Winslow, AZ (La Posada Hotel)

Even with a drive through the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert, the ride from Holbrook to Winslow was short. Like, really short. We got to the hotel so early, in fact, that we had no choice but to stop for lunch, once again, at Sonic. I don't know why we go to Sonic so much. We don't like it very much at all, and there is plenty of fast food we prefer over it. Maybe it's the carhop service, but probably not. I think this was actually our last time at this trash basket. The limeades are ok.

Our friends Chiyo, Ashley, and Zeke put together an amazing NM/AZ guide for us. Thanks, guys! It was so helpful during our time in the desert, and if they hadn't told us about it we probably never would have stopped to spend a night at La Posada Hotel.


The hotel was the vision of Southwest entrepreneur Fred Harvey and designed by architect Mary Jane Colter. Built in 1929 for the Santa Fe Railway, closed in 1957, and after 40 years it was privately bought and restored to its original beauty. It's an amazing place and we felt lucky to have a chance to spend some time there.






The interior is gorgeous: classic southwestern without being tacky.


There's some pretty ok good art hanging, as well. The contrast between the contemporary and classic was really nice. I like this painting of old ladies. Awkward angle.





There are some great outdoor spaces, too, very peaceful. The Santa Fe Railway still runs through the backyard.

After Sonic, check-in, and some wandering around the hotel, Michelle and I did we do best. Nap until it's time to eat again.



We had an amazing dinner at The Turqoise Room, the hotel restaurant. Sweet corn and spicy black bean soup, fried stuffed squash blossoms, a locally raised lamb sampler platter, and elk medallions. Our biggest food splurge of the trip. The restaurant can also pack a lunch for the next day upon request. So for our Hopi village excursion the next morning, we ordered some normal lunch stuff: prime rib and pasta salad. It was tough to check out, we considered another night many times, but decided to move on.