O.T. Bassett Tower - Image 1
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O.T. Bassett Tower

4.5
Β·19 reviewsΒ·El Paso, United States

A 15-story Art Deco masterpiece in Downtown El Paso, the O.T. Bassett Tower captivates with its geometric design and golden crown.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour paints the tower beautifully.

CrowdMedium
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O.T. Bassett Tower - Image 1

O.T. Bassett Tower

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour paints the tower beautifully.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 15-story Art Deco masterpiece in Downtown El Paso, the O.T. Bassett Tower captivates with its geometric design and golden crown.

4.5
(19 reviews)

"This Art Deco jewel piercing the El Paso skyline since 1930 is a classic of vertical elegance."

Vertical photo
TIP

πŸ“Έ Capture the Crown

The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow.

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Explore Downtown

Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 Β· 19 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco Architecture

Marvel at the intricate geometric ornamentation and setbacks of this 1930s masterpiece.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Experience breathtaking vistas of El Paso and beyond from the tower's vantage points.

Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Discover the tower's legacy as one of El Paso's early skyscrapers and a symbol of its growth.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Art Deco Charm

The O.T. Bassett Tower is a stunning Art Deco skyscraper, a true gem of Downtown El Paso. Built in 1930, it offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural past. Plan your visit to appreciate its intricate details and historical significance.

Downtown El Paso's Pulse

While the tower itself is a landmark, its surrounding downtown area is experiencing a revival. Explore nearby attractions and restaurants to get a full feel for the city's evolving urban landscape. Consider how to best navigate downtown for a complete experience.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour paints the tower beautifully.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for a peaceful visit.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The views of the O.T. Bassett Tower. . . . . . . #elpasotexas #elpasovideographer #elpasophotography #elpasoproud #elpaso411 #elpasotx #elpasophotographer #lascruces #lascrucesnm #lascruesphotography #beforeandafter #lightroom #915 #915photographer #915photography #915videographer #go3 #insta360go3 #fyp
@andrew.lara915
33 likes β€’ 373 views

πŸ“Έ Capture the Crown

The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow. TikTokInstagram

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Explore Downtown

Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience. Reddit

El Paso is amazing! #elpasotx #elpasostrong #elpasoproud #downtownelpaso #texas #otbassetttower #westarbank #aloftelpaso #topgolfelpaso
@jorg56789
34 likes β€’ 812 views
The views of the O.T. Bassett Tower. . . . . . . #elpasotexas #elpasovideographer #elpasophotography #elpasoproud #elpaso411 #elpasotx #elpasophotographer #lascruces #lascrucesnm #lascruesphotography #go3 #insta360go3 #insta360 #kondorblue
andrewlara915
33 likes β€’ 672 views

🏨 Consider a Stay

Some visitors enjoy staying at the tower itself for a unique historical lodging experience. Reddit

πŸš— Transportation Tips

Utilize ride-sharing services or public transport to navigate downtown El Paso easily. Reddit

The O.T. Bassett Tower is an Art Deco skyscraper located at 303 Texas Avenue in Downtown El Paso, Texas. It was built by Charles N. Bassett, who named it in honor of his father. The tower was designed by Trost & Trost and completed in 1930, making it one of Henry Trost's last commissions. It was briefly the tallest building in the city but was surpassed later the same year by the Hilton Hotel. T...
nationalterrazzo
19 likes β€’ 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

πŸ“Έ Capture the Crown

The golden tile crown is a signature feature; aim for photos during golden hour for a magical glow. TikTokInstagram

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Explore Downtown

Combine your visit with exploring nearby landmarks and restaurants for a full downtown experience. Reddit

🏨 Consider a Stay

Some visitors enjoy staying at the tower itself for a unique historical lodging experience. Reddit

πŸš— Transportation Tips

Utilize ride-sharing services or public transport to navigate downtown El Paso easily. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(19 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the O.T. Bassett Tower for its stunning Art Deco architecture and historical significance, often highlighting its iconic golden crown. Many appreciate its role as a repurposed hotel, offering a unique stay. However, some note that the surrounding downtown area can feel quiet or lacking in vibrant activity, suggesting a need for more downtown development.

"I enjoyed my stay at the Bassett Tower. I spent a week in ELP to take care of personal business. I visited the Thanksgiving parade and walked downtown to visit the old landmarks. Yes, there used to be alligators in the San Jacinto plaza back in the 1950s."

DA Los Angeles

"Very nice staff always willing to help, nice rooms, needs microwave and better TV remote it sucked! All in all we had a great stay and will stay here again. El Paso needs more of a downtown experience like San Antonio and other places, it's literally dead."

Chris Pierce

"Nice hotel, clean rooms and showers, staff was nice, and area is convenient with busses and tramcar routes. The restaurant next-door Meza is great and can be entered without leaving the building"

Dan Mags

What People Like

Stunning Art Deco architecture
Iconic golden crown
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Quiet downtown area

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The O.T. Bassett Tower is located in Downtown El Paso. Many visitors find ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft convenient for reaching the downtown area. Public transportation, including bus routes and the El Paso Streetcar, also serves the downtown core, offering an affordable way to get around. Reddit

Parking in downtown El Paso can be challenging. There are several parking garages and street parking options available, but it's advisable to check availability and rates in advance. Some visitors recommend using ride-sharing to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, O.T. Bassett Tower is centrally located in downtown El Paso, making it walkable to many other attractions, museums, and restaurants. Exploring on foot is a great way to experience the revitalized downtown area. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to view the exterior and appreciate the architecture of the O.T. Bassett Tower is generally free. If you are staying at the hotel within the tower, access to common areas would be included. Reddit

As a historic building that also houses a hotel, the exterior is accessible at all times. For specific access to any interior public spaces or hotel amenities, it's best to check with the hotel directly. Reddit

There is no admission fee to admire the O.T. Bassett Tower from the outside and appreciate its iconic Art Deco design. TikTokInstagram

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

For stunning photos, aim for sunset or golden hour when the light casts a warm glow on the tower's golden crown. TikTokInstagram Weekday mornings can also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.

Experiment with different angles from street level to capture its full height. Looking up from the base emphasizes its grandeur, while shots from a distance showcase it within the El Paso skyline. TikTok

Generally, public photography of the exterior is permitted. However, if you plan to use professional equipment or shoot inside the hotel, it's wise to inquire with the hotel management beforehand. Instagram

🎫 πŸ™οΈ Onsite Experience

The tower is a great starting point for exploring Downtown El Paso. Visit nearby San Jacinto Plaza, the El Paso Museum of Art, or enjoy the dining options in the revitalized downtown area. TikTokReddit

Yes, the O.T. Bassett Tower has been repurposed and now houses a hotel, offering guests a unique historical lodging experience. InstagramReddit

The O.T. Bassett Tower is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, characterized by its geometric ornamentation, setbacks, and distinctive crown. Instagram+1

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