Exploring Architectural Marvels on a Southwest Road Trip: Henry Trost’s Mission Revival Hotels

Discover the beauty and history of Southwest America’s stunning Mission Revival Hotels designed by Henry Trost

While traveling the Southwest, I’ve noticed the beautiful architecture of a string of hotels by the same architect, Henry Trost. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and the style of California’s Spanish Missions, Trost is known for designing Mission Revival. Colorful tile, stained glass, fountains, wood, and leather lend to the charm of these places.

“The Mission Revival movement was most popular between 1890 and 1915, in numerous residential, commercial and institutional structures, particularly schools and railroad depots.” 

—Wikipedia

Southeast of Tucson, going east on I-10 and south on Highway 80, through Tombstone, Bisbee, and Lowell, stop in Douglas, AZ, to see one of Trost’s gems, The Gadsden Hotel. The lobby is spectacular with a huge stainless glass ceiling. Brides pose for photographers on the stunning, sweeping staircase.

Highway 80 east goes back to I-10 to Van Horn, Texas.

Traveling along Highway 90 from Van Horn, Texas through Marfa and Alpine to Marathon, you can stop of four more of these special hotels. This is a great road trip to get to Big Bend National and Big Bend State Parks, one of the best scenic drives in the country. Experience desert, river, and mountain zones all at once.

The home of  Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin is just north of Van Horn. When you stop there, make sure to go to the museum across the street from Hotel El Capitan. You’ll get a taste of the Old West. The museum was a railroad stop, bar, restaurant, hotel, and courtroom, with a second floor balcony that looked over the tracks. Imagine a Miss Kitty surveying newcomers. If there was  trouble in the bar, they could see the judge upstairs.

An artist community embraces Marfa, TX, a high desert destination also for star gazers and photographers. Hotel Paisano, designed by Trost, has an interesting history of its own. Movie cast and crew for Giant stayed and watched screenings here.

Alpine is the charming community around Sull Ross State University and home to the historic The Holland Hotel. Enjoy the mid-week mercantile and music fair. Head to the McDonald Planetarium from either Alpine or Marfa.

Further along Highway 90 is Marathon, home of The Gage Hotel, and a turnoff to head south to the Big Bend parks.

“He was one who let himself be known by his works, rather than his words, one who made a valid and lasting contribution to the development of this great region. His was a life of purpose and achievement, and he leaves the Southwest richer for his having lived and worked in it.”

— El Paso Times 1933

Find more of Trost’s buildings on this interactive map.