Name: FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite
Address: 1199 Motel Drive, Merced, California, United States of America, Merced, California, US
Price range: US$58–US$82 per night
Rating: 5.93

What guests think

At FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite, travelers consistently highlight very clean, renovated rooms with comfortable beds, friendly family-run service, and convenient parking by the door, making it a solid stopover near Highway 99 and Yosemite.

Several reviews note traffic and train noise, and some find the in-room air conditioners loud. Rooms are generally small and simple, with occasional maintenance or lighting quirks and limited amenities. Service is mostly warm and efficient, though a few guests experienced locked-lobby check-ins or less helpful interactions. Expect a straightforward, no-frills roadside stay with easy access and good value.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Convenient parking directly outside rooms is widely appreciated. Amenities are basic; there is no pool, and multiple mentions note the ice machine and vending machines unavailable or not working.

Related guest reviews

6

Jim

19 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

place gets the big things right. It was clean. The bed was comfortable. Seemed safe. But lots of other complaints. The swimming pool has been paved over. The ice machine wasn't working. The room was tiny. The room's lighting was spotlights in the ceiling. No bedside lamps, so impossible to read in bed without a spotlight shining in your eyes. The air conditioner was noisy.

6

Elizabeth

15 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Parking safe and room simple but adequate

10

Ryan

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Just for one night, but the room was comfortable, bed was nice and I got a good night’s sleep, despite the motel being across from the 99 North. Shower was good the next morning. Easy and close parking, all free. Things that could be better: no trash cans on the premises other than in the room. TV had lots of channels but the screen was too small for the size picture it projected. No toiletries (soap, shampoo) available, though I had my own. No vending machines. No food to found on the premises.

8

Russell

4 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I like the fact that I could park right next to the room.

6

Erlindo

18 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was no pool as described, the fridge was not kept up, white frost in the small fridge, no continental breakfast. The beds were comfortable room was clean.

6

Lincoln

28 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Missing were any vending machines for drinks, reading lights for the beds, bath mat (absorbing mat outside the shower), and the option for softer pillows. The fridge also needed defrosting as the ice was interfering with the closing of the fridge door. I appreciated the low fan setting on the AV and the quiet and comfortable parking/courtyard.

8

Keren

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Ice Machine not working

8

Jamal

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Small parking lot.

8

Morris

30 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very cute and nice parking area in front of the rooms, like a garden. Clean room and comfortable. Easy access to the freeway.

8

ryan J

27 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Had problems getting in room and no ice in the machine

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Cleanliness

Reviews frequently praise clean, well-kept rooms after recent renovations. A minority reported issues such as dirty floors or bathrooms, stained linens or towels, and occasional odors.

Related guest reviews

6

Miaona

12 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Bath tub and curtain is very dirty. The shower head and towels hooks are rusty.

10

Norman

27 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff. Clean room and nice bathroom. Definitely will stay again.

6

Stuart

29 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

But, clean sheets and comfy bed. Floor was so dirty we had to wash our feet again !! Surprisingly not as noisy as anticipated. No amenities - but a drive away there is.

2

Yentsim

3 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Floor was dirty and dusty. Bullet holes in the bathroom window. Bedsheets were dirty and had stains on them. Staff was nice.

10

gabriella

21 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This motel has been remodeled and is always clean and pleasant. A great value, this is my go to place when visiting family in the area.

10

Kenia

26 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Super clean and beautiful room really big bathroom and felt like a safe location

2

Maria

12 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed sheets and pillow covers had several stains it looked like if they hadn’t changed them since the last person had left, the toilet had a hair on it , overall the noise is what you expect from being next to a freeway. The cleaning definitely needs to be double checked.

10

Marc

25 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, newly renovated and checkin was quick. Lady checking us in was very nice.

6

Rebecca

27 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Some Pillowcases heavily yellowed and stained. Some bath towels heavily stained.

10

Robin

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect place and room for an overnight on the road. Safe and very clean and modern. Great value.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Renovated, cozy rooms are often small but comfortable, with good beds; some bathrooms are large. Expect potential traffic or train noise and frequently loud in-room AC, plus limited lighting and TV/streaming limitations.

Related guest reviews

6

Jim

19 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

place gets the big things right. It was clean. The bed was comfortable. Seemed safe. But lots of other complaints. The swimming pool has been paved over. The ice machine wasn't working. The room was tiny. The room's lighting was spotlights in the ceiling. No bedside lamps, so impossible to read in bed without a spotlight shining in your eyes. The air conditioner was noisy.

6

Judy

15 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Updated floors and furniture. Bed was comfortable. Showerhead squirted all over. No reading light by the bed. Room was very small.

10

DORIS

4 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed for 1 night, have a newly renovated room. Clean. Comfortable. The air conditioner is a bit noisy, but its an older system and it took a little bit to cool the place donw.

10

Michael

3 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Took a chance on a cheaply priced motel that has high reviews. The gamble paid off. The place was pretty great. My only complaint was the ac unit was very loud. Could not hear each other or tv

6

Julie

18 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Plenty of highway noise but otherwise ok

10

Amy

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stumbled on this little gem thanks to Expedia. Was just a single night, family of 4, heading to Yosemite. Owners have done a wonderful job renovating this older motel. Beds and bedding extremely comfortable.Nice large bathroom. Ceiling fan in main room. And there is smthng to be said for being able to back up your car trunk right to your room door. Only thing I didn’t like was that all lighting was ceiling (ceiling fan and can lights); no desk or sconce by nightstand. Otherwise, so happy with it we returned after Yosemite en route to our next destination. This hotel is a great rest and recovery stop after wilderness camping and roughing it outdoors

8

Michael

14 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good enough for our stay on way up north. But TV didn't have internet/wifi so couldn't watch.

10

Amy

9 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed here one nt before Yosemite and it was so clean, comfy and convenient, that we ended up staying here another single nt after Yosemite heading on to our next stop. The beds were extremely comfortable. Loved that we could just pull up and back our car right up to our door. Bsthroom was huge annd had a small window (great for venting). Only thing didnt like was it was ceiling can lights and no nightstand or sconce lights. I like bright lighting but not can lights at bed time. Covered Porch area infront of room doors was nice with new tile. Wouldve been nice to have chairs out there to sit outside. But otherwise, absolutely a great room for a great price and convenient to hwy.

10

Fred

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Older unit well maintained. Traffic noise due to freeway

8

JASON

10 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Affordable option during a road trip and visit to Yosemite. The room is cozy, but comfortable & has the necessities. The motel is adjacent to the highway & the railroad tracks, so expect some noise. But overall, the staff were friendly & welcoming & I had a good experience.

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Service

Service is generally friendly, family-run, and helpful, with quick check-ins and prompt assistance. Some guests encountered a locked or unattended lobby, slow responses, or isolated negative interactions and disputes.

Related guest reviews

10

Michael

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was good. Everytime I'm in town this is my go to place. Staff is awesome. family owned and operated. They treat me very nicely every time I come by.

4

Priscilla

28 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The rooms were small and the putisde were dated but it fit our needs. It was quiet with a faint train noise coming through. Everything was fine until they did not return my deposit due to smoke but we did not smoke in the room at all. I had tried to speak with their front desk about it but they were quite rude about it. I just wanted to make sure if they could have gotten the room number wrong or to speak with the cleaner about it. They were unhelpful and adamant that the smoke smell was strong.

10

Margarieta

24 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great customer service

4

Steven

10 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are kind of on the small side. I checked in around 7, and there was no one at the desk. Door was locked and had to ring a doorbell. It still took about five minutes for somebody to come to the front door.

10

Michael

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Always my go-to place to stay while in town. Family owned and operated. Very friendly. The husband and wife are always welcoming. I recommend this place to everybody whenever they happen to be in Merced

10

Marc

25 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, newly renovated and checkin was quick. Lady checking us in was very nice.

10

Andre

9 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I had a one night stay at the FairBridge Inn while visiting my son at UC Merced. The room was clean. Check in was quick and easy. It is located right of the freeway so it is very convenient.

10

Christopher

24 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place was surprisingly good and very clean. I read the same reviews prior to booking and true enough, this place is highly rated for a reason. We also accidentally booked the wrong night and the owner graciously allowed us to change the check-in date without hassle or service fees. Much appreciated, thank you so much! We will stay here again in the near future.

8

Doris

24 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was a good stay overall. I checked about 7pm. There were a little internal construction in the check in counters. I asked for a few more packets of creamer, as I know from previous stays that they give low number of packets. The man said he will bring it out, because it is not present due to the construction. Checked into my room. Every thing was clean. The remote control to the TV did not work, so I walked out to the office to ask them to change the battery. They did right away, and it worked. I again asked for a few packets of creamer for the coffee. Again, said they will bring it to me. I told them I wanted to rest soon, and would like more creamer for coffee in the am. I did not get them. Other than that it was a good but could have been a better stay. I have been coming here and there for business This family has been upgrading the motel rooms slowly.

4

Christina

22 Feb 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

My husband and I Loved this hotel we had been staying there because we are waiting for our apartment to be available ,the man the hotel is great,the hotel is very quiet safe quiet nice rooms ALL the staff was very friendly and helpful one Issue was the older woman that works in office she is extremely RUDE and not friendly AT ALL we wer told we had to leave for 4 days and we could return,we returned in 4 days and she said NO I CAN NOT RENT TO YOU!!my husband and I walked out of the the office puzzled WHY she followed us out and locked the office door behind us as we walked out we wer very disappointed because we liked the the place and really needed a safe place to stay its really disappointed being treated that way for supporting HER business

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Location

Right off Highway 99 for easy access to Yosemite and local dining; close to downtown and services. The setting brings traffic or train noise, and while many felt safe, a few noted area concerns or homeless nearby.

Related guest reviews

4

Linda

28 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly hosts, room was older but remodeled. We were next door to a lot of people coming in and out. Motorcycle pulling up, knocking, doors opening and closing. This was going on from 11 to 1am. Given the area not being that great, higher than average crime, we were on edge. In morning we saw families that were also there for Yosemite. If it wasn't for the noise and area the hotel is in, I would have rated much higher.

8

Barbara

22 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient on/off highway. Close to multiple fast food and coffee stores.

10

Palle

31 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Classic American motel style room. But very nicely modernized, and very clean. I stayed there before going to Yosemite NP. Appr. 1h 45m from the park. Highly recommended.

10

Robert

22 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

clean everything worked, great hot water, Close to downtown. Parking was easy.

6

Gerardo

26 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

lots of homeless around and did not get room service in 3 days.

10

Melanie

24 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I usually try not to stay on Motel Dr in Merced because of the noise from the freeway, train and bar, but other hotels were sold out. This was my first stay at this motel and I was extremely impressed. I was either super tired both nights or the room was soundproof because I didn’t hear a thing outside. It’s a single story building so you don’t have to worry about the upstairs noise either. They had two or three parking spaces long enough to park my Pilot and keep my trailer attached too. Friendly enough staff that got me checked in quick. Heater worked great. Beds were comfy.

10

Andre

9 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I had a one night stay at the FairBridge Inn while visiting my son at UC Merced. The room was clean. Check in was quick and easy. It is located right of the freeway so it is very convenient.

8

Tapajyoti

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great place. Great location.

8

JASON

10 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Affordable option during a road trip and visit to Yosemite. The room is cozy, but comfortable & has the necessities. The motel is adjacent to the highway & the railroad tracks, so expect some noise. But overall, the staff were friendly & welcoming & I had a good experience.

10

Vincent

29 May 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This property is unique but very close to the train tracks

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Dining

No on-site breakfast or restaurant service is provided, but there are fast-food and other options nearby.

Related guest reviews

8

Barbara

22 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient on/off highway. Close to multiple fast food and coffee stores.

4

Silvia

21 Jan 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This was the worst hotel I have stayed in. I arrived in a rainstorm and our tv had to be reset, our toilet seat was about to come off and when I asked for extra blankets, I was told they didn’t have any and they advertise breakfast but provide none. I would not recommend this hotel.

10

vianey

13 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s pretty much an isolated spot , however restaurants and a market really near to hotel.

8

Desiree

9 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This place was better than expected. For a one night stay it was nice. It was very nice, clean and quiet. Loved the decoration of the front door. Beds were clean and comfy. Only thing I would say the ice machine wasn’t available and I kept hitting my foot on the bottom of the bed that was blocked off. But overall good :)

10

Ted

27 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great value. Nice clean recently remodeled property close to all of the restaurants and the freeway.

8

Kahllid

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was quiet, clean and staff was nice. There were food options near by.

10

Ryan

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Just for one night, but the room was comfortable, bed was nice and I got a good night’s sleep, despite the motel being across from the 99 North. Shower was good the next morning. Easy and close parking, all free. Things that could be better: no trash cans on the premises other than in the room. TV had lots of channels but the screen was too small for the size picture it projected. No toiletries (soap, shampoo) available, though I had my own. No vending machines. No food to found on the premises.

6

Erlindo

18 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was no pool as described, the fridge was not kept up, white frost in the small fridge, no continental breakfast. The beds were comfortable room was clean.

10

Stephen

29 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Newly refurbished, in excellent condition, bed was clean and comfortable, large bathroom. No Breakfast with booking, but fast food just down the road. Great value for money.

8

Carol

17 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

“Mom and Pop” type place. You’ve got all the basics you need: clean room, a bed, shower, coffee, microwave, refrigerator, ironing board, hair dryer, television, and double door locks. I asked for more coffee pods, and they showed up at my door in minutes. Super nice people, and very accommodating.

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Month	Average price
January	US$71
February	US$72
March	US$69
April	US$72
May	US$80
June	US$70
July	US$68
August	US$66
September	US$69
October	US$67
November	US$69
December	US$72

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18 $82	19 $73
20 $69	21 $70	22 $69	23 $69	24 $67	25 $68	26 $70
27 $71	28 $67	29 $66	30 $67

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $65	2 $66	3 $67
4 $67	5 $68	6 $67	7 $65	8 $68	9 $66	10 $65
11 $69	12 $66	13 $64	14 $66	15 $68	16 $65	17 $68
18 $58	19 $61	20 $59	21 $61	22 $62	23 $66	24 $66
25 $64	26 $61	27 $62	28 $61	29 $62	30 $66	31 $68

FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite

Prices for FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Exclusive Room, 2 Queen Beds

Guest reviews of FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about FairBridge Inn & Suites Gateway to Yosemite

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