Great Road Trips: A Journey To The Most Iconic Historic Hotels In The Southwest

There’s something romantic about the open road in the American Southwest. I grew up on these roads, traveling to see family in Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas. It’s the land of wide horizons, Route 66, the Santa Fe Railway, and hotels that helped settle the wild west. Legends like Fred Harvey, R.E. Griffith, and Chester E. Lewis built the first destination hotels, and many of them are still destinations to this day.

On this road trip, we will take you to five of the Southwest’s most iconic and historic hotels, each a cultural artifact in its own right. They’re not just places to sleep; they’re where stories were written, movies were made, and legends found their rest. Let’s hit the road.

1. La Fonda on the Plaza – Santa Fe, New Mexico

History:
Built in 1922 on the site of Santa Fe’s original inn (which dates back to 1607), La Fonda on the Plaza became a Harvey House hotel in the 1920s. It was designed by architect Isaac Rapp in Pueblo Revival style, with interiors updated by Mary Colter’s apprentices. During World War II, Los Alamos scientists, including Robert Oppenheimer, were known to frequent the hotel bar, making it a footnote in atomic history.

Stay for:
Hand-painted furniture, original folk art, and rooms with mountain views that feel like staying inside a Georgia O’Keeffe painting.

Nearby Activities:

• Georgia O’Keeffe Museum – Explore works by one of the Southwest’s most iconic artists.
• Canyon Road – A walkable stretch filled with art galleries and sculpture gardens.
• Santa Fe Plaza & Cathedral Basilica – Just steps from La Fonda’s doors, history pulses through the square.
• Santa Fe Margarita Trail – Grab a passport and start your sip-worthy adventure at La Plazuela inside La Fonda.
• Bandelier National Monument – Explore the history of native peoples and enjoy a short hike to see cliff dwellings and other archaeological sites.

2. El Rancho Hotel – Gallup, New Mexico

History:
Opened in 1937 by R.E. Griffith (brother of legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith), El Rancho was built to accommodate the explosion of Western films being shot in New Mexico and Arizona. The hotel hosted Hollywood royalty, with John Wayne, Clark Gable, and Katharine Hepburn being frequent guests. Its wood-beamed lobby, Navajo rugs, and stone fireplace offer an authentic Old West ambiance.

Stay for:
Celebrity-themed rooms, kitschy grandeur, and the feeling you’ve stepped into a golden age Western.

Nearby Activities:

• Gallup Trading Company & Richardson’s Trading Post – Browse authentic Native American jewelry, rugs, and art.
• Red Rock Park – Hike through red sandstone cliffs or attend a rodeo or the annual Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial.
• Route 66 Murals – Take a walking tour of Gallup’s growing collection of vibrant murals.
• Zuni Pueblo (about 45 minutes away) – Experience one of the most culturally rich and oldest inhabited pueblos.

3. Wigwam Motel – Holbrook, Arizona

History:
Part of the original Wigwam Village chain, Holbrook’s location was built in 1950 by Chester Lewis and is one of only three still standing in the U.S. Its 15 concrete teepees each have vintage décor, and a collection of classic cars sits in the parking lot. It’s pure Americana and a beloved Route 66 icon.

Stay for:
Nostalgia overload. It’s kitsch in the best possible way—each “wigwam” is like sleeping in a midcentury postcard.

Nearby Activities:

• Petrified Forest National Park – Less than 30 minutes away, explore ancient fossilized wood and Painted Desert vistas.
• Historic Route 66 Drive – Holbrook’s downtown still exudes classic Americana with diners, neon signs, and roadside attractions.
• Meteor Crater (about 45 minutes west) – One of the best-preserved meteorite impact sites on Earth.
• Rock Art Ranch – A hidden gem where you can view petroglyphs and explore a working ranch with a museum.

4. La Posada Hotel – Winslow, Arizona

History:
Opened in 1930, La Posada was the brainchild of famed architect Mary Colter and part of the Fred Harvey empire. Built to accommodate wealthy rail travelers, it was a “destination hotel” long before the term existed. The hotel closed in the 1950s and was nearly lost to history, until it was lovingly restored in the 1990s by artists Tina Mion and Allan Affeldt.

Stay for:
Colter’s exquisite design, original art installations, and the romantic notion of being “on the rails.”

Nearby Activities:

• Standin’ on the Corner Park – Yes, that corner, made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.”
• Old Trails Museum – Learn about Winslow’s railroad and Route 66 history.
• Homolovi State Park – Explore ancient Hopi ruins just outside town.
• Explore La Posada’s own art galleries – Featuring Tina Mion’s compelling and sometimes surreal paintings.

5. El Tovar Hotel – Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

History:
Built in 1905, El Tovar is a rustic Swiss chalet-style lodge perched on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Designed by Charles Whittlesey, it was originally owned by the Fred Harvey Company and aimed to bring European-style luxury to the rugged American West. Presidents and celebrities have stayed here, including Theodore Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, and Oprah, among them.

Stay for:
Waking up to the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. It doesn’t get more iconic than this.

Nearby Activities:

• Grand Canyon Rim Trail – Just outside the front door, with some of the most breathtaking views on Earth.
• Bright Angel Trail – A must for hikers looking to dip below the rim (even if only a little).
• Mule Rides – Guided mule trips are available for a unique canyon experience.
• Grand Canyon Railway – Take the historic train to or from Williams, AZ for the full vintage travel experience.
• Yavapai Geology Museum & Kolb Studio – Discover the Canyon’s history and geology just a short walk from the hotel.

Historic Hotels: The Road Is the Destination

These five historic hotels aren’t just a place to rest, they’re part of the story. From atomic scientists to Western film stars, rail barons to Route 66 wanderers, each has played host to legends and everyday dreamers alike.

So pack your weekender, cue up your favorite road trip playlist, and let the soul of the Southwest guide your way. The road calls, and so do the ghosts and grandeur of these timeless hotels.