Gardner Hotel & Hostel is a charming and historic downtown accommodation in El Paso. It offers a unique blend of old-school ambiance and modern amenities, making it a great spot for travelers seeking affordability and character. The hotel features a beautiful interior with marble decor that hints at its 1920s origins and an interesting history, including a past stay by the infamous gangster John Dillinger. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, who provide excellent customer service and make visitors feel welcome. The hotel has a spacious kitchen for those who enjoy cooking, along with a lounge and billiards table for relaxation. The shared bathrooms are kept clean, and there is a laundry area available for a small fee. The location is very walkable, with many bars, cafes, and restaurants nearby, and discounts are offered at local eateries like Cafe Rose and The Pizza Joint. Pricing is very affordable, especially for its central location, with deals often available on Booking.com. The hotel caters to both short-term visitors and those staying up to 14 days in dorm rooms, though travelers should be mindful of this limit. A notable downside is the broken elevator, so guests may need to use the stairs and pack light. Overall, Gardner Hotel & Hostel is praised for its historic charm, cleanliness, good value, and friendly staff. It provides a memorable stay for those wanting to experience El Paso’s downtown vibe in a cozy, welcoming environment.
Beautiful hotel! Really nice kitchen to cook in if you want, an interesting historic landmark of el paso, really great staff
January 2026
Great spot! The Gardner hotel and hostel is beautiful and in a great walkable downtown location! Stayed in one of the hostel dorms and it was a nice room. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. They even held my bags after checkout until it was time for me to catch the train. Thanks Gardner Hotel!
December 2025
Really nice hotel, though I stayed in the dorm bunks while there. Cool marble decor, feels like a spot out of the 1920s in part. Spacious kitchen downstairs, and they have a lounge / billiards table there also. Parking can be a bit of a challenge though given its downtown location if driving in.