Welcome to La Posada Hotel on Route 66
Nestled along historic Route 66 in Winslow, Arizona, the La Posada Hotel offers travelers a rare opportunity to step back into the grandeur of the railroad era while enjoying modern comfort and artistic charm. As one of the last great railroad hotels designed by legendary architect Mary Colter, La Posada is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience that blends art, history, and the spirit of the Southwest.
Address and Location of the La Posada Hotel
Address:
La Posada Hotel
303 East Second Street (Route 66)
Winslow, Arizona 86047
La Posada is conveniently located just off Route 66 and Interstate 40 in downtown Winslow, adjacent to the active BNSF Railway line and near Winslow’s historic attractions, including the famous “Standin’ on the Corner” park just a few blocks away.
The History of The La Posada Hotel
La Posada Hotel was opened in 1930 as one of the last Harvey House hotels, a series of establishments built by Fred Harvey in partnership with the Santa Fe Railroad to serve travelers along the railway lines in the American Southwest. It was designed by Mary Colter, a pioneering female architect known for her ability to integrate Southwestern and Native American design elements into her work, including at the Grand Canyon and other key landmarks.
Origins as a Harvey House Hotel
La Posada was built by the Fred Harvey Company, a hospitality empire founded by Fred Harvey in the late 1800s to serve passengers on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway (Santa Fe Railroad). Harvey recognized the need for reliable, high-quality food and lodging for rail travelers crossing the vast expanses of the American West and established a chain of “Harvey Houses,” which set a new standard for service and comfort.
Winslow was strategically chosen for a Harvey House hotel due to its location as a division point on the Santa Fe Railroad and as a hub in Northern Arizona. The company decided to create a flagship hotel that would serve both railway travelers and the emerging road traveler market along what would become Route 66.
Designed by Mary Colter
In 1929, the Fred Harvey Company commissioned Mary Colter, the famed architect known for her work at the Grand Canyon and her blending of Native American and Spanish Colonial styles, to design La Posada. It would be her largest and most personal project.
Colter envisioned La Posada as a grand hacienda, with flowing adobe walls, vibrant hand-painted details, arched doorways, terraced gardens, and custom furnishings. She designed everything down to the furniture and gardens, ensuring the hotel would feel like a welcoming home reflecting the regional culture of the Southwest.
Grand Opening in 1930
La Posada opened in May 1930, just months after the stock market crash of 1929, making its construction and opening during the Great Depression a bold undertaking. It featured 70 guest rooms, multiple dining rooms, beautiful courtyards, and luxurious public spaces. Meals were served on fine china, with white-linen table service provided by the renowned Harvey Girls, who became icons of hospitality along the railway lines.
La Posada and Route 66
As Route 66 was officially established in 1926 and began to gain prominence, La Posada quickly became a key stop for motorists traveling the “Mother Road.” Route 66 ran directly in front of the hotel, and Winslow became a critical overnight stop for travelers journeying between Chicago and Los Angeles.
For many families during the Dust Bowl and post-war era, a stay at La Posada was a highlight of their Route 66 journey, offering comfort and luxury during an era when roadside lodging was still often rudimentary.
Decline and Closure
In the 1950s, the rise of automobile travel and the decline of passenger rail service began to impact Harvey Houses nationwide. Route 66 travelers increasingly sought faster, cheaper roadside motels, and fewer travelers arrived by train. By 1957, the Fred Harvey Company closed La Posada, auctioning off its original furnishings. The building was repurposed as offices for the Santa Fe Railroad, and over the next several decades, the once-grand hotel fell into disrepair, narrowly escaping demolition multiple times.
Revival and Restoration
In 1997, artist Tina Mion and her husband Allan Affeldt purchased La Posada to save it from destruction and begin its restoration. They meticulously worked to restore Colter’s original design, using historic photos and architectural plans while updating the property for modern guests.
Today, La Posada once again serves travelers along Historic Route 66, retaining its role as a rest stop for those exploring America’s most famous highway while honoring its railway heritage. It features beautifully restored guest rooms, an art gallery showcasing Mion’s work, museum-quality public areas, and the acclaimed Turquoise Room restaurant, which brings travelers the same spirit of hospitality once provided by the Harvey Girls.
La Posada and Route 66
La Posada’s significance to Route 66 stems from its role as a premier stopover for travelers along the “Mother Road.” As the route gained popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, many travelers would stay at La Posada to enjoy a comfortable night’s rest and a fine meal while exploring Winslow and Northern Arizona’s attractions. It embodies the era when Route 66 was not just a road but a journey filled with character and culture.
Why La Posada Matters in Route 66 History
La Posada embodies the intersection of rail and road travel in America, illustrating how Winslow served as a gateway to the Southwest. It stands as a living monument to:
✅ The Harvey House legacy, representing high standards of hospitality in the American West.
✅ The Santa Fe Railroad’s impact on the region’s growth and travel patterns.
✅ Route 66’s golden age, when travelers could experience culture, comfort, and the romance of the road in one stop.
From the era of steam engines to the rise of the interstate, La Posada has continuously adapted while preserving its identity, making it a must-see destination for Route 66 travelers today.
La Posada and the Santa Fe Railroad
La Posada was one of the key Harvey House hotels along the Santa Fe Railroad, offering travelers arriving by train a seamless transition into elegant lodging. The trains would stop directly behind the hotel, allowing guests to step off and check in within minutes. The railroad connection made La Posada a bustling hub, welcoming visitors exploring the Southwest by rail before the highway era transformed American travel.
Today at The La Posada Hotel
Today, La Posada has been beautifully restored by artist Tina Mion, her husband Allan Affeldt, and their team, who purchased the building in 1997 to save it from demolition. The hotel now features renovated historic rooms with handcrafted furniture, vibrant gardens, art galleries, and the renowned Turquoise Room restaurant, which serves locally inspired Southwestern cuisine.
A stay at La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, is far more than a stop along your Route 66 journey—it is a step into a living museum of Southwest history, art, and hospitality. This beautifully restored Harvey House Hotel, designed by the legendary Mary Colter, offers visitors a chance to experience the grandeur of rail and Route 66 travel while enjoying modern comforts, creative cuisine, and an inspiring artistic environment.
Here is what you will find when you visit La Posada Hotel:
Historic Charm in Every Hallway
As you walk through the arched doorways and tiled hallways of La Posada, you will notice:
- Hand-painted walls and ceilings reflecting Colter’s design vision.
- Original architectural details including massive wooden doors, wrought-iron accents, and carved beams.
- A collection of historic photographs and documents telling the story of Winslow, the Santa Fe Railroad, and Route 66.
Each room and hallway holds stories of the countless travelers, Harvey Girls, and rail passengers who once passed through these halls on their journeys across the West.
Beautifully Restored Guest Rooms
La Posada offers bright, spacious guest rooms, each uniquely decorated with handcrafted furniture, local art, and period-appropriate details. Many rooms overlook the gardens or the active BNSF Railway line, allowing visitors to watch trains roll by while enjoying the quiet charm of the property.
Rooms include modern amenities while retaining their historic feel, providing comfort without sacrificing authenticity.
Vibrant Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
One of the highlights of La Posada is its lush gardens, where visitors can stroll among:
- Flowering desert plants and shaded sitting areas.
- Fountains and sculptures that add a peaceful ambiance.
- Pathways leading to quiet corners perfect for reading, journaling, or simply watching the Arizona sky change colors during sunset.
The Turquoise Room Restaurant
Food is an essential part of the La Posada experience. The Turquoise Room is renowned for its locally inspired Southwestern cuisine crafted with fresh, regional ingredients. Guests can enjoy:
- Blue corn pancakes for breakfast.
- Signature dishes like the Hopi Piki Bread with Black Bean Hummus or the Colorado Lamb Posole.
- Elegant dinners featuring seasonal menus that honor Native American and Hispanic culinary traditions.
Reservations are recommended, especially during Route 66 travel season.
Art at Every Turn: Tina Mion Gallery
Artist Tina Mion’s works are showcased throughout the hotel, adding a modern artistic layer to the historic setting. Visitors will find:
- Vibrant, thought-provoking paintings exploring American history and social commentary.
- Rotating exhibits and occasional artist talks.
- A gallery shop where visitors can purchase prints, books, and unique items connected to Mion’s art and La Posada’s history.
A Living Connection to Route 66 and the Railroad
Located directly on Route 66, La Posada allows travelers to immerse themselves in the history of America’s “Mother Road.” Guests can:
- Explore Winslow’s nearby “Standin’ on the Corner” park.
- Take a short drive to nearby Route 66 attractions such as Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest National Park.
- Watch freight trains pass along the same tracks used by the Santa Fe Railway when La Posada first opened in 1930.
A Base for Exploring Winslow and Beyond
During your stay at La Posada, consider:
- Visiting the Old Trails Museum in downtown Winslow for additional local history.
- Strolling to nearby galleries, antique shops, and cafes along Route 66.
- Taking day trips to explore the Painted Desert, Homolovi State Park, or the Grand Canyon, all within reach for an extended Route 66 adventure.
Tips for Visiting the La Posada Hotel in Winslow
- Book Early: La Posada is a popular destination for Route 66 travelers, train enthusiasts, and history lovers. Booking in advance ensures you secure one of the historic rooms.
- Dine at the Turquoise Room: Known for its Native American and Southwestern dishes, the Turquoise Room offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seasonal menus.
- Explore Winslow: Visit the “Standin’ on the Corner” park, the Old Trails Museum, and the Winslow Visitor Center while in town.
- Check Train Schedules: If you are a rail fan, bring a scanner or check schedules to watch BNSF freight trains pass just steps from the gardens.
- Take a Historic Tour: Ask the front desk for a self-guided or staff-led tour to learn more about Mary Colter’s design and the building’s stories.
Final Thoughts on the La Posada Hotel
La Posada Hotel is more than a stop along Route 66; it is a living piece of American travel history that embodies the spirit of adventure, creativity, and resilience. Whether you are drawn by its architectural beauty, its deep ties to the Santa Fe Railroad, or its role in the golden era of Route 66, La Posada offers a memorable, inspiring stay for every traveler. When your Route 66 journey brings you through Winslow, spending a night or even an afternoon at La Posada is an experience you will cherish.
