Introducing The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

If the walls of The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park could talk, they’d tell a fascinating story. One of El Paso’s heritage, famous architects and hoteliers, Hollywood stars, politicians, and a multicultural melting pot.

Sadly for us (but luckily for those Hollywood stars), these walls keep their secrets. But through a spectacular, modern revival of the historic property, the story lives on.

The grounds of The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park date back to the late 1800s when Brooklyn native Dr. Lucius Sheldon built a masonry office building here, and later converted it into a hotel. Considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the Southwest, the property also served as unofficial headquarters for participants in the Mexican Revolution.

In 1930 the hotel was rebuilt as El Paso Hilton, a dazzling, Art Deco-designed hotel that towered over El Paso’s skyline as the city’s tallest skyscraper. Developed by Conrad Hilton (yep, that Hilton), the property welcomed society’s who’s who and A-list movie stars, most notably Elizabeth Taylor, who lived in the hotel’s penthouse.

Now, 91 years after its original opening, this landmark building has been reimagined as The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, an Independent Collection hotel that celebrates its rich history through imaginative design and authentic El Paso experiences. 

From the outside, the Plaza looks just as you’d remember from its past lives. But step inside and you’ll be transported to a world of modern curiosities. 

First, the hotel lobby. Designed with travelers and locals in mind, this welcoming space also functions as an ultra-chic living room and intimate library. Kick up your boots by the fireplace, flip through a curated selection of novels, and wander the hotel’s impressive collection of local art and historic relics.

Upstairs in the 130 rooms and suites, you’ll find even more local art paired with Pueblo Revival Art Deco design elements in a rich palette of burgundy, cream and champagne inspired by West Texas’ desert landscapes.

Contemporary and luxurious, the Plaza’s accommodations are stocked with five-star amenities like pillowy Matouk bathrobes, hydromassage showerheads, and complimentary alkaline water. Little details pay homage to the hotel’s history, too. Take for example the retro-inspired Tivoli radios, which harken back to the ol’ days when every room was advertised to have a radio (considered a luxury back then!)

All checked in and ready to go? Get outdoors and explore the local neighborhood of Las Plazas, downtown El Paso’s thriving arts district. 

Wander world-class art at El Paso Museum of Art, tour the murals of El Segundo Barrio, and mingle with locals at the Downtown Art and Farmers Market. The Franklin Mountains are a must-do, and there are plenty of hiking paths to choose from  –  all with unbelievable views of America’s south and Mexico’s north. 

After a day of exploration, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Luckily for Plaza guests, one of the city’s best restaurants is at their doorstep. 

Located on the hotel’s lobby level, Ámbar Restaurante fuses traditional Mexican cuisine with sophisticated Texas flavors dreamed up by Michelin-starred chef Andres Padilla. Savor dishes like molé poblano duck, juicy carne asada and delectable tacos, and wash them down with an artisanal mezcal tasting.

Ámbar’s interior design is just as impressive as its menu. High ceilings with original wood beams, reclaimed stained glass, and ornate chandeliers frame a glowing, cathedral-like space. But the star of the show is the 40-foot-tall, Art Deco-inspired wall that houses over 800 agave spirits – the largest collection in all of North America! 

If fresh seafood and sunset views are more your scene, head upstairs to La Perla, the hotel’s luxurious rooftop lounge. 

Like its downstairs counterpart, La Perla boasts an inventive menu by Chef Andres Padilla with elegant, 20th century-inspired design that would make Elizabeth Taylor swoon. White marble walls, jewel-toned furnishings and geometric patterns set the scene for a fabulous night. And just wait until you see the view! 

Cozy up on a sofa bed and enjoy a selection of oysters, crudites, bone marrow sopes and more, all perfectly complemented by classic cocktails and decadent desserts. 

As the sun goes down behind the mountains, raise your glass to the beauty of El Paso – and all of its stories yet to be written. ¡Salud!

Book your stay at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park today.