Travelers come from all over the world to visit Yosemite National Park, and depending on their road trip route they may pass through the city of Merced. Located in California’s Central Valley, the area is best known for agriculture, but the city’s downtown offers a fun look back in time and the best way to take it all in is with a stay at the El Capitan Hotel.
Historic Hotel
A quick history lesson will help set the stage to truly appreciate a stay here. The El Capitan hotel was originally built in 1872, but it was razed in 1900, to make way for a railroad station. In 1912, the hotel was rebuilt in its current location, but the El Capitan that welcomes today’s travelers made its grand debut in 2021. It’s a combination of the original, but beautifully modernized hotel, and neighboring buildings that were transformed from retail space to charming accommodations.
If you take the time to look, you’ll find nods to the hotel’s history hidden in plain view. From the train station inspired seating in the lobby, to the bench by elevator constructed using railroad ties. Artwork throughout the hotel celebrates the diversity and history of California’s Central Valley; ask the front desk for an art map and enjoy a colorful, self-guided tour.
Main Street Rooms
The turn of the century property in downtown Merced features 114 rooms. I stayed in a Main Street King room on the 4th floor.The custom forest wallpaper behind the king bed combined with textured, deep green carpeting set the vibe for an enjoyable night’s stay in the gateway to Yosemite.
One nightstand in the room was traditional, the other a bit more modern. A freestanding closet provided storage space as well as a place for bathrobes, a small refrigerator, electric tea kettle, and coffee and tea supplies. The bathroom featured a generous vanity with one sink, walk-in shower, and toilet.
Arbor Lane Rooms
A credit to the detailed renovations, it’s difficult to know where the original, historic section of the hotel begins or ends. For the average guest, the best way to tell is by looking at the guestrooms.
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All Arbor Lane rooms are located in the original hotel. While the footprints remain true to the building’s history, all rooms were stripped down to the studs during construction so they offer the same modern conveniences as the Main Street rooms, as well as fun period touches including a retro-styled phone and record player. Guests can borrow their favorite albums from an extensive collection kept at the front desk.
Instead of towering trees, the custom wallpaper in Arbor Lane rooms feature illustrations of other historic landmarks in Merced.
Varied Dining Lineup
The boutique property features a trio of dining options. Signature restaurant Rainbird, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu selections focus on seasonal, local ingredients; offerings might include ricotta pancakes with wild blueberry compote, a roasted beet and chevre salad, or a foraged wild mushroom risotto. The more casual Native Son provides grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, soups, and wraps, as well as a full-service bar.
A few steps down the street, Mainzer, a restored historic theatre dating back to the early 1920s, offers comfort food including burgers and French fries loaded with cheese and bacon, as well as specialty cocktails, and a plethora of beers on tap. Along with enjoying live music and movies, diners can play skeeball, foosball, and ping pong. A sister property of El Capitan, hotel guests can sign Mainzer charges to their room.
The hotel features a spacious 24/7 fitness center with a variety of equipment including a pair of Peloton spin bikes, but those looking to raise their heart rate should consider exploring Yosemite National Park. It’s about an 80-mile drive to reach the park, but from downtown Merced, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System, better known as YARTS, takes outdoor lovers to the park for $45 round trip. All YARTS tickets cover the entrance fee to Yosemite.
San Francisco International Airport is a 133-mile drive; Merced Regional Airport is less than three miles from the hotel.
The starting rate for a Main Street King room at El Capitan Hotel is $139. Wi-Fi is complimentary. Valet parking is available for a fee; self-parking in the hotel’s garage about a block away is free. You can compare rates and book your room through Booking.com or your favorite hotel booking site.
Dogs are welcome here. There is a one-time $35 fee that includes treats, a toy, and dog waste bags.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by El Capitan Hotel, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
