"The El Capitan Hotel offers a clean and well-maintained environment with lovely rooms."
Sara from United States
read full review
"This was an amazing visit highly recommend it The coffee shop was so cute and coffee was 10 out of 10."
Maria Chavez from United States
read full review
"Beautiful property with a team that genuinely cares to ensure your stay exceeds all expectations."
Keith F from United States
read full review
"I enjoyed feeling a little upscale, the staff at the front desk was amazing and everything was extremely clean."
Audrey from United States
read full review
Boutique hotel in downtown Merced with historic train-depot architecture
Rooms & Design
El Capitan Hotel offers 114 guest rooms and suites with decor inspired by local culture and history. Each room includes a record player with vinyl albums, a clothes steamer, and complimentary earplugs for restful nights. The historic architecture draws from a 19th-century train depot, with ongoing art exhibitions from local artists displayed throughout the property.
Dining & Entertainment
The hotel houses two restaurants: Rainbird, serving farm-to-table American cuisine, and Mainzer, a theater-turned restaurant and bar. Native Son coffee shop provides morning coffee and pastries, while the in-house bar offers artisan cocktails and local wines. An on-site cinema with a full-service restaurant provides evening entertainment without leaving the hotel.
Location
Located in downtown Merced, the hotel is 3 km from Merced Municipal Airport and 12 km from UC Merced. Guests use this hotel as a gateway to Yosemite National Park, with Merced National Wildlife Refuge also nearby. California State University Stanislaus is 46 km away, and downtown offers walkable access to coffee shops and restaurants.
Pet-Friendly & Services
Pets stay at no extra charge, with pet bowls and welcome toys provided upon arrival. Complimentary valet parking is included for all guests, and a covered parking garage is available behind the hotel. The 24-hour front desk offers luggage storage and express check-in/check-out for convenience.
Wellness & Fitness
A fitness center with modern exercise equipment is available for guest use. The sun terrace and outdoor courtyard provide spaces for relaxation. Daily housekeeping ensures rooms remain clean, and the hotel offers facilities for disabled guests including auditory and visual aids.
Highlights
Rooms: 114 rooms with record players and local art
Dining: Rainbird farm-to-table restaurant and on-site cinema
Location: Gateway to Yosemite National Park
Services: Complimentary valet and 24-hour front desk
Pet Policy: Pets welcome at no extra charge
Entertainment: On-site cinema with full-service restaurant
Must-do experiences
Stroll through Applegate Park for scenic views and playful animals.
Taste the famous tri-tip sandwich at The Branding Iron in Merced.
Visit the Merced County Courthouse Museum for rich local history.
Explore the charming Merced Farmers Market on Wednesday evenings.
Discover art at the Merced Art Gallery, showcasing local talents.
Select your room type
El Capitan Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
28 sq. feet
2 Double beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Junior King Suite
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Suite
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
El Capitan Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Golf course
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
Services
Valet parking
Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Happy hour
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Dinner
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Curtains
Show more
El Capitan Hotel Location
609 W Main Street, Merced, CA 95340,
Explore Merced
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
2 minutes' walk
Art exhibitions and community events in a vibrant space celebrating cultural diversity and artistic expression.
Merced County Courthouse Museum
6 minutes' walk
Historic courthouse featuring exhibits on local history, with free admission days and guided tours available.
Applegate Park Zoo
25 minutes walking
Family-friendly zoo with diverse animal exhibits and special events, perfect for children and adults alike.
Biking at Lake Yosemite
10 minutes' drive
Biking trails around a scenic lake. Rentals available nearby for a refreshing outdoor experience.
Relaxation Yoga at Merced Yoga
5 minutes' drive
Soothing yoga classes set in a tranquil environment. Perfect for stress relief and rejuvenation after travel.
Five Ten Bistro
3 minutes' walk
Contemporary café known for its fresh ingredients and creative dishes, ideal for casual dining or lunch breaks.
Fiesta Mexicana
4 minutes' walk
Authentic Mexican cuisine in a lively atmosphere, with vegetarian options and margaritas that are a must-try.
Toni's Courtyard Cafe
3 minutes' walk
Charming café featuring hearty breakfast options and fresh coffee, perfect for a relaxed start to your day.
Merced Theater
6 minutes' walk
Historic theater showcasing films, live music, and cultural performances for a delightful night out.
Aqua Pool & Lounge
10 minutes' drive
Chill spot with live music and a relaxed vibe, perfect for cocktails and unwinding in the evening.
Getting around California
City Centre
Merced 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Merced Municipal (MCE) 6 min · 2.4 mi
Castle (MER) 20 min · 8.3 mi
Train
Merced Amtrak 11 min · 3000 ft
Train 2 min · 400 ft
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
114
Former name
el capitan hotel merced, a joie de vivre hotel
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about El Capitan Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1258 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
93 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.4/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Professional staff
Unique decor
Comfortable beds
Delicious food
Convenient location
Cons
Noise issues
High deposit
Limited night dining
Temperature control
Guest reviews
based on 920 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
Mariposa Lodge
Quality Inn Yosemite Valley Gateway
Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn
Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Luis Obispo
Travel Inn
Bide-A-Wee Inn And Cottages
Seven Gables Inn On Monterey Bay, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel
Drift Inn, Llc
Fern River Resort
San Ramon Marriott
Hi Sacramento Hostel