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El Capitan Hotel

4.0 star property
Hotel with 3 restaurants, 7-minute walk to Merced County Courthouse Museum
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Photo gallery for El Capitan Hotel

Lobby sitting area
Main Street King | Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk
Courtyard
Lobby sitting area
Meeting facility

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
609 W MAIN STREET, Merced, CA, 95340
  • Place, Merced County Courthouse Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Mercy General Hospital
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Merced County Fairgrounds
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal)
    ‪9 min drive‬
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Room options

View all photos for Arbor Lane Queen

Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Arbor Lane Queen

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

View all photos for Arbor Lane King

Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Arbor Lane King

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

View all photos for Main Street King

Main Street King | Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Main Street King

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

View all photos for Main Street Double Queen

Main Street Double Queen | Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Main Street Double Queen

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

View all photos for Junior Suite

Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite

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

View all photos for Suite

Suite | Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Suite

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

View all photos for Suite - Accessible

Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Suite - Accessible

  • 1 bedroom
  • 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

  • Merced County Courthouse Museum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Poker Flats Casino - 6 min walk - 0.4 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
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Lovers Deli - ‬4 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 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 porter/bellhop, a ballroom, and wedding services.
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.

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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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

How much does it cost to stay at El Capitan Hotel?

As of Feb 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Capitan Hotel on Feb 18, 2026 start from $114.2, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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 McNamara Park within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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.

What do couples enjoy most about El Capitan Hotel?

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

Does El Capitan Hotel have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

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.

Does El Capitan Hotel have connecting rooms?

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.

Can I book a room with a balcony at El Capitan Hotel?

No, you won't find 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. 1341 out of 1640 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 206 out of 1640 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 1640 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 1640 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1640 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

ERIC

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Got the Main Street king and it was misleading, I was expecting to get the main street view. The room was on Main Street but on the other side so you don’t have a view of Main Street, I wish it would tell you that when booking, that’s the only reason why we got that room to get the view of Main Street. Next time I won’t spend the extra money and just book a different room.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

kennedy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Parking garagebwas dirty and had difficult access to the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

june

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our brief stay.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

June

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My room was very clean.
I’m a music lover. The record player works ♥️
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bartender on Friday night was amazing. She was so helpful and polite.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

mary p., Modesto

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We liked the hotel very much and the customer service of the staff was great. However, the breakfast was not free. We received $12 dollar credit toward food.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Muaz

Nice place
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Grant, San Luis Obispo

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I wanted a room facing the Tioga and couldn’t get one on check in. When I asked for a room on that side with a queen, I was told I could only get a room with two queens and it would be $50 more. The hotel is not full and I stay here once a month.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was the first time I felt a little disappointed...I love the El Capitan and stay there every time I'm in Merced, I have stayed 10+ nights in the last two years (since I first discovered this gem). This interaction won't limit me staying in the future. We reserved a Main Street King, I debated before reserving because we were staying 2 nights and expected more time in the room and had work to do. The higher price room described the room as larger with a separate sitting space (generally a table and chair). Having stayed there before, I know some of the rooms are pretty small and some feel giant. The room we got was quite a bit smaller than expected. I went to the front desk to ask about the size and to clarify if it was we had what I had reserved. The lady working the desk seemed incredibly bored (she was the only one there) and disinterested in talking to me. I explained that I thought we had reserved a larger room, she shrugged and said all their Main Street Kings are different sizes, she looked at ours and said yes, they had given us one of the smallest ones. She was incredibly dismissive which made me feel defensive. I didn't want to make an issue, the room was still lovely and comfortable, just much smaller than what I thought we reserved. The interaction left me feeling off, and no, I didn't ask to be moved or to talk to someone else. Every other single person we encounters was wonderful, as they have been every time we've been there in the past.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
WOW!!! This place is amazing, the lobby, room, service persons, were all amazing. Love the music theme of the hotel. Great places to eat next door. Great vibe. Would most certainly stay here again, highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel is a highlight and anchor of a recovering and renewed downtown old Merced. Great area to explore, eat, get coffee and stay. The hotel’s remodel is top notch, while also being affordable and approachable. The staff is super helpful and kind; arrival, unload/reload is convenient and easy, and parking convenient and close. Hotel dining room and bar are both good as well as fun. Keep training the young server staff; they’re really nice and learning fast how to serve folks in a nicer venue like this.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was absolutely beautiful and very comfortable. Dining, cocktail bars, and evening activities were all walking distance.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cytlaly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great customer service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

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

10/10 Excellent

Shaun

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel with great amenities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Han, Folsom

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, beautiful hotel and nice staff! The breakfast at Rainbird was delicious~will definitely stay here again~
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Fabulous staff all around!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, comfortable bed. Very helpful staff, from the front door to the cleaning crews, always greeting you with friendly smile & cheerful hello.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

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