The historic Hotel Paisano in downtown Marfa is under contract to be sold to new owners, according to confirmations obtained by Big Bend Times, though the identity of the buyers has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Big Bend Times contacted both the Hotel Paisano and the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn — properties that have been associated with the same ownership group — to clarify the status of the sale.
Staff at the Hotel Paisano confirmed that the property will change ownership but said they did not yet know who the new owners would be.
Meanwhile, representatives at the Hotel El Capitan confirmed their hotel has not been sold and remains under its current ownership. They also indicated they were aware the Paisano had been in the process of being sold and understood that the transaction had been completed, but likewise did not have information about the new ownership group.
The Hotel Paisano, located at 207 North Highland Avenue, is one of the most recognizable historic landmarks in the Big Bend region. Designed by noted architect Henry Trost and opened in 1930, the Spanish Colonial Revival property has long been a centerpiece of Marfa’s tourism economy and cultural identity. The hotel is perhaps best known nationally for hosting the cast and crew of the 1956 film Giant, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, during production in the region.
Ownership changes at the Paisano are closely watched locally because of the hotel’s role in Marfa’s hospitality sector and its economic impact on downtown businesses. Any future renovations, repositioning, or operational changes could influence tourism patterns in the city.
As of publication, no public announcements have been made regarding the new owners’ plans for the property.
Big Bend Times will continue to report updates as more information becomes available.
