El Capitan Hotel

3.5 star property
Hotel with 3 restaurants, a quick walk to Merced County Courthouse Museum
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for El Capitan Hotel

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

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, Merced County Fairgrounds
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Merced College
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • 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

Room options

Arbor Lane Queen

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

Arbor Lane King

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

Main Street King

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

Main Street Double Queen

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

Junior Suite

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

Suite

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

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 3.5-star hotel has 114 rooms and welcomes guests with 3 restaurants, a 24-hour gym, and a 24-hour business center.

What's nearby

  • Merced County Courthouse Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Applegate Park Zoo - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Merced County Fairgrounds - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Merced College - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • University of California Merced - 11 min drive - 7.2 miles

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
  • ‪Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Little Oven Pizza - ‬4 min walk

About this property

El Capitan Hotel

Hotel with 3 restaurants, a quick 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 luggage storage, concierge services, 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 a ballroom, a communal living room, and a porter/bellhop.
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

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 Poker Flats Casino and Merced County Courthouse Museum. You'll also find Merced County Fairgrounds and Applegate Park Zoo within a short drive.

Will I be able to park 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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

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 at El Capitan Hotel?

No, at El Capitan Hotel, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

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. 1216 out of 1484 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 184 out of 1484 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 1484 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 1484 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 1484 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

Katherine

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

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very accommodating front desk was very helpful bellhop service and VIP parking
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

kelsey

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Love this hotel!!

This hotel was incredible. The property is gorgeous and modern, has a lovely court yard, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. I can’t wait to stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Don

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was nice. Very comfortable bed, clean, nice shower. Only issue was that neighboring guest were parting until 1 am and it was really loud! We could also hear noise from outside of the hotel. The valet parking was convenient, however I had to park my own car for the valet because there wasn’t anyone who knew how to drive stick. Self parking was completely full in the evening.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

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

8/10 Good

Lawrence

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jace

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lizzie

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel. Highly recommend. Great service and amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tony, Fort Worth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel. The only complaint I have is not having access from the parking garage.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

lilianna

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very central , liked it a lot. Everything within drivable distance
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

heidi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great experience at this lovely hotel. The room was comfortable and spacious and the staff was amazing. I ate at both restaurants in the lobby and was very very happy with my meal and cocktails. The location is great – right in the heart of Historic Main St., Merced
Rainbird restaurant in the lobby of the hotel
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, clean place to stay in Merced! Great location walking distance to multiple restaurants. Second stay here. Will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirby

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I really enjoyed my stay at the El Capitan. Staff was always friendly pleasant and eager to be helpful. The room was immaculately clean and very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice area
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great experience!

The front desk staff was very helpful during both check in and check out! The room was very nice and comfortable! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

margaret

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best interior design. Old hotel with modern "old library" twist. Very friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melva

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved staying here during visit with son and family! Very cute boutique hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great spaces, friendly staff, walkable neighborhood. Lovely stay
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adolfo

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sridhar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its good
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025