PLACERVILLE, CALIF (October 7, 2023) – Placerville could soon witness the development of its first new hotel in decades, as progress towards the construction of Mackinaw, a boutique hotel comprising 106 rooms, is steadily advancing. The only hurdle that remains is securing the necessary financing. Located at 3001 Jacquier Road, in the vicinity of Smith Flat and Jacquier roads, the Mackinaw Hotel will be built on the very spot where concrete foundations were previously laid almost two decades ago for another hotel project.
In January 2022, the Placerville Planning Commission granted unanimous approval for the establishment of a 106-room hotel at 3001 Jacquier Road, to be known as the Mackinaw Hotel. The anticipated opening date for the hotel was planned for the end of 2023.
Stacy Warner, Executive Vice President of Eat.Drink.Sleep, a San Diego-based development firm, mentioned that the project is currently undergoing final reviews by the city of Placerville, in order to obtain the necessary building permit. However, due to the challenging lending market, they have not yet commenced the process of seeking construction financing.
In recent years, Placerville has witnessed the proposal and approval of several hotel projects, as it serves as a gateway to renowned tourist destinations such as Apple Hill and South Lake Tahoe. Despite this, none of the previous proposals, including one on the same location as Mackinaw, were successfully realized. Eat.Drink.Sleep estimated in February 2022 that the overall expenses for the Mackinaw project would range from $20 million to $25 million, excluding the cost of land. However, construction prices have since risen, and with the increased interest rates from mid-2022 onwards, many developers have opted to delay or slow down their approved projects.
To give Mackinaw a boost, the Placerville City Council gave its approval last year to reimburse the developer, Eat.Drink.Sleep, for transient-occupancy taxes once the hotel is operational. This reimbursement amounts to a substantial $6 million over a span of 20 years. Eat.Drink.Sleep will collaborate with Apple Hill Hospitality LLC, the owner of the property, on the development of the Mackinaw Hotel.
The hotel will boast various enticing features, including the option of valet parking for guests. Furthermore, the upper stories of the hotel will feature an open-air deck with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. To cater to the needs of the guests, there will be a restaurant and bar area that not only offers a pleasant dining experience but also provides space for those seeking to get some work done. Additionally, the hotel will offer a state-of-the-art fitness center, which will include both indoor and outdoor components. It will also give guests the opportunity to rent road bikes, a first-of-its-kind amenity for Eat.Drink.Sleep at any of its locations. The Mackinaw Hotel will house dedicated restaurant space covering an impressive 830 square feet. Moreover, it will offer a vast 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space, as well as an additional 3,000 square feet of flexible outdoor space.
The hotel derives its name, Mackinaw, from the renowned figure Snowshoe Thompson, known as the father of California skiing. Snowshoe Thompson was instrumental in delivering the first silver mined from the Comstock Lode, as well as transporting mail between Placerville, California and Genoa, Nevada. During his expeditions, he wore a Mackinaw jacket to successfully navigate the challenging 7,500-foot pass.
The design of the hotel is carefully crafted not only to preserve the natural beauty of the site but also to maximize the awe-inspiring views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The hotel will feature elements of traditional stone and timber materials, which will be combined with a functional and stylish silhouette.
