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

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Bar

Explore the area

Map
609 W MAIN STREET, Merced, CA, 95340
  • Merced County Courthouse Museum
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Merced County Fairgrounds
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Merced College
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • 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

Book today, save on your next hotel stay

It's that easy when you're a member of Orbitz Rewards. It's free to join!

Room options

Suite

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

Arbor Lane King

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

Main Street Double Queen

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 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

Main Street King

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

Suite - Accessible

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

Arbor Lane Queen

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen 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
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The Sensory Place by ASIP - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪New Thai Cuisine - ‬7 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 communal living room, a porter/bellhop, and a ballroom.
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.

Languages

American (Sign language), English, French, Spanish, Vietnamese

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.

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. 1120 out of 1369 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 172 out of 1369 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 43 out of 1369 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 1369 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 24 out of 1369 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

John

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Check in guy a bit rude. 2 different check in guys a bit rude.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Suzanne

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Kitchener

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful room. Wonderful staff. Clean. Comfortable bed. Cool and delicious dining options. I ate at both Mainzer and Native Son. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ma Concepcion

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very cute hotel in the middle of Merced. They just opened their patio and had a live music event that was very fun. Loved the gym setup and the fact that the water tap had both sparkling and still water. Room was great - loved the steamer and the gooseneck kettle for coffee. Also enjoyed that you can cast from your phone to the TV! The restaurant, Rainbird, was also great. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nicole

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Despite showing the person at the front desk our confirmation number and Expedia confirmation email, the front desk reception staff at the hotel refused to honor our reservation because they "couldn't find it". The person attending to us was extremely rude and refused to make even the slightest effort to "find" the reservation, instead only repeatedly insisting that we just make and pay for a new reservation. After insisting that he call a manager, the reservation was suddenly found. Of course, he had to passive-aggressively take a bunch of calls while checking us in and the whole process took over 20 minutes. Completely inept and out of touch with any semblance of the values of hospitality, borderline crooks.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

donald

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Reliably nice place

I have stayed at the El Capitan a half dozen times. It’s always very pleasant, good neighborhood, convenient location and nice rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sephali

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

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

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Business traveler
Liked: Amenities
Great stay! I reccomend this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

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

amazing hotel, amazing staff

great hotel, amazing staff, super friendly + vip status Amazing location for shows, movie theatre, food and more. hotel os very nice ,very modern and everything is always in working order. great rooms with comfortable bed, good wi-fi , good size tv's in every room. no matter where you stay in the hotel, you always here noise from outside and traffic and trains, BUT THATS NOT THE HOTELS FAULT!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rinnda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome place everything is within walking distance; need more business/shops around the area
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dolores del Pilar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Priscilla

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The suite was excellent. The hotel is located on the main street for what downtown Merced has to offer.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Davonte

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

10/10 Excellent

Thomas E

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

H

I have a preference for staying in old hotels that are in good condition. The El Capitan is excellent in all regards. It is a historic hotel built in 1931. It has been fixed up to contemporary standards, while maintaining the historical integrity of the hotel. The restaurant is excellent - as good as anything I’ve experienced recent years. It was a pleasant surprise. Everything is great at the El Capitann!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Marc

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Georgina

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

steven

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

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just stayed one night but it was very quiet and clean. Would definitely stay here again and have already told my friends about it
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Guadalupe

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

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing stay, helpful staff everywhere
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt, Agoura Hills

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025