La Posada - Winslow, AZ Review

The Last Harvey House Hotel....
When the Santa Fe railroad was expanding throughout the west, an entreprneur named Fren Harvery established fine dining cars, then realized that passengers would pay for a nice meal at stations along the route.   These "Harvey House" eateries became fine hotels on their own.   The last such property built was Winslow, Arizona's La Posada, on I-41 (also Route 66).  

The beautiful Spanish Revival Style hotel is an architectural treat - replete with massive beamed ceilings, tile floors, arched doorways, elegant wrought iron banisters and tile risers on the stairs.......and the unexpected modern artwork of its owners, a couple from Washington D.C. who decided to save the property after discovering it in ill repair.   Sunny courtyards offer guests an inviting spot to read or snooze, while the hotel's interior has endless cozy places to read, play games, or just hang out and chill.

Grand Canyon fans will recognize the name Mary Colter, Fred Harvey's architect who designed several buildings along the South Rim.  La Posada was her last project, and she didn't live to see its renovation, dying while it was slated to be demolished.  Her work lives on, however, in this beautiful, gracious hotel, which is always highly ranked in Arizona magazines as "the best getaway spot" in the state.   

Libby's Hot Tip:  If Winslow sounds familiar you can take your picture "standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona" a la The Eagles.  (There's even a bronze statue to commemorate the song that includes the lyrics)

Winslow is just east of Flagstaff and a great place for an overnight.   While the hotel has its own restaurant, downtown is just a block or two away and is a sweet place to walk around and explore.   But you'll have a hard time tearing yourself away from La Posada;  it's nearly perfect. 

The Bottom Line:  Libby Loves It!