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Property Name
Guest Rating
Stars
Cities
- Aptos
- Capitola
- Felton
- Santa Cruz
- Scotts Valley
- Watsonville
Brands
- Autograph Collection
- Bedandbreakfast.com
- Best Western
- Best Western Plus
- Comfort Inn
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Fairfield Inn by Marriott
- Four Points
- Hampton Inn
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Hilton
- Holiday Inn Express
- Howard Johnson
- Hyatt Place Hotels
- Independent
- Independent
- La Quinta
- Motel 6
- No brand
- Quality Inn & Suites
- Super 8
- SureStay By Best Western
- Tapestry
Property Types
- Hotel
- Resort
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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.
Comfortable beds, super cute place
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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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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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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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Room was clean
Very clean!
It looks good until further inspection
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Great hotel! Great breakfast great staff named Steve only a lady that wasn’t polite to my husband otherwise great experience
Gluten-free options for breakfast and non-dairy milk.
The hotel was in a good location, our rooms were large and very very clean, one of the rooms had a fireplace, the front desk was friendly, it came with a free breakfast which we did not partake in. I would stay at this hotel again.
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Location and convenience
The mattress was firm but not too firm.. The location was excellent.
Quiet and clean and convenient to businesses
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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!
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They have one fee that covers 2 dogs. They were very accommodating when we asked for a later checkout
Nice soft bed. Great breakfast.
Room near pool. The Mexico themed water basin/sink
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The room was clean. It had a refrigerator and a microwave.
Convenient location. Clean and friendly staff. Good continental breakfast.
Cleanliness and staff!
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The location is great, very close to restaurants and the beach. The hotel itself is very cute, a converted house which has a lot of character.
Loved the place.
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Great room! Very large with 2 queen bedrooms, one pull out couch and 2 murphy beds. Can definitely fit 2 families comfortably. very pricy, but you can't beat the location. I am a local and it made for a wonderful stay-cation.
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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 very close to UCSC.
Convenient location and parking, knowledgeable staff, easy ingress and egress.
The location is great.
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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. All rooms is equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a shower, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel, the rooms have a private bathroom with a hairdryer. At The Aqua Pacific Hotel guests are welcome to use an indoor swimming pool. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 1.6 miles from the accommodation, 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
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.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz
Located off scenic California Highway 1, Fairfield Inn & Suites is less than 2 miles away from the University of California Santa Cruz. Free high-speed Internet and a free daily breakfast buffet is provided. Offering a flat-screen TV with free movie channels, rooms and suites are furnished with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Amenities at Fairfield Inn & Suites include a heated pool and hot tub. Guests also have access to the fitness center and business center. Laundry facilities are conveniently available onsite. This property is just a minute’s drive from waterfront dining, wineries, redwoods, surfing, Beach Boardwalk, upscale boutiques, art galleries & the area’s premier shopping district.
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
Pacific Blue Inn
Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this eco-friendly hotel offers rooms with attached bathroom with flat-screen cable TVs and iPod docking stations. Free WiFi is available in all of the rooms at the 100% nonsmoking Pacific Blue Inn. The brightly-colored rooms are also equipped with a DVD player, an electric fireplace and a work desk. The Pacific Blue Inn offers complimentary baked goods and coffee available for guests throughout the day. Pacific Blue Inn, Santa Cruz offers a courtyard for guests’ relaxation and the hotel features artwork from local artists in the lobby and dining area. Bicycles are also available. The University of California Santa Cruz is 15 minutes’ drive away and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is 5 miles from the property. Santa Cruz town center is 15 minutes’ walk away.
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.
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.
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.
Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area
This California hotel is one block from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features a seasonal outdoor heated pool and rooms include a flat-screen cable TV with HBO. Guest rooms at the Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk contain a microwave and a refrigerator for extra convenience. Free local telephone calls can be made from every room. Santa Cruz Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk offers a deluxe continental breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of the hotel and a 24-hour front desk is on site. Local bus stops are a short walk from the Boardwalk Comfort Inn Santa Cruz. Cowell Beach is within a 10 minute walk away.
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.
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.
Hampton Inn By Hilton Santa Cruz
Ideally located off Highway 17 and only minutes from the beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz, California, this hotel offers many thoughtful amenities, and is close to popular area attractions. The Hampton Inn Santa Cruz places guests near the historic downtown shopping district, top-rated golf courses and the exciting boardwalk. Scenic state parks, surfing and fishing are also easily accessible from the hotel. Guests can enjoy a restful night of sleep on the Santa Cruz Hampton Inn's signature Cloud Nine beds, then enjoy a free continental breakfast while reading a free weekday newspaper. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool along with a modern business center.
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
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
This motel in Santa Cruz is within walking distance of the beach, boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf. The motel offers free Wi-Fi, spacious rooms, and a seasonal, outdoor pool. Guest rooms at the Super 8 Santa Cruz all feature flat-screen TVs with cable and a coffee maker. Microwaves and refrigerators are also available in every room. Beach Boardwalk East Super 8 provides guests every morning. The entirely nonsmoking motel offers free on-site parking and fax and copying services. The University of Santa Cruz is nearby the Super 8 Beach Boardwalk East. Natural Bridges State Beach Park is a 10-minute drive from the motel.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
Hampton Inn By Hilton & Suites Watsonville, CA
Featuring 3-star accommodations, Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville is located in Watsonville, 18 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 26 miles from Presidio of Monterey Museum. The property is around 18 miles from Pasatiempo Golf Club, 19 miles from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and 19 miles from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The hotel features an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel each room is equipped with air conditioning and a TV. Hampton Inn & Suites Watsonville offers a buffet or American breakfast. University of California Santa Cruz is 20 miles from the accommodation, while Cannery Row is 27 miles away. Monterey Regional Airport is 24 miles from the property.
The breakfast and free water are nice.
Friendly staff, comfortable room, and free breakfast!
Very nice hotel clean receptionist nice and accomodated us when we came in late and they had given our room to someone else. They accomodated us by giving us two separate rooms which were right across from each other and worked out well.
Price by Week Day
Weekend rates peak around $150.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices rise gradually through the week, starting around $100 on Monday and reaching just over $140 on Friday. Weekend rates peak on Saturday at around $150, contrasting sharply with lower weekday prices.
Price by Month
Lowest month: just over $100 in January; highest month: around $300 in May.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices typically range from just over $100 in January to around $300 in May, the busiest month. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, with notable peaks in late spring and early fall.
How far in advance should I book?
On the day of check-in, prices can drop to around $145.
In Santa Cruz, hotel prices generally decrease as the check-in date approaches, particularly for lower quality hotels, which may drop rates last minute. By three weeks before check-in, many top-tier hotels are already booked, hence limited higher-quality options remain. On the actual day of check-in, prices can drop to around $145, compared to higher rates for advance bookings.
Price by Hotel Class
Most popular star category is 2* priced around $150.
In Santa Cruz, hotel distribution by star rating shows a general trend of increasing prices with higher ratings. The most popular category is 2*, with prices around $150. There is a slight increase to 3* hotels, priced just above $198, while 4* options are slightly lower at around $196. Higher-end 5* hotels cost significantly more, approximately $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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