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From155US$ /night
Check-in
14Feb2026Select date
Check-out
15Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States, CA 95340
-
Close to the Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Perfect
9.1
9.4
/10
4.3
4.5
/5

El Capitan Hotel - A historic downtown Merced hotel with free parking, on-site dining, and valley-inspired rooms

Located in downtown Merced's heart at Main and M Street, El Capitan Hotel welcomes guests with 114 rooms featuring natural materials and hand-crafted textures inspired by the Central Valley landscape. This 4-star Merced hotel integrates architectural elements from a 19th-century train depot, celebrating the city's transportation heritage. Guest accommodations include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers, and air conditioning, with corner rooms offering Main Street views. The property houses a fitness center, three restaurants, and a bar, serving American breakfast daily. Business travelers benefit from 5429 square feet of event space and 24-hour business services. El Capitan Hotel sits just 0.5 miles from Merced Amtrak station and 2 miles from the nearest airport. The University of California campus is 5.5 miles away.

Pros

Free WiFi and private parking available for all guests

Pet-friendly accommodations with specialized amenities

Historic theater with full stage and sound system

Multiple dining venues serving local cuisine

Cons

5.5 miles distance from University of California campus

50 miles from Yosemite National Park

“This hotel stands out as a curated experience in Merced. The commitment to blending local art with a sophisticated ambiance creates a memorable stay; the dining and bar options are noteworthy, and the location supports exploration of the surrounding area. While the absence of a pool is a drawback, the overall quality and attention to detail make it a top choice in the area.”
Hotel logo
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
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Select your room type

Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Shower
Heating
Junior King Suite
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Suite
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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

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
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El Capitan Hotel Location

609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States, CA 95340
Map view
609 W Main Street, Merced, California, United States, CA 95340
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
Explore Merced
Explore Merced
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
Merced Multicultural Arts Center
2 minutes' walk
Art exhibitions and community events showcasing diverse cultures. Check for schedule and special events.
Merced County Courthouse Museum
Merced County Courthouse Museum
6 minutes' walk
Historic courthouse with exhibits on local history. Admission is free; guided tours available.
Applegate Park Zoo
Applegate Park Zoo
25 minutes walking
Small zoo featuring local wildlife and educational programs for all ages.
Merced Bike Trail
10 minutes' ride
Scenic biking and walking trail along the Merced River. Bike rentals available nearby.
Yoga Classes at The Yoga Studio
12 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions suitable for all levels. Reservations recommended for classes.
Five Ten Bistro
Five Ten Bistro
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery offering a mix of American and international dishes. Known for its delightful brunch options.
Fiesta Mexicana
Fiesta Mexicana
4 minutes' walk
Colorful Mexican restaurant with a festive atmosphere. Signature dishes include enchiladas and salsa.
Merced Theatre
7 minutes' walk
Historic venue hosting live performances, including concerts and plays. Great family-friendly options.
The Branding Iron Restaurant
The Branding Iron Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Lively bar and grill known for live music on weekends. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Getting around
City Centre
Merced3 min  ·  700 ft
Airports
Merced Municipal Airport (MCE)6 min  ·  2.4 mi
Castle Airport (MER)20 min  ·  8.3 mi
Train
Merced Amtrak11 min  ·  3000 ft
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
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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 USD 15 per day.
Internet
is available in 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
FAQs
About El Capitan Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at El Capitan Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is El Capitan Hotel from Merced Municipal Airport?
The hotel is located 3 km from Merced Municipal Airport.
What dining options are available at El Capitan Hotel?
The hotel features two on-site restaurants, Native Son for dinner and Rainbird for lunch.
What amenities are included in the rooms at El Capitan Hotel?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom.
Does El Capitan Hotel provide free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
How close is El Capitan Hotel to the University of California, Merced?
The hotel is 12 km from the University of California, Merced.
What recreational facilities are available at El Capitan Hotel?
The hotel has a fitness center and access to a golf course.
What are some nearby attractions to El Capitan Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Yosemite National Park and Merced National Wildlife Refuge.
What languages are spoken by the staff at El Capitan Hotel?
The staff speaks English and Spanish.

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