Downtown El Paso in El Paso County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Hotel Cortez

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, October 3, 2025

1. Hotel Cortez Marker

Inscription. Alzina DeGroff bought the Vendome Hotel at this site in 1899, renaming it Hotel Orndorff after her first husband. Noted architect Henry C. Trost designed a new building for her, which opened in 1926. Renamed Hotel Cortez in 1935, this brick structure reflects a Spanish eclectic style, featuring prominent cast-relief, terra cotta detailing with busts of conquistadors. Guests included President John F. Kennedy, who stayed here in 1963. The hotel closed in 1970. It was converted into offices in 1984, and the first and 10th floors were historically restored.

Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12881.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #35 John F. Kennedy series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 31° 45.588′ N, 106° 29.276′ W. Marker is in El Paso, Texas, in El Paso County. It is in Downtown El Paso. It is on North Mesa Street south of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 North Mesa Street, El Paso TX 79901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Trans-Pecos & Big Bend Region.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First United States Soldiers to Be Stationed at the Pass of the North

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