The Historic Hotel In Texas Where Notorious Bank Robber John Dillinger Once Stayed
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 07, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
It’s true that Bonnie & Clyde once stayed in the Stockyards Hotel in Fort Worth, but that isn’t the only historic hotel in Texas that has housed outlaws. Infamous bank robber John Dillinger checked into the Gardner Hotel & Hostel in January 1934, and you can still stay there today. The hotel has been upgraded over the years, but much of its originality remains – which means Dillinger’s presence can still be felt throughout the building.
If you're intrigued by buildings whose histories are long, complex, and perhaps even a bit dark, allow me to introduce you to the famous Gardner Hotel & Hostel in El Paso, Texas.
Opened by Preston E. Gardner in 1922, this century-old hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in El Paso and the city's first international hostel.
Entering the Gardner feels a bit like stepping back in time.
The decor and overall style has a distinct antiquated charm about it, offering a rare portal into the past.
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Although many of the rooms still boast their original furniture dating to the 1920s, guests enjoy a slew of modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs with cable, Wi-Fi, ceiling fans, A/C, private bathrooms, and more.
These perks were most certainly not afforded to notorious bank robber John Dillinger, who, along with two members of his posse, checked into the Gardner on January 9, 1934.
He was not arrested during his stay because he didn't break any laws, but he ended up getting captured by authorities in Tucson, Arizona on January 25 of the same year.
Even if you don't get to stay in the exact room that Dillinger called home during his time in El Paso, if you focus hard enough, you just might be able to feel his presence lingering in the building.
We don't all have the funds of bank robbers like John Dillinger, so the affordable accommodations at the Gardner Hotel & Hostel are perfect for those in need of budget travel options that don't sacrifice style or creature comforts.
The hotel even sells T-shirts with Dillinger’s picture on them! Visit the Gardner Hotel & Hostel website or the Gardner Hotel & Hostel Facebook page for more information. You can also visit Booking.com to book your stay.
Have you ever stayed in this historic hotel in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Check out our previous article for a nearby hike through an abandoned mine, and don’t forget to sign up for AllTrails+ to unlock additional perks.
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