THE GARDNER




Your Story Begins Here


Historic Stays in the Heart of

Downtown El Paso









Stay where stories have been unfolding since 1922

For more than a century, The Gardner has welcomed travelers to the heart of Downtown El Paso. Family-owned and proudly local, our historic hotel has watched the city grow and change while preserving the character that makes this building unlike anywhere else.


Walk across original mosaic tile floors, discover antique furnishings, and experience a place filled with stories. John Dillinger stayed here in 1934. Author Cormac McCarthy once called The Gardner home. Generations of travelers have passed through our doors since 1922 — each becoming part of our story.


Today, The Gardner continues that tradition, offering different ways to stay for different kinds of travelers — from private ensuite rooms and European-style private rooms to shared hostel dorms.


Come for the history. Stay for the experience. Leave with a story of your own.

DISCOVER MORE

Why Stay at The Gardner?

What Makes The Gardner Different

Historic since 1922

Stay somewhere with a story. Experience original details, antique furnishings, and more than a century of El Paso history.

Heart of Downtown

Stay in the middle of Downtown El Paso, surrounded by restaurants, bars, arts, entertainment, and local attractions.

Stay your way

Choose the stay that fits your trip: private ensuite rooms, European-style private rooms, or shared hostel dorms.

Book Direct

Book directly with The Gardner for our best available direct rates and a more personal booking experience.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Show your Gardner room key at participating neighboring restaurants and businesses for exclusive guest discounts.

MORE THAN A ROOM

Enjoy our self-service kitchen, TV and recreation room, billiards, and coin-operated laundry during your stay.

Three ways to stay

Find the stay that fits your trip.


PRIVATE ENSUITE ROOMS

A traditional hotel-style stay with your own private bedroom and private bathroom.


EUROPEAN-STYLE PRIVATE ROOMS

Enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom with shared bathrooms conveniently located in the hallway — a comfortable middle ground between a traditional hotel room and a hostel dorm.


HOSTEL DORMS

Reserve an individual bed in a shared dormitory for a social, budget-friendly way to experience Downtown El Paso.


EXPLORE OUR ROOMS

BOOK NOW

More Than a Place to Sleep

Shared spaces and thoughtful amenities make it easy to settle in, connect, and enjoy your stay.

Stay Local. Eat Local. Explore Local.

Stay at The Gardner and experience Downtown El Paso like a local.


We're proud to be part of the Downtown El Paso community. Show your Gardner room key at participating neighboring restaurants, bars, and businesses to enjoy exclusive guest discounts and special offers during your stay.
Step outside our doors and discover some of our favorite local spots — all just a short walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your stay at The Gardner.
  • What time is check-in, and can I check in early?

    Standard check-in begins at 3:00 PM.


    Early check-in may be available depending on room availability and housekeeping completion and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Please contact the front desk on the day of arrival to check availability.


    When available, early check-in fees are:


    Private Ensuite Rooms: $25 + tax

    European-Style Private Rooms: $15 + tax

    Hostel Dorms: $10 + tax


    Early check-in fees are separate from room charges and any required security deposit.

  • Is a security deposit required?

    Yes. A refundable security deposit is required at check-in in addition to the cost of your stay.


    Private ensuite rooms: $100 deposit

    European-style private rooms: $75 deposit

    Hostel dorm beds: $50 deposit


    Security deposits are refundable after check-out, provided there is no damage to the room or property and all hotel policies have been followed.


    Please plan for the deposit when you arrive, as it is required to complete check-in.

  • What should I expect from your Downtown location?

    The Gardner is located in the heart of Downtown El Paso, surrounded by restaurants, bars, entertainment, and local attractions. Like any lively downtown neighborhood, street and nightlife noise may be noticeable at times, particularly on weekends and during special events.


    We provide complimentary earplugs at the front desk for guests who prefer a quieter night's sleep. And while you're here, don't forget to show your Gardner room key at participating neighboring businesses to enjoy exclusive guest discounts.

  • What parking options are available?

    As a historic Downtown El Paso hotel, The Gardner has limited on-site parking. We offer two complimentary parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis.


    Metered street parking is available around the hotel and is free overnight from 6 PM to 8 AM, Monday through Saturday, and all day Sunday. A paid parking lot is also available approximately a two-minute walk from the hotel.


    Our front desk is happy to help you find the best parking option when you arrive. Click Here for more information on parking and getting around.

  • What is a European-style private room?

    Our European-style rooms give you the privacy of your own guest room while sharing clean bathrooms located conveniently in the hallway.


    These rooms are completely private and are not hostel dorms. They offer a great option for travelers who want their own space without needing a private ensuite bathroom.


    Each European-style room also includes an in-room sink for added convenience.

  • What’s the difference between a private room and a hostel dorm?

    When you book a private room at The Gardner, the entire guest room is yours. Choose from a traditional private ensuite room with its own bathroom or a European-style private room with shared bathrooms located in the hallway.


    When you book a hostel dorm, you are reserving an individual bed in a room shared with other travelers. Dorm guests also share bathroom facilities and have access to our common guest spaces.


    Not sure which option is right for you? Our front desk is happy to help you choose.

  • Are there special requirements for staying in a hostel dorm?

    Yes. Hostel dorm accommodations at The Gardner are intended for short-term travelers.


    Hostel guests must provide a valid passport or have a confirmed online reservation to stay in one of our shared dorms.


    Hostel stays are limited to a maximum of 14 nights within a one-year period. After reaching the 14-night hostel limit, guests are welcome to continue their stay by booking one of our private rooms, subject to availability.


    These requirements apply specifically to our shared hostel dorms and do not apply to guests booking private rooms.

  • Does The Gardner have an elevator?

    No. As a historic building dating back to 1922, The Gardner does not have an elevator. Guest rooms are located on upper floors and are accessible by stairs.


    If stairs may be a concern during your stay, please contact us before booking so our team can help determine whether we have an accommodation that will work for you.

  • Does The Gardner have a guest kitchen?

    Yes. Registered guests have access to our self-service kitchen, located in the shared guest area. The kitchen includes space for preparing meals and storing groceries during your stay.


    Because the kitchen is shared with other guests, we ask everyone to label their food, clean up after themselves, and help us keep the space ready for the next guest.

  • Do you have laundry facilities?

    Yes. The Gardner has coin-operated washers and dryers available for guest use. Laundry facilities are located in our shared guest area.


    Please check with the front desk if you need directions or assistance.

  • How do I get to The Gardner?

    The Gardner is located in the heart of Downtown El Paso, at 311 East Franklin Avenue, within walking distance of many downtown restaurants, bars, attractions, and entertainment venues.


    We’re easily accessible by car, rideshare, taxi, and public transportation. If you’re arriving from El Paso International Airport, our front desk is happy to help with directions or transportation information.


    Click here for directions to The Gardner.

  • Does The Gardner offer luggage storage?

    Limited luggage storage is available for registered guests, subject to space and availability. Overnight storage is $10 per bag, per night and must be arranged with the front desk. Because storage space is limited, we recommend making other arrangements for extended luggage storage whenever possible.

  • Are guests allowed to have visitors?

    For the safety and security of everyone staying at The Gardner, access to guest rooms and guest-only areas is limited to registered guests.


    If you would like to meet with someone who is not registered at the hotel, please speak with the front desk. Our team can let you know which common areas are available and any applicable visitor guidelines.


    All overnight guests must be registered with the front desk.

Stories From Our Guests

Every guest adds another chapter. See what travelers are saying about their stays at The Gardner.

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.

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.