Visit El Paso

This building was constructed in 1908. Designed as the luxurious Hotel Orndorff in the early 20th century, the Hotel Cortez is an elaborate representation of the Spanish Colonial Revival style with strong Renaissance overtones. The assortment of decorative elements skillfully applied to the tripartite format of the brick structure attests to the artistic genius of Trost. In keeping with the Spanish influence are three-dimensional busts of helmeted conquistadores and Spanish court coats of arms. The new Hotel Orndorff, commissioned by Mrs. Charles DeGroff for $1,400,000, officially opened on September 10, 1926. On June 5, 1963, President Kennedy stayed overnight at the hotel.