El Capitan Hotel

Parking is a little limited after 8pm. But otherwise everything was pleasant.

Great hotel. I stayed here before and after going to Yosemite national park. It is close to the bus and train station. The gym is new and great

They have one of best fitness rooms!

Very cute hotel in the middle of Merced. They just opened their patio and had a live music event that was very fun. Loved the gym setup and the fact that the water tap had both sparkling and still water. Room was great - loved the steamer and the gooseneck kettle for coffee. Also enjoyed that you can cast from your phone to the TV! The restaurant, Rainbird, was also great. Would definitely stay again!

Nice hotel, sketchy parking garage

The hotel was nice. Very comfortable bed, clean, nice shower. Only issue was that neighboring guest were parting until 1 am and it was really loud! We could also hear noise from outside of the hotel. The valet parking was convenient, however I had to park my own car for the valet because there wasn’t anyone who knew how to drive stick. Self parking was completely full in the evening.

The only complaint is the parking. We were given a parking pass but we weren’t told the garage fills up quickly and by the time we arrived by at the hotel it was 11:30 pm and we were told we could park on the street, park behind a building across the street or there was another parking garage. Not being familiar area, we didn’t feel comfortable parking in an area we didn’t know. It would have been helpful and appreciated if we were told that so we could have figured out where to park when we returned to the hotel.

The El Capitan is the best hotel in Merced. It's downtown with easy walking to shops and restaurants. There's a parking garage with self-parking and valet options. We stayed in a suite, which had a separate room for our son. The bathroom is huge with a clawfoot tub. The bottle fillers provide still and carbonated water. There's a well-equipped gym. The patio bar had good beer and whisky and was not crowded. We didn't eat at Rainbird this visit, but we have in the past and it is excellent. We enjoyed going to SUPR MRKT (a monthly swap-meet). We also enjoyed the downtown cafes that are within easy walking distance (we went to The Sensory Lab and Coffee Bandits).

I love this hotel. The only complaint I have is not having access from the parking garage.

Excellent hotel. Great amenities. Comfy bed and linens. Beautifully appointed. Could have used microwave, but appreciated the fridge. Used valet parking because self parking lot was not secure and an open vacant lot. All in all...loved it

Very clean

Very beautiful hotel, only issue our shower was full of mold.

Was given a dirty room after they even checked it to make sure! Missing towels, used soap on dish, open cups. Trash in bins still. Barely an apology, didnt even take the used soap away. (Gross).

Sheets n xarpet were dirty

2nd time I have stayed here., Its is very modern and nice, love the restaurant and cafe, staff is great., unfortunately both times my shower tiles were covered in black mold. Which I am allergic too. I brought it up upon check out. However due to this I can’t stay here again. I took a video of it but I can only upload photos..

This hotel was the cleanest place I've stayed at in a very long time!!! Iwas amazed with everywhere I went how clean it was.

Beautiful and clean space

Clean room

Staff was friendly, and the room is very clean. Convenient location.

The room was very clean and comfortable. There was a bit of street noise - not the hotel’s fault - but complimentary ear plugs were already in the room. Use valet parking ($15) unless you want to walk outside a couple minutes between the parking lot and the hotel during foul weather. I very much liked my stay and will stay here again.

The shower was strange because it did not have a door or curtain, which I assume is their aesthetic. But, the overall hotel was very beautiful.

the wall is thin and the hotel is next to major streets... quite noisy (can hear noise from next door and from the streets)... clearly this is a common issue as there is even ear plug in the hotel room...

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.

The room was better than expected. Very comfortable bed and plenty of room. The decor is very nice with lots of care taken to decorate in a retro fashion while still being modern. Lots of nice places close by, including a great wine bar next door. Highly recommended if you are staying in Merced

The check in staff was welcoming and professional. The hotel is lovely. The room was a tiny bit stuffy, but very nicely appointed. I was here for business, so sadly will not be able to visit yosemite

The bed is comfortable, good coffee in the room

This was the first time I felt a little disappointed...I love the El Capitan and stay there every time I'm in Merced, I have stayed 10+ nights in the last two years (since I first discovered this gem). This interaction won't limit me staying in the future. We reserved a Main Street King, I debated before reserving because we were staying 2 nights and expected more time in the room and had work to do. The higher price room described the room as larger with a separate sitting space (generally a table and chair). Having stayed there before, I know some of the rooms are pretty small and some feel giant. The room we got was quite a bit smaller than expected. I went to the front desk to ask about the size and to clarify if it was we had what I had reserved. The lady working the desk seemed incredibly bored (she was the only one there) and disinterested in talking to me. I explained that I thought we had reserved a larger room, she shrugged and said all their Main Street Kings are different sizes, she looked at ours and said yes, they had given us one of the smallest ones. She was incredibly dismissive which made me feel defensive. I didn't want to make an issue, the room was still lovely and comfortable, just much smaller than what I thought we reserved. The interaction left me feeling off, and no, I didn't ask to be moved or to talk to someone else. Every other single person we encounters was wonderful, as they have been every time we've been there in the past.

Vinyl player on the Nightstand!! 'nuff said this place is amazing.

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.

Valet parking $15/ night. The hotel is extremely loud. Vehicle noise, crowd noise and train blaring horn all day and night.

room upgrade, friendly staff always there to help you and greet you when you walk in the front door, clean hotel, great location.

Fabulous staff all around!

My stay was amazing! The staff was very helpful when I asked about finding banks, restaurants and grocery stores. I’m so glad that someone took the time to upgrade this hotel. I wish that same someone would take ove the city and make it pretty again..

amazing staff always friendly and helpful, amazing rooms at a reasonable price great location, I like any hotel that remembers you when you come back the next time

Great customer service!

This hotel is all about customer service. We were in town one night for a funeral. The staff was so nice and accommodating! In & out valet for one price was awesome! The staff is super friendly! They care more about our comfort and happiness than the almighty dollar and put customer service above all else. The bar was lovely and the Restaraunt had AMAZING food and service! We can’t rave enough about how a small town hotel like This could take such good care of us. We felt like we were home and taken care of like we were in a luxury hotel that only Rich people could afford. Not only will we be back some Day but we will recommend this to all our family and friends! Too notch! Congrats to the management for really caring and making our stay one we wish was for enter circumstances and one we wishes we could have stayed longer for! AMAZING! BRAVO! CHEERS

I am from Merced and moved about 6 months ago. That being said I could not find the parking or entrance. When entering with my children the 3 men at the front desk watched us walked by confused with our bags and kept talking amongst themselves not letting us bother them. There is not a traditional front desk, it is very small and in a corner which is confusing. When I finally found it I did ask one of the same 3 men that were chatting and watched us wonder by where to park. He informed me there is a parking garage in the back ( with a VERY small sign ). Again I’ve lived there most of my life and had no idea. After checking in and discussing it with a family member, she took it upon herself to check how you actually get from the parking garage to the hotel. Apparently you have to make your way through an ally and have your key to open a specific door. Why was this not told to me when I first asked where to park I have no idea. I would have been wondering around in the dark with children trying to find my way in if there wasn’t a follow up question 30 minutes later. These 3 men had zero interest in guests or hospitality which was incredibly disappointing considering the hotel is absolutely beautiful and incredibly clean.

Despite showing the person at the front desk our confirmation number and Expedia confirmation email, the front desk reception staff at the hotel refused to honor our reservation because they "couldn't find it". The person attending to us was extremely rude and refused to make even the slightest effort to "find" the reservation, instead only repeatedly insisting that we just make and pay for a new reservation. After insisting that he call a manager, the reservation was suddenly found. Of course, he had to passive-aggressively take a bunch of calls while checking us in and the whole process took over 20 minutes. Completely inept and out of touch with any semblance of the values of hospitality, borderline crooks.

This was the first time I felt a little disappointed...I love the El Capitan and stay there every time I'm in Merced, I have stayed 10+ nights in the last two years (since I first discovered this gem). This interaction won't limit me staying in the future. We reserved a Main Street King, I debated before reserving because we were staying 2 nights and expected more time in the room and had work to do. The higher price room described the room as larger with a separate sitting space (generally a table and chair). Having stayed there before, I know some of the rooms are pretty small and some feel giant. The room we got was quite a bit smaller than expected. I went to the front desk to ask about the size and to clarify if it was we had what I had reserved. The lady working the desk seemed incredibly bored (she was the only one there) and disinterested in talking to me. I explained that I thought we had reserved a larger room, she shrugged and said all their Main Street Kings are different sizes, she looked at ours and said yes, they had given us one of the smallest ones. She was incredibly dismissive which made me feel defensive. I didn't want to make an issue, the room was still lovely and comfortable, just much smaller than what I thought we reserved. The interaction left me feeling off, and no, I didn't ask to be moved or to talk to someone else. Every other single person we encounters was wonderful, as they have been every time we've been there in the past.

Our second time staying here and sad to say that on both occasions the front desk staff was less that helpful and cheerful. Otherwise we really like the property.

Beautifully renovated and decorated hotel - our room had retro-themed decor, including a record-player and vintage telephone, and we were admiring the beautiful designs from the moment we stepped into the hotel and the room. The room itself is intelligently and uniquely organized, utilizing space in a way that's helpful and clever and the retro aesthetic was awesome. Our only issue was a very loud night club or concert that was going on just below, but that's clearly out of their hands. A gem.

The convenience of walking and exploring downtown

Best hotel in Merced. Fun location downtown, great staff, very clean and well kept.

This hotel was perfect for our stop between Yoesmite and the coast, we loved the room and staff helpful and facilities good. Local area quite run down, but didn’t explore far as literally a stop over.

Great hotel for the town - some historic buildings and more being renovated. Some good food options in the vicinity. Noisy with the cars in the car park opposite the back ally, and from the train at night. Single glazing for a European is a bit last century even in old hotels these days…

Wonderful hotel and centrally located

Do yourself a favor and stay at El Capitan when you're in Merced. The pictures don;t do it justice. It's an oasis in the Central Valley, located on the hippest block in town.

Great property, staff, walkable location and cool vibe

Pros- Great hotel, very clean and newly renovated, valet parking, restaurant and cafe on the property. The staff was very friendly. Very happy with our room. Con- noisy street, you can hear the train, area at night is sketchy, did not feel safe walking at night.

Great hotel. Cool vibe, comfortable and downtown Merced.

Love the room. Quiet and lovely amenities. Dinner at the restaurant was superb.

The El Capitan hotel is a perfect stop for someone who looking for a 1-2 night stay in between traveling. The thing that makes this hotel is the staff and the rooms. The staff were incredibly friendly, professional and explained everything clearly. They allow dogs here and even gave one of ours a toy! The rooms are clean and spacious with some nice amenities. What we didn’t appreciate was the restaurants. One had very little to offer besides a few basic sandwiches and drinks while the other was fine dining. We ended up ordering food from another place outside the property.

This is such a lovely boutique hotel. The quaint restaurant, Rainbird, is amazing. Fried oysters better than I had in New Orleans. Spacious and cozy room. I love it here. You can walk to downtown eateries and the cinema in a matter of minutes. Just a block away.

Lovely hotel. It was more than worth the cost I paid. The hotel restaurant was outstanding as well. I had a very fresh beet salad and a delicious wild mushroom risotto there. Both excellent. Good service as well.

Beautiful property to stay at! I was impressed. Very comfortable beds, extremely clean, the staff was attentive and great...especially at the Rainbord restaurant we had breakfast at down by the lobby.

Room was clean, staff was courteous, and the restaurant (Rain Bird) was delicious!!

I loved this little jewel of a place. The room was beautiful and the bed was very comfortable. The main restaurant had a great menu and we ate there multiple times as well as enjoying snacks and coffee at the smaller cafe.

Patrons were smoking cigars in the dining facility and the staff did nothing about it even after I mentioned it. Management was not available to handle to situation immediately. The staff needs training on the laws in california regarding smoking in public restaurants.

It was a great place for a quick overnight stay while traveling through Merced. Dinner was delicious at the onsite restaurant, too.

Had a great experience at this lovely hotel. The room was comfortable and spacious and the staff was amazing. I ate at both restaurants in the lobby and was very very happy with my meal and cocktails. The location is great – right in the heart of Historic Main St., Merced