Like its namesake in Yosemite National Park, the El Capitan Hotel has risen up in downtown Merced, offering guests a new level of grandeur and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to experience the JdV by Hyatt brand’s inclusive spirit and joy-driven service through this new chapter in the hotel’s history,” said Robin Donovan, managing director of El Capitan and Mainzer. “There is so much to discover in Merced from the charm of the town’s classic American Main Street to the surrounding farms and vineyards. We’re opening during a unique time, but El Capitan has been a beacon in this community offering access to comfort and adventure for more than 100 years and that is a tradition we’re excited to expand upon.” 

El Capitan’s 114-guestrooms, including three one-bedroom suites and nine junior suites, are spread across the restored Arbor Lane Wing and newly constructed Main Street Wing. El Capitan’s Arbor Lane guestrooms offer whimsical elements including custom wallpaper highlighting local historic landmarks, old-fashioned telephones and record players in each room. In the spirit of connecting guests to the local neighborhood, the hotel also offers a continually updated library of vinyl from Tigers and Daggers Records, located one block away from the hotel.

Every architectural and design element inside the hotel was carefully planned out with the overall goal of making guests feel comfortable. The design took inspiration from Merced’s history with the railroads and celebrates the beauty and splendor of both Yosemite and the Central Valley. Creations from local artists that pay homage to the agricultural and cultural traditions of the region adds the finishing touches to accommodations.  

El Capitan offers three distinct dining experiences that all call upon the bounty of the Central Valley, a region famous for producing more than a quarter of the nation’s food. The casually chic Native Son, named for the famed climbing route in Yosemite National Park, is a casual 30-seat outlet that transitions from a café during the day to a free-spirited, community bar in the evening. The open-air Courtyard entices guests with a relaxed dining and drinking experience centered around a custom bar set in a retrofitted horse trailer. Bathed in the California sunshine, The Courtyard is perfect for an afternoon cocktail or light bite. Rainbird, the property’s signature restaurant, will debut in summer 2021 with destination-worthy dining from Chef Quentin Garcia highlighting Merced’s agricultural abundance to produce meals that reflect the unique flavors of the location.

 Bobby’s Market, located in El Capitan, will open in late-spring 2021 with a curated Central Valley artisan experience and a tastefully updated version of the classic mercantile. Featuring a selection of locally made products, travel essentials and handmade goods the market will also include a “build-your-own” trail mix bar with locally grown nuts and fruits.

El Capitan offers more than 3,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and event spaces, spread across three indoor and one outdoor space. The Courtyard is a unique and flexible outdoor venue for weddings and social events in the California sunshine. The Sentinel is an upscale room that can be used for events with a dining option. Joe’s Boardroom offers users a space with the latest technology and the Drawing Room is a meeting space designed to inspire creativity.

For guests wanting to workout, El Capitan has a fitness center with Peloton equipment.

Just steps from the hotel, Mainzer, a recently renovated and reopened theatre dating back to the early 1920s, offers live performances, movies and entertainment coupled with a lively bar and restaurant.

To book a room at El Capitan visit www.hyatt.com or call (209) 383-1234.