Sep 7 2007
La Posada: The Elegant, Eclectic Getaway If you want a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and yearn to return to the days of leisurely train travel and elegant touring, Historic hotel La Posada in Winslow, Arizona is made for you.
It’s early September and it’s really hot in the Valley of the Sun. Many head north to Flagstaff for a weekend in the pines. But if you drive just a little further, east on I-40, to Winslow, you will find a place that will slow your pace. Before you know it, you will be lazing in a lawn chair on a grassy lawn watching the trains go by.
La Posada – Former Harvey House Railway Hotel
La Posada has a long and rich history. Once a stately hacienda, the property flowered in the 1920’s under the direction of architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, contracted by the Harvey Company. Over time, passenger trains succumbed to car travel and so did the beautiful La Posada Hotel. The railroad gutted the building and used it for administrative and rail traffic control. It declined further until the current owners, with an eye for art and a love for history, purchased the property and began the never-ending work of revitalization.
Gardens Add to the Attraction of a La Posada Stay
In 2007 we visited La Posada to have a look at the progress of the hardscape and gardens planned by landscape architect Christy TenEyck. We saw a beautiful entry in the front with flagstone and river rock. The historic La Posada sign was back in place and, much to our surprise, was joined by a life sized metal camel. This must have been an Affeldt/Mion touch for sure so I asked Alan Affeldt, “why, a camel?” He responded with a perfectly logical story. The camel represents the Beale Expedition. When the U.S. geological survey wanted to find the best route through the southwest for trains, they must have thought: desert, better get some camels! So they bought a heard of camels in the middle east, shipped them to the Midwest, and under the command of a Lt. Beale, surveyed for a train route. Supposedly they came through Winslow just about where La Posada is now. So now we know!
We enjoyed sitting by the fountain in the private sunken gardens and wandering the trails through the trees to the west of the hotel. And, in back, with lots of relaxing places to sit, we watched trains, storms and birds during our stay. If you stroll through the gardens, you may come upon a wooden statue of a saint. Look to the base of the statue and you may see offerings… coins, photos, feathers and amulets. There are many surprises in the gardens.
La Posada is continuing to build the gardens, plant more plants and care for those that have been there for years. We’ll be back next year to see what’s blooming.
La Posada Going to the Dogs?
The yard-art camel and wrought iron rabbits holding trays dotted throughout the lobby weren’t the only animals at La Posada during our stay. We noticed quite a few well-behaved dogs. Yes, La Posada allows dogs… large and small.. With the expansive lawn and garden trails for walking, dog owners have discovered a peaceful place for a visit.
Things to Enjoy at La Posada
- The Turquoise Room – A gem of a restaurant offering fresh and creative Southwest cuisine. Reservations recommended.
- Train Buff Alert - For after dinner excitement, watch passengers line up for the 7:45pm Amtrak passenger train. We did that one night and found a woman headed for Los Angeles and two railroad employees heading home to Needles, CA.
- Stand on the Corner – Walk a couple of blocks in Winslow to the famous “Standin’ On the Corner Park.” Have your photo taken with “Easy” the guitar-carrying statue, and visit the gift shops on the other corners.
- The Petrified Forest Just an hour east on I-40 is Holbrook and the gateway to the Petrified Forest National Park. This is a good day trip. You can request a box lunch from the Turquoise Room the day prior to take with you.
Room rates are still reasonable at La Posada and dining is moderate to pricey (worth it!). For directions and more details read our review of La Posada. You’ll find yourself returning season after season. You’ll never know what new joys you’ll find as the restoration continues.
