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Santa Cruz – 52 hotels and places to stay

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Hotel Solares, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

Large comfortable bedrooms
6.9
Scored 6.9
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
1,134 reviews
Price fromUS$158.51per night
Dream Inn Santa Cruz, hotel in Santa Cruz

This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the city centre, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family holiday or romantic...

Excellent location right on the beach. Rooms had balcony and view of the beach/ocean. Rooms well appointed. Beds very comfortable. Valet parking reasonable and very convenient. Lots of restaurants within a ten minute walk to the pier or the boardwalk. Recommended.
8.7
Scored 8.7
Fabulous
Rated fabulous
981 reviews
Price fromUS$280.12per night
Continental Inn, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

The staff were really kind friendly and accommodating! Room was comfortable and clean. Very decent place in Santa Cruz
7.4
Scored 7.4
Good
Rated good
669 reviews
Price fromUS$102.23per night
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

A great hotel - lovely pool area and relaxing atmosphere away from Santa Cruz.
8.0
Scored 8.0
Very good
Rated very good
477 reviews
Price fromUS$221.72per night
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, hotel in Santa Cruz

Situated in Santa Cruz, 1.4 km from Santa Cruz Beach, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge.

Great value for money.
8.5
Scored 8.5
Very good
Rated very good
835 reviews
Price fromUS$201.97per night
Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

Presents well initially - efficient and helpful Reception. Breakfast staff cheerful, chatty, welcoming - they were the hotel’s biggest asset.
8.0
Scored 8.0
Very good
Rated very good
701 reviews
Price fromUS$164.61per night
Comfort Inn Boardwalk, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

Nice place. Very nice owners. Very very close to the beach
7.1
Scored 7.1
Good
Rated good
447 reviews
Price fromUS$113.52per night
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, hotel in Santa Cruz

Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features beautiful ocean views and a hot tub.

Location was good. Parking provided free.
6.4
Scored 6.4
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
903 reviews
Price fromUS$146.90per night
Pacific Blue Inn, hotel in Santa Cruz

Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this eco-friendly hotel offers en suite rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and iPod docking stations.

Great property & comfortable rooms. Very accommodating & friendly staff. Short walk to both beach front & downtown. Great to have parking spot very close to inn too. Recommend breakfasts at nearby Bagelry cafe which is just around the corner.
8.5
Scored 8.5
Very good
Rated very good
484 reviews
Price fromUS$170.93per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

Location was fantastic, staff very friendly. Thanks Mr Dave and crew
6.2
Scored 6.2
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
589 reviews
Price fromUS$96.15per night
See all 48 hotels in Santa Cruz

Most booked hotels in Santa Cruz in the past month

Santa Cruz's best hotels with breakfast

  • Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 398 reviews

    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.

    The staff was friendly and the location was perfect

  • Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 215 reviews

    Ideally situated 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.

    convenient location. excellent breakfast and very clean room

  • Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 701 reviews

    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.

    Location, cleanliness, decoration, overall atmosphere

  • Hotel Solares
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1,134 reviews

    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.

    I didn’t get to eat, I wasn’t aware there was breakfast.

  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    6.4
    Scored 6.4
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 903 reviews

    Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features beautiful ocean views and a hot tub.

    Great location close to the wharf, great ocean view!

  • Comfort Inn Boardwalk
    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 447 reviews

    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.

    It was just what we needed. Something for everyone

  • Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 284 reviews

    Best Western Plus All Suites Inn is 3.2 km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes' drive to the University of California Santa Cruz.

    The staff in the lobby were very nice and helpful.

  • SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 402 reviews

    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.

    Well run, clean establishment. Decent location. Nice staff.

Hotels located in the centre of Santa Cruz

  • Dream Inn Santa Cruz
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 982 reviews

    This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the city centre, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family holiday or romantic...

    really loved this place - cool quirky trendy and fun!

  • Pacific Blue Inn
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 484 reviews

    Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this eco-friendly hotel offers en suite rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and iPod docking stations.

    Really lovely little place, great host. Perfect location

  • The Aqua Pacific Hotel
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 273 reviews

    Situated in Santa Cruz, within 1.2 km of Santa Cruz Beach and 1.2 km of Seabright State Beach, The Aqua Pacific Hotel features accommodation with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private parking...

    Good located, nice rooms and a very very friendly manager

  • Continental Inn
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 669 reviews

    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.

    It was very clean..staff were helpful and friendly.

  • Ocean Gate Inn
    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 188 reviews

    The Ocean Gate Inn is ideally located in the heart of Santa Cruz! Each room includes a balcony with a view, a TV with cable channels, air conditioning, ironing facilities, a microwave, a...

    I loved the view. It was very close to everything.

  • Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East
    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 589 reviews

    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.

    cleaning of the rooms every day. Nice clean room .

FAQs about hotels in Santa Cruz




Surfin’ USA in Bohemian CA

Santa Cruz was surf central California long before the Beach Boys sang about it. The Surfing Museum in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse tells stories of those who have braved some of the world’s best waves.

Overlooking the ocean rollers are the Coconut Grove Ballroom and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - the oldest amusement park in the state of CA, and the last original one on the West Coast. Its historic carousel, rollercoasters and rides are a colourful backdrop to Cowell’s Beach, best viewed from the Sky Glider cable cars.

Jutting into Monterey Bay is the wharf where sea lions bask and pelicans decide on their next meal. Seafood restaurants are abundant here and the bars provide lively nightlife. Pacific Avenue is the main shopping area and one street away is the Museum of Art & History.

Unsurprisingly for a surfer hotspot, the city has a liberal outlook and is known for political activism - a far cry from the era when the Santa Cruz Mission was established. The mission is now a state park alongside Natural Bridges Beach and the Big Basin Redwoods in forested hills behind the city, home to the gravity-defying Mystery Spot.

Booking.com’s Santa Cruz accommodation includes pet-friendly motels, hotels with hot tubs and cheap inns near UCSC.

What guests said about Santa Cruz:

  • 10
    Scored 10

    Fun beach town.

    Fun beach town. The Victorian architecture of homes was lovely. We visited the high school track to run and that was very nice. We only stayed one night but could have easily made it a 3 day stay. Shopping, seal watching, good food, art, carnival rides, sun and the beach. Wonderful for all ages
    Danette
    United States
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    perfect for our mini break to take a surfing lesson...

    perfect for our mini break to take a surfing lesson literally around the corner. Friendly staff, comfortable everything cool beach vibe, slept great, windows that you can open and let the breeze in. Clean, good beach vibes.
    Melissa
    United States
  • 6.0
    Scored 6.0

    I believe the hotel is a nice location to stay, they might...

    I believe the hotel is a nice location to stay, they might consider getting better maintanance, and cleaning help, some one that can speak english, to better help the guest. Jessica, was very polite, and tried to help as much as possible. There were just a lot of little things, they could have been prevented, especially when you pay the high price charged there. When booking, I thought I was booking direct with the property, never knew bookings, com, jumped in to the equasion. So when I asked if they honored AAA, or AARP discounts, they said no because our room was booked by a third party. Also asked for room with 2 queens, was told they were sold out, which forced us to book 2 seperate rooms, after arriveing, found out they had suites for four people. I think this was a money thing, for bookings.com
    Charles
    United States
  • 10
    Scored 10

    It was quiet and wasn't too crowded .

    It was quiet and wasn't too crowded . Beaches and restrooms were clean.wheather wasn't all that warm and it did rain hour or so after we got to the beach pretty heavy we had to leave in a rush. All in all, kids were very happy with trip they can't wait to return for their summer trip.
    bevalian
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    The location was the best!

    The location was the best! The stairs are a lot of work if you have issues. I can't believe the Boardwalk is closed on fridays! If you are planning a friday night adventure at the boardwalk you will need to find something else to do.
    Leda
    United States
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0

    Santa Cruz gets sleazy fast (a lot of justly disaffected...

    Santa Cruz gets sleazy fast (a lot of justly disaffected youth manifesting the consequences of a tattered social fabric & like), but the near-perfect climate year-round, the surrounding (2nd or 3rd growth, but still....) redwoods, challenging cols (lots of category 2s & 1s), vast fields of agriculture (it is delightful to cycle through the fields on what amount to ruelles; these areas are intensely redolent of earth, manure & whatever is being cultivated, plus it makes one appreciate just how back-breaking is the labor that goes into producing one's strawberries & artichokes & like) & vegan eating options (especially the bakeries) make any visit worthwhile, especially if you're from an area that does not have that year-round ideal climate. I recommend cycling up SkyLine or HighLand or Empire Grade or getting out in the fields toward MonteRey. Country roads are nearly uniformly narrow, but traffic is mostly light (minus HighWay 9) & drivers generally courteous (again, minus HighWay 9). Santa Cruz even has the mark of any good location -- a nearby Grocery Outlet -- which, due to its location on the edge of town (it may actually be in Soquel), is easy to integrate into the end of a ride for some yummy and cheap vegan delights =)
    Sstoz
    United States

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Santa Cruz

  • From US$272.19 per night
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,214 reviews
    The location was great for what me and my 2 kids were in Santa Cruz doing. Could walk to the boardwalk and enjoy the beach. Our room was located right by the pool and we had a bit of pool smell to our room, but wasn't too bad and after getting settled, barely noticed it. Our room was fairly clean and it had everything we needed. Hotel felt safe and quiet and was surprised by that since it is close to a main road. The check in process was smooth and the person assisting when we checked out was very nice. Great customer service
    Dawn
    United States
  • From US$124.83 per night
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 901 reviews
    It was old yes, but it was clean and comfortable and LARGE! Our room had a kitchen and a fridge and microwave and plenty of room to roam. Plus it was about a block from the Santa Cruz boardwalk. We needed staying an extra night and loved every minute of it. The front desk staff was wonderfully and friendly and made the stay that much better! The hotel is just a great location in general and is close to everything fun. We go back to this area at least once a year and I’ll stay here every time.
    Renee
    United States
  • From US$188.38 per night
    6.3
    Scored 6.3
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 470 reviews
    I travel to Santa Cruz once a month and have stayed at many hotel-moteks. Fireside Inn is definitely the best for the price. Front desk clerk very professional and courteous. The low mark is a result of the ice and soda machines being broken. We look forward to returning for our next visit.
    David
    United States
  • From US$195.24 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 846 reviews
    The rooms were small but on point. We had a very comfy bed and good a bathroom and shower. Also the hotel was a walking distance from the Santa Cruz pier and boardwalk which was nice since the place was packed full with visitors. We also had free parking at the property which was excellent.
    Shlomi
    Israel
  • From US$220.47 per night
    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 447 reviews
    Location of this hotel was perfect for our stay in Santa Cruz - just a short walk from the Boardwalk. Great value for money too. The room was comfy and basic and a little dated but was clean and met our requirements. Breakfast was simple but nice for a light bite before heading out.
    Sarah
    United Kingdom
  • From US$327.73 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 484 reviews
    This cute little boutique hotel is a wonderful little gem. Rooms cozy with fireplace and hot coffee/latte available in the lobby along with lovely banana bread. A short walk to the shops and restaurants downtown. I would definitely stay again.
    Linda
    Canada
  • From US$229.20 per night
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1,134 reviews
    I always stay at this same hotel whenever I go to Santa Cruz. The water in the swimming pool is always warm and I you can swim until 10pm. They had excellent coffee for breakfast. The room was very nice and clean with a big spacious bathroom.
    Maria
    United States
  • From US$298.02 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 692 reviews
    We liked how the hotel was walking distance from the main Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk attraction. It was nice to have a gated garage for our vehicle. The staff was very polite. Finally, we liked the convenience of the free breakfast.
    jhulsany
    United States
  • From US$124.83 per night
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 901 reviews
    The room included a kitchenette, which we were not expecting. All was clean and it didn’t have a funky smell, like some places do. Overall I liked the place and plan to stay there again the next time I visit Santa Cruz.
    A
    ANTHONY
    United States
  • From US$454 per night
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 280 reviews
    Fantastic breakfast. We enjoyed the afternoon "tea" as well. Very helpful staff. Beautiful room with a tile bathroom and a view of the Santa Cruz Wharf. Short walk to the Boardwalk and Lighthouse.
    William
    United States
  • From US$146.58 per night
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 467 reviews
    Great location and just a short walk over the bridge into Santa Cruz. Rooms were very spacious and beds very comfortable. Annan at reception was a great host and extremely helpful.
    Kathryn
    United Kingdom
  • From US$676.13 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 982 reviews
    Amazing location right on the beach. The staff couldn't have been better- you could tell they enjoyed working at the hotel. Very clean and good taste in decoration. 10/10 Stars!!
    Djuni
    Brazil
  • From US$451.16 per night
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,572 reviews
    If you’re coming to see Santa Cruz this is the perfect place. Fresh, clean, safe and fun. Perfect for families or a couple. Staff were friendly and accommodating.
    Carrie
    United States
  • From US$138.72 per night
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 728 reviews
    The location was excellent. We traveled to Santa Cruz to go to the boardwalk. It was walking distance from the hotel. Saved money by not paying for parking.
    L
    Luis
    United States
  • From US$91.33 per night
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 772 reviews
    Nice place to stay in Santa Cruz, even better than expected. Beds were comfortable and the room was large enough for us. Free parking inside is a good plus.
    Alex
    Italy
  • From US$256.02 per night
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 648 reviews
    The in-room hot tub is the best in Santa Cruz! Even though the hotel is on the busiest street in town, the room was far enough back to not hear traffic.
    McKinley
    United States
  • From US$559.80 per night
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,365 reviews
    Beautiful spot by the beach. Close to restaurants, the wharf and local attractions. A great place to stay, highly recommend Santa Cruz overall.
    Leigh and Rhona
    Australia
  • From US$171.20 per night
    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 188 reviews
    The room is bigger than most other Santa Cruz hotel rooms and having a balcony is so nice.
    McKinley
    United States
  • From US$148.15 per night
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 467 reviews
    Great place to stay in Santa Cruz! Can do nothing but recommend
    Simon
    Germany
  • From US$676.13 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 982 reviews
    best hotel on the beach great room
    steven
    Belgium

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