The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, a landmark of the El Paso, Texas skyline, is set to reopen in early 2020 following a complete property renovation. Restorations are in the final stages, with 130 guest rooms, two new restaurants and about 7,600 square feet of meeting space soon to be available.
The art deco, high-rise hotel dates back to the 1930s, when it originally opened under the Hilton brand. The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park sits in the center of the city's art district, across from the El Paso Museum of Art and overlooking the San Jacinto Plaza. The Judson F. Williams Convention Center is just down the street.
Perched on the 17th floor is the hotel's crown jewel, the La Perla Rooftop Bar. The bar offers sweeping views of the surrounding city, Rocky Mountains and Mexico border. On the menu will be seafood-driven dishes, such as guacamole with sea urchin and octopus ceviche. The Amber Restaurant and Lobby Bar will serve wood-fired ancient Mexican recipes with a local twist. Guests can pair handmade tortillas and grilled meats with mezcal and other Mexican spirits.
Wolfgang Jonas, who oversaw the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows and has more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed general manager. Meanwhile, chef Andrés Padilla will head up the hotel's food-and-beverage experience. Padilla is a decorated chef with extensive experience in regional Mexican cuisine. While serving as the chef de cuisine at Chicago's Topolobampo restaurant, he received and maintained a Michelin Star in 2011 and was awarded the Chicago Tribune's Dining Award in 2015.