This Approachable Hotel Is A Chic Homebase in Merced, California
16.12.2023 - 14:29
/ matadornetwork.com
“Adventurous” is a key adjective to describe the vibes inside the historic but revitalized El Capitan Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Merced, California. This hotel features 114 guestrooms — including three one-bedroom suites and nine junior suites set amongst a restored “Arbor Lane” Wing and a brand new “Main Street” Wing.
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The boutique property feels distinctly modern while paying homage to its original inspiration — a historic, turn-of-the-century building of the same name that was built to serve train passengers and guests traveling to Yosemite National Park. The adjacent historic train depot inspires the architectural and design elements experienced throughout the property, especially in the lobby and common spaces.
Photo: Tanveer Badal
Visitors can enjoy relaxed, elegant, and eclectic vibes on-site — this spot could even be its own experience as a standout destination in town. The artsiness and sophistication sensed within the walls are approachable for locals and visitors curious about spending time inside.
When I spent the night on a weekend in November of 2023, everyone I encountered at the property and its onsite restaurant, Mainzer, was friendly and helpful. They seemed passionate about their community and welcoming to visitors. A sense of wistfulness for a simpler time can be felt within the rooms, but the amenities are so modern they don’t lack contemporary comforts. I loved getting a sense of the playful art on the walls throughout the property — the artwork is different in each guest room.
Our guest room featured a work depicting an astronaut standing tall, surrounded by a glowing field of sunflowers — which, for some reason, made me feel like a starry-eyed child and a wise elderly woman at the same time.
The property is designed to celebrate locals and visitors alike — meaning programming that can recognize the diversity of this agricultural region’s cultural and professional traditions and evoke the feeling of whimsiness and interconnectedness that comes with spending time soaking in nature and fresh air outside. The Central Valley is, after all, known for producing more than a quarter of the United States’ food.
Merced itself is known as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” and this hotel, which is located just over 80 miles from the park along Highway 140 through the scenic Merced River Canyon, can be a great basecamp for exploring this internationally renowned national park.
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Photo: Tanveer Badal
Guestrooms at the El Capitan Hotel are influenced by the warmth and agricultural