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
Theater show
Exterior
Reception
Premium bedding, down comforters, in-room safe, desk

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

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
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Room options

Suite

  • 560 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Arbor Lane King

  • 302 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Main Street Double Queen

  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Junior Suite

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

Main Street King

  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite - Accessible

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

Arbor Lane Queen

  • 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 securing valuables, concierge services, 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 wedding services, 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
  • Smoke-free property

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.

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

As of Jun 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Capitan Hotel on Jun 25, 2025 start from $127.5, 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 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 amenities will couples enjoy at 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.

Are there hot tubs at El Capitan Hotel?

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, 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. 1061 out of 1295 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 163 out of 1295 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 41 out of 1295 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 1295 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 1295 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

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Casandra

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

8/10 Good

Patrick

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

Reasonable if imperfect choice in Merced

Overall, decent place. Convenient for bike race I was participating in, cafe food in the morning was good. Parking situation odd and not clearly described, room pretty dark with one small window but somehow still pretty noisy even though it was on the courtyard so beware if you are a light sleeper. Comfortable bed, liked the decor, people were nice and check-in efficient. A little on the expensive side at the rate I paid.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

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

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

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

Dog is so happy and so were we

We stayed there just for one night. We loved it thank you so much. Our dog enjoyed it too, and he still plays with the gift you gave him.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosio

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Don’t Bother With Other Hotels - This Is The One

Having grown up in Merced prior to moving away as an adult, I was aware of the hotels that were around town but did not have experience staying at any of them. When I saw the reviews for El Capitan, it was an easy decision to give it a try when traveling back with my wife and kids. I was pleasantly surprised by how well done the renovations were! Our room was incredibly spacious, clean, and had several design touches that created a comfortable yet chic atmosphere. After staying here, I have no desire to stay at any of the chain hotels! The staff was professional and knowledgeable, our rooms were actually cleaned thoroughly (which cannot be said of some chain hotels), and it was a very calm, quiet atmosphere. The hotel restaurant had very fresh, delicious breakfast items at a reasonable price. This isn’t the place to stay if your criteria includes a free continental breakfast, but I’d much rather pay for some fresh scrambled eggs than some free reconstituted powdered eggs. The only downside was the parking garage being a bit of a walk from the hotel lobby, but there is a valet service available to mitigate that. Again, well worth the short walk to stay at such a nice hotel. Will be recommending this place to any family and friends who are looking for accommodations!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

bruce

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really liked the hotel. Clean, friendly staff, awesome view, like the building itself.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Rosario

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Checking in was so easy and best part, PET FRIENDLY 😊. The hotel itself was so beautiful and clean. The staff was amazing. My only complain would be the the walls are very thin. We were able to hear the neighbor. Other than that, beautiful place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Jonathan

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Daryl

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

6/10 Okay

Cathy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I’ve stayed here quite a few times and I’ve always loved it. But this time, I started to notice the decline in quality which is really sad because I love this hotel. It is me and my partners favorite. The first thing we noticed was that one of the side tables was broken. It was missing a part of the leg so it would wobble quite a bit. I also found leftover hair from previous customers, and I know they were not mine because the hair was blonde and I have black hair. The blonde hair was also stuck in the blow dryer. I also noticed that the sink handle was slightly broken, it worked, but it twisted Past the 90° angle it normally is at. The toilet holder was also slightly broken. I noticed that our bedsheet cover had a hole in it almost like a burn hole from a cigarette butt. It was washed but the hole was the first thing I noticed on the bed. So all these items still worked but just wasn’t in the shape and quality that I know this hotel to be. I feel like if I’m paying $140 for a night the room should at least be completely clean and everything should be in the condition that they were originally in. Also at night, we asked the front desk for extra towel towels, and we saw her make a note of it. While waiting for the towels, we fell asleep and two hours later we still did not have the towels. So we had to call them again at midnight for extra towels, which we did eventually get them.Just felt a little sad because this wasn’t the quality that me and my partner are used to.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Audrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We loved our stay here! The room was nice and spacious. The large soaking tub was such a plus. And we especially loved that they had a little sign welcome our dog in the lobby- it made our day.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

MaryLou

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

10/10 Excellent

Victor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

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

Philly V

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerrold

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

The place to stay in Merced

All aspects of our stay at El Capitan from Valet parking, check in, Rainbird Restaurant, to room cleanliness and check out was excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

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

10/10 Excellent

Geoffrey

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

DEBORAH

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025