This hotel in Merced, California, near Yosemite National Park, offers a comfortable and well-appointed stay.
The rooms are spacious, with large 55-inch TVs, and the daily breakfast buffet is a nice perk. The outdoor pool and gym provide opportunities to relax and stay active.
One potential drawback is the hotel’s location, which, while convenient to downtown Merced and the university, may not be the most scenic or central for exploring the Yosemite area.
Plus, the hotel caters primarily to individual and group travelers, so those seeking a more intimate or boutique experience may want to look elsewhere.
This Holiday Inn Express is a solid choice for travelers looking for a reliable, well-equipped hotel near Yosemite National Park.
Its amenities and accommodations make it a good fit for families, business travelers, and those seeking a comfortable base to explore the region.
Good To Know

- Highly-rated IHG-branded hotel in Merced, California, offering spacious rooms, a daily buffet breakfast, and amenities like a pool, gym, and jacuzzi.
- Accommodation options range from standard rooms to king suites, with essential amenities like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs.
- Complimentary continental breakfast featuring a variety of hot and cold items, freshly-baked pastries, and cereals, praised by guests for its quality and selection.
- Prime location near downtown Merced, Applegate Zoo, and UC Merced, providing easy access to local attractions.
- Flexible check-in and check-out policies, as well as family-friendly policies, cater to diverse guest needs.
Hotel Overview

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced – Yosemite Natl Pk Area is an IHG-branded hotel located in Merced, California.
It has earned a fabulous rating of 8.8 based on 640 reviews. The hotel offers spacious rooms with 55-inch TVs, a daily buffet breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym, a jacuzzi, a business center, laundry facilities, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
The accommodations include standard rooms, suites, and rooms with two queen beds. Key amenities include a fitness center, non-smoking rooms, and facilities for guests with disabilities.
The hotel’s prime location provides easy access to downtown Merced, the Applegate Zoo, the Merced Agricultural Museum, and the University of California at Merced.
Accommodation Options

Offering a range of accommodation options, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced caters to diverse guest needs. Guests can choose from a standard room, a room with two queen beds, a queen suite, a standard king room, or a king suite.
All rooms are equipped with essential amenities, such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, coffee makers, work desks, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. The hotel’s accommodations provide comfort and convenience, ensuring a satisfactory stay for both individual and group travelers.
Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can find a suitable room that meets their requirements at this well-equipped Holiday Inn Express & Suites property.
Amenities and Facilities

Consistently, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced provides a range of amenities and facilities to cater to the diverse needs of its guests.
The hotel offers free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center, ensuring guests can maintain their routines during their stay.
Accommodations are equipped with air conditioning, private bathrooms, coffee makers, work desks, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels.
Guests can also take advantage of the daily housekeeping service and business center.
Guest Experience Highlights

According to numerous guest reviews, a compelling aspect of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced is its popular facilities and amenities. Guests consistently praise the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
The continental breakfast, featuring a pancake machine, offers a variety of choices to start the day. Plus, the hotel’s free Wi-Fi and non-smoking rooms are frequently cited as highlights.
Breakfast Offering

The hotel’s complimentary continental breakfast provides guests with a wide array of options to start their day.
Featuring a pancake machine, the breakfast buffet offers a variety of hot and cold items, including freshly-baked pastries, cereals, fruit, yogurt, and a selection of hot entrees.
Guests can enjoy their meal in the hotel’s dedicated breakfast area or take it back to their room.
The breakfast service is well-regarded by guests, with many praising the quality and variety of the offerings.
This complimentary breakfast is a valuable perk that adds to the overall positive experience at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced.
Check-in and Check-out
Guests can conveniently check in to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced from 16:00 to 00:00, while check-out is available from 01:00 to 11:00.
This flexible schedule accommodates a variety of travel plans, allowing guests to maximize their time in the area.
The hotel’s clear check-in and check-out policies ensure a smooth transition for visitors, whether they are arriving late in the evening or departing early in the morning.
This attention to detail helps create a seamless experience for guests, contributing to the overall positive ratings the hotel has received.
Child and Pet Policies

Flexibility extends to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced’s child policy, which welcomes children of all ages.
However, guests aged 18 and above are charged as adults. The hotel’s pet policy is more restrictive, as pets are not allowed on the premises.
Guests intending to stay at the hotel with children should be aware of the following:
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Guests aged 18 and above are charged as adults.
- Pets are not permitted at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced.
Plus, a $250 damage deposit is required 14 days prior to arrival, which is refundable after inspection.
Nearby Attractions

Located just 8 minutes’ drive from downtown Merced, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced provides easy access to a variety of local attractions. Guests can explore the Applegate Zoo, just an 8-minute drive away, or visit the Merced Agricultural Museum, located 3.2 miles from the hotel. Those interested in higher education can easily reach the University of California at Merced, which is only 7 miles away.
| Attraction | Distance |
|---|---|
| Applegate Zoo | 8 minutes |
| Merced Agricultural Museum | 3.2 miles |
| University of California at Merced | 7 miles |
The hotel’s central location makes it a convenient base for guests looking to discover the area’s diverse offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hotel Provide Shuttle Services to Yosemite National Park?
No, the information provided does not indicate that the hotel offers shuttle services to Yosemite National Park. The hotel’s location and amenities suggest it is primarily focused on serving guests visiting the local Merced area.
What Are the Dining Options Near the Hotel?
The hotel does not provide shuttle services to Yosemite National Park. However, there are several dining options within a short drive, including restaurants serving American, Mexican, and Asian cuisines, as well as fast food establishments.
Does the Hotel Have a 24-Hour Front Desk?
The hotel operates a 24-hour front desk to serve guests’ needs around the clock. This ensures staff are available to assist with check-in, inquiries, and any other requests at any time during a guest’s stay.
Can I Request Early Check-In or Late Check-Out?
Guests may request early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability. The hotel’s standard check-in time is from 16:00 to 00:00, and the check-out time is from 01:00 to 11:00. Early or late requests are accommodated when possible.
What Is the Dress Code for the Hotel’s Fitness Center?
The fitness center typically has a casual, comfortable dress code. Guests are advised to wear athletic or workout clothing and proper footwear when using the fitness facility. Formal or street attire may not be permitted.
Sum Up
We recently had the opportunity to stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced – Yosemite Natl Pk Area, an IHG Hotel, while exploring the Yosemite National Park area. This well-appointed accommodation option provided a comfortable base for our adventure.
The spacious rooms and modern amenities catered to our diverse needs as travelers. The daily breakfast buffet was a welcomed start to our days, fueling us for the adventures ahead. With a high rating and a strategic location near Yosemite, this property proved to be an ideal choice for both our leisure and business needs.
If you’re planning a trip to the Yosemite National Park area, you can book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Merced – Yosemite Natl Pk Area through Booking.com, a platform we use and recommend for its competitive prices and reliable service.
