Hotel El Capitan

Hotels
9.1 (549 reviews)
100 E Broadway , Van Horn , US

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Garden
Pets allowed
Laundry
Bar
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Historic charm
Friendly staff
Cons:
Poor dining experience
Luggage service issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.49
While most areas were neat, concerns about luggage and service could imply issues with maintaining cleanliness in high-traffic areas.
Service
9.96
Staff mentioned positively, especially the helpfulness of Anita in accommodating guests and their pets.
Location
9.5
Hotel is ideally located near popular attractions like Guadalupe Mountain State Park and Big Bend National Park.
Room Quality
9.45
Guests noted renovations and comfortable accommodations during their stay.
Amenities
9.48
Offers good amenities, including a fantastic restaurant and fast complimentary wifi.
Value for Money
8.94
Value perception affected by a poor dining experience, particularly regarding the quality of food versus price.
Food and Beverage
7.49
Mixed reviews about the restaurant; previous experiences were good but recent ones highlighted significant issues.
Overall Experience
9.46
Mostly positive experiences; however, a bad dining experience and service issues impacted overall satisfaction.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 23:42

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodations
Hotel El Capitan offers 5-star air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms even feature a terrace for a stunning view. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a fridge in every room for added comfort during their stay.

Delectable Dining Options
Indulge in American cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind with a drink at the hotel's bar. The perfect place to savor delicious meals and socialize with other guests.

Exceptional Service
The multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk are always ready to assist guests with valuable information about the area. Enjoy a seamless stay with their friendly service catering to your needs.

Book now to experience the epitome of luxury and hospitality at Hotel El Capitan.

Important information:

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.1
Based on 549 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.49
Service: 9.96
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 9.45
Amenities: 9.48
Value for Money: 8.94
Food and Beverage: 7.49
Overall Experience: 9.46
G
Gregory • extended_group • us
10
Pros:

I love the architecture and general aesthetic ("Spanish Revival," I think they call it?). I love the feeling of being in an old, historic building, not these cheap, modern, cookie-cutter hotels. I only wish the surrounding town was nicer. Those run-down shacks spoil your view. It would be worth while to put some pressure on the city of Van Horn to fix up the neighborhood, for tourist reasons.

2026-10-29 • via Nuitee
J
Janet • family_with_children • us
10
2026-10-29 • via Nuitee
S
Steven • couple • us
10
Great historic hotel
Pros:

All good including the restaurant.

2026-10-28 • via Nuitee
J
James B • couple • us
10
Hotel El Capitan - such a sweet experience
Pros:

Naturally the history - pueblo motif 1930’s in Van Horn Texas - to the ups and downs and thanks to those that believed and helped the property be to where it is today (modern yet keeping with yesterday’s flair) - the hotel staff (from check-in to dinner to check-out) - the room was exceptional - (a ceiling fan each above two comfortable queen beds with a double door entry to a small courtyard) - delicious dinner outdoors with live music in a quaint courtyard filled with plants and flowers throughout - an interesting gift shop - partly in a hallway and a small room with books caps shirts candles magnets and such (open 24 hrs pay at the front desk) - so happy to have chosen Hotel El Capitan for my son and myself night’s stay before trekking to highest natural point in Texas just down the road (1 hour) to Guadalupe National Park - oh and one side note - chocolate chip cookie offered at front desk upon checking in - thanks again y’all for this sweet experience …

Cons:

N/A

2026-10-24 • via Nuitee
E
Ernest • couple • us
10
If you are traveling along the I10, you have to stay in the Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn, TX. An absolute treat!
Pros:

Wonderful old (built in 1930) Railroad Hotel. Completely modernized, beautifully restored, excellent staff, wonderful food! One of the best, if not the best places to stay in West Texas. Immediately off the I10. Breakfast and Dinner in a delightful courtyard full of birds. Usually has live music in the evenings.

Cons:

Everything was great.

2026-10-23 • via Nuitee
I
Iván Rubio González • solo_traveller • es
9
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
S
steven • couple • us
10
I'd drive out of my way to stay there!!
Pros:

Beautiful hotel. Great staff. Cleanliness

Cons:

Nothing

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
A
Alford • couple • us
6
Water was off. We were not able to shower or flush toilets.
Pros:

Below average continental breakfast. Powered scrambled eggs. Waffle was nice. Sausage tasted old.

Cons:

More choices. Maybe boiled eggs. Bacon. Individual yogurt cups. Fruit of any kind.

2026-08-08 • via Nuitee
A
Alford • couple • us
9
2026-08-02 • via Nuitee
D
dianettew2026 • Solo travel
10
Absolute GEM!
Pros:

Talk about an oasis in the middle of nowhere! I couldn’t make it to El Paso with my two dogs and with pure luck found this beautiful little hotel. Pet friendly (as I sit at their restaurant, Henry’s, waiting for the dogs’ chicken order to arrive…) Anita at the front desk couldn’t have been kinder. The room is beautiful. The hotel is an absolute gem. Highly recommend.

2026-07-31 • via Tripadvisor
7
750russellt • Business • Tucson, Arizona
10
Historic Charm and Warmth
Pros:

We are very happy that we discovered Hotel El Capitan and stayed there this past week. The historic feeling has been amplified by the thoughtful renovation the hotel had. The staff were terrific and the entire experience was memorable and appreciated.

2026-07-25 • via Tripadvisor
V
Vickie • solo_traveller • us
9
Lovely, historic hotel. If only the town had a little more to offer of visitor.
Pros:

The decor touches featuring old photos and framed items was neat. I loved the courtyard in the fountain. I found the restaurant lighting to be a little harsh/bright. Fabulous breakfast spread that I got to enjoy before departing the next morning.

Cons:

A little tricky navigating my luggage from the car using your luggage cart and having to go around uneven surfaces to the front of the building. Perhaps some ramps from the parking lot to the rear hotel door, could be a solution in the future.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
E
et315 • Family • Austin, Texas
6
Front Desk Step Up
Pros:

The hotel is great with lot of character, nothing but praise for the value of such a gem. The rooms are clean and comfortable. The restaurant is superb. The waitresses are friendly and accommodating. We had a great quality meals, thank you chefs.

My one complain is the lack of approachability by the staff at the front desk. They do not smile or welcome you, they behave as if they are doing you a favor. They barely greet you and eye contact is minimal, its very unprofessional and uncomfortable. They set the standard for the experience we guest will have and they failed. If they do not want to welcome guest, they shouldn't be in the hospitality industry, more importantly, working the front desk of a hotel.

2026-07-16 • via Tripadvisor
S
S2620POlynnw • Family
10
Historic, clean and lovely
Pros:

This is a clean, beautiful, historic hotel with large rooms, comfortable beds and a healthy, fresh continental breakfast. Couldn't have asked for more and will be staying again!

2026-07-07 • via Tripadvisor
P
Paolo • solo_traveller • it
9
Must have! Top!
Pros:

Everything was perfect

2026-07-07 • via Nuitee
L
L3031NYnancyg • Couples • Marana, Arizona
10
Wonderful customer service and beautiful historic surroundings!
Pros:

Wonderful customer service and beautiful surroundings! We appreciated our friendly welcome! Our room was steps away from the lobby, and very quiet. The room wasn’t huge, but all of our luggage could be tucked out of the way. I liked sitting outside and enjoying the fountain area, it was rainy, but there were a couple benches by the door that were covered. They have a cute little retail shop with souvenirs, clothing items, sundries, and snacks. We had dinner in the hotel restaurant, it was amazing, I plan to review it separately. I was surprised by the included Breakfast, because others had said it was just a Continent Breakfast served in the Lobby. This was not the case during our stay, there a wonderful array of breakfast foods set up self serve in the Restaurant area. Staying in a beautiful historic building was just a few dollars more than staying in a generic place on motel row. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone traveling to the National Parks in the area.

2026-07-05 • via Tripadvisor
K
Karen • couple • us
10
Pros:

It is a beautiful hotel! Comfortable with excellent staff.

2026-06-26 • via Nuitee
J
Jean • couple • us
9
short, sweet and comfy
Pros:

Bathroom small, room clean, breakfast met the standard of most free hotel breakfast. H0tel has a restaurant which as probably the beast menu of any tin Van Horn.

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
J
Jerri • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
S
Steve • couple • us
10
2026-06-20 • via Nuitee