Find out more about us at Gardner Hotel

Our family run hotel has a rich history that we are happy to share with you! Gardner Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in the city of El Paso, Texas. Founded in 1922, the downtown hotel has a long history of serving the public, including famous guests, over the years. We have had the privilege of several figures in American history stay with us, and our hostel memorabilia in the lobby will take you right there!

Our downtown hotel was first opened in 1922 by Preston E. Gardner, a lawyer who in 1923 ran for Mayor of El Paso. He lost his bid to be Mayor to Richard M. Dudley, after whom Dudley Field is named. Gardner Hotel was originally intended to be a five-story 100-room hotel, but when construction costs went $50,000 over budget and only three floors had been completed, Gardner stopped building. Because of fears of fire in the 1920s, Gardner Hotel was constructed entirely of steel making the hotel almost completely fire proof.

John Dillinger

Gardner Hotel has a lot of history but most notably, on Jan. 9, 1934, bank robber John Dillinger and two members of his gang checked into the downtown Gardner Hotel. Dillinger signed the name John D. Ball on the registry and stayed in room 221. But because Dillinger didn’t break any laws during his stay, the El Paso Sheriff’s Department did not arrest him.

Dillinger checked out a few days later but was captured Jan. 25, 1934, in Tucson, Arizona, after being recognized by firefighters. They had saved his heavy luggage from a burning hotel there.

Cormac McCarthy

Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, American novelist, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award Winner Cormac McCarthy wrote several of his books while living at the Gardner. He used the Gardner Hotel as a source of inspiration for his novels and even mentions the hotel by name in several of his books.

Gardner Team

Our hotel has been in the family for four generations. If you have a question about the history of the hotel or El Paso, then talk to us! Our staff are a wealth of knowledge on the history and local area, and will be happy to show you the items in the hotel lobby even if you are just visiting.

Our Stylish Rooms

Our Historical Setting

Our stylish rooms still have their original antique furniture from the 1920's, with the exception of a few necessary upgrades! Sleep steeped in history in one of our genuine antique rooms, enjoy the marble reception and find out about our history during your stay. Many famous people have stayed at the Gardner Hotel. Even John Dillinger, one of the most notorious gangsters in the 1930's stayed at the Gardner Hotel just before his capture in Tucson, Arizona

Built in the 1920's

Historical Hotel

The hotel was opened in 1922 by lawyer Preston E. Gardner. Because of the common problems with fires in the 1920's, the Gardner was constructed entirely of steel making the hotel almost completely fire proof. Stay at the Gardner Hotel and enjoy a slice of United States history.

Dilinger Tshirts $15

Buy your tshirt here

Room 221 at Gardner Hotel was the room that famous guest and American 1930's gangster John Dilinger chose to stay in. After robbing 24 banks with his Gang of Terror in the heyday of the Depression-era he became an outlaw. Buy your tshirt today and have a piece of Gardner Hotel history for only $25! The front shows John Dilinger and the back has momento text about the 1920's time period.

Our Great Location

Our great location means that you can enjoy all that El Paso has to offer without having to travel far - it's right on your doorstep! There are also plenty of things to see out of town – just ask our Front Desk Staff. They are truly knowledgeable about both Juarez and El Paso, the local sites and travel to the interior of Mexico. We are proud to have a great location to suit all your needs. We are in downtown El Paso close to restaurants and the pubs, cafes and clubs that encircle the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). There are also so many things to do around El Paso. You can take a day trip to the great mystery of Carlsbad Caverns or check out White Sands for a fun filled day in the sun. Or if you want real authentic Mexican food, El Paso boasts many nationally rated Mexican cafes and restaurants. Check out our blog for more on the El Paso Art scene, hiking in nature, museums and lots more! We are located near many great local destinations for all types of interests, from the new Southwest University Ballpark to the Magoffin House for history buffs. Our location will also enable you to enjoy El Paso’s downtown farmer’s and craft market, held every Saturday. All areas of the city are easily accessible by public bus as the main terminal is only 2 blocks away.