Gardner Hotel & Hostel El Paso | Historic Central Stay from $37

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Key details

Hotel Overview

311 East Franklin Avenue, El Paso, 79901

Steps from San Jacinto Plaza

Great

8.4

8.2

/10

3.5

4.0

Loved by Gardner Hotel & Hostel guests

Historic hotel

Attentive staff

Shared bathroom

Free coffee

Comfortable bed

"This historical hotel is well taken care of and clean."

Lucinda from United States

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"What a beautiful building so much characters and history!"

Henry from United States

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"I also liked the downstairs kitchen and recreational area."

Travel from United States

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Gardner Hotel & Hostel - Historic downtown hotel near El Paso Museum of Art

The Gardner Hotel and Hostel is the oldest continually operating hotel in El Paso, Texas, founded in 1922. Located in downtown El Paso, the hotel features centralized evaporative cooling, a shared kitchen, and a games room. Notable guests have included outlaw John Dillinger and author Cormac McCarthy. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from El Paso International Airport. Nearby attractions include the El Paso Museum of Art and the Franklin Mountains for hiking.

Additional perks of the hotel

Underground 1920s-themed bar

Complimentary refreshments

Self-service kitchen designed by HGTV's Britney Simon

Coin-operated washer and dryer

Earplugs available at the front desk

Two free parking spaces (first come, first served)

Proximity to nationally rated Mexican cafes and restaurants

Rooms

The Gardner Hotel offers private rooms with ensuite or shared hallway bathrooms, as well as hostel dormitory accommodations. Private rooms feature vintage-style bathrooms, original antique furniture, and Roku Smart TVs. Options include Full Bed, Twin Bed, King Bed, and combinations like Full & Twin Bed or 2 Full Beds. Hostel dormitories have bunk beds with shared bathrooms, accommodating up to 8 guests per dormitory.

Other conveniences

Free fiber WiFi internet

Mini-split AC/heating units

Ceiling fans (except in dorms)

Extra blankets available upon request

Sinks in rooms with shared bathrooms

Vintage decor with 1920s charm

Slightly different room layouts due to historic building

Must-do experiences

Savor delicious tacos at L&J Cafe, a local favorite since 1928.
Visit the El Paso Museum of Art for free entry and stunning collections.
Stroll through the Farmers' Market at Pioneer Plaza on Saturdays.
Explore the historic Mission Trail for a glimpse of local heritage.
Catch a sunset view from the scenic Franklin Mountains State Park.

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

See Location on Map

How it felt to stay here

Strange & Unique

“I stayed in the John Dillinger's room which is a corner room- it was so comfortable and interesting room.”

Henry from United StatesJune 2025

Explorers, Not Tourists

“I particularly liked how there were discounts at nearby bars and restaurants; the owners/management are clearly interested in building community in downtown El Paso.”

Jesse from United StatesAugust 2024

Perfect for Finding Friends

“I also liked the downstairs kitchen and recreational area, that area was much bigger and nicer than expected.”

Travel from United StatesJune 2025

Choose Your Room

Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.

Bed 4-Bed Male Dormitory Room
2 persons
19 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Family Room
2 persons
19 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Room One Double Bed Private Bathroom
2 persons
19 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details

Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Tracker

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtful hotel amenities for a comfortable stay

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Luggage storage
Vending machines
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Billiard tables

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry

Children

Game room

Spa & Leisure

Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

311 East Franklin Avenue, El Paso, 79901

Explore El Paso

Local Highlights

El Paso Museum of Art

4 minutes walking

Prominent art collections, including American and Mexican works. Admission is free, offering guided tours on weekends.

San Jacinto Plaza

4 minutes walking

A vibrant urban park featuring fountains, art installations, and seasonal events. Perfect for relaxing and enjoying the city's vibe.

El Paso Museum of History

4 minutes walking

Museum showcasing El Paso's rich history with engaging exhibits. Offers interactive displays and family-friendly activities.

Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick

15 minutes walking

Historic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and vibrant stained glass. A serene spot for reflection in the city.

El Paso Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market

10 minutes walking

Local art and produce market held on Saturdays, featuring artisan goods and live music. A great outing for families and couples.

Hiking at Franklin Mountains State Park

30 minutes driving

Offers extensive trails for hiking and scenic views of El Paso. Ideal for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Yoga Classes at Local Studios

10 minutes driving

Multiple yoga studios nearby offer classes for relaxation and wellness. Perfect for solo travelers looking to unwind.

Coffee Box

4 minutes walking

Charming café known for artisanal coffee and light bites. A local favorite for breakfast and casual meetings.

Tommy's Pit Barbecue

7 minutes walking

Casual barbecue joint with a rustic feel. Signature smoked meats and southern sides. Reservations recommended for large groups.

Tap Bar & Restaurant

6 minutes walking

Trendy spot featuring a diverse menu with local flavors and craft cocktails. Vibrant atmosphere, ideal for couples.

The Plaza Theatre

10 minutes walking

Historic venue offering films and live performances. Known for its beautiful decor and home to various artistic events.

El Paso Streetcar

15 minutes walking

Family-friendly streetcar offering an enjoyable ride through downtown's sights. Great way to experience local culture and history.

Transportation Tips

City Centre
El Paso 2 min · 400 ft
Airports
El Paso International (ELP) 20 min · 8.2 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

The Gardner Hotel & El Paso Hostel

Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Guests Are Saying?

Review score

Based on 209 verified reviews

8.8 /10

Great

90 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Free WiFi

8.6/10

Location

8.9/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

8.6/10

Pros

Helpful staff

Clean facilities

Downtown location

Comfortable bed

Cons

Loud music

Expensive Uber

Shared bathroom

Outdated interior

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Questions of the users

About Gardner Hotel & Hostel

Is it common for older guests, such as those in their 50s and 60s, to stay at the Gardner Hotel and Hostel?

10 November 2024

Guests of all ages visit the hotel. All rooms are located 1-2 flights up, providing a unique and charming experience.

Does the hotel provide breakfast options in the morning?

15 December 2024

Breakfast is not offered, but guests can enjoy discounts at nearby restaurants and complimentary drinks at local bars.

Is it possible to reserve a room and pay cash upon arrival?

22 January 2025

Reservations can be made directly with a credit card on file for flexibility, allowing cash payment at check-in.

Do rooms with shared bathrooms have any amenities like sinks or mirrors available?

02 February 2025

Yes, private rooms with shared bathrooms include a vanity unit and closet. Other common areas like the TV room and kitchen are accessible at all times.

Is there a 24/7 front desk available for late-night arrivals?

18 March 2025

The front desk operates around the clock, ensuring assistance at any hour.

Are there any military discounts available for stays at the hotel?

30 January 2024

Unfortunately, military discounts are not offered at this time.

Can a single traveler book a private double room?

25 February 2025

Yes, a single person can book a double room for their stay.

Is it allowed to book a room for someone else at the hotel?

14 March 2025

Booking for another person is permitted, but the paying guest must complete a 3rd Party payment form for liability purposes.

Do any of the rooms feature private bathrooms?

30 April 2025

There are private rooms available that come with ensuite bathrooms, ensuring complete privacy for guests.

Is it possible to have a visitor in the room during the stay?

11 May 2025

Guests are allowed to have one visitor, but registration at the front desk is required upon their arrival.

What are the parking options near the hotel?

05 June 2025

There are limited free parking spots available in front of the hotel on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional street parking is free during certain hours.

Is there a laundry facility available for guests?

22 July 2024

Yes, there is a coin-operated washer and dryer available for all guests to use.

Are pets permitted at the Gardner Hotel and Hostel?

30 August 2024

No pets are allowed to stay in the hotel, with only service animals permitted.

What is the environment like for guests looking for a quiet stay?

12 September 2024

While the hotel is located in a vibrant area, complimentary earplugs are available for guests seeking a quieter experience.

How far is the hotel from El Paso's main attractions?

28 February 2025

Situated in downtown El Paso, the hotel is conveniently close to numerous restaurants, bars, and nightlife options within walking distance.