Gallup - Where to Stay

We opted to travel in true nostalgia style and stayed right on Route 66 at the Hotel El Rancho on the east side of Gallup. This is the landmark hotel where the likes of Kirk Douglas and Katherine Hepburn stayed when the 1940's and 50's movies were shot on location at Red Rock State Park. This is also the place where John Wayne allegedly rode his horse into the lounge in serious quest of a drink after a tough day of shooting.

Today, the El Rancho is a simple, straightforward old-fashioned hotel. The only reminder of the Hollywood glamour of days past can be found in the photographs lining the lobby walls. Prices vary from $43 for 1 person to $69 for 3-4 people. Discounts available, (505) 863-9311 or (800) 543-6351.

If you prefer to stay in a more modern hotel, you'll find several close to the airport: Best Western, (505) 722-2221 or (800) 528-1234, Econo Lodge, (505) 722-3800 or (800) 553-2666, and Holiday Inn, (505) 722-2201 or (800) 465-4329. These hotels will provide transportation, as does Gallup Flying Service if you stay somewhere else.

Numerous economy motels can be found along Route 66. One that had great appeal was the Log Cabin Motel just west of downtown Gallup where the movie Natural Born Killers is said to have been filmed. We didn't venture inside, but the log cabins looked very impressive from the outside.

A complete list of motels can be obtained from the Visitors Bureau (505) 863-3841 or (800) 242-4282, Mon - Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Feature Article: Gallup, NM, by Gerhard Deffner

Page 1 ............... Main Page / Intro
Page 2 ............... Flying There
Page 3 ............... History
Page 4 ............... What to Do

• Page 5 ............... Where to Stay
  Page 6 ............... Where to Eat
  Page 7 ............... Transportation

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