Staying at the La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ
Check out our video of railfanning at La Posada.
In the heart of Winslow, Arizona (famous for its corner and flat-bed Fords) is a grand old dowager. She reclines upon the desert scrub-land, and puts one in mind of simpler and more elegant times. With her tan stucco walls and red terra cotta tiled roof, her low walls and desert gardens, she seems timeless. This is one matron, though, who has lost none of her former vigor.
This is La Posada Hotel and Gardens, first opened in 1930. It was one of the jewels in the glittering string of railways hotels and restaurants along the Santa Fe Railroad, built and operated by one Fred Harvey. Harvey, who was said to have “Civilized the West,” was credited with introducing a high class glamour to railway travel. He set his sights on Winslow, the Arizona headquarters (then, as now) of the Santa Fe Railway. With a budget rumored to be $2 million ($40 million today) this would be the “last and greatest railroad hotel built in America.”
Colter considered La Posada to be her crowning achievement.
The timing of the hotel’s opening could not have been less fortuitous, however. La Posada opened just seven months after the fateful Stock Crash of 1929. This, combined with changes in the way people traveled, and the upheaval caused by World War II, the hotel managed to remain open for only 27 years, finally closing its door to guests in 1957.
After this, La Posada faced the same challenges as many grand structures have faced, having lost their original purpose. In the early 1960s, the furniture having been auctioned off, La Posada was gutted and converted into the offices for the Santa Fe Railway. The threat of demolition always loomed on the horizon, even up to 1994 when the railway finally announced plans to vacate the storied structure. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of concerned citizens, La Posada was added to the endangered list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, saving it from the fate of a tragic Miss Havisham.
This recognition brought the hotel to the attention of its current owners, husband and wife Allen Affeldt and Tina Mion. Through great legal and financial difficulty, they finally acquired the property and surrounding grounds in 1997. Through tireless efforts and assiduous research, they have managed to renew the former glory of this glittering jewel of the desert. From the lovely rooms (each named after one of the celebrities who once lodged there) to the famous restaurant and bar, to the lovingly tended gardens, La Posada has reclaimed its crown as the queen of the railway. So, the next time you’re traveling west on the Southwest Chief (Amtrak still stops at the La Posada Station) from Gallup, hop off at Winslow and see for yourself how La Posada lives up to its name “Resting Place.”
Each room is named after a famous guest. Our room on this stay was dedicated to Attorney General Janet Reno. The large room was on the second floor and featured a whirlpool tub that was fun. The smaller rooms on the west end have windows with limited views, but this room overlooked the gardens and was large and very nice. The bed was excellent as was the quality of the room’s furnishings.
The Turquoise Room is the hotel’s restaurant and features unique Southwest Arizona style food. Every meal we’ve had there on our three stays has been excellent as were the selections from the bar. Room service isn’t available but they will prepare room trays that you can pick up at the bar and take to your room or one of the outdoor gardens. When you are finished, call the restaurant and they will pick up the tray.
The upstairs gallery is large with a fireplace at the end and comfortable rocking chairs. The artwork is by Tina Mion, owner of the La Posada along with her husband Allan Affeldt.
East of the hotel is the Winslow Art Trust gallery which used to be the old train station. Remodeled and added on to, it features work from nationally recognized artists whose work has been influenced by the geography and culture of the Winslow area and/or Route 66. Featured artists will include Turrell, Ed Ruscha, and Tina Mion.
Behind the hotel is a large grassy area with many places to enjoy the outdoors, or if you’re like me, watch trains.
Overall the La Posada is a great place to stay if you like historical Fred Harvey hotels. The restaurant is world class, although I would prefer to have actual room service. The hotel entrance features a closed gate that forces you into the gift shop where you have to check in. At night, the doors are locked, so if you take your dog out, make sure you don’t get locked out. Yes, the hotel is very pet friendly, as are all three of the Affeldt hotels.
Top 7. Best Tourist Attractions in Winslow - Arizona
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The most beautiful places and sight in Winslow.
Top 7. Best Tourist Attractions in Winslow - Arizona: Standin' on the Corner Park, Rock Art Canyon Ranch, Homolovi Ruins State Park, Little Painted Desert County Park, Remembrance Garden, La Posada’s Unique Gift Shops, Old Trails Museum
Jenny Kimball's Interview
Jenny Kimball is the Chairman of the Board of the La Fonda on the Plaza hotel, which is the oldest hotel site in the United States. In this interview, she discusses the rich history of La Fonda, from its establishment in the 1600s through its development as part of the famous Harvey hotel chain to its award-winning status today. She describes the role of the Harvey family in branding the hotel, and the important work of Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, who designed La Fonda and other iconic Harvey hotels. She also explains her involvement in the hotel and her efforts to showcase La Fonda’s architectural and cultural history. Kimball describes the process of restoring the interior of La Fonda, and the work of artists and others to make the rooms match what they looked like in earlier decades. She concludes by talking about La Fonda’s role as a watering hole for Manhattan Project scientists working in Los Alamos.
For the full interview transcript, please visit: