Q: ARE YOU OPEN ALL-YEAR-ROUND?
A: Yes, we are open 365 days a year.
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS HOURS?
A: Our office hours are from 9 AM to 8 PM (daily). However, from March 14th, 2021 through November 6th, 2021 our Business Hours for ½ Day-Use guests will be from 12 PM to 5 PM (daily).
For more information about our business hours, please visit the Spring & Summer Hours page.
Q: WHAT IS THE CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT TIME?
A: Check-in time is at 3 PM however overnight guests are welcome to arrive as early as 2 PM to use the therapeutic outdoor hot tubs and heated (mineral-water) swimming pool. Check-out time for all overnight accommodation guests (cabins, camping and RV sites) is at 11 AM and from the resort at 2 PM. If a guest would like to stay past 2 PM then a day-use-rate applies. Guests who fail to leave the property by 2 PM may be automatically charged a ½ day use fee without prior notice.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A: Our cancellation policy varies on Non-Holiday Days & Holidays. For more information about the Cancellation Policy, please visit the Policies page.
Q: IS YOUR WATER ACTUALLY MINERAL WATER?
A: Yes, the water is rich with minerals and the most prevalent is Sodium Chloride; salt. For a more detailed list of all the minerals in our water, please visit the Water Analysis page.
Q: WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE HOT SPRINGS?
A: The water emerges from the source at approximately 112°F. When it arrives at the outdoor hot tubs the water is between 102-106°F.
Q: IS THE RESORT CLOTHING-OPTIONAL?
A: Only the Therapeutic Hot Tubs (behind the cabins) and the private, indoor tubs are clothing-optional. Clothing, swimsuits or robes must be worn everywhere else and guests must be covered up when walking from the clothing optional tubs to their cabins, camping or other facilities.
Q: MAY I DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE I’M AT MERCEY?
A: Although we allow alcohol on the property, you may NOT take it into any hot tubs or pool areas.
Q: MAY I HAVE A GROUP AT MERCEY FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY OR OTHER CELEBRATION?
A: Although celebrations are allowed, any group of more than 10 guests must be arranged in advance and our rules for noise, loud music will be strictly enforced. If the rules are broken, we reserve the right to ask the offending guests to leave and no refund will be offered or given. Repeat offenders may be permanently banned from Mercey.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW CHILDREN AND ARE THEY FREE?
A: Yes, we allow children. Children up to their 2nd Birthday are free however, upon from their 2nd Birthday and thereafter, the rate is the same as adults.
Q: ARE INFANTS ALLOWED IN THE SWIMMING POOL AND HOT TUBS?
A: Infants are allowed in the pool and hot tubs as long as they are wearing swimmy diapers. Especially important for brand new parents! Regular, non-cloth diapers are absolutely forbidden in the pool and tubs as they completely disintegrate when fully saturated with water; cleaning the pool takes HOURS to get the little pieces of floating debris out of the water.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW CHILDREN IN THE CLOTHING-OPTIONAL AREA?
A: No, children are not allowed in the clothing-optional area even if the parents are OK with their children being around nudity. Please keep in mind that the tubs are for therapeutic soaking and relaxation and a totally quiet area.
Q: ARE THE OUTDOOR HOT TUBS & SWIMMING POOL OPEN ALL NIGHT?
A: The outdoor hot tubs are open from 8 AM to 11 PM for overnight guests, and the swimming pool from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Q: CAN I SWIM IN THE SWIMMING POOL IN MY UNDERWEAR?
A: No. Only swimsuits can be worn while using the swimming pool.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW POOL TOYS?
A: No pool toys, (i.e. balls, Frisbees, squirt guns, air mattresses or flotation devices) other than arm style floaties for children as well as life vests or the “noodles” that we provide are allowed in the pool. For additional information regarding pool toys, please visit the Guidelines page.
Q: DO YOU PROVIDE ROBES AND TOWELS?
A: No, we do not provide robes. However complementary towels are provided for Cabin/Airstream/Tiny House and Walkabout House guests only. We do not rent towels for Day-Use/Camping or RV guests.
Q: DO YOU HAVE MUD BATHS?
A: No, we do not have mud baths at this time however it is in our plan to have them in the future.
Q: DO YOU TREAT THE WATER WITH CHEMICALS?
A: Yes, the swimming pool is chlorinated as required by the Fresno County Health Department however water in the therapeutic tubs comes directly from the source and has no chemicals of any kind.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A HOTEL?
A: Yes, but it is not available to guests at this time. We do however, have 6 Cabins, 2 Airstreams and a group house, called Walkabout.
Q: HOW BIG IS A CABIN AND WHAT DOES IT HAVE INSIDE?
A: The cabins were built in the early 1900’s for employee quarters and are either 10’ X 12’ or 12’ X 14’. They have each been renovated and are essentially a small bedroom with a queen-size bed, linens, towels, night stands, chairs, electric, heat, ceiling fan and a front porch. One cabin, #5, also has a compact, but complete kitchen. For more information about our cabins, please visit the Overnight Rates page.
Q: HOW FAR ARE THE RESTROOMS FROM THE CABINS?
A: Depending on the cabin, restrooms & showers are located within 25 to 75 feet from the cabins.
Q: CAN I PARK MY CAR NEXT TO THE CABIN?
A: Although guests can drive to all the cabins to load and unload, overnight parking is only allowed next to Cabin #5 & #10. All other guests have to re-park their cars in the parking area.
Q: WHERE DO I PARK IF I CANNOT PARK NEXT TO MY CABIN?
A: The main parking area is on the north side of the creek bed which is a relatively short walk to the cabins. For more information about the main parking area, please visit the Resort Map page.
Q: WHAT IS AN AIRSTREAM AND HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN STAY IN ONE?
A: An airstream is a luxurious trailer that has all the comforts of home; bedroom, restroom, kitchen, sitting area, BBQ (propane fuel), fire pit and much more. The maximum number of guests allowed in an Airstream is two adults. For more information about our airstreams, please visit the Overnight Rates page.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN BE IN THE WALKABOUT HOUSE?
A: Walkabout can accommodate up to a maximum of 6 guests and can be any mix of children and adults. For more information about Walkabout, please visit the Walkabout page.
Q: DO YOU HAVE CAMPSITES AND HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR CAMPING?
A: Yes, we have 9 campsites and rates vary by site location as well as for weekdays, weekends and holidays. For more information about our campsites, please visit the Overnight Rates page.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT INTO A CAMPSITE?
A: The number of people that can fit into a campsite varies from 2 to 6 depending on the site.
Q: DO THE CAMPSITES HAVE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS?
A: No, only the RV Sites have electrical hook-ups, which can be used for a small fee. Because Mercey is off the grid and produces all its power from solar and a generator, all RV guests must STILL turn their appliances to propane mode and no electric heaters (other than propane furnaces that have a fan) or air-conditioners are allowed to be used.
Q: DO YOU RENT CAMPING GEAR INCLUDING TENTS, STOVES OR SLEEPING BAGS?
A: No, we do not rent any camping gear.
Q: HOW MANY RV SITES DO YOU HAVE AND HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR STAYING IN A RV?
A: We have 10 RV Sites and rates vary depending on the site and the number of guest(s) staying in the RV. For more information about our RV Sites and rates, please visit the Overnight Rates page.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW CAMPFIRES?
A: Campfires are allowed seasonally; mostly fall (after the first rain), winter and spring. Typically, we stop allowing fires at the end of May after the Memorial Day weekend however, in-climate (Dry) weather, fires may not be allowed at an earlier date. For more information about campfires, Click Here!
Q: IF I’M STAYING OVERNIGHT AT THE RESORT, DO I HAVE TO PAY EXTRA TO USE THE FACILITIES?
A: No, the use of the facilities is included with the overnight stay.
Q: DO YOU HAVE POTABLE WATER?
A: Yes, and no. Although the mineral spring water is potable, it is mildly salty and is fine for cooking foods like pasta and vegetables but it doesn’t make very good tea or coffee. Guests can either bring their own drinking water or they can purchase bottled water at the registration office.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A RESTAURANT OR COMMUNITY KITCHEN?
A: Unfortunately, we don’t have a restaurant or a community kitchen at this time. Currently we sell snacks, water and a variety of drinks in the registration office.
Q: WHAT DO PEOPLE DO FOR COOKING?
A: Guests can either bring their camping stove or use the propane barbecue that is in a common, outdoor area; we of course provide the propane. Cabin #5, both Airstreams and Walkabout have fully equipped kitchen as well as propane BBQ’s.
Q: HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST TOWN?
A: Los Banos is the nearest town, which is 35 miles away and it takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Q: ARE THERE ANY RESTAURANTS NEARBY?
A: The closest restaurants are in Los Banos; Espana’s – Southwestern Grill, Woolgrowers – French Basque, Black Bear Diner – Family style and there are of course, an assortment of fast food establishments.
Q: WHERE CAN I BUY GROCERIES?
A: In Los Banos (35 miles away) at Save Mart or Walmart.
Q: HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST GAS STATION?
A: 17 miles, going North on I-5 and 26 miles, going South on I-5.
Q: DO YOU OFFER MASSAGES?
A: Unfortunately, there are No Massage Sessions available until further notice!
Q: DO YOU OFFER YOGA CLASSES?
A: Unfortunately, there are No Yoga Classes scheduled until further notice!
Q: ARE THERE HIKING AND MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS?
A: Yes. There a relatively short trails (1 to 2 hours) on Mercey’s 144 acres. There are much longer trails on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property that is ½ mile from Mercey. For more information about hiking trails, please visit the Activities page.
Q: DO YOU RENT BIKES?
A: At this time we do not rent bikes.
Q: IS THERE CELL PHONE COVERAGE?
A: No, there is no cell phone coverage at this time.
Q: HOW FAR DO I HAVE TO DRIVE TO GET CELL PHONE COVERAGE?
A: From Mercey towards I-5, about 8 miles (for sketchy service) and 13 miles towards I-5 where service is very good.
Q: DO YOU HAVE WI-FI?
A: Yes, we do. Although we have a limited bandwidth, so streaming of music or videos is not allowed!
Q: DO YOU ALLOW PETS?
A: No, we do not allow pets. For the safety and enjoyment of ALL of our guests, Mercey is a pet-free zone. For the safety and well-being of pets, they may not be tied up or left in vehicles.
Q: MAY I BRING MY SERVICE DOG?
A: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, (ADA) we of course allow service dogs and, although not required by law, we certainly appreciate service dog owners providing information and documentation showing that their pet is a true service animal. Under the ADA, we may ask the person who has the animal “if it is a service animal that is required because of a disability” and the owner must state what service the animal performs. We do not allow companion or emotional support animals for individuals that DO NOT have a disability. Specifically and as stated in the ADA, “To be afforded protection under United States federal law, a person must meet the federal definition of disability and must have a note from a physician or other medical professional stating that the person has that disability and that the emotional support animal provides a benefit for the individual with the disability”.
Q: DO YOU ALLOW SMOKING?
A: No, we do not allow smoking anywhere on the property. Mercey Hot Springs is a non-smoking facility and there will be a $200 fee for evidence of smoke from any substance in any cabin, airstream or other common-area building. Having a Medical Marijuana card does not exempt anyone from abiding by our No Smoking policy.
Q: ARE THERE RULES FOR THE HOT TUBS AND POOL AREA?
A: Yes, we have established a few simple rules including quiet-times (as specified below) that are always in effect unless you have reserved the resort exclusively. For the benefit and enjoyment of everyone;
No amplified music of any kind – earbuds only please and the volume must be low enough so that other guests cannot hear your music.
No musical instruments of any kind are allowed in the pool and hot tub and areas.
Tubs are for rest and relaxation but NOT a place to party or have conversations. Please keep talking volume low during the day and refrain from talking entirely from 9:00 PM until 8:00 AM
The pool closes at 9:00 PM and children are NOT allowed in the pool before 9:00 AM
There is to be No smoking of any substance anywhere on the property.
Absolutely no oils, body lotions, food, glass, fruit or alcohol is to be taken into the pool and hot tubs.
You may, of course take thermoses or plastic bottles with you while using the hot tubs and pool.
Q: HOW FAR ARE THE NEAREST AIRPORTS?
A: Fresno Yosemite International Airport is approximately 1½ hour drive and San Jose International Airport is approximately 2 hours away from Mercey. Driving times, of course may vary depending on traffic and weather.
Q: CAN I HOST A PRIVATE EVENT, RETREAT OR WORKSHOP AT MERCEY?
A: Yes, we can host groups large and small. Although groups of 10 – 20 people need to be pre-arranged, groups of more than 20 people are required to rent the entire resort exclusively. Since we are primarily a “Retreat”, there is limited availability for these Exclusive Use Events each year. Please send an inquiry to guestservices@merceyhotsprings.com including the nature of your group or event, the dates you would like to stay and the number of guests in your party.
Q: IS MERCEY A SANCTUARY?
A: Although Mercey is not specifically a sanctuary, it is a place for rest, relaxation, rejuvenation and healing.
If you have a question that is not on this page, please send us an e-mail to: guestservices@merceyhotsprings.com and we will post your question and our answer as soon as possible.