O.T. Bassett Tower
A 15-story Art Deco masterpiece in Downtown El Paso, the O.T. Bassett Tower captivates with its geometric design and golden crown.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour paints the tower beautifully.
O.T. Bassett Tower
Best Time
Golden hour paints the tower beautifully.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15-story Art Deco masterpiece in Downtown El Paso, the O.T. Bassett Tower captivates with its geometric design and golden crown.
"This Art Deco jewel piercing the El Paso skyline since 1930 is a classic of vertical elegance."
📸 Capture the Crown
The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow.
🚶♂️ Explore Downtown
Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Art Deco Architecture
Marvel at the intricate geometric ornamentation and setbacks of this 1930s masterpiece.
Panoramic City Views
Experience breathtaking vistas of El Paso and beyond from the tower's vantage points.
Historical Significance
Discover the tower's legacy as one of El Paso's early skyscrapers and a symbol of its growth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Deco Charm
Downtown El Paso's Pulse
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Crown
The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow.
🚶♂️ Explore Downtown
Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience.
🏨 Consider a Stay
Some visitors enjoy staying at the tower itself for a unique historical lodging experience.
🚗 Transportation Tips
Utilize ride-sharing services or public transport to navigate downtown El Paso easily.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Crown
The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow.
🚶♂️ Explore Downtown
Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience.
🏨 Consider a Stay
Some visitors enjoy staying at the tower itself for a unique historical lodging experience.
🚗 Transportation Tips
Utilize ride-sharing services or public transport to navigate downtown El Paso easily.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the O.T. Bassett Tower for its stunning Art Deco architecture and historical significance, often highlighting its iconic golden crown. Many appreciate its role as a repurposed hotel, offering a unique stay. However, some note that the surrounding downtown area can feel quiet or lacking in vibrant activity, suggesting a need for more downtown development.
"I enjoyed my stay at the Bassett Tower. I spent a week in ELP to take care of personal business. I visited the Thanksgiving parade and walked downtown to visit the old landmarks. Yes, there used to be alligators in the San Jacinto plaza back in the 1950s."
DA Los Angeles
"Very nice staff always willing to help, nice rooms, needs microwave and better TV remote it sucked! All in all we had a great stay and will stay here again. El Paso needs more of a downtown experience like San Antonio and other places, it's literally dead."
Chris Pierce
"Nice hotel, clean rooms and showers, staff was nice, and area is convenient with busses and tramcar routes. The restaurant next-door Meza is great and can be entered without leaving the building"
Dan Mags
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The O.T. Bassett Tower is located in Downtown El Paso. Many visitors find ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft convenient for reaching the downtown area. Public transportation, including bus routes and the El Paso Streetcar, also serves the downtown core, offering an affordable way to get around.
Parking in downtown El Paso can be challenging. There are several parking garages and street parking options available, but it's advisable to check availability and rates in advance. Some visitors recommend using ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, O.T. Bassett Tower is centrally located in downtown El Paso, making it walkable to many other attractions, museums, and restaurants. Exploring on foot is a great way to experience the revitalized downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to view the exterior and appreciate the architecture of the O.T. Bassett Tower is generally free. If you are staying at the hotel within the tower, access to common areas would be included.
As a historic building that also houses a hotel, the exterior is accessible at all times. For specific access to any interior public spaces or hotel amenities, it's best to check with the hotel directly.
There is no admission fee to admire the O.T. Bassett Tower from the outside and appreciate its iconic Art Deco design.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, aim for sunset or golden hour when the light casts a warm glow on the tower's golden crown. 
Experiment with different angles from street level to capture its full height. Looking up from the base emphasizes its grandeur, while shots from a distance showcase it within the El Paso skyline.
Generally, public photography of the exterior is permitted. However, if you plan to use professional equipment or shoot inside the hotel, it's wise to inquire with the hotel management beforehand.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
The tower is a great starting point for exploring Downtown El Paso. Visit nearby San Jacinto Plaza, the El Paso Museum of Art, or enjoy the dining options in the revitalized downtown area.
Yes, the O.T. Bassett Tower has been repurposed and now houses a hotel, offering guests a unique historical lodging experience.
The O.T. Bassett Tower is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, characterized by its geometric ornamentation, setbacks, and distinctive crown.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that downtown El Paso can be quiet, so balancing the tower's historical appeal with more interactive attractions will ensure a well-rounded family outing. Pack comfortable shoes for exploring on foot and check for any local events happening in the plaza or nearby parks.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle shots from street level to capture its full height and intricate details. Beyond the tower itself, the surrounding downtown area offers urban landscapes and historical buildings that can complement your portfolio. Consider capturing the tower against the backdrop of the El Paso skyline, especially during twilight when the city lights begin to twinkle.
Remember to check for any local events that might add dynamic elements to your shots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Art Deco Elegance
+1Its historical significance is further amplified by the legend that Conrad Hilton was inspired by this tower to expand his hotel empire.
This connection adds a layer of aspirational narrative to the building's already impressive presence in the El Paso skyline. The tower's construction marked a period of growth and ambition for El Paso, solidifying its place as a landmark of the city's past. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the intricate details of the facade, from the stylized motifs to the overall verticality of the design. The tower's enduring beauty continues to captivate photographers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a tangible link to a bygone era of architectural innovation.
Experiencing Downtown El Paso
Nearby, San Jacinto Plaza offers a green space for relaxation, and the El Paso Museum of Art provides cultural enrichment. The tower's location makes it an excellent starting point for a walking tour of historical buildings and local businesses.
For those looking to dine, the area around the O.T. Bassett Tower offers a range of culinary experiences, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Some reviews highlight the convenience of dining options accessible from within or adjacent to the tower itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit