In this series, we go behind the front desk to learn everything from the strangest room service requests to quirky fun facts to the most heartwarming reunions. We pick a new destination and hotel each month to give you the inside scoop.

This month, we’re putting the spotlight on Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown, a boutique hotel that combines a lively blend of Mexican and American Culture. We spoke to General Manager Terra Maguregui to learn more about this unique hotel.

What was the strangest item a guest forgot or left behind?

We have had a number of unique items left behind by guests. The one that always sticks out to me is when a guest left a 4-foot armored knight statue in their room. They abandoned it with no explanation and had no intention of retrieving it. With so many unanswered questions, it was the talk of the hotel for quite some time.

Most recognizable guest or celebrity stay?

During my time as General Manager, we have had so many notable celebrities stay with us. I won’t give any names, but I will share some hints around three familiar faces. See if you can figure out who I’m talking about!

• These guests arrived and fist pumped their way through our lobby. During their stay, they took advantage of our state-of-the-art gym, our luxurious cabanas to get a golden tan, and of course our valet laundry services. They hit the town (with their voluminous hair styles) after a courtesy call from our concierge letting them know, “THE CABS ARE HEREEE.”
• A couple that had several of our staff members starstruck were well-known singers in the country music industry. The couple could not have been more appreciative and nicer to fans staying at the hotel. Of course, our team kept the stay top secret, but had we not – the lobby would have been crazed with fans and we’d have to shout, “Don’t Take the Girl!”
• Lastly, we had a big-time musical group stay with us, and as soon as they arrived my staff kept greeting them with “Welcome to the Jungle.” I thought it was odd – as we are in a desert town, but it was the perfect fit for the group.

Coolest features that guests don’t know about?

Although it is often overshadowed by our beautiful rooftop pool and adjoining bar, our hotel features a hidden private patio with a mesmerizing panoramic view of downtown El Paso and the Franklin Mountains. Here, you can dine on the best pizza in El Paso – crafted by our chef on a wood-burning pizza oven – and enjoy an alluring mural painted by a local artist from Cuidad Juarez, our sister city in Mexico.

What was the most memorable reason for stay/celebration?

Creating unique and memorable experiences is what we are all about! When you stay with us, you never know what to expect. One of our most memorable stays was when we were contacted to host some soldiers that were about to deploy. Luckily, some of the soldiers were local, so we were able to bring in their families as well. We will never forget the gratefulness from these families as they were able to spend very precious moments together before they departed. The weekend was full of family bonding and love and we still remember as one of our sweetest experiences.

What is your favorite place to visit outside of the hotel?

We encourage our guests to take a leisurely stroll downtown and enjoy San Jacinto Plaza, just a short walk from the hotel. This historic park is in the heart of downtown El Paso on the corner of Oregon and Mills St. The plaza features several pieces of art that honor the city’s colorful past, including a fiberglass sculpture by Luis Jiménez. Recently redesigned, the park is now home to paths and bridges, gaming areas for ping-pong, chess and more. You can also experience the café, which features a variety of local snack time favorites. It is the perfect place to visit to get a sense of the culture and history of El Paso.

Any other fun fact you’d like people to know about the hotel?

Throughout the property, you will see influences of The Singer Sewing Company. Whether you’re relaxing in a guest room or having a drink at Circa 1963 Bar & Lounge. The Singer Sewing Company Building is a historic landmark in El Paso, Texas. It was built in 1928 for the Singer Corporation on land formerly owned by Ervin H. Schwartz, Manuel Schwartz and I. Weiss. It was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style by Trost & Trost. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since September 24, 1980.

If you had to pick your favorite guest room, which would it be and why?

Our most unique guest room is Room #1202. It features high vaulted ceilings and has the best view of the city, including our border sister city, CD Juarez, Mexico.

What’s your most favorite F&B offering and why?

Our favorite F&B offering hands down has to be our wood-fired pizzas. Whether you’re looking for a classic Margherita or are in the mood to try something a little more out of the “pizza” box like the Drunken Pear, we have something to fit every appetite.

The moment you were most proud of the brand?

We have a very successful restaurant (Mamacitas) and rooftop bar (Circa 1963). So successful that the brand that manages the restaurant has brought us in to help guide enhancements to not only the food and beverage offerings, but to the brand overall.

How would you define the hotel in three words?

Boutique. Curated. Local.

Where can people book their stay?

On our IHG Hotels & Resorts website, of course! Experience Hotel Indigo El Paso Downtown and book your exclusive stay here. Room rates starting at USD $166 per night.

About IHG^®

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

• Luxury & Lifestyle: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo
• Premium: voco Hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels
• Essentials: Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels
• Suites: Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Uli Pillau
+49 172 8212939
IHG