El Rancho Hotel: Hollywood's Wild West Haven on Route 66

While Santa Fe holds its own undeniable cinematic charm, a journey west along the historic Route 66 to Gallup, New Mexico, takes you to a legendary haven where Hollywood's Golden Age met the rugged allure of the Wild West: the El Rancho Hotel. For Santa Fe Insiders exploring the broader tapestry of New Mexico's film history and iconic past, El Rancho is a destination steeped in stories, star power, and the spirit of the classic Western.

The story of El Rancho begins in 1936 (opening in 1937) when R.E. "Griff" Griffith, brother of the famed silent film director D.W. Griffith, chose Gallup as the location for a hotel that would cater to the burgeoning movie industry. The dramatic mesas and starkly beautiful landscapes surrounding Gallup were becoming a favored backdrop for Hollywood Westerns, and "Griff" envisioned a place where stars and crews could "rough it in comfort." With its rustic charm—heavy wooden beams, a grand stone fireplace in the lobby, and a sweeping log staircase—El Rancho quickly became the go-to residence for film productions.

Through the 1930s, '40s, and into the '50s and early '60s, El Rancho was a home away from home for an astonishing roster of Hollywood royalty. John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Humphrey Bogart, Mae West, Kirk Douglas, Gregory Peck, Ronald Reagan, Lucille Ball, and scores of other screen legends graced its rooms and its lively 49er Lounge. The hotel buzzed with the energy of filmmaking, and its walls absorbed countless tales of off-screen antics and star-studded camaraderie. Many of the Westerns filmed nearby depicted the kind of frontier narratives and sweeping landscapes that audiences associated with the Santa Fe Trail and the pioneering spirit of New Mexico.

However, as the popularity of Westerns waned and Interstate 40 bypassed Gallup's stretch of Route 66, El Rancho faced a period of decline. Fortunately, in 1986, the historic property was purchased out of bankruptcy by Armand Ortega, a well-known local Indian trader who had long dreamed of owning it. Ortega meticulously restored El Rancho to its former glory, preserving its unique character and reopening it in 1988. Today, it stands as a proud landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, inviting guests to step back in time.

Why El Rancho Hotel is a "Must-Experience" for Santa Fe Insiders:

• Step into Hollywood History: Walking through the lobby, adorned with autographed photos of its legendary guests, is like stepping onto a classic film set. You can even stay in rooms named after the stars who once occupied them.
• Authentic Route 66 Landmark: For those tracing the path of the "Mother Road," El Rancho is an iconic and lovingly preserved piece of roadside history.
• A Portal to the Western Film Genre: It offers a tangible connection to the era when the landscapes of New Mexico defined the Western for millions of moviegoers. While many stories might have been set along the Santa Fe Trail or in the broader New Mexico territory, Gallup provided the accessible ruggedness filmmakers craved.
• Unique Southwestern Ambiance: The hotel's architecture, décor (including authentic Navajo rugs and artwork), and atmosphere provide a unique Southwestern lodging experience.
• A Worthwhile Historical Detour: While exploring Santa Fe's rich history, a trip to Gallup to experience El Rancho adds another fascinating dimension to New Mexico's diverse heritage.

Five Things Most People Don't Know About El Rancho Hotel:

1. The Griffith Connection: It was built by R.E. "Griff" Griffith, whose brother was the pioneering and hugely influential film director D.W. Griffith, a connection that undoubtedly helped cement its status with Hollywood from the start.
2. Fred Harvey Trained Service: In its early days, El Rancho was known for superior service, partly because they recruited experienced staff who had been trained by the esteemed Fred Harvey Company, famous for its hospitality along the Santa Fe Railway.
3. Errol Flynn's Legendary Bar Visit: Among the many tales, it's said that the swashbuckling Errol Flynn was known to occasionally ride his horse right into the hotel's 49er Lounge!
4. Saved from the Wrecking Ball: After falling into disrepair, the hotel was rescued from potential demolition by the passion and investment of Armand Ortega, ensuring its survival for future generations.
5. Hub for Over 100 Films: The area around Gallup, with El Rancho as its base, served as the filming location for more than 100 motion pictures, primarily Westerns, solidifying its place in cinematic history.

El Rancho Hotel isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience—a chance to connect with the legends of Hollywood, the spirit of Route 66, and the timeless allure of the American West that has so often been intertwined with the broader narrative of Santa Fe and New Mexico. It's a story of glamour, grit, and the enduring magic of the movies.

Book your stay at the El Rancho.