

The El Paso Hostel is located in the historic Gardner Hotel so you have the benefit of experiencing our unique history while enjoying affordable accommodation. Enjoy our newly renovated kitchen & dining facilities, shared communal areas and ensuite bathrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.
  • Is your downtown location noisy?

    Please note that we are located in a prime downtown location area. Noise may be present at times, go out, have some fun, and make good use of your guest discounts perks with our neighbors. However, if you are all partied out, we have earplugs available at the front desk.

  • Do you have parking spaces available at the hotel?

    We have two FREE parking spaces in front of the hotel reserved for guests only, on a first come first serve basis.  On street metered parking is also available. The meters are FREE after 6:00 P.M to 8:00 A.M. Monday-Friday and all day Sunday.  About a 2 minute walk away is a parking lot that charges per 8 hours.  The Gardner Hotel is not responsible for any tickets or towing of your vehicle.

  • Do we have laundry?

    Yes, we have a coin operated washer and dryer that are available for guests

  • How do I get to the hotel?

    Check our 'directions' page for information on arriving via Greyhound, Amtrak, the Airport or driving from 1-10 East and 1-10 West.

  • Do you have an elevator?

    Our elevator is original therefore it is very delicate and not currently operational. All of our rooms are located one or two levels up so you will need to use our stairway to access your room. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

  • Do you have luggage storage?

    We have a free luggage storage available behind the front desk before check-in and after check-out!

  • Are guests allowed visitors?

    For the safety of all guests The Gardner Hotel has a no visitor policy. All guests are welcome in the lobby.

Customer Testimonials

What our guests say about us

I am a fan of historic hotels. My primary purpose coming to El Paso was to spend the night at this hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The outside temperature yesterday was 101 degrees F, but my room was comfortable. The hotel's evaporative cooling system worked fine for me. The front desk staff was very helpful answering my questions and with recommendations on places to eat in the area.

Jeff R.

Fantastic! Staff are all accommodating! We stayed for two nights and had a wonderful time! The beds are comfortable. Loved how the hotel is still in era, it's refreshing to see the history, loved the fact that John Dillinger stayed there. Looking out the window you can see the trolleys come thru!!!

Patricia S.

The Hotel has an amazing classic feel. I loved the classic preservation, nice clean room and they have an amazing staff. I really enjoyed my stay, and you also get discounts at neighboring restaurants and bars. I would recommend at least a night's stay here if ever in El Paso. I hope #221 is always available for me.

166 West

A very special hotel with unique history and antiques. The rooms are beautiful in a very historic way. There are lots of wonderful restaurants downtown too. I absolutely enjoyed downtown El Paso.

Candice G.

My stay is so exciting and excellent hear 🥰! It's so down to earth and the staff makes you feel comfortable and completely at home.. I recommend everyone in El paso to give this place a try. Promise you won't regret it 🤪 no worries!

Andrew S.

Throughout the 1970' and early 1980', Cormac McCarthy wrote several of his book while living in the Gardner hotel. And is mentioned by name in several of his books.

Lukas B.

Cool place, historic full of antiques! It takes you back in time, the rooms are clean and well maintained, can not complain at all about the time I spent at the Gardner, the people at the front desk were really helpful.

B.A. Feliciano

I booked the hotel first for 2 nights but after being in there and see the customer care and location, I stayed 8 days and 7 nights. The owner, the workers all, the reception guys Brandon and Angel and everybody was close and helpul that i was really blessed to find a nice room with private bathroom that made my stay unique i have called them twice to tell them thank you i had a great week and i will be back soon. Thank you again. Mr Rodriguez.

J. Rod

We love the Gardner Hotel!!! Such a cool place to visit!! The staff was super nice and room was comfortable and clean. Great location for downtown exploration in El Paso!!! We will definitely be back!!!

Amy

Was a great place for me to stay during my pass through El Paso. Comfortable, clean and cheap. Walking distance to great restaurants and bars. Free parking out front. Staff was lovely. Would recommend

Christopher C.

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