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Santa Cruz – 51 hotels and places to stay
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Dream Inn Santa Cruz, hotel in Santa Cruz

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

8.7
Scored 8.7
Excellent
Rated excellent
1,025 reviews
Price from$359per night
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.

6.8
Scored 6.8
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
1,019 reviews
Price from$107.10per night
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, hotel in Santa Cruz

Located in Santa Cruz, a 16-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.

8.4
Scored 8.4
Very Good
Rated very good
876 reviews
Price from$203.32per 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.

7.9
Scored 7.9
Good
Rated good
717 reviews
Price from$143.43per 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.

8.0
Scored 8.0
Very Good
Rated very good
465 reviews
Price from$210per night
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz, hotel in Santa Cruz

The Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is conveniently located where Highway 1 and Highway 17 meet. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

7.8
Scored 7.8
Good
Rated good
656 reviews
Price from$106.89per 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.

6.4
Scored 6.4
Pleasant
Rated pleasant
930 reviews
Price from$113.90per night
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca, hotel in Santa Cruz

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.

8.6
Scored 8.6
Excellent
Rated excellent
396 reviews
Price from$172.65per 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.

7.4
Scored 7.4
Good
Rated good
678 reviews
Price from$94per 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.

7.1
Scored 7.1
Good
Rated good
457 reviews
Price from$134.10per night
See all 49 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
    Breakfast options

    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.

    Room appeared to be very clean. Staff was friendly.

    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 232 reviews
  • Hotel Solares
    Breakfast options

    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.

    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1,019 reviews
  • Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
    Breakfast options

    The Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is conveniently located where Highway 1 and Highway 17 meet. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

    really comfy beds, great breakfast, room clean, nice pool

    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 656 reviews
  • Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    Breakfast options

    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.

    Nice and clean, room neat and great view to the ocean.

    6.4
    Scored 6.4
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 930 reviews
  • Quality Inn Santa Cruz
    Breakfast options

    In Santa Cruz town center, this hotel is one mile from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features a deck and seasonal outdoor pool. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi.

    Beautiful facility nice people close to restaurant

    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 213 reviews
  • Comfort Inn Boardwalk
    Breakfast options

    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

    7.1
    Scored 7.1
    Good
    Rated good
     · 457 reviews
  • Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
    Breakfast options

    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 staff in the lobby were very nice and helpful.

    7.0
    Scored 7.0
    Good
    Rated good
     · 322 reviews
  • SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
    Breakfast options

    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.

    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 377 reviews

Hotels located in the center of Santa Cruz

  • Sea & Sand Inn
    Central location

    Within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. It has a 24-hour front desk and free guest parking.

    The ocean view was amazing and complimentary breakfast was yummy

    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 140 reviews
  • Dream Inn Santa Cruz
    Central location

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

    really loved this place - cool quirky trendy and fun!

    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,025 reviews
  • Marea Sol Hotel
    Central location

    Marea Sol Hotel is conveniently set in Santa Cruz, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace.

    Great location, super clean and really friendly staff!

    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 273 reviews
  • Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
    Central location

    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

    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 717 reviews
  • The Aqua Pacific Hotel
    Central location

    Located in Santa Cruz, within a 14-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach and 0.8 miles of Seabright State Beach, The Aqua Pacific Hotel has accommodations with a garden and free WiFi as well as free private...

    The room was clean and the bed/pillows were comfortable.

    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 197 reviews
  • Continental Inn
    Central location

    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.

    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 678 reviews
  • Ocean Gate Inn
    Central location

    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.

    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 194 reviews
  • Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East
    Central location

    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 .

    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 604 reviews

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.

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What Guests Said About Santa Cruz:

  • 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 of America
  • 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 of America
  • 10
    Scored 10

    A small treasure and throw-back to a different era: the...

    A small treasure and throw-back to a different era: the Boardwalk on the beach, opened in 1907, with a roller coaster and carousel from near that time frame, the tradition & history of the surfing venue, the old (but renovated) motels along the beachfront, and the labyrinth of mid-century housing, some refreshed, some not, make this a worthwhile visit! There are lovely walks along the pier, where sea lions sun themselves, along the coast, where surfers wait for the perfect wave, and along the trails city streets, festive with many cultures represented.
    LESLIE
    United States of America
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Pros: We were upgraded to a big, 2-bedroom unit.

    Pros: We were upgraded to a big, 2-bedroom unit. It was very nice, comfortable and modern. The beds were comfortable. The internet was fast. The people who work the front desk are super nice, friendly, and helpful. Parking is easy and free. Location is good. Cons: The water did not run hot, only fairly warm. There was no plug for the bathtub. Noise is an issue, as the walls are very thin. The “Do Not Disturb”, tag kept falling off the doorknob and the maid came in when not wanted.
    Caroline Portia
    Canada
  • 10
    Scored 10

    This is a great area to stay.

    This is a great area to stay. Restaurants were awesome as was the town. Beaches were great, we found an awesome gym nearby and running trails gorgeous. Lots to do if you wanted, Pier was very fun. Shopping was great. Nightlife dies at 9 so that was a bit of a bummer but still very fun!
    Leslie
    United States of America
  • 10
    Scored 10

    Great location! Plenty of places to eat.

    Great location! Plenty of places to eat. Ate at Nick The Greek. Went to a market across the way. And visited the Farmer's Market behind the restaurant to bring fresh fruit & food to the room. Selected a hotel that had an exceptional continental breakfast with 24/7 coffee/tea. We were set. It's easy getting around Santa Cruz & neighboring towns like Aptos & Capitola. Make sure you get a place that has parking. We always get a place that we can walk to most spots. Love it!
    ROCHELLE

Explore guest reviews of hotels in Santa Cruz

  • From $159.08 per night
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 511 reviews
    Amanda did a GREAT getting me the best rom possible at a terrific rate. The two-room accomodation included a master bedroom with large HD TV and a sitting room with fireplace, another big srceen TV, bar, and comfortable couch and leather chairs. The Inn also has a terrific restaurant/sports bar on site! Aloso, the location is etremely handy, right where Highway 17 meets Highway 1 as I entered SAnta Cruz. I will defiitely be back.
    John
    United States of America
  • From $138.13 per night
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 797 reviews
    The location of the hotel is good, but the street closures in town made it difficult to get there. Luckily I know the area and could figure it out. It's logistically in a great spot - close to downtown and easy to get to the beach. The remodeled Victorian style was so charming and the area-specific artwork was a wonderful touch. The bed was VERY comfortable.
    T
    TIFFANY
    United States of America
  • From $164.76 per night
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 903 reviews
    Clean rooms and very quiet - we were in one of the rooms to the back that we requested. Room is quite large and airy, with a good bed and decent bathroom. Nothing much special, but we really appreciated the parkette floor instead of carpet. Given prices in Santa Cruz and vicinity, the hotel's location and rooms, it's a decent price-quality ratio.
    Christopher
    United States of America
  • From $159.08 per night
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 511 reviews
    Amazing staff, chic and comfortable rooms, great location, the grounds are gorgeous and the food at the restaurant… Was really good! Plus they stay open late if you’ve been out and about exploring Santa Cruz all day!! This will definitely be our go to hotel for the Santa Cruz area!!
    s
    shaundra
    United States of America
  • From $112.98 per night
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 346 reviews
    It can be seen that the interior of the building has been renovated. Although the room is not big, it is clean, fully furnished, the bed is very comfortable, and the price is moderate. Not far from the beach and restaurants. I will choose here again next time I come to Santa Cruz.
    B
    Bei
    United States of America
  • From $373.19 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,025 reviews
    Location is the main selling point of this hotel. On the beach, sea view, sound of ocean waves as you fall asleep. The adjacent Jack ONeill restaurant was very good as well. Not pretentious, great views as well of the beach and high quality food.
    Jennifer
    Belgium
  • From $193.33 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 481 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 $280.01 per night
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 274 reviews
    Very charming hotel in Santa Cruz with a beach view. It is an old building, but very nicely decorated. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious, clean, they do provide a very good breakfast. Main pier, beach is basically 4-5 minutes walking distance.
    Danas Tilvikas
    Lithuania
  • From $156.81 per night
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 304 reviews
    The breakfast was good . There was a nice selection each day . The staff were more than friendly . The hotel was very clean . I love that its 4 minutes from UC santa Cruz where I was dropping off my son. It was very convenient.
    Laurice
    United States of America
  • From $182.13 per night
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,671 reviews
    First time in Santa Cruz. Hotel is right across from the boardwalk. Very busy traffic for the boardwalk . Parking at hotel was fantastic in a gated parking lot. Rooms were clean and nice. 2 minute walk to beach.
    Catarius
    United States of America
  • From $113.47 per night
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 197 reviews
    Hotel was clean, bed was comfy, shower worked great. Definitely will be staying again when we come to Santa cruz. Close to the boardwalk and the staff was super nice too. All around a great place to stay!!
    Smalldon
    United States of America
  • From $373.19 per night
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Excellent
    Rated excellent
     · 1,025 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 $124.77 per night
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,060 reviews
    It was as close as you could get to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The hotel staff were nice. Allowed to get into room and hour early after driving 4 hours.
    R
    Robin
    United States of America
  • From $103.16 per night
    6.2
    Scored 6.2
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 604 reviews
    Just a 10 minute walk to the beach and the amusement park which is directly at Santa Cruz Beach. The rooms are convenient. The coffee is very good.
    LenizN
    Germany
  • From $193.33 per night
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 481 reviews
    The hotel attendant was very friendly and readily available. The location is ideal for Santa Cruz and the room was extremely clean!
    Maldonado
    United States of America
  • From $182.13 per night
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very Good
    Rated very good
     · 1,671 reviews
    Location was great for walking around Santa Cruz. They had a very good breakfast, better than most you find now.
    Carol
    United States of America
  • From $148.75 per night
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Wonderful
    Rated wonderful
     · 116 reviews
    Location was great, short walk to the beach. Friendly, helpful manager. Easy to downtown Santa Cruz.
    CHARMAINE
    United States of America
  • From $113.47 per night
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 197 reviews
    the staff were absolutely fantastic. I recommend anyone thinking of staying in Santa Cruz stay here
    William
    United Kingdom
  • From $99.47 per night
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 731 reviews
    Great location, great staff, and really comfortable. This is my favorite hotel in Santa Cruz!
    karin
    United States of America
  • From $138.32 per night
    6.8
    Scored 6.8
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1,019 reviews
    Close to Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Pricing for hotel was perfect.
    Ashley
    United States of America

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