The Vibe: Pueblo Deco.
The Area: In the heart of downtown El Paso.
The DNA: Originally, the hotel opened its doors in November 1930 as the El Paso Hilton. It was the ninth and tallest hotel in Conrad Hilton’s fledgling chain. The hotel notably served as the corporate headquarters well into the 1940s for what would later become the global Hilton empire. The building was the last major design commission for Henry C. Trost – who designed an Art Deco hotel tower crowned with a Ludowici clay tile pyramidal roof for Hilton that would hold the place as El Paso’s tallest skyscraper for 24 years – forever changing the city’s skyline. The hotel’s Pueblo Deco influence is seen throughout The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park‘s interiors as modern luxury is balanced with West Texas surrealist artistry and nods to the past. Upon entering the newly created lobby and library space, guests will encounter stately wooden curios and an expansive collection of books, photos and relics. Crafted to be an extension of El Pasoans’ living rooms, the space has an artisan quality with a stately fireplace that is framed by rich tan leather and mohair seating, sleek marble tables, and teardrop chandeliers hung from floating Mahogany clouds. A spectacular 40-foot-tall (12m) glowing amber glass and polished stainless steel wall captures the imagination as it showcases the sumptuous bar area and the restaurant’s vast tequila collection. Within this space, guests and patrons are greeted by the reinstated double-height atrium, previously enclosed during a mid-century renovation, as well as dramatic stained glass, skylights, wood beams, decorative stenciling and an original railing on the historic staircase connecting the first and second levels. Located on the 17th floor, La Perla is the crowning rooftop bar and restaurant in the former penthouse suite where actress Elizabeth Taylor lived during her marriage to Nicky Hilton. Designed by The Johnson Studio at COOPER CARRY, pockets of indoor and outdoor space allow for intimate gatherings within a multitude of distinct backgrounds. White marble, bright florals and mirror-polished steel are contrasted with and pops of jewel tones to add a distinctly invigorating freshness to the experience. With panoramic views of El Paso, Mexico and beyond, the North Terrace offers tiered seating and built-in garden planters.
Suite-Me-Up: The Plaza’s guest rooms and suites showcase a modern, luxurious design incorporating playful use of textures, colors and historic references that draw inspiration from the Pueblo Deco architecture and the landscape of West Texas. Local influences can be found in the artwork, materials and rich colors like burgundy, cream and champagne at every angle. Beds are draped in Matouk linens, each with a channel-tufted headboard as its focal point and offset by Deco-inspired wool rugs and seating areas featuring a 1930s-style fitted cigar chair with Macassar ebony insets.
✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 130 rooms & suites (31-70m2) (334-755 sq ft) • hotel opened: 1930 • interior design: ForrestPerkins, The Johnson Company at Cooper Carry • bathroom amenities: Le Labo • parking possible on-site (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible
