Hotel El Capitan

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.

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.

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

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.

Hotel El Capitan is a historic hotel that has been restored perfectly. We loved it. Our room 145 was very nice with a private patio. Bed is very comfortable. The bar and restaurant are very good and the staff friendly and efficient. Good value as well.