La Posada, Winslow

La Posada hotel http://www.laposada.org/ is a National Historic Landmark and was designed by Mary Elizbeth Jane Coulter.

The hotel was designed to look as though it was once the grand home of a wealthy, well travelled Spanish family who had lived there for generations.

As most travellers were expected to arrive by rail, the main entrance was and is still from the railway tracks. Paved roads were practically non-existent in Northern Arizona in the 1920’s, cars and guides could be hired to show people the surrounding area. Passenger trains still stop three times a day.

The restaurant was staffed by Harvey girls, but instead of their usual distinctive black dresses and white aprons, Mary Elizabeth Jane Coulter designed a uniform more in keeping with the hacienda style, bright aprons with desert flowers and cactus on them.

Part of the garden.

All sorts of famous people have stayed at the hotel, to name but a few, John Wayne, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Shirley Temple, Howard Hughes.

The hotel opened in 1930, just in time for the great depression, and closed in 1957. After that it was used for many things including as the offices for the Santa Fe Railroad. Most of the original furnishing were given away, thrown away or, in some cases destroyed. At one point the building was almost derelict and due for demolition.

It was saved by the current owners and has been and still is undergoing renovation. It’s a lovely place and one of the highlights of a trip to Winslow.

Have fun, we are!