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
Exterior detail
Lobby sitting area
Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk
Meeting facility

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • 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
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

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

Arbor Lane King

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

Main Street King

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

Main Street Double Queen

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 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

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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
  • ‪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, securing valuables, and luggage storage. 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 ballroom, 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)
  • Limited onsite valet parking

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 Dec 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Capitan Hotel on Jan 18, 2026 start from $108.61, 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 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.

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.

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 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. 1299 out of 1591 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 198 out of 1591 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 1591 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 1591 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1591 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

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

Susan

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

8/10 Good

Julio

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Andrew

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One of the nicest hotels in the valley! Every detail was perfect.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric

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

Australian on business

Nice facility good staff. Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was such a a cute and cozy hotel, perfect if you love a downtown vibe. Also, We ate at Tony's at the court side which was just a couple minutes walking distance from the hotel and it delish! Best biscuits and gravy I've had in forever!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I loved this little jewel of a place. The room was beautiful and the bed was very comfortable. The main restaurant had a great menu and we ate there multiple times as well as enjoying snacks and coffee at the smaller cafe.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Daqiao

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Lack of basic stuff in room, you have to come down to ask front desk
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amalia

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

10/10 Excellent

SACHA

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely gorgeous property, recently upgraded and wonderfully decorated. It’s very modern and the staff are wonderful! Super sexy decor!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Grace

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really like the anesthetic of the place.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking is a little limited after 8pm. But otherwise everything was pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

mona

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The bed is comfortable, good coffee in the room
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was just a quick stop as I was traveling through Merced. This is the perfect choice if you want a really top rated hotel at an affordable price.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

PHILIP

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

Great boutique hotel with plenty of amenity.

We are on our way to Yosemite and looked for hotels in Merced. This one way exceeded expectations. It is a beautiful hotel with great in-room amenities and style. It is perfectly suited to a couple on the move. The hotel has great restaurant choices on the ground floor, but we found dining and dessert options less than a block away (I have some mobility issues and the wall was easy). Security is great and when my fiance went outside early in the morning, the basket came out and just kept an eye on her. The front desk was very polite and accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Amelia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise

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

Charming hotel en route to Yosemite

Well designed with artistic touches. Rooms were clean and comfortable and the public spaces were charming. We also had a great breakfast at Rainbird before heading to Yosemite. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Juan

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

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

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Vinyl player on the Nightstand!! 'nuff said this place is amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025