Fantastic property located just off the 10 between San Antonio and Tucson in Van Horn, Texas. Not much going in town, but a perfect overnight stay while traveling. Hotel El Capitan is a little paradise with its beautiful courtyard, fantastic staff, and yummy options for dinner! Even got to enjoy some wonderful life music in the courtyard. Our room had a little courtyard and room was standard size, but bed was very comfortable and all we needed for overnight. Also love the option that they were dog friendly and very welcoming.

What a find. After three days of chain motels staying here was a pleasure. Yes my Deluxe King with Terrace was “cozy” but it was just fine. It’s the small touches...Real furniture, not Ikea, a desk, real glasses (not plastic cups), a terrace with two chairs and a table. Real silverware and crockery at brekkie instead of plastic and paper (albeit paper plates at brekkie). A fully controllable air-conditioner, ceiling fan and small on the wall TV (maybe 25 inches but there wasn’t any room for anything larger). Ear plugs in the beside table (which you won’t need) with a Gideon bible. Squeaky clean and well maintained. The hotel location could be described as the middle of nowhere but not out of town. Pretty much a stand-alone as you can see on Google maps. Hotel restaurant does not take reservations and the ice machine was inoperative...ice from the bar. No coffee maker in room but microwave. And the final positive differential from chain motels….soap that lathers, not just a greasy pad. A great place to stay.

The ambience, the food, the service, etc. I also liked the hotel in general. I have stayed at historic hotels and liked this one very much. The only problem is mentioned in "What didn't you like"

The shower. When you turned the water temperature control handle the water stayed cold for quite a while. Then, with a very slight increment, it became scalding hot. It was very difficult to adjust the control for to a comfortable water temperature. There is a problem with the shower in room 224. I suspect a defective control or something. This should be fixed for this room is used again.

My favorite parts of the hotel were the beautiful shady courtyard and the common areas inside, but the room was very comfortable and clean with updated furnishings as well. The guest room size is on the smaller side, but that's expected in a historic hotel. I would love to stay in one of the rooms with a balcony overlooking the courtyard next time. Remember that the hotel is next to the railroad tracks (because of its historical purpose), so if you think that may bother you, bring white noise. We ate dinner one night in the courtyard and it was so relaxing to hear the fountain not far from our table. The service was very good and our dinners were excellent as well. The free breakfast was sufficient to start the day with a full stomach. On the breakfast buffet, they offered breakfast tacos, scrambled eggs, Texas-shaped waffles, oatmeal, fruit, cereal, juice, coffee and I'm sure there was more. Everything in the lobby and adjoining spaces was cozy and comfortable. The vintage tiles throughout the property were gorgeous and it was a "sweet" surprise to have fresh-baked cookies available for guests at the front desk.

One downside was the size of the room, but I can live with that to enjoy the beauty of this lovely historical hotel. There were many comfortable options for reading and relaxing in the common areas. The only other minor thing is that the rice that came with the salmon dinner was very bland. Otherwise, I can't think of a thing.

Welcoming and friendly staff; beautiful, cozy lobby, sitting areas, and courtyard with fountain; very good restaurant within the hotel; comfortable beds; great free coffee in lobby.

Railroad tracks very close by with occasional loud train in the night. Free breakfast was pretty good, but hot component could have more variety daily, and scrambled eggs were burned 2/3 days.

Evening bar/restaurant was nice. Was crowded after awhile.

Received email that my reservation of a couple of months was modified. Called the hotel to change back to original dates & confirmed the two rooms. Upon check in we were only given one room. Checked online to get another room, but no vacancy. Used booking.com, so I am not sure if this mix up was because of using third party or the hotel staff.

I stay in Van Horn somewhat regularly driving between Phoenix and Houston, and I have always wanted to stay here and I am so glad I finally did! The El Capitan is a wonderful little gem and provides a lovely oasis in a very barren surrounding. Hopefully I'll get to stay here again someday.

There really wasn't anything wrong. The TV is a little small for that size of a room

This is a beautiful hotel with lots of history. As a bonus, the beds are super comfortable. If you don’t want to camp but you want to see Guadalupe Mountains National Park, this is a great place to stay.

Van Horn has a limited selection of restaurants.

We loved the jalapeno margaritas! The lobby is beautiful, and we enjoyed relaxing there with an after-dinner drink. Our bed was really comfy; I slept really well. Every one was very nice and helpful. We would definitely recommend and stay again. ourselves.

Breakfast was the only let down for the entire stay. The sandwiches were dry and partially cold. I wish I would have known that there were rooms with private balconies when I reserved. We were disappointed we didn't get one, but that was probably my fault when i booked for not looking at all your room choices.

El Capitan is brimming with charm and elegance. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. Our room felt quiet private, and our personal patio was a delightful surprise. The fountain in the courtyard created an oasis.

I wish I could have seen the basement level back when it had secret passages and the speakeasy.