Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market

About a decade after he purchased two historic hotels in Las Vegas, New Mexico, owner Allan Affeldt is putting both up for sale. The Las Vegas Optic newspaper reported Affeldt wants to “pass the torch” to the new owners of the Castaneda Hotel and Plaza Hotel as he settles down. Affeldt told the Optic that … Continue reading Allan Affeldt putting Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel on the market

AP travel writer lists 14 inspirational woman of Route 66

Sage Scott, a syndicated travel writer for the Associated Press, recently published a list of 14 women who helped build or preserve the mythos of Route 66. "If you listen closely along Route 66, you can hear stories of great women echo through the kitchens of roadside diners, the front desks of family-run motels and … Continue reading AP travel writer lists 14 inspirational woman of Route 66

La Posada museum in Winslow soon will display the world’s largest Navajo rug

A museum at the landmark La Posada hotel in Winslow, Arizona, will hold a grand opening from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 2 to mark the long-planned display of the world’s largest single-loom Navajo rug. The Hubbell-Joe Rug, originally created for the Hubbell Trading Post in Winslow in 1932 by Navajo weaver Julia … Continue reading La Posada museum in Winslow soon will display the world’s largest Navajo rug

Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award

The Castaneda Hotel of Las Vegas, New Mexico, recently won a 2022 CPRC Heritage Preservation Award for architectural heritage from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Commission. The state historic preservation office posted this on social media about the award: Affeldt and Mion also own the historic Plaza Hotel in downtown Las Vegas, New Mexico, and … Continue reading Castaneda Hotel wins state preservation award

Travelers should avoid Las Vegas, N.M., for now due to wildfires

Route 66 travelers who want to take a short side trip to Las Vegas, New Mexico, from the Santa Fe Loop had better change plans for at least a few days. A wildfire of nearly 140,000 acres around Las Vegas has prompted evacuations on the west side of the city and briefly jeopardized its water-treatment … Continue reading Travelers should avoid Las Vegas, N.M., for now due to wildfires

New chef at The Turquoise Room in Winslow’s La Posada also draws praise

A recent article in an Arizona newspaper answers a question -- who became the new chef at The Turquoise Room restaurant in La Posada of Winslow, Arizona, after John Sharpe retired in October? The short answer: Jesus Nunez, a native of Mexico who was Sharpe's right-hand man for more than three decades. According to the … Continue reading New chef at The Turquoise Room in Winslow’s La Posada also draws praise

Turquoise Room chef at La Posada in Winslow to depart on Oct. 1

You only have a few weeks left to enjoy the Southwest cuisine of longtime chef John Sharpe at La Posada's acclaimed Turquoise Room restaurant in Winslow, Arizona. Sharpe and his wife, Patricia, stated in the restaurant's email newsletter last week titled "TIME TO SAY GOODBYE!!!!" that "the time has come to hand the space back … Continue reading Turquoise Room chef at La Posada in Winslow to depart on Oct. 1

La Posada, Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel schedule dates for their reopenings

La Posada in Winslow, Arizona The Castaneda Hotel and Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico, will reopen May 18 and La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, will reopen June 8 after closing in March because of the coronavirus. Allan Affeldt, who owns the properties, said those are the recommended dates for easing restrictions in each … Continue reading La Posada, Castaneda Hotel, Plaza Hotel schedule dates for their reopenings

La Posada temporarily closes because of coronavirus

The historic La Posada hotel, formerly a Harvey House in Winslow, Arizona, temporarily closed Monday for the first time since its reopening 23 years ago. The closure is happening because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The hotel posted on its Facebook page: As difficult as it was for us to make this decision, we realize … Continue reading La Posada temporarily closes because of coronavirus

Chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada will retire later this year

John Sharpe, chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada in Winslow, Arizona, will retire in September after 20 years at the helm of the acclaimed restaurant and is looking for a replacement. Sharpe made the announcement Saturday afternoon during his regular newsletter for the restaurant: After 20 years Patricia and I will move over … Continue reading Chef at The Turquoise Room at La Posada will retire later this year