El Capitan Hotel Merced, Merced ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States of America, CA 95340

On the road to Yosemite, El Capitan Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. This 4-star Merced hotel features 114 guest rooms, a historic theater, and ample event spaces. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant, and a bar.

Rooms & Amenities

Guest rooms at El Capitan Hotel feature natural, hand-crafted materials, evoking the surrounding landscape. Options include Arbor Queen and King rooms with plush bedding, as well as spacious Junior and King Suites, complete with modern amenities such as a 49” flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dining Options

Dining options include the onsite restaurant Rainbird, and the casual Native Son eatery, known for craft cocktails and artisan bites. An American breakfast is served daily, offering a variety of options for guests.

Leisure & Business

El Capitan Hotel provides versatile event spaces totaling 5,429 square feet, ideal for weddings, meetings, and celebrations. A fitness center is available for guests looking to maintain their workout routine, and 24-hour business services cater to professional needs.

Location & Transportation

The hotel's location in downtown Merced offers easy access to local attractions like the Merced Multicultural Arts Center and Applegate Park Zoo. Nearby transportation options include Merced Municipal Airport, Merced Transpo bus services, and the Merced Greyhound Bus Station.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe Queen Room

Max:

4 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

2 Double beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Junior Suite

Max:

3 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Queen Room

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center

Merced700 ft

Airports

Merced Municipal (MCE) 2.4 mi

Castle (MER) 8.3 mi

Train

Merced Amtrak3000 ft

Train400 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Delicious Breakfast!

“The breakfast offered an impressive array of fresh, local ingredients with a creative menu that made each morning good.” view full review

Charming Decor

“My room was stylishly decorated with elegant touches, including a portable record player that added a whimsical flair to my stay.” view full review

Luxurious Showers

“The black interior walk-in shower was not only beautifully designed but also featured a no-slip floor, offering both safety and luxury for my bathing experience.” view full review

Beautiful Common Areas

“The common areas were exquisitely decorated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that made me feel at home throughout my stay.” view full review

General

No smoking on site
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Elevator
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Golf course

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

Location

609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States of America, CA 95340

Map view

609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States of America, CA 95340

City landmarks

Zoo

Applegate Park Zoo

1.1 mi

Nearby

Public Building

Merced County Courthouse Museum

1700 ft

Gallery

Merced Multicultural Arts Center

400 ft

401 W 18th St

US Post Office

1200 ft

Restaurants

Toni's Courtyard Cafe

700 ft

516 W 18th St

The Branding Iron Restaurant

900 ft

640 W 16th St

Five Ten Bistro

900 ft

510 W Main St Ste A

Destino's

700 ft

460 W Main St

Fiesta Mexicana

1000 ft

530 W 16th St

Little Oven Pizza

1000 ft

433 W Main St

Bella Luna Bistro

1400 ft

350 West Main Street

King's Asian Cuisine

1300 ft

360 W Main St

Maries Mexican Kitchen

1700 ft

259 W Main St

Bangkok Thai Restaurant

1900 ft

235 W Main St

New China Cafe

2200 ft

1002 W Main St

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

84%

liked the hotel and would stay again

8.4/10

Great

Rooms

7.3

Location

9.1

Service

8.0

Dining

9.3

Ryan

United States of America, January 2025

8.2/10

I had an enjoyable stay at this unique hotel in downtown Merced. The beautiful courtyard was perfect for unwinding, and I loved the in-room record player that added a charming touch. However, the lack of a microwave was a bit inconvenient for reheating food, and I found the signage a little misleading upon arrival.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable, but I wished there was better lighting as it felt a bit dim at times.

Service

8.0

Valet service was a breeze and the maintenance team was quick to respond to our needs, but there were moments when the overall efficiency could be improved.

Location

9.0

Being in the heart of downtown Merced made getting to local attractions and dining options super easy.

Dining

9.0

Dining at the restaurant was a treat, especially the breakfast offerings, which were top-notch.

Facilities

8.0

The fitness center was well-equipped, but I noticed that not all amenities were straightforward to locate.

Jim

United States of America, January 2025

8.0/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel with unique decor and a great atmosphere. The food options were delicious, and I especially enjoyed the breakfast. However, the lighting in the room could use some improvement. The valet service was convenient, but there were some minor issues during check-in that made things a bit complicated.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable but the lighting was inadequate, making it hard to see in certain areas.

Service

7.0

Overall, the service was responsive and helpful, though there were some hiccups at check-in.

Location

9.0

The hotel is conveniently located in downtown Merced, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.

Dining

9.0

I thoroughly enjoyed the food at the hotel's restaurant, especially the breakfast which was top-notch.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities, including the fitness center, were well-equipped and modern.

Gareth

United Kingdom, December 2024

7.8/10

During my stay, I enjoyed the hotel's unique character, particularly the beautiful courtyard that provided a serene escape. The dining options were delightful, especially the breakfast that left a positive impression. However, I did find the lighting in my room lacking and the check-in process had some hiccups due to ongoing construction. Overall, it was a solid experience, though not without its flaws.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable but the lighting was really inadequate.

Service

6.0

The responsive maintenance service was commendable, though the check-in process could have been smoother.

Location

9.0

The hotel’s location is conveniently situated in downtown Merced with easy access to various attractions.

Dining

9.0

The breakfast served was exceptional, showcasing high-quality offerings that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Facilities

8.0

The courtyard area was a highlight for its tranquility, providing a unique outdoor experience.

Thomas

United Kingdom, December 2024

8.4/10

I had a lovely stay at the hotel, with a unique atmosphere and excellent amenities that made my trip enjoyable. The courtyard was a perfect spot to unwind, and the breakfast from Native Son was exceptional. However, I did find the lighting in the room could use some improvement, which affected my overall experience.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable, but the lighting was really inadequate, making it a bit challenging in the evenings.

Service

8.0

Service was overall great, and maintenance was responsive when any issues arose.

Location

9.0

The central location was convenient, with easy access to local attractions and dining options.

Dining

10.0

Breakfast was an absolute highlight, especially the offerings from the Native Son restaurant.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel featured a beautiful courtyard area and solid fitness center facilities, which added to the relaxing stay.

Gary

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.0/10

I had a lovely stay at this hotel! The unique decor and ambiance made it a special experience, and I especially enjoyed the beautiful courtyard area for relaxation. The beds were incredibly comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep, and I loved the creative food options from the hotel restaurant. However, I found the lighting in the room a bit inadequate, which was a minor drawback.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were charming with unique decor, but the lighting could use improvement.

Service

9.0

The maintenance service was quick and responsive, addressing any issues promptly.

Location

10.0

The hotel's location in downtown Merced is perfect for exploring local attractions and dining options.

Dining

9.0

The food options were excellent, particularly at Native Son restaurant for breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel has a great fitness center and unique in-room amenities like record players.

Jordan

United Kingdom, November 2024

8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was quite pleasant overall, featuring a beautiful courtyard area that was perfect for relaxation and charming room decor that showcased a mix of modern and historical elements. The dining was fantastic with excellent breakfast options, but the room lighting could be improved for better ambiance. I appreciated the thoughtful amenities, though a few minor issues, such as parking difficulties, detracted from the overall experience.

Rooms

7.0

The room had a unique blend of modern decor and historical charm, although the lighting was slightly inadequate.

Service

8.0

The service was responsive and attentive, though there were a few hiccups during my stay.

Location

9.0

The location in downtown Merced provided easy access to local attractions and dining options.

Dining

9.0

Breakfast at Native Son restaurant was exceptional, with a variety of delicious choices to start the day.

Facilities

8.0

The amenities, including the fitness center and tranquility of the courtyard, were well-maintained and inviting.

Frank

United States of America, September 2024

8.4/10

I had a wonderful experience at this unique hotel, with its charming decor and comfortable atmosphere. The complimentary valet service was a huge convenience, and the in-room record players were a delightful surprise. However, I did find the lighting in the room to be inadequate, which detracted from the overall feel. The food options were delicious, but I would have loved to see more breakfast choices available.

Rooms

7.0

The room was quite charming, but the lighting could have been better.

Service

8.0

The service was responsive, especially with maintenance, but my check-in experience was somewhat marred by a technical issue.

Location

9.0

The hotel’s central spot in downtown Merced made it easy to explore local attractions and dining options.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was enjoyable with delicious food, but I wished for more variety at breakfast.

Facilities

8.0

The facilities were well-equipped, especially the fitness center, which was a definite plus.

Norman

United States of America, August 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The unique decor and thoughtful touches throughout made my experience memorable. The delicious food options really stood out to me, especially the breakfast. On the downside, the lighting in my room was a bit inadequate, which made it challenging at times. Overall, I was quite pleased with my experience and would recommend it, but some improvements could enhance the stay further.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable, but I found the lighting to be really inadequate, making it hard to see at times.

Service

9.0

The responsive maintenance service impressed me greatly, especially when I had an issue that needed addressing.

Location

9.0

The hotel’s central location allowed easy access to local attractions, making it very convenient for my trip.

Dining

10.0

I thoroughly enjoyed the dining options available, especially at the Native Son restaurant where breakfast was top-notch.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel had a well-equipped fitness center that helped me keep on track with my workouts during the stay.

Larry

United States of America, August 2024

8.8/10

I recently stayed at this hotel, and I was so impressed with the unique decor that blended historical and modern elements, creating a really distinct vibe. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring I had a great sleep each night. I absolutely loved the food options available; every meal I had was delicious and well-prepared. However, I did encounter some minor issues, like limited parking and the lack of a microwave in the room, which could be improved.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were really comfortable, featuring high-quality linens that made for a great night's rest.

Service

8.0

I found the customer service to be very effective, promptly addressing any concerns I had during my stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel had a convenient location in downtown Merced, making it easy to explore nearby attractions.

Dining

10.0

The dining options were outstanding, especially the breakfast at the Native Son restaurant, which was a highlight of my stay.

Facilities

8.0

Facilities like the fitness center were well-equipped and modern, which I appreciated.

Ernie

United Kingdom, August 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at this unique hotel! The food options were top-notch, especially the breakfast. I loved the beautiful courtyard and the in-room record players added a fun touch. However, the lighting in my room left much to be desired, and the lack of a microwave was a bit inconvenient.

Rooms

7.0

The room was comfortable, but the lighting was really inadequate, which made it difficult to enjoy the space fully.

Service

9.0

I was impressed with the responsive maintenance services that swiftly addressed any issues I encountered.

Location

9.0

The hotel’s central location made it super convenient to explore downtown Merced and enjoy local dining and entertainment options.

Dining

10.0

Dining was fantastic, especially the breakfast options which were delicious and creatively prepared.