El Rancho Hotel (Gallup, New Mexico)
The El Rancho Hotel, established in 1937 along Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, became a favored retreat for Hollywood stars during the golden age of Western cinema. Designed by R.E. “Griff” Griffith, brother of director D.W. Griffith, the hotel offered rustic elegance with its Pueblo Revival architecture, featuring a grand stone fireplace and Native American art. Notable guests included John Wayne, Katharine Hepburn, Ronald Reagan, and Humphrey Bogart, who stayed while filming in the area. Today, the hotel continues to operate, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into its storied past. (visitgallup.com)
