Located in the heart of downtown Silver City, one block off Bullard, the Murray Hotel couldn’t be more centrally located. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and galleries. Little Toad Creek Brewery is about one block away from the front door.
Silver City
The Town of Silver City was founded in the 1870s due to the boom of silver mining camps in the area. As the terminus for the railroad spur connecting the mines to the main north-south train line, the community rapidly became a boom town, briefly home to William H. Bonney, aka Billy the Kid. He grew up there until his mother passed away. The local sheriff arrested him for theft, making Silver City his first stint in jail. His brother remained in the area for years and his mother is buried in the Town’s Memory Lane Cemetery.
Art Deco Ambiance | Streamline Moderne
The Murray Hotel is an eye-catching art deco edifice in the heart of Silver City. Built in 1938 by local entrepreneur W.D. Murray as Silver City rebounded from the Great Depression, the hotel had three retail stores, a restaurant, a bar, a coffee shop, and a spacious, modern lobby. The ballroom was added in 1948. The property became a social hub for the community; a meeting space, event venue, and dance hall combined with accommodations.
The “Streamline Moderne” design is considered a subset of Art Deco, a style that became popular in the 1930s. Whereas Art Deco surfaces were often decorated, Streamline Moderne is smooth and efficient, often with white walls and smooth surfaces. The vertical strip of glass block running through the middle of the tower top to bottom emphasizes the height of the structure. Glass block was a relatively new building component at the time, introduced to the American public in 1933. It quickly became a staple for the Streamline Moderne style.
Preserving History & Design
The Murray thrived through the 1950s, but the 1970s onward were not kind. Many mines in the area closed. Travelers frequented communities on the main interstate, bypassing communities like Silver City. The hotel closed throughout the 1990s, as the community tried to find the right investors and the right concept.
The property was purchased in 2005, spurring an ambitious (and expensive) renovation effort. The property reopened in 2012 with 53 guest rooms, a spacious dining area, and meeting space, changing ownership again in 2017.
Murray Hotel Amenities
Standard amenities include Wi-Fi access, newspapers in the lobby, Continental Breakfast (standard pre-packaged fare), and valet laundry. The property is pet friendlyl however, additional fees apply.
The parking is “free,” though it is first come, first serve street parking.
Guest Testimonials from Google
This was a really charming little hotel. Not a ton of amenities, but everything we saw was very clean, modern and thoughtfully chosen. Our room and bathroom was on the smaller side, but there was enough space for 3 to exist comfortably. Front desk staff was very helpful and always around to answer our questions. ~ Sam Cicero
Service was great. Rooms were comfortable and clean. Great location for walking trips downtown. ~ Eric Lopez
The Murray is such a nice hotel, in the classic style of a 50’s hotel. The rooms were comfortable. The location is perfect in the heart of downtown. The staff was courteous and helpful. Would definitely stay here again when in Silver City. ~ Mark Birkhauser
Great stay in an old hotel with new updates. I loved the surrounding history, the downtown, the restaurants, museums, etc., all within walking distance from this hotel. The room was very comfortable, the staff was helpful and friendly. ~ Scott Gibson
Murray Hotel
200 W Broadway St
Silver City, NM 88061
(575) 956-9400
FrontDesk@Murray-Hotel.com
