Out on the long, lonely stretches of eastern Nevada, towns are few and far between, and a glowing sign can feel like a promise. In Ely, one six-story building has been making that promise since 1929.
It sits on the old Lincoln Highway, close to a historic railway and a mountain recreation area, and it still keeps its doors open around the clock. Road trippers heading between Las Vegas and Idaho stop here, and so do history fans, railroad lovers, and folks who just need a bed after a long drive.
Inside, there are slot machines, walls packed with old photos, and rooms that have been freshly updated. The story of this place mixes mining town grit with modern comfort.
Keep reading to learn what makes it a classic stop and what to know before booking.
A Neon Landmark on Aultman Street
Some buildings blend into a town, and some practically run it. The Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall stands at 501 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301, in the heart of old Ely in White Pine County, Nevada, United States.
It is a casino hotel, but not the glitzy kind found down south. Think of it as a mining town classic with a casino floor, a restaurant, a sports bar, and rooms stacked above it all.
The hotel sits right along the historic Lincoln Highway, the old cross-country route that brought early motorists through this part of the West. That placement explains a lot about its long history of welcoming people who are just passing through.
Ely itself is a small town, and the hotel sits right in the middle of its historic downtown. That makes it easy to find and easy to remember.
Guests often describe the stop as a handy one because there is a big gap between towns along Highways 93 and 50. When the open road has stretched on for hours, a downtown hotel with its lights on matters.
So the first thing to know is simple. This is a place built for travelers, and it has been doing that job for nearly a century.
Nearly a Century of Stories
Back in 1929, the hotel opened its doors in a Nevada mining town. That year alone gives it bragging rights few lodgings in the state can match.
Today the building is almost 100 years old, and it wears that age with pride. Staff members are known for being friendly and happy to chat about the history of the place, which turns a simple check-in into a small lesson.
The historic features of the building have been kept in good shape. Many guests point out that the structure feels well maintained for its age, even if some corners show their years.
Here is a fun detail tied to its early days. Some of the rooms likely did not have private bathrooms when the hotel first opened, which helps explain why today’s bathrooms can be on the small side.
The hotel has seen eras come and go, from the heyday of the Lincoln Highway to modern road trips planned on phones. Through it all, it has stayed a gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.
For history buffs, staying here is a bit like sleeping inside a chapter of Nevada’s story.
Walls That Double as a Museum
Forget the gift shop. The real exhibits here hang on the walls.
Hallways and common areas are loaded with pictures and memorabilia from a bygone time. There is plenty of western decor and fun items that speak to the heritage of Ely and its mining roots.
One quirky highlight is the collection of biker convention photos lining some hallways. If you have ridden into Ely for a gathering in years past, there is a chance your own face is up there somewhere.
Outside, murals painted on the back of the building add another layer of local color. They are a popular stop for a quick photo before getting back on the road.
Not every guest loves the busy, old-fashioned look, and some feel parts of the lobby could use a refresh. Still, many travelers enjoy wandering the halls simply to look around.
Plan a few extra minutes on the way to your room. The walk can turn into a slow history tour without any ticket required.
Old Shell, New Rooms
Expect creaky floors, then open the door to something surprisingly fresh. That contrast is one of the most talked-about parts of a stay here.
Many of the rooms have been renovated, and guests often say they were impressed by how updated they are compared to the age of the building. The remodels manage to modernize things without losing the vintage hotel character.
Standard rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Keurig coffeemakers. Some updated rooms also offer plenty of modern power outlets, which road trippers with phones and tablets will appreciate.
Beds and pillows earn steady praise for comfort, and many guests mention a good night of sleep. A few found their mattress on the firm side, so preferences vary.
Room sizes are of their era. Some are cozy, and one couple found their narrow room made reaching the far side of the bed a bit of a climb.
Cleanliness comes up often in a positive way. The overall takeaway is clear: simple, functional, and better than many expect from a 1929 building.
The Famous Tiny Bathrooms
Every historic hotel has its quirk, and here it lives behind a sliding door. The bathrooms are the stuff of road trip stories.
Several guests compare them to the bathroom in an RV. One traveler described searching the room for a bathroom, briefly worrying it might be shared down the hall, before finding a barn-style sliding door hiding a very small water closet.
Sizes vary from room to room, ranging from tight to slightly roomier. Some sinks are petite, and some showers leave little space to turn around.
On the bright side, they are frequently described as spotless and nicely redone. A few rooms even have large tubs, though one guest found the plug did not hold water well.
Water temperature can take a few minutes to settle in some rooms. That is part of life in a building from the 1920s.
A helpful tip from experienced guests is to ask at the front desk when checking in if bathroom size matters to you. A quick question can lead to a better fit.
Suites With Room to Spread Out
Traveling with family or staying more than a night? The suites offer a different kind of stay.
Suites add sitting areas, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Those extras make it easier to keep snacks on hand during a longer visit.
Upgraded suites go further with living rooms, kitchenettes, and whirlpool tubs. Family suites are also on the menu for groups who need more space.
Room service is available, which helps after a full day of driving or sightseeing. Some guests also note how quiet the upper floors can be once the door closes.
Height brings a bonus here. Guests on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors mention views over historic downtown Ely and the landscapes beyond.
For a road trip crew tired of squeezing into one standard room, the suites can be worth a look. Book early if you have your heart set on one.
A Casino With Mining Town Roots
Lucky streak or not, the casino is the beating heart of the ground floor. It is the most mentioned feature of the entire hotel.
Rows of slot machines fill the space, and there are lots of options to choose from. Keno is also available for those who prefer a slower game.
Guests describe the casino as old mining town style rather than flashy. It feels local, relaxed, and a world away from the big resorts of the south.
Many say the casino area is clean and well watched, with security cameras throughout. Others note that the lobby and casino entry feel worn and carry the scent of smoking, which can drift toward lower rooms.
That is worth knowing for anyone sensitive to it. Guests on higher floors say the upper levels escape most of it.
Even those who never place a bet tend to enjoy strolling through. It is part of the hotel’s identity and a slice of classic Nevada.
Feeding Travelers Day and Night
Food has always been part of the deal here. A 24-hour restaurant on site has long kept hungry drivers going at odd hours.
For years that spot was a Denny’s, and many longtime guests remember it fondly. In 2026 it closed with little notice, and the hotel began revamping the space into a new coffee shop and diner.
The restaurant that followed has drawn mixed feedback. Some guests enjoyed the breakfast menu and friendly service, while others ran into long waits on busy nights.
Free breakfast is listed among the hotel’s perks, which helps stretch a travel budget. It is smart to confirm current hours and options at the front desk, since things have been changing.
Across the street, more dining choices are within easy reach. One nearby spot in a former jailhouse is a popular pick among guests.
The kitchen story is still being written. Checking ahead keeps any surprises pleasant ones.
Small Perks, Big Welcome
Little gestures add up on a long trip. At check-in, many guests receive drink vouchers for the bar, a small touch that gets noticed.
A 24/7 sports bar keeps the evenings lively for those who want to catch a game. It sits alongside the casino on the main floor.
Staff warmth comes up again and again. Words like friendly, polite, and informative pop up across many stays.
The hotel is also pet-friendly, and some guests call it very welcoming to four-legged travelers. That makes it a solid choice for road trippers who bring the dog along.
Other amenities include free parking, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a fitness center, a pool, an airport shuttle, and meeting and event space. The hotel is also listed as accessible.
One note: daily housekeeping is not always provided. Guests staying several nights may want to ask about it at check-in.
Who Sleeps Well Here
Not every hotel suits every traveler, and this one is honest about its character. Knowing the fit helps set the right expectations.
Solo travelers often find the rooms perfect for one, with everything needed at an easy price. History lovers enjoy the memorabilia and the chance to stay in a 1929 landmark.
Road trippers moving between Las Vegas and Twin Falls frequently use it as a stopover. Railroad fans come for the nearby museum and appreciate the downtown base.
Light sleepers should plan a little. Some noise drifts up after hours, though it tends to calm down after about 10 p.m., and some hear the elevator.
Upper floors are usually quieter. Street lights across the way can slip past the blinds, so an eye mask may be handy.
Travelers who want sleek luxury may feel let down. Those who enjoy character, value, and a bit of old Nevada usually leave happy.
Rails, Parks, and Mountains Nearby
The hotel makes a handy launchpad for exploring. Several attractions sit a short drive or walk away.
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is about 2 miles from the hotel. Many guests book here specifically to see the railway while passing through.
Ward Mountain Recreation Area lies about 6 miles away for anyone wanting outdoor time. It adds a natural escape to a downtown stay.
On foot, Veterans Park and the old county courthouse are a few blocks east. Both are pleasant for strolling or walking a dog.
About four blocks west, another park offers a grandstand and a newer children’s playground. Community events like a free barbecue with local bands have taken place there.
Road construction out front has closed some sidewalks recently, with work expected to wrap up around mid-2026. Once finished, the area should be even easier to explore.
The Verdict on a Classic Stop
Ninety-plus years is a long time to keep the lights on. Few roadside hotels can claim that kind of staying power.
Rates start around $59 a night, though prices can climb depending on the room and dates. Many guests call it a great value, especially in such a small town.
The hotel holds a 4.1-star standing from more than 1,500 guests. Common praise centers on the renovated rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and historic feel.
The trade-offs are real. Tiny bathrooms, a worn lobby, smoking in the casino area, and a changing restaurant situation are all part of the picture.
For travelers who value charm over polish, those quirks become part of the story they tell later. Parking is free, Wi-Fi is free, and the downtown spot is hard to beat.
This is not a resort, and it never pretends to be. It is a 1929 original that still welcomes highway travelers with a bed and a story, and that is exactly its appeal.
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