Gallup, New Mexico, is a historic railroad town that sits on I-40 midway between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, Arizona. It is surrounded by government reserves: the Navajo Nation fills up the landscape north of the highway; the US Army's Fort Wingate lies east of town; and the Zuni Pueblo is south on Highway 602. The relatively small population (around 20,000) enjoy playing 18 holes at the community's sole golf course (Fox Run), and the interstate makes it a good stopping-off spot for long-distance travelers, who will find plenty of familiar hotels to make their bed for the night.
Hampton Inn Gallup West
Hampton Inn Gallup West gets very good reviews from past guests; they say the hotel is clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. The hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness room. Each guest room comes with hot breakfast every morning, and guests can use the hotel's business center all day and night. This is a no-pet facility. The Fox Run golf course (18 holes, 6400 yards, par 72) is nearly nine miles distant, most of it on I-40.
Hampton Inn Gallup West
111 Twin Buttes Road
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 722-7224
El Rancho Hotel
Gallup's El Rancho Hotel offers guests a bit of history and a brush with Hollywood's golden days--a number of well-known figures, including John Wayne, have rested their heads here. The hotel, on Route 66 in the heart of town, dates to the 1930s and today, it is on the Register of Historic Places. The hotel has a pool that closes for the winter and wireless internet access in the lobby. In fact, the rustic lobby with its big stone fireplace is something of a gathering spot for guests. The hotel is about a mile and a half from Fox Run golf course.
El Rancho Hotel
1000 E. Hwy 66
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 863-9311
Best Western Red Rock Inn
The Best Western Red Rock Inn on Route 66 offers guests a nice menu of amenities for a comfortable stay, including an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. When guests stay in one of the Presidential suites, they will have their own kitchen facilities, as well as Jacuzzi tub. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast. It's about three and a half miles from Fox Run Golf Course (18 holes, 6400 yards, Par 72), and two miles from Firerock Casino.
Best Western Red Rock Inn
3010 E. Hwy 66
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 722-7600
Safety First
Some words of caution: the city is known in some crowds as the "drunk driving capital of the world," so be on your guard when walking or driving around town. Also, it does suffer from higher than average rates of burglary and theft, so it is advisable to lock your car and secure your belongings before tucking in for the night.
About The Author
Colleen Morrison has been writing professionally for two decades. She holds an M.A. from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. in history from Arizona State University. She ghostwrites articles, blogs and Web content for her clients. Articles under her name appear at M&M, eHow, Golflink and other sites.
