The hotel was originally built in 1902 and was named the "Durlin Hotel," but a fire in 1921 destroyed most of the town's buildings, including the hotel. In 1924, the Hotel was rebuilt.

The eight-room hotel is the only historic two-story adobe building in Mohave County. In its early years, it was prosperous with local miners. Miners who visited the saloon would sign and date dollar bills and affix the bill to the wall. This is a tradition that continues today, with just about every open space covered in bills.

The hotel has seen it's share of famous people over the years. In 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stopped at the hotel during their honeymoon. 

Legend says the hotel and saloon is haunted by several ghosts. 

Today, the Oatman Hotel is open for business as a local watering hole as restaurant This is a must-visit attraction on historic Route 66.