Staying at the Nicest Hotel in El Paso

The westernmost settlement in Texas, El Paso, was long considered a sleepy western backwater. It’s not surprising, considering that it simply kept its head low and moseyed along as its (in)famous Mexican neighbor Ciudad Juárez made all the headlines. But all that’s in the past; El Paso is now making headlines and for all the right reasons. With downtown El Paso having recently gotten a facelift, the city is now known for its very own crop of microbreweries, an amazing streetcar line, and some excellent, upscale, and spanking new highrise stays. The nicest hotel in El Paso might be the Stanton House, hands down, but there are also a bunch of other fantastic stays around the town.

Not only do they range across a variety of budgets, but they also have a wide variety of vibes and thus suit all kinds of travelers. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to some of El Paso’s best stays and accommodations.

Stanton House

The boutique Stanton House is hands-down the most luxurious and grand-looking accommodation in El Paso. With its avant-garde furnishings and provocative collection of eclectic and modern artwork, the hotel could easily be mistaken for a museum. But the 42-room upscale hotel is the best modern, art-focused staying experience we’ve ever had. It’s tucked in the century-year-old former Rogers Furniture store building in El Paso’s downtown. It’s supposedly fashioned after upscale hotels in Mexico City, with art being the overarching theme.

Rooms

The theme of artwork here is to test people’s preconceptions, and that theme continued in the rooms and suites. Many of them boasted excellent views of the historic and bustling San Jacinto Plaza, but it’s the interiors that blew us away. Firstly, the mid-century furniture harks back to the era of the former showroom the hotel sits in. The Stearns & Foster Beds were absolutely luxurious, as were the alpaca throws, the Sferra luxury linens, and the Mascioni towels. The Garden Tubs were large enough for a romantic tete-a-tete, especially since they were accompanied by Malin + Goetz bath products and waterfall showers. But what truly impressed us were the on-call butler services and the minibar stocked with local libations.

Amenities

That said, the amenities here were absolutely top-notch, with the standout being the iconic Taft-Díaz restaurant. The menu epitomizes and immortalizes the 1909 summit between Mexican President Porfirio Díaz and U.S. President William Howard Taft, featuring a fantastic combination of Mexican and American fare. It even has a fantastic speakeasy bar with happy hours between 4 and 6 pm from Mondays to Thursdays. The next thing on our agenda was unwinding to the hilt at the Blush Boutique & Spa, which had not only Vichy showers and a float room but even sensory deprivation float tanks!

While Stanton House is undoubtedly the nicest place to stay, the hotels and stays below are not so bad themselves!

Hilton Garden Inn El Paso/University

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The University of Texas’s El Paso campus is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. That’s what makes the Hilton Garden Inn El Paso University so popular, but the accommodation is more than just its location – or the Hilton brand. For one, even entry-level rooms here include comforts such as ergonomic desk chairs and Keurig coffeemakers, which are a blessing for making your first cup of joe in the morning. The suites go a step beyond, with two TVs and plush queen beds each. Nevertheless, all rooms have fridges, coffeemakers, microwaves, cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, and luxe bathrooms.

The amenities at this Hilton hotel are no less amazing, starting with the fact that they have a free shuttle operating to the airport every day. It has a lovely outdoor pool and a hot tub on the pool deck, which is where we’d unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Plus, there’s also an onsite fitness center, a restaurant, and a pavilion lounge. While the former served delicious Southwest and American cuisine, the latter had excellent drinks.

Courtyard by Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention Center

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Best value for money. Sightseeing was a breeze while staying at Courtyard by Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention Center. Right from the zoo to the art museum, the very best of the city’s sights and attractions were at our fingertips. In fact, we could even head out to the Rio Grande Valley and explore the famed vineyards around the city.

Back at the hotel, there was a lot awaiting us. The standout feature was the amazing outdoor rooftop swimming pool, which boasted phenomenal views of the city and the mountains beyond. It was surrounded by daybeds, so we could lounge with a drink in our hands after a swim and soak in the views. Aside from a fitness center, the hotel also had a shared lounge and a bar where we could unwind after a long day. Free private parking and free bikes round up the common amenities here. Plus, there was even a restaurant onsite, which served not only delicious breakfasts but also dinners.

The spacious rooms and suites were very chill, with neutral furnishings and cool hues that revitalized us for the next day.

The Hummingbird Sunset Home

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We were looking for spacious and modern accommodations for our party of four adults and two children, and the Hummingbird Sunset Home was the best abode. This fully remodeled three-bedroom home boasted two bedrooms with queen beds and one bedroom with a bunk bed for the kids. So, all of us had enough space and were comfortable during our three-day stint in El Paso. The open-plan living room with the cushy sofas and the dining table was great for all of us to hang out. Thanks to the Roku TV and the fully-equipped kitchen, we were entertained whenever we were at home.

Plus, we could cook everything from simple to lavish meals whenever we wanted. Additionally, there was also a separate room to hang out, with a lovely patio with alfresco seating right outside. Wrapping things up is the additional large patio with a grill, chairs, and a table where we could soak in the El Paso sunsets and enjoy nice family dinners.

Casa Del Sol

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Casa Del Sol is a gorgeous three-bedroom vacation rental in the upscale Westside neighborhood of El Paso. It boasts the best of modern-day comforts and old-world elegance, and we made some really special vacation memories here. We loved every corner of this Instagrammable casa, which radiated a romantic and glamorous vibe with its period chandeliers and arched ceilings. Plus, the mountain views from practically every room, including the outdoors, were amazing, to say the least.

As we entered the home, the living room, with the gas fireplace, HDTV, and cushy sofas, immediately caught our attention. The large, well-equipped kitchen was all the more amazing, and we could whip up meals on the fly, especially when we didn’t feel like stepping out for food. Even the three bedrooms were true retreats, right from the plush beds to the luxe bathrooms, especially since the Master Suite even had a jacuzzi tub!

That said, the real gem here was the glorious patio, complete with comfy Acapulco chairs and a smokeless firepit. Not only was it perfect for alfresco meals and get-togethers, but it also boasted gorgeous views of the Franklin Mountains.

Aloft Downtown

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If you’re bringing Fido along, Aloft Downtown is one of El Paso, TX’s best pet-friendly hotels. It also happens to be one of El Paso, TX’s cheapest hotels, but we didn’t feel like it was skimping anywhere at all. Get this – Aloft sits in the Art Deco extravagance that’s the OT Bassett Tower, a century-old El Paso landmark. In fact, this 1929-designed skyscraper is a former office block but is a seriously stylish boutique stay now, and we especially loved the views of El Paso from here.

The rooms were fun and zany, with geometric prints, angular furniture, plush beds, and small-ish but absolutely contemporary bathrooms. Plus, they came with smart TVs and plug-in stations. Aside from a small but swanky fitness center, the hotel is also home to the fantastic WXYZ bar-restaurant in the lobby area. Plus, there’s a free pool table right outside it, perfect for mingling with the other guests.

Chase Suite El Paso

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Do you want to stay in one of the best stays in El Paso near the airport to catch your flight back home? Check out the Chase Suite El Paso, which is highly rated for being safe and upscale yet intimate, and didn’t feel like an airport stay to us at all. The charming and quaint property exudes warm and inviting boutique-hotel-like vibes.

What’s more, it had a whole lot of amenities, starting with what was one of the most gorgeous outdoor pools we’d ever seen. We’d swim in the L-shaped pool before lounging and sprawling on the daybeds later on. During the evenings, we’d move to the barbeque pit with alfresco seating right next to the pool and spend the evening enjoying a grilled dinner under the stars. Aside from the fitness center, the hotel even had complimentary social dinners on Mondays and Thursdays, where we mingled with fellow guests and enjoyed beer and wine along with a hot dinner. Of course, our days began with continental breakfast spreads, with the vending machine being perfect for stocking snacks.

All rooms and suites here were spacious, with cable TVs, seating areas, and modern bathrooms. The best bit was that the suites even had kitchens for cooking light meals.

Home with Mountain View/Pool/Tub

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Best for large groups. We were a large group of friends looking for a spacious but luxurious vacation rental in central El Paso, and this Home with Mountain View/Pool/Tub was perfect. This four-bedroom home could sleep up to 10 people and even had two full bathrooms, so we didn’t have to scramble to get ready in the mornings. Besides a dedicated office space that could turn into an extra sleeping space, the place even had a full kitchen where we could whip up lavish meals when we didn’t want to step out. While there was a living room with a fireplace and a connected dining space where we could enjoy the meals, it was the backyard that was the actual highlight here.

The area was simply inviting and designed for leisure, with the freeform pool taking centerstage. When we weren’t outside the house, we’d be in the backyard, swimming in and lounging by the pool. The majestic mountain views aside, the backyard even had an outdoor grill and sitting area for alfresco meals. But that’s not all; there was even a soothing jetted tub in the backyard! Evenings were reserved for opening a bottle of bubbly and recharging in the bubbling waters. Did you know that for an additional charge, we could even have the pool and hot tub heated? Yes!

Hotel Indigo Downtown

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Best boutique hotel. The vibrant past and the contemporary present come together in style at the hip Hotel Indigo Downtown, which sits in the heart of Downtown. Formerly the Downtowner Motor Inn, the hotel blends mid-20th-century architecture and modern design. That is evident from the eclectic photography and art collection adorning the walls and the unusual but hip fifth-floor lobby.

“A rooftop pool and bar to beat the heat? Bring it on!”

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It’s also where the hotel’s outdoor pool and bar sit, and it is one of the best places in the city to cool off and unwind. After a day of sightseeing, we’d take a break from the desert heat with a swim in the pool and a lounge with views of the desert sunsets. Later, we enjoyed fabulous cocktails at the Circa 1963 bar, where we mingled with locals and enjoyed views of the Franklin Mountains. We also loved digging into traditional and international cuisine at the first-floor restaurant, the Downtowner.

The spacious rooms and suites here offer superb views of Downtown. They have free Wi-Fi and even room and turndown services. Plush beds, modern bathrooms, and a whole bunch of mod-cons complete the space.

Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection

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VIP vibes are in full flow at Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection, where we were always looking skyward. Why, you ask? That’s because the marble-laden lobby of this chic hotel has a jaw-dropping 25-foot Tiffany-style stained-glass dome that’s been wowing guests like us for more than a century! That said, there was a lot to admire on ground level, too, whether it was the sweeping staircase, the classical Doric columns, or the grand piano. So, it’s not hard to see why its guest roster includes everyone from film stars and presidents to rock bands whose names can be seen on the Wall of Fame.

The amenities at this hotel are amazingly top-of-the-line. We enjoyed cocktails at the Dome Bar under the spectacular aforementioned roof, which is one of the best cocktail experiences in the city. Rounding up the dining experiences are the 1700° Steakhouse and Sabor. Besides this, the hotel even has a fitness center and a wonderful rooftop pool. What could be better?

The luxurious living doesn’t stop at the amenities. The hotel is actually one of the country’s first hotels with a state-of-the-art air purification system, which offers excellent comfort in the aftermath of a global pandemic. The spacious rooms boasted picture windows with views of Downtown, Ciudad Juarez, and the Franklin Mountains State Park. Plush beds, flatscreen TVs with Netflix, luxe bathrooms, Keurig pods, and complimentary waters wrap up the offerings.

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

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Most historic. Everything iconic in this city begins with The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, a landmark institution that has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. The decadent property originally was the 1900-built Sheldon Hotel, which burnt down in 1929, following which Conrad Hilton bought the land. This is where it built the very first hotel in Conrad Hilton’s empire, which opened in 1930 and survived the Great Depression before it was sold in 1968 and renamed the Plaza. However, that wasn’t the end of it; it remained empty for years before undergoing an ambitious revamp, which transformed it into the place it is today.

Our stay at this decadent property was very memorable, which has garnered a ton of awards for its opulent furnishings and art deco-esque design. We felt like a star from the moment we stepped inside, considering the penthouse here is where 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor stayed before her wedding to Conrad “Nicki” Hilton Jr. Today, it’s the extremely popular rooftop bar La Perla, which epitomizes 20th-century glamour. We also loved digging into Mexican cuisine at the flagship restaurant, Ámbar. When it comes to stays, we had the choice of 130 rooms and suites, all of which have mod-cons and were very comfortable to stay in.

Our Verdict!

While we love all of El Paso’s stays, the ones below are our favorites for their specific features:

• Best overall: Stanton House
• Most historic: The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park
• Best for large groups: Home with Mountain View/Pool/Tub
• Best value for money: Courtyard by Marriott El Paso Downtown/Convention Center
• Best boutique hotel: Hotel Indigo Downtown

Where to Stay in El Paso?

The proximity between its Mexican sister city, Ciudad Juárez, and El Paso has resulted in the latter having a blend of cultures and cuisines. So, which neighborhood should one stay in El Paso that’s not only great but also safe? Of course, the best neighborhood would be Downtown El Paso, which is home to a plethora of dining options, attractions, and sights. Foodies will love Canutillo in the north as it has many roadside cafeterias and cantinas that offer authentic Mexican flavors.

Next, there’s Anthony, which is home to everything from waterparks to coffeehouses, making it great for the whole family. Since it sits farther north, just across the river, it’s also close to a whole crop of New Mexican wineries, making it the choice of neighborhood for oenophiles. Finally, shopaholics will like the Outlet Shoppes at Rio Grande and El Paso.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in El Paso

• Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant: Kiki’s huge reputation is well-deserved – it’s one of those rare places. This formerly well-kept secret among locals is now a huge crowd-pleaser, with it being packed for lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the house specialty ‘is the ‘Machaca,’ which is a braised beef dish layered with cheese, onions, and green chili sauce, all topped with a runny egg.
• The Hoppy Monk: This family-run casual gastropub serves Tex-Mex and modern American fare, along with a wide selection of wine, beer, and cocktails at affordable prices. Dig into the Ribeye sandwich and salsa macha brussels sprouts, and if you arrive during Happy Hour, finish it off with a USD-5 margarita.
• L & J Café: This El Paso institution dates back to 1927 and is steeped in generations of family tradition. It is generally touted as the city’s best restaurant. Don’t miss incredible signature items like chile rellenos, ground beef tacos, tostadas, red enchiladas, and the chile de arbol salsa, which is so good that it’s bottled and sold at the restaurant!

Recommended Activities in El Paso

• El Paso & Juarez Downtown Historic Walking Tour: There was no better or safer way to explore Ciudad Juarez and El Paso and its culture than on this four-hour walking tour. We met a friendly and knowledgeable guide on the border of the US and Mexico, who took us to the most interesting hotspots, including cantinas, cabarets, and restaurants.