Nestled just two blocks off Interstate 10, Hotel El Capitan in Van Horn, Texas, provides a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Originally built in 1930 by the Gateway Hotel Chain, the establishment has been beautifully restored by Lanna and Joe Duncan, echoing its early 20th-century origins.
Hotel El Capitan, designed by the renowned architect Henry Trost, once served as a hub for travelers visiting the nearby national parks. After functioning as a bank for several decades, it has been brought back to life as a hotel. The building shares a floor plan with its sister hotel, The Hotel Paisano in Marfa, another Duncan-owned property.
The hotel boasts 49 newly renovated rooms, including twelve with French doors opening to private balconies or patios overlooking a charming courtyard. Each room features a European-style bathroom with black and white hexagon tile and high-quality Kohler fixtures, restored to mirror the original designs.
The property’s architectural details, such as European tile flooring, wrought iron banisters, and exposed Spanish vigas across the fourteen-foot-high ceilings, offer a glimpse into the past. The addition of modern facilities like an elevator that connects the basement to the rooftop “Eagle’s Nest” observatory enhances guest comfort.
Dining options include the Hotel El Capitan Restaurant, open daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and the Gopher Hole Bar, with its daily opening at 4:00 PM. Both venues celebrate local cuisine with dishes like Pistachio Fried Steak and Pecan Salmon, and feature a full bar with a selection of creative cocktails, Texas wines, and craft brews.
The hotel’s onsite gift shop sells local pecans, a key ingredient in their homemade Pecan Pie, a house favorite. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and have the option to dine in the pet-friendly courtyard.
For those interested in the history of the hotel, Joe Duncan highlights the discovery of hidden passageways and artifacts during renovations, which add to the mystique of the El Capitan.
As a venue for both dining and events, the Hotel El Capitan invites visitors and locals alike to experience its blend of historical charm and contemporary hospitality, making it a premier destination in far west Texas.
