Newly built in 2009, the 91 room Holiday Inn Express hotel in Merced sits along a quiet residential side street on the south side of town, just off Highway 99 and half a mile from Highway 140 to Yosemite National Park. There are 3 restaurants within a few minutes walk, though free breakfast (including hot items) is provided free at the hotel. All accommodation features luxurious bedding, a 32" flat screen TV and free internet access; the 19 suites have divided living/sleeping areas plus an extra sofa bed. Also available are the usual pool/hot tub/fitness center, together with guest laundry, a business center and 3 meeting rooms.

Opened in 2007, Courtyard Merced has become one of the top hotels in town on account of its modern decor, the clean & comfortable rooms, and the friendly staff. The address is 750 Motel Drive, near to several other hotels, on the east edge of town; west facing rooms have views over Highway 99 and the farmland beyond, while those on the other side look out over a residential area that borders Route 140 (the road to Mariposa and Yosemite National Park). Freshly cooked breakfast is available at the hotel's Courtyard Cafe; other amenities are a convenience store, indoor pool, whirlpool and exercise room.

Best Western Inn of Merced is one of about 6 lodgings along the appropriately named Motel Drive, towards the east side of town and right next to CA 140 which reaches the western boundary of Yosemite National Park after 63 miles. Some of the hotel's 42 rooms have views over the parking area & outdoor pool, and across to farmland beyond nearby highway 99, while others overlook a residential district. Free continental breakfast is provided; other meals are available from the adjacent Sir James Steak House restaurant/lounge.

Merced's Comfort Inn (once a Holiday Inn Express) is found on the east side of town by the junction of Highway 99 with Highway 140 (the Yosemite Parkway) - the first of a small group of hotels along Motel Drive. It has good staff, free continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool/hot tub. The 65 rooms are on 3 floors and all contain a coffee maker & ironing facility; some have a microwave and refrigerator. There is one restaurant adjacent (Carrows), and others half a mile away along E 16th St.

The Quality Inn hotel in Merced is located next to the busy CA 140 - CA 99 junction on the west side of town, in a business district near to numerous shops & restaurants, a mile from both Merced Airport (which is reached by complimentary shuttle) and the center of downtown along Main Street. The inn is a large property of 95 rooms, and includes an outdoor pool, newsstand, convenience store & fitness center. Free continental breakfast is available.