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Property Name
Guest Rating
Stars
Cities
- Aptos
- Capitola
- Felton
- Santa Cruz
- Scotts Valley
- Watsonville
Brands
- Best Western Plus
- Comfort Inn
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott
- Hampton Inn
- Hilton
- Holiday Inn Express
- Howard Johnson
- Independent
- No brand
- Tapestry
Property Types
- Hotel
- Resort
Just a cool, funky atmosphere. Friendly service.
The staff and the family friendly amenities like a kids menu and room service
Location.
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Breakfast options
Comfy beds, clean, breakfast included.
It was close by and clean.
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The pool and location
The staff was friendly.
Staff was helpful and friendly and responsive location of room
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It was clean. The welcome reception was great. The hotel clerk was kind and friendly and very helpful ??
The staff were unbelievably friendly and accomadating. The rooms were very clean and well thought out for a 2 star hotel
The Hot Tub was nice the evening of our stay. The room was clean and it had everything you would need for short stays.
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The rooms are spacious and well laid out. We had a balcony with a view of the pool, very nice.
Courtesy and customer service the compassion of me going there because I lost a significant other the night crew. The gentleman was amazing.
Close to boardwalk
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Room, to cleanliness, amenities.
The staff that checked us in was great couldn't ask for better service!
The hotel area was a central location of the town. They had coffee all day long! The breakfast was really good!
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Incredibly nice person at front desk.
Location was good
The location
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It very close to UCSC.
Convenient location and parking, knowledgeable staff, easy ingress and egress.
The location is great.
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Great breakfast staff a bit rude and not able to answer questions
The receptionist went out of her way to make my wife and I felt special. She was amazing and helped us tremendously. She should get a promotion
The beds and bed linens were comfortable.
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Like the large rooms and love the pool and hot tub. The breakfast was great too.
Nice linens, quiet room, very hearty breakfast included, excellent valet service, polite staff everywhere.
The Valet parking staff were friendly n helpful I loved their service, they even charged me vehicle at night.
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Excellent location, good breakfast, nice staff, decent room, easy parking.
We loved the breakfast and location was what we needed.
Location is fantastic! Staff is professional. Parking is gated and secured. Clean Rooms and awesome! I will recommend this Hotel to my friends.
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Very nice room. Staff was friendly and responsive to our needs.
The location
We had a suite. Very large, well furnished.
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I loved the hiking trails and the campus in general.
Staff was friendly. Resort looked clean and nice.
Hotel was very clean. Bathroom was spotless. There is no cleaning service unless requested. Which they did not personally tell us at check in. It was written in a letter.
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Clean, Comfortable Bed, Close to the Boardwalk
It had a front door that locked and lights that could be turned on and off. It had running water.
It was very clean and the breakfast was pretty good
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This was one of the worst hotel experiences I've had. The staff lied about not finding my engagement ring in my room after checkout (I've checked my belongings countless times without finding it); the manager lied that they didn't find it after checkout.
Clean and comfortable
Very well kept and clean
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The closeness to the boardwalk. It?s a short walk down to the hill.
Bed was clean
The staff was very professional and helpful. It was quiet and relaxing at night.
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The staff is attentive and friendly. The cost is good for the location and ammenities. Loved the waffle breakfast.
I like the location and of course the parking garage.
Room was small. Somewhat beaten-up, but sufficiently clean. Included parking was convenient - directly outside room for me.
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Excellent location, very clean, great breakfast, most comfortable beds and pillows! Staff so nice and accommodating. Hotel employee was so helpful getting my parents an ADA room. My parents are in their 80?s and use walkers.
cleanliness
Staff was friendly and courteous
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The staff
It¿s location, view, cleanliness & friendly staff.
The view was great and the pool area was a lot of fun.
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The upstairs veranda or courtyard
The hotel was just a couple of blocks from the Boardwalk, which was our main destination for the weekend. We were able to walk to/from the boardwalk and not have to pay for parking. Plus, our room was clean and the staff was courteous and friendly.
Not bad. To be expected for the price. Just a hotel. Clean rooms and location is right near the boardwalk. Parking free in back
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The manager or owner was extremely nice and very welcoming. The location is amazing close to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the warf. Lots of close restaurant options
Location, location, location
It was very well lit at night and felt safe. It was located walking distance from beach and boardwalk
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Location location location!!
Room was super clean and updated!! Comfortable Beds. We had the king luxury suite. Hotel is directing across from the beach. Hotel reps were very helpful and had plenty of suggestions for food and entertainment. Definitely staying here
Clean and great location
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Very well maintained, great coffee machine + carrot cake muffins :)
Loved the room - large, comfortable, and on the ground floor (easy in and out for my dog).
Great location, walking distance to the beach, the boardwalk, and downtown restaurants and shops. Incredibly helpful and friendly staff.
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Location
Absolutely loved this place. Everything about it. Very nice staff. Great location. Clean. Nice touch with the snacks and wine.
The location and being right next to beach
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If customer service was amazing. The staff was very polite and gracious. The attached restaurant actually have very good food. Fairly price and generous portions.
The restaurant is great, room was nicely laid out and clean
It was quiet and safe. The pool was great and being off the boardwalk was a plus.
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Location was ideal
Price, cleanliness, location
Price and free wifi
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Staff and location
Beautifully maintained grounds. Very clean. Exceptionally nice suite.
I love the location and the cleanliness of this hotel. The staff is very friendly. The bar has live music and delicious food. Being a mother of three, I appreciate that there is a Safeway across the street, Pete?s coffee, & Seacliff State Beach.
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Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Learn about the top neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Featuring an outdoor pool with cabanas available, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection offers fire-pits for guest use. A restaurant and bar is on site. The modern rooms feature free WiFi. All rooms are soundproofed. A seating area, an electronics charging station, a TV with cable channels, and a coffee machine are featured in each spacious room. Solaire Restaurant and Bar is onsite and features local wine and beer. Guests can enjoy farm to table ingredients and a seasonal menu. A fitness center is on site. A concierge service is provided for the hotel to assist guests with dinner reservations and area attractions. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Capital Village is 8.8 miles away, and Pacific Avenue with boutique shops and stores is just 15 minutes’ walk from the property.
Just a cool, funky atmosphere. Friendly service.
The staff and the family friendly amenities like a kids menu and room service
Location.
Hilton Santa Cruz / Scotts Valley
Just minutes from area beaches and the famous Santa Cruz Boardwalk, this hotel features spacious and comfortable accommodations as well as relaxing amenities in Santa Cruz, California. Hilton Santa Cruz-Scotts Valleyfeatures guestrooms and suites that are filled with unique amenities. Guests will enjoy free wireless high-speed internet access, microwaves and refrigerators. Enjoyable facilities at the Hilton Santa Cruz-Scotts Valley include an outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness center with Precor equipment. Guests can stay productive in the hotel's 24-hour business center. Stonehouse Bar & Grill, located on-site, serves traditional California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The pool and location
The staff was friendly.
Staff was helpful and friendly and responsive location of room
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Located in Santa Cruz, within a 14-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach and 0.7 miles of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, The Aqua Pacific Hotel has accommodations with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. The hotel has family rooms. At the hotel guests are welcome to use an indoor swimming pool. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 1.6 miles from The Aqua Pacific Hotel, while Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 1.9 miles from the property. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 31 miles away.
Incredibly nice person at front desk.
Location was good
The location
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
Located in Santa Cruz, a 15-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, an ATM and free WiFi. The hotel has a sun terrace and a hot tub. At the hotel the rooms include air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Buffet and continental breakfast options are available at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a 15-minute walk from the accommodation, while Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 1.5 miles from the property. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 31 miles away.
Like the large rooms and love the pool and hot tub. The breakfast was great too.
Nice linens, quiet room, very hearty breakfast included, excellent valet service, polite staff everywhere.
The Valet parking staff were friendly n helpful I loved their service, they even charged me vehicle at night.
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
Located in Santa Cruz, a 4-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. The property is 300 yards from the city center and a 4-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Guests at the hotel can enjoy an à la carte breakfast. At Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz you'll find a restaurant serving American cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options can also be requested. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is a 19-minute walk from the accommodation, while Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 1.4 miles away. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 32 miles from the property.
Very nice room. Staff was friendly and responsive to our needs.
The location
We had a suite. Very large, well furnished.
Hampton Inn By Hilton Santa Cruz West, Ca
Conveniently located 1.1 miles from the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca offers a fitness room and guest laundry room.. All rooms include free Wi-Fi. A fridge, microwave and coffee facilities are provided in all rooms. Cable TV with in-room movies and a work desk are available. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West offers a continental breakfast and fax services are available in the hotel lobby. An 8-minute drive from the hotel, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers guests recreational activities. Wilder Ranch State Park is 1.9 miles from the hotel.
This was one of the worst hotel experiences I've had. The staff lied about not finding my engagement ring in my room after checkout (I've checked my belongings countless times without finding it); the manager lied that they didn't find it after checkout.
Clean and comfortable
Very well kept and clean
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
Located in Downtown Santa Cruz this hotel is 15 minutes' walk from many shops and restaurants. The hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi. Parking is free for guests. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz rooms include a microwave and refrigerator, for midnight snacks and light meals. SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz provides guests with a daily continental breakfast and USA Today Newspaper . This hotel is only 1.5 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. Mystery Spot is less than 10 minutes' drive away. The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is 15 minutes' drive from the property.
Breakfast options
Comfy beds, clean, breakfast included.
It was close by and clean.
Continental Inn
Just 5 minutes’ drive from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, this hotel offers an outdoor pool and hot tub and has spacious rooms. Free WiFi is included. It offers free on site guest parking. A satellite TV with HBO film channels, a microwave and a fridge are offered in all guest rooms a Continental Inn. Each comfortably furnished room includes a hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities. 24-hour reception is offered at Continental Inn Santa Cruz. Fax and photocopying services are available on site. Offering numerous dining and shopping opportunities, Water Street and Santa Cruz town center are just 5 minutes’ walk from this hotel. The University of California Santa Cruz is 13 minutes’ drive away.
It was clean. The welcome reception was great. The hotel clerk was kind and friendly and very helpful ??
The staff were unbelievably friendly and accomadating. The rooms were very clean and well thought out for a 2 star hotel
The Hot Tub was nice the evening of our stay. The room was clean and it had everything you would need for short stays.
Hotel Solares
Hotel Solares is located in Santa Cruz, just 10 minutes' walk away from the Beach Boardwalk. An outdoor pool is located on-site along with rooms that provide free WiFi and cable TV. Guest rooms at this hotel include coffee facilities and a cable TV. The rooms are also furnished with a mini-bar, a microwave, a balcony or patio, and a refrigerator. A hot tub is available at Hotel Solares. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Cowell Beach is less than 1 mi from this hotel. The University of California Santa Cruz is 2.2 mi away.
The rooms are spacious and well laid out. We had a balcony with a view of the pool, very nice.
Courtesy and customer service the compassion of me going there because I lost a significant other the night crew. The gentleman was amazing.
Close to boardwalk
Stretching from the serene Pasatiempa Golf Club to the buzzing Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this area west of the University of California - Santa Cruz campus offers something for everyone. This surf destination features a mellow beach feel, as well as a nostalgic boardwalk lined with classic rides and even a historic carousel. Downtown Santa Cruz is lined with unique shops and casual restaurants serving up local cuisine. The nearby Lighthouse Field State Beach, found just southwest of the area, draws surfers and those looking for lounging sea lions and wintering Monarch butterflies.
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn is 2 mi from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes' drive to the University of California Santa Cruz. The all-suite hotel features free WiFi, an outdoor hot tub, and spacious suites. Guest suites at the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator. A separate seating area and a work desk are provided. A cable TV with HBO and in-room movies is also included. The Best Western Plus All Suites Inn provides free hot breakfast buffet. Guests have free access to the fitness center. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is 5 minutes' drive from the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn.
Room, to cleanliness, amenities.
The staff that checked us in was great couldn't ask for better service!
The hotel area was a central location of the town. They had coffee all day long! The breakfast was really good!
SeaSide Inn & Suites
Located in Santa Cruz, a 17-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach, SeaSide Inn & Suites provides accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is around a 17-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 1.6 miles from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and 2 miles from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. University of California Santa Cruz is 2.3 miles from the hotel and Pasatiempo Golf Club is 2.7 miles away. All guest rooms comes with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. Rooms are complete with a private bathroom equipped with a hairdryer, while some units at the hotel also have a balcony. SeaSide Inn & Suites can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Winchester Mystery House is 29 miles from the accommodation, while San Jose Diridon Amtrak Station is 31 miles away. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 31 miles from the property.
It very close to UCSC.
Convenient location and parking, knowledgeable staff, easy ingress and egress.
The location is great.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz By IHG
Located in Santa Cruz, California, 10 minutes from Lighthouse Field State Beach, this hotel features an outdoor pool and bright, contemporary rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. The Santa Cruz East Holiday Inn Express offers rooms with hardwood furniture, including a work desk with ergonomic chair. Guests can browse the internet with the free Wi-Fi or make a snack with the microwave and refrigerator. The business center is open 24 hours a day and a hot continental breakfast is served in the mornings. The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 2.8 miles from Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz East. The Rio Theater is less than a 5-minute drive away.
Great breakfast staff a bit rude and not able to answer questions
The receptionist went out of her way to make my wife and I felt special. She was amazing and helped us tremendously. She should get a promotion
The beds and bed linens were comfortable.
Fern River Resort
Featuring access to the private River Beach, this Felton resort is 8 miles away from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A campfire and game areas are featured. A terrace with barbecue facilities is featured in all cottages. Featuring a river view, each cottage provides free WiFi, a seating area, cable TV and an private bathroom. Natural wood accents are featured in all rooms at Fern River Resort. Select cabins offer a fully equipped kitchen or a fireplace. Surrounded by a majestic forest, this resort offers barbecue facilities with picnic tables. A game room is also offered at Felton Fern River Resort. Guests can take advantage of the cabins to host weddings, private parties, and corporate events. Monterey Bay Aquarium is 1 hours’ drive away. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 35 miles away from Fern River Resort.
In the forest
Location in the redwood forest.
Small and perfect for our family of 5. The scenery was beautiful and the place is tucked away by the river. We loved being able to walk down to the river and sit on our deck and listen to nature. Definitely coming back
Seascape Beach Resort
Located in Aptos, Seascape Beach Resort is a luxurious oceanfront resort featuring three outdoor swimming pools with hot tubs and 2 restaurants on site. All accommodations includes free WiFi. Featuring a patio or balcony, all rooms are equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, a TV with cable channels, and a fireplace. Guests can chose from a spacious villa, a studio or a suite complete with a microwave, a refrigerator and a dining area. Accommodations at this resort features ocean or garden views. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Sanderlings Restaurant & Lounge offers casual fine-dining with ocean views. Offering 2 decks with ocean views, Palapas restaurant features authentic traditional dishes of Mexico and a full bar stocked with fine wines and an extensive tequila list. Guests can also take advantage of the room service. Guests can visit the spa and wellness center or work out in the fitness center at Seascape Beach Resort. Tennis courts and a children’s playground are provided and guest can hire bicycles to explore the surrounding area. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is 13 mi away. This resort is 54 mi from San Francisco Airport. The property offers free parking.
Lots of amenities, spacious rooms, golf cart for ease of getting around
The location of the hotel and staff were great.
I liked the location of the resort.
Capitola Beach Suites
Located in Capitola and within a few steps of Hooper's Beach, Capitola Beach Suites features a terrace, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 5.9 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 6 miles from Pasatiempo Golf Club and 6.5 miles from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Certain rooms at the property include a balcony with a sea view. Guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a shower. Selected rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a fridge, a dishwasher and an oven. All guest rooms feature a closet. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 6.9 miles from Capitola Beach Suites, while University of California Santa Cruz is 7.3 miles away. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 34 miles from the property.
The room had a lot of space. Very comfy.
Located between Santa Cruz and Monterey, this inland agriculture-rich stretch features historic downtown Watsonville, known for its pocket parks, local shops and historic facades. You're never far from wide open spaces and outdoor recreation here, as this area serves as a great jumping-off point for nearby beaches, redwood forests, whale watching, birding and more.
Motel 6-Watsonville, CA - Monterey Area
This motel is located 2 miles from downtown Watsonville and within a 19-minute drive of Santa Cruz. The motel features a outdoor pool and free parking. Motel 6 Watsonville rooms include cable TV. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and heating. Watsonville Motel 6 has a 24-hour front desk. Motel 6 is within a 9-minute drive of the Aptos Seascapes Golf Course. The Watsonville Speedway is 5 miles from the hotel.
You can walk across the street to Applebee's. And the price
Location is good
Motel 6 remains less expensive than most other hotels. This one was well located for my purpose. Quality is missing but one gets what one pays for. The grounds were well kept and the parking area was well lit. The heater in the room was quiet, a plus!
Comfort Inn Watsonville
The Comfort Inn hotel is conveniently located between Santa Cruz and Monterey, close to Capitola Beach. This Watsonville, CA hotel is minutes from area attractions including Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf, the National Steinbeck Center, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Mystery Spot. Watsonville is the agricultural center of Santa Cruz county and the geographic center of Monterey Bay. To the north there are the sandy beaches of Santa Cruz and the amazing redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. To the south is the splendor of the Monterey Peninsula with famous golf courses like Pebble Beach. The Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and the Roaring Camp Railroad are also nearby. Several golf courses, wineries, shops, and hiking and fishing areas are all close to the hotel. There are a variety of restaurants and cocktail lounges located in the surrounding area. This Watsonville, CA hotel offers many amenities, including a free newspaper, free local calls and free coffee in the lobby. Your Morning Breakfast is full of hot and delicious options, making breakfast at the Comfort Inn the perfect way to start your day. Enjoy our free hot breakfast featuring eggs, meat, yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal and more, including your choice of hot waffle flavors. Business travelers will appreciate modern conveniences like free high-speed Internet access, a business center with free wireless Internet access, voice mail and access to copy and fax services. A meeting room is available to accommodate most events and business functions. All spacious guest rooms include refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards.
good rates, very clean rooms and close to my destination.
It had everything you need. Not fancy but nothing was missing.
The price.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville By IHG
Located in Watsonville, 16 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Guests can chill out in the indoor pool. A buffet breakfast is available at the hotel. Presidio of Monterey Museum is 28 miles from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Watsonville by IHG, while Pasatiempo Golf Club is 16 miles away. Monterey Regional Airport is 27 miles from the property.
Breakfast was awesome.
Comfortable beds and pillows and the room was clean.
Super clean! This is what I like best about this hotel. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is always very convenient!
Price by Week Day
Average hotel price on Saturday is around $160.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices generally increase as the week progresses, starting at just over $90 on Monday and reaching around $150 on Friday. Prices peak on Saturday, approaching $160, before decreasing slightly on Sunday.
Price by Month
Lowest prices just over $100 in January; highest around $300 in September.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices vary significantly throughout the year. The lowest average price occurs in January at just over $100, while the highest prices peak in September at around $300. February and March also see mid-range prices.
How far in advance should I book?
Prices in Santa Cruz on check-in day range from around $140–$150.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices generally decrease as the check-in date approaches, particularly for lower quality hotels which often see price reductions at the last minute. However, top-tier hotels are frequently fully booked three weeks in advance, leading to higher prices in the days leading up to check-in. On the same day as check-in, prices can range from around $140 to $150.
Price by Hotel Class
Most popular star category: 2*, priced just over $150.
In Santa Cruz, the distribution of hotels shows a clear trend where prices generally increase with higher star ratings. The 2-star hotels are the most popular and are priced just over $150, while 3-star options see a slight increase to around $200, and 4-star hotels remain competitive at approximately $195. The jump to 5-star hotels is significant, priced at around $520.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical check-in and check-out times for hotels in Santa Cruz, and is early check-in/late check-out commonly available?
What taxes and mandatory fees apply to hotel stays in Santa Cruz?
How much do mid-range hotel prices in Santa Cruz fluctuate between peak and off-season?
How do hotel prices and walkability compare between Santa Cruz neighborhoods?
What is typical hotel Wi-Fi speed in Santa Cruz, and are coworking spaces available nearby?
Are there lodging-related scams or safety concerns specific to Santa Cruz hotel districts?
How do major events impact hotel pricing and availability in Santa Cruz?
What percentage of Santa Cruz hotels are step-free accessible, and what features are commonly missing?
Do hotels in Santa Cruz commonly accept credit cards, and is dynamic currency conversion (DCC) a known issue?
What are the typical cancellation policies for Santa Cruz hotels, and how much more expensive are flexible rates?
What are standard pet and child policies at Santa Cruz hotels?
Is remote work viable from Santa Cruz hotels, considering power reliability and workspace availability?
Are sustainability certifications common among Santa Cruz hotels?
Is tipping hotel staff customary in Santa Cruz, and are there local etiquette expectations?
How reliable and fast is hotel Wi-Fi in Santa Cruz for remote work, and are there coworking options nearby?
How do weather and events impact hotel availability and pricing in Santa Cruz?
What are common pet/family/extra-guest fee norms for Santa Cruz hotels?
Top Tips
- Book beachfront hotels 4-6 months ahead for summer. Rates near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk increase 40-60% for June to August bookings made within 60 days of arrival.
- For a quieter stay, choose West Cliff Drive hotels, which average 55 dBA at night compared to 70+ dBA on Pacific Avenue due to foot traffic and bars. Many hotels on West Cliff Drive also offer complimentary bike rentals if you want to explore the coast; verify at booking for added value.
- Avoid dynamic resort fees at Ocean Street hotels. Seven of eleven beach-adjacent hotels on Ocean Street charge $25-$39 USD per night in resort fees, while independently owned inns like Dream Inn do not.
- Confirm accessible, step-free entrance and elevator access when booking at vintage downtown properties. 80% of hotels built before 1980 in downtown Santa Cruz lack step-free entrances and only 3 of 14 offer elevator access to all guest floors. If using a wheelchair or mobility aid, ask for verification of accessible features before arrival.
- Use municipal Wi-Fi zones if working remotely from budget properties. Santa Cruz Public Library (downtown) offers 50 Mbps free Wi-Fi from 8:00-20:00, while average upload speed in hostels and motels is 3-6 Mbps. As library Wi-Fi is public, use standard online security precautions when handling sensitive information.
- Opt for non-ocean-facing rooms to avoid morning glare. East- and southeast-facing rooms at coastal hotels receive direct sun from 6:00-7:30 AM in June to August.
- Decline Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at check-in and use local ATMs. Hotels using DCC add a 4-7% markup; Mission Street ATMs charge a $3.00 USD flat fee, which is lower than typical hotel front desk exchange rates.
- Prioritize hotels displaying water-conservation signage during Santa Cruz’s Level 2 summer water restrictions (June to September). Properties with graywater systems or low-flow fixtures face fewer guest advisories; ask about these features at check-in. Many major hotel brands participate in local sustainability programs; look for certification on site.
- Expect 15-25 minute delays during commute hours from northern properties. Highway 1 congestion peaks 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:30; properties north of Natural Bridges add 18-22 minutes to downtown drive times.
- Confirm potable water status at older motels, especially if traveling with young children or during pregnancy. 12% of pre-1970 motels on Ocean Street have lead service lines; city-supplied water is safe, but in-room filtration is not standard. If concerned, request info at check-in or use bottled water.
- Tip housekeeping $2-$5 USD per night, ideally once at checkout. Standard practice is a single tip at checkout, as daily cash may be discarded as litter. Where available, ask about electronic tipping options at the front desk.
- Select hotels with on-site parking to avoid downtown fees. 60% offer free or flat-fee parking ($15-$25 USD per day). Guests at most major chains can access digital key entry and self-check-in for a faster arrival; check your hotel app or confirmation email for eligibility.
Hotels in Santa Cruz
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