El Capitan Hotel

3.5 star property
3.5-star hotel near Merced County Courthouse Museum

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for El Capitan Hotel

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

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

Room options

Suite

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

Arbor Lane King

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

Main Street Double Queen

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

Junior Suite

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

Main Street King

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 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
(7 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Merced

In shopping district.Stay at this Merced hotel and you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Merced County Courthouse Museum and 2 miles (3 km) of Mercy General Hospital. Merced County Fairgrounds and Applegate Park Zoo are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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

3.5-star hotel near Merced County Courthouse Museum
There are 3 restaurants on site, along with a coffee shop/café. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Business amenities include a 24-hour business center and 4 meeting rooms.

Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly El Capitan Hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, and a front-desk safe. For a fee, parking is available.

This 3.5-star Merced hotel is smoke free.

  • 114 guestrooms or units
  • 2 buildings
  • 3 dining venues
  • Built in 2021
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
El Capitan Hotel offers 114 air-conditioned accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and coffee/tea makers. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. 49-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and Netflix.

Bathrooms include showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is offered daily and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

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

Things to do

  • 24-hour gym

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 49-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

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

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

  • Pets are welcome and stay free
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Service fee: USD 5.61 per accommodation, per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 20 per person
  • Covered valet parking fee: USD 15.00 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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)
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of GBAC STAR (Hyatt).

We should mention

  • Children stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

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

How close is El Capitan Hotel to the airport?

El Capitan Hotel is 4 mi (9-min drive) away from the Merced, CA (MCE-Merced Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at El Capitan Hotel on Jul 2, 2025 start from $110.5, 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.

Does El Capitan Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at El Capitan Hotel.

Does El Capitan Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at El Capitan Hotel, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 20 per person. It's available every day from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

Is there a casino at El Capitan Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Poker Flats Casino (7-min walk) is nearby.

What time is check-in at El Capitan Hotel?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at El Capitan Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Valet parking is available for USD 15.00 per day.

Does El Capitan Hotel have a pool?

El Capitan Hotel does not have a pool.

Does El Capitan Hotel have a restaurant?

There are 3 onsite restaurants, offering options like Californian cuisine, al fresco dining, and brunch.

Does El Capitan Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is El Capitan Hotel to downtown Merced?

El Capitan Hotel is 0.1 mi away from Merced.

El Capitan Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 1067 out of 1305 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 166 out of 1305 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 41 out of 1305 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 1305 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 21 out of 1305 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

10/10 Excellent

Maylynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Customer service is awesome at the front desk and valet
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location. Great service. Food choices in walking distance. Nice restaurant. Great staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property. Great room and nice cafe. We stayed on a Saturday night and our room faced the street it was lively on the street and sounded like it was right in the room with us until 2am. But everything else was top tier.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mya

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the color scheme. Paint job is crisp. Feels like a luxury hotel. Also loved how quiet it was. Nice food options too. It would be nice to have a microwave though.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Javier

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
N/A
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randy

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

10/10 Excellent

Melloney B

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

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place. Love the room and easy check in and booking process.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eren, San Diego

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel....
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

tim

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

10/10 Excellent

Josue

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a very cozy, warm, and inviting space that lets you decompress and rest.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luis

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

Great place

Great place to stay at whenever you’re in Merced. Stayed here multiple times and always had a great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 1 night in Mar 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