I’ve been through Winslow, Arizona, many times and even stopped to eat there once or twice. Somehow I’ve missed the existence of the La Posada Hotel and The Turquoise Room and Martini Bar, it’s exceptional restaurant. They are a national treasure; a must see — at least a meal, better yet a stay.
Owned by the Santa Fe Railway, managed by Fred Harvey and designed by Mary Jane Colter, the preeminent Southwest architect — then and forever — the La Posada was the last and greatest of the railroad hotels. They estimate that it would take $40 million in today’s dollars to build the hotel and gardens that cost $2 million in 1929.
The hotel was open from 1930-1957 (and vacant for 40 years after that). Among guests were John Wayne, Bob Hope, Albert Einstein, the Crown Prince of Japan. It was that kind of hotel.
And it is beautiful again; so seemingly out of place that it was almost magical. See the photos here and in previous posts. The room rates begin at $99, but I plan to try one of the “Various Fabulous Rooms” for $149-169. Except possibly in winter, reservations are essential.
The food was terrific, the service delightful, with full Harvey Girl regalia.
All photos taken with an iPhone. The last was taken from the table at lunch.
