Merced’s El Capitan Hotel is a lot more than a pit-stop. Located midway between the Bay Area and the nearby Yosemite National Park, “El Capitan Hotel was originally constructed in 1872, built adjacent to the railroad tracks by the Central Pacific Railroad Company at Merced’s 16th and N Streets to serve train passengers en route to Yosemite,” recounts Robin Donovan, Managing Director of El Capitan Hotel. “In 1900, the hotel was sold to a group of local investors and razed to make room for a new train depot, with plans to rebuild. After some financial delays, El Capitan Hotel was rebuilt in its current location in 1912 on Main and M Streets in Downtown Merced,” Donovan explains. With 90 rooms, it was the largest hotel in the area, which is a bragging right it retains even today.

A new annex was added to the hotel in 1924, adding 33 rooms. However, “a fire destroyed most of the main building in 1931,” Donovan goes on. “El Capitan reopened in 1936, with the new annex as the main hotel. It continued to serve as a hotel throughout its storied history. In 2021, the hotel reopened after a full renovation as it stands today, with its restored, historically preserved Arbor Lane Wing and the newly built Main Street Wing. The hotel takes its name from Yosemite National Park’s stunning vertical rock formation, which translates to ‘The Chief’ or ‘The Captain’ in English.” The 114 rooms and suites of the hotel feature chicly furnished spacious layouts with modernized amenities.

It’s easy to see how the hotel’s design draws from the golden warmth of the surrounding area and reflects the frontier spirit of Merced’s storied past as a Western railroad hub. “The guest rooms use natural, hand-crafted materials and textures to reflect the surrounding landscape and draw the outside in. Architectural elements inspired by 19th century train depots underscore the history of Merced, and artwork celebrating the agricultural and cultural traditions of the region add finishing touches to the accommodations,” elaborates Donovan. El Capitan wholeheartedly honors its roots while contributing to the current community and planning for Merced’s future.

“Impact is a key pillar for El Capitan Hotel,” Donovan asserts, so much so that it has had a Director of Impact since the 2021 relaunch. It supports the Merced community through a variety of programs and initiatives year-round. “The Community Love Room Donation program allows guests to book a future stay and have $10 from each room per night benefit a local charity that changes each month.” Donovan shares. El Capitan supports several local programs that offer education and training opportunities in the hospitality industry, including Hospitality Career Academy, Vocational Education Housekeeping Program, and Restore Merced. Under the hotel’s management and located on the other end of the block, the recently restored, historic Mainzer Theater regularly hosts inclusive community events, live entertainment, and movie screenings.

Food is another pillar of El Capitan Hotel’s entertainment and attractions. Chief among them is the Rainbird restaurant, which debuted expanded hours and updated menus by its newly appointed Executive Chef, Evan Morrison, in January 2024. “The dining destination, which originally opened its doors in February 2022, transitioned from prix-fixe tasting menus for dinner and brunch to daily a-la-carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings. The refreshed menus continue to feature artisanal fare, wine, and spirits that pay homage to the ranchers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, distillers, and winemakers that have re-fashioned Merced and the Central Valley into one of California’s best-kept epicurean secrets. Rainbird is open every day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with special holiday brunches on occasion,” says Donovan.

In fact, “In the first-ever Michelin Guide for hotels, announced in Spring 2024, El Capitan Hotel is featured as a recommended property,” Donovan proudly reveals as one of the many accolades earned by the restaurant. “The hotel was named a finalist in the 18th annual Hospitality Design HD Awards in the ‘Midscale Hotel Public Space Category.’ Its signature restaurant, Rainbird, received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2023, recognizing the restaurant’s well-chosen selection of wines. Rainbird also received a Sunset Travel Award from Sunset Magazine in 2022 for its transcendent menu, establishing it as one of the best in the West.”

Three other culinary establishments are available to patrons. Mainzer, open daily for lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends, offers elevated American comfort food along with craft cocktails, a self-serve beer wall, and Happy Hours from Sunday to Wednesday. Native Son is the hotel’s on-site coffee shop, open daily for coffee and cocktails with grab-and-go bites available. EC Courtyard, positioned on the ground floor, is open seasonally from Tuesday to Saturday and offers Rainbird’s menu with a full bar, served al fresco in a garden setting.

In line with their community involvement mantra, El Capitan’s restaurants consistently organize food and drink pairings and other events that bring together Merced’s residents. “Rainbird regularly holds collaborative wine dinners with regional wineries and holiday brunches for Mother’s Day, Easter, and more,” explains Donovan. “Mainzer hosts themed brunches, beer dinners, drag shows, movie nights, live concerts, Pride Month happenings, and various other offerings,” such as live entertainment while dining, from bands to drag shows to DJ sets. “EC Courtyard, open seasonally, has jazz nights on select evenings.” Even Bobby’s Market, a quaint store on the main floor, offers a selection of snacks and local wares.

El Capitan has draws for locals and destination-seekers alike. Some 3,328 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space make it ideal for destination weddings, corporate meetings, and special celebrations, especially given its location in the heart of Downtown Merced. Several of its booking offers cater to guest preferences, such as the Community Love package for local charities; the Lo-Cals Only package for staycations; and the collaborative Lasting Adventures package, which provides local adventure guide service. For those who like to maintain their workout routines while away, El Capitan has a 24-hour access fitness center. The hotel is also pet-friendly.

“El Capitan Hotel is truly a Central Valley original, with its history, dedication to impact, and impressive culinary and wine offerings,” believes Donovan. Rainbird became the first-of-its-kind fine dining restaurant in the region and continues to impress and evolve. Each of the hotel’s restaurants prepares artisanal fare and cocktails that pay homage to the makers who have refashioned Merced into one of California’s best-kept foodie secrets. With thoughtful touches, such as in-room record players and access to a selection of records in the lobby, as well as pour-over coffee service, a steamer, and premium bath products in each room, guests might never want to leave their rooms. But at El Capitan, anyone can explore the great outdoors and then retreat to the comforts of what is surely the perfect wanderlust home-base

209.383.1234

609 West Main Street
Merced, CA 95340

www.elcapitanhotelmerced.com
@elcapitanmerced

Photographer El Capitan Hotel & Tanveer Badal