Top suggestions for an El Paso ‘staycation’ during the Labor Day holiday weekend

EL PASO, Texas -- With Covid-19 restrictions and quarantines in place prohibiting mass gatherings and trips to New Mexico, El Paso tourism leaders say Labor Day weekend offers an opportunity to rediscover the city.

Since many out-of-town guests cancelled reservations for Borderland activities, here's your chance to stay safe and have fun by getting out of your own home and escaping to a different reality for the holiday weekend.

Get a change of scenery with a hotel or Airbnb getaway

• Airbnb: Offers a variety of El Paso vacation home listings for all tastes and styles beyond just the famed Harry Potter-themed Airbnb in central El Paso.
• Hotel Indigo: Roaming around this downtown hotel property could make you feel like you're in another city, plus it has a rooftop pool.
• Courtyard by Marriott Downtown: Impressive views of the city, particularly at night. It also has a bistro along with a rooftop pool.
• DoubleTree by Hilton: You can wake up admiring scenic views of downtown El Paso, Juarez, and Southwest University Park. It also has a Mediterranean-influenced terrace.
• Plaza Hotel: Restored and renovated elegant downtown hotel with lots of history, artwork from Mexican and Texas artists, and a nice rooftop.
• Stanton House: This boutique-style downtown hotel has upscale dining along with a relaxing spa.
• Staybridge Suites: Some say this airport hotel is known for having one of the best breakfasts you'll find.
• Wyndham Airport Hotel: This hotel offers what is said to be the largest hotel swimming pool in El Paso.

Enjoy culinary delights at two outdoor dining locations

• Downtown Food Court: The 'Downtown Fresh Air Food Court' allows you to enjoy food from nearby restaurants al fresco. The food court on Mills Avenue at Mesa Street is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday.
• Airport Food Trucks: El Paso International Airport is offering what it calls 'Food Trucks on the Fly' in the short-term parking lot during the weekend (including Labor Day) from 4 to 11 p.m., with a wide variety of cuisine options from popular local food trucks in a socially-distanced environment.