04/22/2026
This is an awesome historic hotel you need to visit coming or going from Red River. In the summer the Gristmill museum is definitely worth visiting. Did you know the Philmont Boy Philmont Scout Ranch isn’t just for Boy Scouts? Cimarron has many interesting places, take time to explore.
The St. James Hotel is open!
Many people continually ask me whether the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, NM, is still operating, and the answer is definitely yes! For over 150 years, this Old West Inn has welcomed guests—which is pretty remarkable. Recently, ‘M Vacation Properties & Resorts’ from Red River, NM, took over management. While adding their own touches, they respect the hotel’s historic heritage. You can book rooms in both the original section and the annex (which offers modern amenities), and the restaurant and saloon are open, staffed by a friendly team eager to serve you.
When visitors walk through the lobby for the first time, one of the things I have noticed is they often pause to take in the surroundings: the pressed tin ceiling, the antique chandelier (reportedly from the Maxwell house), the old doors and woodwork, and the creaky wooden floor—all creating an authentic historical atmosphere. It quickly becomes clear that this place has been operating for a very long time (since 1871) and witnessed a great deal of local history. Events like the Santa Fe Trail, Colfax County War, Maxwell Land Grant Company purchase, Reverend Tolby's assassination, shootouts involving Clay Allison and Pancho Griego, connections to the Santa Fe Ring, and the shooting of David Crockett or lynching of Cruz Vega all add to Cimarron's rich Old West past. The town’s history rivals that of Tombstone or Dodge City. According to legend, 26 men met their end at the St. James Hotel; my research for a book on the hotel’s history has documented 17 deaths—still impressive.
Staying at the St. James Hotel means experiencing Old West history, comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and warm service inside a remarkable 156-year-old American Western landmark. Plus, there’s a paranormal side to the hotel for those interested.
If you’d like to make reservations (and why wouldn’t you?), note that the old Express St. James website is no longer active; bookings are now available through the M Vacation Properties. Perhaps I’ll see you there and offer a tour of the hotel's history.
Website: https://mvacationproperties.com/
Email: [email protected]
or call 800-453-3498.
Books about the St. James Hotel in Cimarron, NM available on Amazon:
· The History of the St. James Hotel, Cimarron, New Mexico – by Kevin McDevitt
· Ghosts of the St. James Hotel, Cimarron, New Mexico – by Kevin McDevitt
Check out my interview with KENW PBS television on the history & paranormal side of the St. James Hotel @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dShH18Pv68c
