Tiogue Lake | Coventry

Information

Landmark: Tiogue Lake
City: Coventry
Country: USA Rhode Island
Continent: North America

Tiogue Lake, Coventry, USA Rhode Island, North America

The El Rancho Hotel is a historic hotel located in Gallup, New Mexico, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The El Rancho Hotel is a three-story, U-shaped building constructed primarily of adobe brick. Its exterior features a Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style with red tile roofing, arched windows, and decorative ironwork. The interior lobby is characterized by dark wood beams, a large stone fireplace, and Native American-inspired decor.

Location & Access Logistics

The hotel is situated at 1000 East Highway 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, approximately 140 miles west of Albuquerque. Access is directly from Interstate 40, taking Exit 22. Ample on-site parking is available for guests and visitors. Gallup is served by Amtrak with a station located within walking distance of the hotel.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The El Rancho Hotel was built in 1937 by the Santa Fe Railroad as a destination for travelers on the "Indian Detour" excursion. It was designed to provide luxurious accommodations and serve as a base for exploring the surrounding Native American reservations. The hotel was a popular filming location for numerous Western movies in the mid-20th century.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guests can explore the hotel's historic lobby, which houses a collection of photographs from its Hollywood heyday. The hotel offers guided tours detailing its history and movie connections. The adjacent gift shop sells Native American arts and crafts. The hotel's restaurant and bar are open to the public.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The El Rancho Hotel provides guest rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and event spaces. Restrooms are available in public areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the hotel. Food vendors are not directly on-site but are located in the surrounding downtown Gallup area.

Best Time to Visit

The hotel is open year-round. For photography of the exterior, late afternoon light provides optimal illumination. Weather is generally mildest in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October).

Facts & Legends

The El Rancho Hotel was famously known as the "Home of the Movie Stars" during its peak, hosting numerous Hollywood actors and actresses who filmed in the area. It is rumored that some of these former guests still linger in the hotel's corridors.