See all properties

El Capitan Hotel

4.0 star property
Hotel with 3 restaurants, 7-minute walk to Merced County Courthouse Museum
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for El Capitan Hotel

Indoor wedding
Meeting facility
1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe
Exterior detail
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Bar

Explore the area

View in a map
609 W MAIN STREET, Merced, CA, 95340
  • Place, Merced County Courthouse Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Applegate Park Zoo
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, Merced County Fairgrounds
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal)
    ‪9 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members
Learn more about VIP AccessOpens in a new window

Room options

View all photos for Arbor Lane Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Arbor Lane Queen

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Arbor Lane King

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Arbor Lane King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(33 reviews)
  • 302 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Main Street King

Main Street King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Main Street King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(23 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Main Street Double Queen

Main Street Double Queen | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Main Street Double Queen

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(19 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Junior Suite

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite

Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite - Accessible

1 bedroom, premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe

Suite - Accessible

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Merced

Merced County Courthouse Museum is a short stroll from El Capitan Hotel, and other popular attractions like Mercy General Hospital are within a mile (2 km). This 4-star hotel has 114 rooms and welcomes guests with 3 restaurants, a 24-hour gym, and a 24-hour business center.

What's nearby

  • Regal Hollywood - Merced - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Merced County Courthouse Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Applegate Park Zoo - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Mercy General Hospital - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Merced County Fairgrounds - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • Merced Station - 14 min walk
  • Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal) - 9 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪In-N-Out Burger - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪The Sensory Place by ASIP - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Smash Bros - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Lovers Deli - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Casita - ‬10 min walk

About this property

El Capitan Hotel

Hotel with 3 restaurants, 7-minute walk to Merced County Courthouse Museum
El Capitan Hotel features a 24-hour gym, free WiFi in public areas, and a 24-hour business center. Valet parking is available for USD 15.00 per day. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with concierge services, luggage storage, and securing valuables. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include wedding services, a porter/bellhop, and a communal living room.
Guests can expect 49-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and Netflix. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries. Coffee makers, free local calls, and laptop-compatible safes are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a 24-hour fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Free daily buffet breakfast
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,002 reviews
$108 nightly
The price is $121
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Merced by IHG

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Covered valet parking on site (USD 15 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM for a fee: USD 20 per person
  • 3 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Couples/private dining

Restaurants on site

  • Mainzer
  • Native Son
  • Rainbird
  • The Courtyard

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 4 meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator (80 inch wide door)
  • Low-height door lock
  • Low-height view port in door
  • Sign language-capable staff
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Valet for wheelchair-equipped vehicles
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 2 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 2021
  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 49-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for free
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total pets
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

  • Service fee: USD 5.61 per accommodation, per night

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 20 per person
  • Covered valet parking fee: USD 15.00 per day

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of GBAC STAR (Hyatt)
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers valet parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of GBAC STAR (Hyatt).

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Parking has height restrictions.

Property is also known as

El Capitan Hotel Hotel
El Capitan Hotel Merced
El Capitan Hotel Hotel Merced
El Capitan Hotel part of JdV by Hyatt
El Capitan Hotel Merced a Joie De Vivre Hotel

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at El Capitan Hotel?

El Capitan Hotel provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see within easy reach of El Capitan Hotel?

Guests positively rate the hotel's walkable location in Merced, just steps from Regal Hollywood - Merced, and within a 10-minute walk of Merced County Courthouse Museum and Poker Flats Casino. You'll also find Merced County Fairgrounds and Applegate Park Zoo within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at El Capitan Hotel?

Yes, covered valet parking is offered for USD 15.00 per day.

Does El Capitan Hotel include a casino on the premises?

No, El Capitan Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at El Capitan Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is El Capitan Hotel good for couples?

There are plenty of amenities for couples at this hotel, including a bar, a restaurant with al fresco dining, and private dining.

Are there hot tubs at El Capitan Hotel?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does El Capitan Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, El Capitan Hotel has 3 restaurants, and serves a cooked-to-order breakfast each morning for a surcharge.

Does El Capitan Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Yes, dogs stay free at El Capitan Hotel and the property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at El Capitan Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to El Capitan Hotel?

The closest major airport to El Capitan Hotel is Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal), which is 4 mi away (9 minutes by car). Another top airport is Mariposa, CA (RMY-Mariposa-Yosemite), which is around 28.4 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at El Capitan Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at El Capitan Hotel.

Does El Capitan Hotel have a wedding venue on site?

There are wedding services available at El Capitan Hotel if that's in your vacation plans.

El Capitan Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1270 out of 1553 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 192 out of 1553 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 54 out of 1553 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 1553 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1553 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous staff, clean & nicely decorated room, great location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Dan Dan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gen, Palmdale

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nicely decorated and newly renovated. Very clean as well.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerry

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerry

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jamie, Clovis

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sihan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yoriko

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I've stayed many times at this charming, revamped original Art Deco property. Staff is amazing! They always anticipate the needs of the customer and are generally pleasant. The hotel is super clean. Also, you cannot put a price on safety, and this establishment does not skimp on safety. Valet is such a convent way to park. El Capitan offers fine dining AND a bar located inside. When locals chose to dine at the restaurant- you know the food will be good. There is so much to do within walking distance from the hotel. Pets are welcomed as well. El Capitan feels like an expensive boutique hotel with the down-to-earth customer service you would expect from the Central Valley. I highly recommend staying at El Capitan Hotel for Yosemite needs, as Merced is the "gateway to Yosemite".
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jana

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joan

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great property, staff, walkable location and cool vibe
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Deidre, Pacific Grove

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was only there for a quick overnight
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

VITO

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I always enjoy staying here, it’s consistently great! Friendly staff, and lots to do downtown!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Slept thru nite

Bed was comfortable and firm. Both the quiet and sun blocking curtains were key for me to sleep without being disturbed until 7. It was a good & restful night. Much needed after a stressful day.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Renee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel. Very clean and spacious. Has a great Resturant on site (Rainbird). Love the design and atmosphere
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Max

Ice room also has complementary sparkling water. Breakfast at Rainbird was solid. Quality customer service. Enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mauricio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

Hotels