GoHotelly
2-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Gardner Hotel & Hostel

Stay at Gardner Hotel & Hostel in El Paso, offering private and dorm rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, and easy access to El Paso Museum of Art and local attractions.

311 E Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 569 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Parking Accessible Air-conditioned Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable historic stay with friendly service

Guests appreciate the hotel's central location, affordability, and welcoming staff, while noting some practical considerations typical of a budget historic property.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, accommodating, and attentive staff who enhance the guest experience.
  • Convenient downtown location within walking distance to restaurants, museums, and nightlife.
  • Clean and comfortable rooms, both private and dorm-style, with good shared facilities.
  • Affordable pricing for downtown accommodations, offering good value for money.
  • Availability of guest kitchen, laundry facilities, and communal spaces like a common room.

Worth knowing

  • Common bathrooms are shared, particularly in dorm-style rooms, and some spaces may feel tight.
  • Elevator is currently not functioning, which may affect guests with mobility considerations.
  • Parking is limited and can be challenging due to the downtown location.
  • Hostel dorm stays have a 14-day maximum per year policy to be aware of.
  • The hotel maintains a historic character with some vintage elements, which adds to its atmosphere but may not suit all preferences.

Best for

  • Budget-conscious travelers seeking a central base in downtown El Paso.
  • Visitors interested in historic ambiance and a social, hostel-style environment.
  • Guests who value walkability to cultural attractions and casual dining options.
  • Travelers comfortable with shared facilities and looking for a friendly, informal stay.
  • Short to mid-term stays where affordability and location outweigh luxury amenities.
Compare booking partners

Open this hotel on the platform you trust.

GoHotelly doesn't process bookings — we open this property on each partner so you can compare live rates, cancellation rules and loyalty perks side by side.

Some links are affiliate — if you book, GoHotelly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure.

About this property

Welcome to Gardner Hotel & Hostel

Established in 1922, Gardner Hotel & Hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option situated in downtown El Paso’s central district. The building carries a historical character, once hosting infamous figures like John Dillinger, which adds to its unique atmosphere. Guests can choose between private rooms or dormitory-style accommodations, both supported by shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen, catering to various travel needs.

The property offers practical amenities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, parking, and accessibility features, while maintaining a smoke-free environment. There is no pool, fitness center, pet policy, or airport shuttle service available, reflecting a focus on essential comfort rather than luxury facilities. A shared common room and laundry amenities are also provided, with straightforward pricing and usage guidelines.

Located at 311 E Franklin Ave, the hotel benefits from proximity to cultural attractions such as the El Paso Museum of Art and a variety of casual dining options nearby, including The Pizza Joint, a well-reviewed local eatery. The El Paso International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away, making travel connections relatively convenient. Most guests highlight the hotel's walkable location and access to downtown amenities.

Reviews generally praise the friendly and accommodating staff, the clean and spacious communal areas, and the affordability relative to its central location. Some guests note occasional challenges such as limited dormitory stays and parking availability. Overall, it suits budget-conscious travelers, solo adventurers, and visitors who value a historic setting with practical communal facilities over hotel luxuries.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

K
KVMN Apr 05, 2026
10

Now, I've peeked at some of the other reviews, some were on point and some were not, so let's dive in to my experience at this historic hotel and hostel. First off, let's talk about the pricing for being pretty much in the center of downtown, very inexpensive. They run specials on Booking.com, and I must say for the price point, cleanliness and accommodations, this place is well worth it. If you're traveling for a few days and need somewhere affordable, clean, accommodating, with more than enough space, yes, I'd recommend Gardner Hotel for sure. In the 1930s John Dillinger, the gangster and infamous bank robber, stayed at this hotel, and who doesn't love a good anti-hero these days. I arrived around the same time as his stay, which was January 9th, four days after my birthday mind you. Although, I initially had a private room on my first night, left to go elsewhere closer to a meeting I had on the Eastside of town(in which I regret checking-in for a couple of days), I ended up coming right back to the Gardner Hotel, and was welcomed with opened arms, possibly the ghost of Dillinger's arms(lol). This time I had a Men's dorm room, which still wasn't half bad, although a little tight, I sleep well for a night or two before new roomies arrived. The shared bathrooms were clean and the young lady who was the receptionist on my first night, was also the housekeeper and she seemed to be on top of things. Very cute female staff...like all of them! They have a laundry area, $3.50 to wash and $2.50 to dry, just a washer and dryer, 40min of time on each, so be patient in people are ahead of you(FYI). A kitchenette area for you to do your own cooking, with a fridge for food storage if necessary. You can receive discounts from the bars, Cafe Rose(which is next door) and The Pizza Joint(very good) which reside on the same block. There are great places to eat within a block or two. All in all, I was happy with my stay, and I will be back. Also, just FYI, in the hostel dorms part of hotel policy is that you only can get rooms for 14 days a year, so be mindful of that. Other than that, you should enjoy your stay. *Downside, broken elevator! So you may have to take the stairs. If so, travel lightly!

LN
Lizzy Noble Mar 19, 2026
10

Great spot! The Gardner hotel and hostel is beautiful and in a great walkable downtown location! Stayed in one of the hostel dorms and it was a nice room. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. They even held my bags after checkout until it was time for me to catch the train. Thanks Gardner Hotel!

AP
Ana Paz Feb 27, 2026
10

It was such a wonderful experience staying at this hotel. If they had more than five stars, I would give them 100. The manager, Darryl, was extremely kind and helpful—he assisted me with my suitcases and made me feel very welcome. The entire staff was friendly, professional, and attentive. I truly recommend this hotel and would gladly stay here again.

TT
Trójkąt Trójkąt Feb 05, 2026
10

A truly unique and atmospheric place in the heart of El Paso. The historic character, friendly vibe and excellent location make it an experience rather than just a stay. My only (very light-hearted) complaint: I couldn’t find Warsaw time displayed on the wall — which, as an international gentleman, I naturally missed. I trust that by the time I return, this minor oversight will have been graciously corrected. Highly recommended Greg

JF
Jesse Ford Jan 20, 2026
10

Awesome and charming place to stay. The staff was exceptionally nice and helpful. Wonderful location to the downtown area. You can walk everywhere. Restaurants bars all nearby. Very affordable and for what you get. No need to consider anywhere else. I will definitely stay here again

DD
Dominic D Jan 11, 2026
10

I’ve had good experiences here. This is a great hostel that also has private rooms. There are a number of bars around that go until 2am, at least on Saturday when I was there. But wasn’t a problem for me and some people like that anyways. Great little spot with good history located right downtown and off the highway. Will be back

ZM
Zachary Mitchell Jan 02, 2026
10

Really nice hotel, though I stayed in the dorm bunks while there. Cool marble decor, feels like a spot out of the 1920s in part. Spacious kitchen downstairs, and they have a lounge / billiards table there also. Parking can be a bit of a challenge though given its downtown location if driving in.

AM
antonio messina Jan 02, 2026
10

This hotel is a gem! The service was top-notch, with staff going above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and memorable. The location couldn't be better, offering easy access to all the attractions. Highly recommend!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Gardner Hotel & Hostel

El Paso, Texas, USA

Central district with El Paso Museum of Art, vibrant San Jacinto Plaza & casual dining options.

  • El Paso, Texas 15 min Walk
  • Kansas St.\Main Dr. 2 min Walk
  • Stanton St/Missouri Ave 2 min Walk
  • El Paso International Airport 15 min Car · 44 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Texas. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens 7,840 reviews

El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Train Station, 4001 E Paisano Dr, El Paso, TX 79905, United States

4.3 · Zoo
El Paso Museum of Art 1,678 reviews

El Paso Museum of Art

1 Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901, United States

4.6 · Modern Art Museum
Chamizal National Memorial 1,601 reviews

Chamizal National Memorial

800 S San Marcial St, El Paso, TX 79905, United States

4.5 · Memorial Park
People also viewed

Similar Hotels in Texas

Hand-picked alternatives with a comparable feel, size and price band.

2001 E National Hwy, Washington, IN 47501, United States

Theroff's Motel

Stay at Theroff's Motel in Washington, IN. Enjoy free WiFi, airport shuttle, petfriendly rooms, and proximity to Daviess County ...

4.4 (229) View
921 Canyon Rd, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, United States

Sunset Bay Resort & Suites

Enjoy waterfront studios, pools, and boat access at Sunset Bay Resort & Suites, Wisconsin Dells. Near Noah's Ark Water Park with f...

4.3 (787) View
1600 Crescent Centre Blvd, Tucker, GA 30084, United States

Americas Best Value Inn Tucker

3.2rated hotel in Tucker, GA offering free WiFi, breakfast, and parking. Close to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve and top attract...

3.2 (262) View
600 W Donlon St, Blythe, CA 92225, United States

Quality Inn Blythe I-10

Affordable stay at Quality Inn Blythe I10 with free WiFi, breakfast, indoor pool, and hot tub. Conveniently located near Mayflow...

4.1 (405) View
2679 NC-24, Warsaw, NC 28398, United States

Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Warsaw

Affordable stay with complimentary breakfast and WiFi. Located off I40, 3 miles from downtown Warsaw and Duplin County Veterans ...

2.9 (140) View
305 E 17th Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260, United States

Grecian Gardens Motel

Grecian Gardens Motel in North Wildwood offers simple rooms, some with kitchens, free parking, outdoor pool, and close to beach, b...

4.2 (186) View
Share your stay

Stayed at Gardner Hotel & Hostel? Help the next traveler decide.

Short, honest notes are more useful than long ones. A few sentences about what worked, what surprised you, and who the hotel is best for will go a long way.

Your email is only used to verify the review — it won't be shown publicly.