If you’ve ever stood in the middle of downtown El Paso and looked up at the brickwork of the 101 South El Paso Street, you're looking at more than just a Marriott Autograph Collection property. You are looking at a survivor. Most people call it the Hotel Paso del Norte El Paso, and honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel a little underdressed even if you’re wearing a suit. It’s got that heavy, historical gravity.
I remember the first time I walked into the lobby. Your eyes go straight up. There is this massive, hand-laid Tiffany-style stained-glass dome that spans 25 feet. It’s breathtaking. It’s also incredibly lucky to still be there. Back in the early 1900s, people used to go up to the roof of this very building to watch the Mexican Revolution. Just think about that for a second. They’d sit up there with binoculars, watching Pancho Villa’s forces across the Rio Grande while sipping cocktails. It’s wild.
The Trost Legacy and the $100 Million Gamble
The building was designed by Trost & Trost, a name you’ll hear a lot if you spend any time studying architecture in the Southwest. Henry Trost was obsessed with making sure El Paso looked like a world-class city. When it opened in 1912, it was the "Million Dollar Hotel." In today's money? That's a fortune. But for a long time, the place struggled. It changed names. It became a Camino Real. It started to feel a bit tired, a bit dusty, like a tuxedo that hadn’t been dry-cleaned since the Reagan administration.
Then came the renovation.
The Myers Group put roughly $100 million into bringing this thing back to life. They didn’t just paint the walls; they stripped things back to the bone to find the original 1912 soul. If you stay there now, you see the result of that obsessive detail. They kept the original cattle brands carved into the wood of the Dome Bar. It’s a nod to the ranching kings who used to close million-dollar deals over bourbon in those very seats.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Standard hotel rooms can be boring. You know the ones—beige walls, a desk, a generic print of a bridge. Hotel Paso del Norte El Paso avoids that.
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The rooms feel substantial. There’s a lot of leather, brass, and deep blue tones. It feels like a high-end study. You’ve got the Serta mattresses which are standard for the Autograph Collection, but the real win is the view. If you’re on a higher floor facing south, you’re looking straight into Ciudad Juárez. The lights at night don't care about borders; they just glow in one big, sprawling carpet of orange and white.
One thing to keep in mind: because it’s a historic building, the room layouts can be a bit quirky. Some bathrooms are massive; some are a bit tighter. That’s the "heritage" tax you pay. Personally, I’d take a room with a slightly weird corner if it means I get 10-foot ceilings and windows that actually have some character.
Dining: Beyond the Typical Room Service
Eating here is actually an event. A lot of locals come here, which is usually the best sign that a hotel restaurant isn't a total rip-off.
- Sabor: This is the main spot. It’s "Cocina del Norte." Expect things like red snapper with veracruzana sauce or really high-quality street corn. It isn't cheap, but the flavors are aggressive in a good way.
- 1700° Steakhouse: This is the heavy hitter. It’s dark, moody, and expensive. They have a massive wine cellar—over 2,500 bottles. If you want a dry-aged ribeye while looking at local art, this is your place.
- The Dome Bar: You have to go here. Even if you don’t drink. Just sit under the Tiffany glass. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Texas for a reason.
The "Secret" Rooftop Scene
El Paso heat is no joke. In the summer, it hits 100°F before lunch. The El Mirador rooftop bar is the antidote. It’s on the 10th floor.
It’s got this indoor-outdoor flow that works really well with the desert breeze. From up there, you can see the Franklin Mountains cutting into the sky. It’s also where you realize how interconnected El Paso and Juárez really are. The city doesn't end; it just changes.
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The pool is also up there. It’s not a massive "Vegas-style" party pool, thank God. It’s more of a sophisticated lounge area where you can actually hear yourself think.
Why This Location Matters for Your Trip
If you’re staying at the Hotel Paso del Norte El Paso, you are essentially at the epicenter. You’re across the street from the San Jacinto Plaza—the one with the famous alligator statues (the real ones are gone, replaced by a cool fiberglass sculpture by Luis Jiménez).
You can walk to the El Paso Museum of Art. You’re a few blocks from the Southwest University Park if you want to catch a Chihuahuas baseball game. The stadium is beautiful, and the atmosphere is surprisingly loud for Triple-A ball.
A Few Realities to Consider
Look, no hotel is perfect. Let’s be real.
Parking in downtown El Paso can be a nightmare. The hotel offers valet, but it’s pricey. There are public garages nearby, but if you have a lot of luggage, just bite the bullet and pay for the valet. Also, since it’s in the heart of downtown, you might hear some city noise. Sirens, the occasional loud truck—it’s part of the vibe. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor away from the street level.
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The Desert Spirit Spa is another thing. It’s great, but it’s popular. Don't think you can just wander in on a Saturday morning and get a massage. You’ve got to book that ahead of time. Their agave-infused treatments are a nice touch, though—very "of the desert."
The Verdict on the Experience
Is it the cheapest place in town? Absolutely not. You can find a Motel 6 on the I-10 for a fraction of the cost. But you aren't staying here to save money. You stay here because you want to feel the history of the Borderplex.
There is a specific smell to this hotel—a mix of old wood, expensive leather, and clean desert air. It’s the kind of place where you feel like something important happened in the room before you arrived. Maybe a spy met a contact here in the 40s. Maybe a Mexican general planned a retreat.
It’s authentic. In a world of cookie-cutter Marriott Courtyards, the Hotel Paso del Norte is a reminder that buildings used to have personalities.
Practical Steps for Your Stay
- Book the "Historic" side: If you want the full experience, specify you want a room in the original building, not the later additions. The architectural details are just better.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel often hosts galas or rooftop parties. This is great for people-watching but can mean the elevators are packed. Check their site before you roll in.
- Explore on Foot: Don't just stay in the hotel. Walk two blocks to the Plaza Theatre. Even if there isn't a show, the architecture of the building is staggering.
- The Breakfast Situation: Sabor does a solid breakfast, but if you want something local and fast, walk a few blocks to one of the nearby panaderias for some Mexican sweet bread.
- Sunset Timing: Set an alarm for 20 minutes before sunset. Get to El Mirador. Get a drink. Watch the mountains turn purple. It’s the best free show in the city.
The Hotel Paso del Norte El Paso isn't just a place to sleep. It’s the anchor of the city’s downtown revival. Staying there puts you right in the middle of a story that’s been unfolding for over a hundred years, and honestly, it’s a story worth being a part of for a night or two.