Merced hotel ranked among top 20 in Northern California. What makes it ‘amazing’?
A Merced hotel is one of the best places to stay in Northern California, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
El Capitan Hotel in downtown Merced landed on the publication’s list of the Top 20 Hotels in Northern California as part of the 2024 Readers Choice Awards.
“Northern California ... is home to iconic nature and hotels worthy of the views,” Condé Nast Traveler said.
The company announced the award winners on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
What makes Merced hotel one of the best in Northern California?
El Capitan Hotel, 609 West Main St. in Merced, was No. 13 on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best hotels in Northern California, with a score of 95.93 out of 100.
The hotel, which celebrated its grand opening in 2021 after undergoing renovations, features 114 guest rooms as well as courtyard, a 24-hour fitness center and 5,429 square feet of event space, according to its website.
The hotel described itself as “a better interpretation of a road-trip pit stop” that’s ideal for travelers “seeking boutique hotels or luxury vacation options.”
Guests can dine at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Rainbird, and sip coffee or cocktails at all-day cafe Native Son or enjoy upscale American comfort food and drinks at Mainzer, a restored 1938 movie theater with a beer wall featuring 20 rotating taps.
Snacks and locally sourced products are available at Bobby’s Market.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized for the first time in our storied history in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards,” Robin Donovan, managing director of El Capitan Hotel, said in a news release.
“We extend sincere gratitude to our guests for taking the time to share their experiences and show their support,” Donovan added. “Receiving this recognition is a testament to the passion, commitment to service and dedication to the Central Valley community.”
In 2024, Sunset magazine named El Capitan Hotel one of its top places to stay in California in 2024.
Also in 2024, Rainbird received a second consecutive Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine.
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What are room rates at El Capitan Hotel?
Room rates at El Capital Hotel in Merced range from $144 to $205 per night.
Suites are priced from $189 to $280 per night.
All rooms include a 49-inch flat-screen television, a laptop-sized safe, blackout curtain and individually controlled air conditioning and heating, plus other amenities.
What do travelers say about downtown inn?
El Capital Hotel has an overall rating of 4.5 stars on travel review website TripAdvisor.
In a five-star review of the hotel, one TripAdvisor user said they “loved staying at this hotel.”
“Everyone was so welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly,” they wrote. “The hotel was clean and tidy. The valet service was a really nice offering, so convenient.”
Another TripAdvisor reviewer praised the hotel’s “interior design and furnishings.”
“(My) room was amazing — from a very comfortable bed and pillows to spacious bathroom and great shower,” the reviewer wrote, also mentioning the “beautiful outdoor courtyard and nice bar.”
What are the top 10 hotels in Northern California?
These were the top 10 hotels in Northern California, according to Condé Nast Traveler:
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay
- Claremont Club and Spa in Berkeley
- The Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma
- Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay
- Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur
- Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville
- Vintage House at the Estate Yountville
- Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford
- Chateau du Sureau in Oakhurst
- Macarthur Place Hotel and Spa in Sonoma
How did Condé Nast Traveler come up with rankings?
Conde Nast Traveler readers cast a total of 575,048 votes as part of the publication’s 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey.
They voted for their favorite hotels, resorts, cruise lines, spas and more.
This story was originally published October 7, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Merced hotel ranked among top 20 in Northern California. What makes it ‘amazing’?."