The Paisano was for the most part a cattleman's hotel for its first 40 years. Ranchers from all over the area had business meetings here and bought and sold their herds from the lobby of the hotel. The railroad depot was two blocks away so many rail travelers stopped in for a night in their travels between California and San Antonio. The hotel was also the prime location for social events within a 100 mile radius of Marfa. Many weddings, parties, receptions, proms and meetings were held at the Paisano.

In 1955 Warner Brothers chose Marfa as the location for the filming of the epic movie Giant. In June of that year the cast and crew including James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson made the hotel their headquarters. Today, the hotel still has many visitors that come to see and remember Giant. James Dean's hotel room here is one of the most popular that we have to offer. In July 2005 the Chamber of Commerce is having a 50th anniversary celebration of the movie with hopes to attract some of the stars from the movie.

The hotel closed in the late 1970's as a working hotel. In 2001 the building was purchased with plans to be restored back into its 1930's splendor. After three years of renovations we now have 33 rooms and suites available for the public. Like in the 1930's the Hotel Paisano is again becoming a destination in and of itself in far west Texas for guests visiting local art foundations, (The Chinati Foundation), the Marfa Mystery Lights , Big Bend National Park, Mexico, and attractions such as McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, and the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop Highway .

The hotel offers a banquet room that seats 100, a full service bar, and private meeting and conference area. Also, an indoor swimming pool, shopping and a "Giant" memorabilia room with the movie playing continuously. Please check with reservations for availability.