We stopped here for one night on our way to Yosemite. It's a pretty wierd set up, I have to say. It's in a suburb in a retired couples' house. Just one small dorm for men and one for women. It was comfortable enough but there is nothing to do in Merced. The owners grudgingly gave us a talk about Yosemite at 9pm, actually saying that they had to offer some kind of activity and this was it. We were basically shown the door at 7am the next day - they will drive you to the bus station if you don't have a car, you don't have a choice - you have to leave! However there is no reason for hanging around. You aren't allowed to have showers in the morning and you have to shower before 10.30 at night. All in all, a bit regimental but it was all we could find and was only $18 a night. more