El Rancho Hotel on Route 66 is the most atmospheric building in Gallup and a genuine piece of American film history. Built in 1936, it served as the base for approximately 15 Hollywood productions shooting Westerns and adventure films in the rugged terrain surrounding the city. The rustic lobby — stone fireplace, split-log staircases, photographs of movie stars lining the walls — has been carefully preserved and still operates as a hotel.
The property nearly disappeared after Interstate 40 bypassed Route 66 and the film business moved on. It was rescued from bankruptcy by Armand Ortega, a prominent Gallup Indian trader, who restored it to something close to its original condition. The neon sign above the entrance, reading "The World's Largest Ranch House," still glows at night. Even if you're not staying here, stop for a drink at the bar and look at the photographs — it's one of those places that tells a story just by existing.