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The best motels in Santa Cruz

Check out our pick of great motels in Santa Cruz

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Located in Santa Cruz, within 100 metres of Sunny Cove Beach and 600 metres of Black’s Beach, Sunny Cove Motel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 6.5 km from the motel and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 6.5 km away.

The cutest motel with a vintage feel, literally 3 minutes walk from a lovely little cove and beach lookout where you can see across the whole bay. Super friendly owner, we felt really at home here and would go back anytime

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9
Superb
137 reviews
Price from
€ 157
per night

Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in each room as well as a private patio, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer and an alarm clock. Free WiFi is available in every room. Select rooms offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park.

Location! Bagels at breakfast!

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8.2
Very good
1,750 reviews
Price from
€ 126
per night

Located 3 blocks from the historic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean Pacific Lodge is 100% non-smoking and offers guest rooms with free WiFi. Free on-site parking is available at this pet-friendly motel.

Very accomodating Staff. I felt safe walking around the area

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8.1
Very good
1,218 reviews
Price from
€ 126
per night

Aqua Breeze Inn is located across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Free WiFi and parking are included.

The rooms include a flat screen TV with cable and premium movie channels, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The rooms include a private bathroom.

I am a repeat customer. I will be back again to book the room from here.

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7.4
Good
1,006 reviews
Price from
€ 103
per night

Located within 5 minutes' walk of Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

Cable TV, free toiletries, and a coffee machine are offered in all rooms at Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk. All rooms are non-smoking.

Beautiful relaxing and comfortable stay. Tbe beds where so soft that maybe magic was involved.😉. crazy right. This place is a place to remember, location is right down the street from the boardwalk.The maids are very helpful with the needs of visitors.extra towels, trash bags,etc.i love torch light.instead of a 2 star it should be a 4 star.

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7.2
Good
1,582 reviews
Price from
€ 90
per night

Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes’ drive from University of California -Santa Cruz. Free Wi-Fi is provided in all rooms.

Really close to the beach and not a far walk from supermarkets. Owner was super friendly and helpful!

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7.3
Good
595 reviews
Price from
€ 82
per night

Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free parking and easy access to a variety of local attractions. Free WiFi is available in all rooms and free parking is available as well.

It's minutes away to the boardwalk

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6.5
Review score
350 reviews
Price from
€ 69
per night

A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi.

Featuring cable TV with extended channels, each room at the Seaway Inn is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and microwave. All air-conditioned rooms boast beach inspired décor.

Wonderful welcome, and it was OK to park our car even though we arrived a couple of hours before check in, which we really appreciated. The room was comfortable and we had a view of the beach and the sea. The Inn is in a great spot for visiting the pier (there was a free love music event the night we got there, it was fabulous), and for the coastal path along West Cliff Drive. Would definitely stay again.

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7.7
Good
269 reviews
Price from
€ 168
per night

This central Santa Cruz motel is just an 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a cable TV.

A microwave and mini-fridge are furnished in all rooms at Drift Inn, LLC. A telephone and wake-up service are also available.

Staff provided me with a spacious room, everything was very clean, free coffee and Wi-Fi, reasonable price.

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7.7
Good
897 reviews
Price from
€ 69
per night

This motel is off the Santa Cruz Highway One and is 2 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The motel offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi.

National 9 Motel rooms include a private bathroom. The rooms are also equipped with cable TV with HBO.

great location, really clean, comfortable beds

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7.6
Good
763 reviews
Price from
€ 75
per night

Looking for a motel?

Both travellers on the road and on a budget rely on motels for convenient stops with reasonable rates. Direct access to parking makes a motel an easy place to catch some sleep after a day of driving. The relatively smaller size of this accommodation type can also help to make check-in quick and easy.
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  • Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 348 reviews

    Located a short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers free parking and easy access to a variety of local attractions.

    Staff was very lovely, even let us check in early.

  • Drift Inn, LLC
    Budget options available
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 895 reviews

    This central Santa Cruz motel is just an 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a cable TV.

    Staff/owner was extremely friendly and helpful

  • National 9 Motel
    Budget options available
    7.6
    Scored 7.6
    Good
    Rated good
     · 761 reviews

    This motel is off the Santa Cruz Highway One and is 2 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The motel offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free Wi-Fi.

    Didn’t have breakfast. Great location for my needs.

  • Bay Front Inn
    Budget options available
    6.7
    Scored 6.7
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 814 reviews

    Situated 2 minutes’ drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Bay Front Inn offers an outdoor pool and rooms with free WiFi.

    C'était parfait, nous avons même rallongé notre séjour

  • Aqua Breeze Inn
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,007 reviews

    Aqua Breeze Inn is located across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Free WiFi and parking are included.

    Perfect location to walk everywhere and felt safe.

Great access to the city centre! Check these motels in Santa Cruz

  • Sunny Cove Motel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 137 reviews

    Located in Santa Cruz, within 100 metres of Sunny Cove Beach and 600 metres of Black’s Beach, Sunny Cove Motel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi as well as free...

    Jane is Awesome as well as the location and customer service!!

  • Carousel Beach Inn
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,749 reviews

    Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

    Breakfast included, great location, friendly staff

  • Ocean Pacific Lodge
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,223 reviews

    Located 3 blocks from the historic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean Pacific Lodge is 100% non-smoking and offers guest rooms with free WiFi.

    Great location, clean and large rooms, pool was a bonus

  • The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 472 reviews

    Offering a seasonal outdoor pool, this motel is 5 minutes' walk from downtown Santa Cruz. It offers free WiFi and free parking.

    nice and big room, good facilities, friendly staff

  • Hitching Post Studios Inn
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 237 reviews

    This Newly renovated Santa Cruz, California Inn features free Wi-Fi. It is 8.5 km from the University of California Santa Cruz and guest rooms provide a flat-screen HD TV with HBO channels.

    Handicap friendly. Great parking. Friendly staff

  • Seaway Inn
    Central location
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 269 reviews

    A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi.

    It was a good location close to everything. Staff friendly.

  • Surf City Inn & Suites
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 977 reviews

    Surf City Inn & Suites is just 10 minutes' walk away from Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk. It features an indoor pool and hot tub. All guest rooms offer free WiFi.

    Great location, affordable, comfortable, lovely staff.

  • Beachview Inn
    Central location
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 594 reviews

    Located less than 5 minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel is less than 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 minutes’ drive from University of California -Santa Cruz.

    It was quiet despite it being in the busy part of town.

  • Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,582 reviews

    Located within 5 minutes' walk of Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

    Clean, rooms were exactly like pictures, great location!

  • Fireside Inn By The Beach Boardwalk & Bowling
    6.3
    Scored 6.3
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 463 reviews

    Located next to Boardwalk Bowl, Fireside Inn By The Beach Boardwalk & Bowling is less than 5 minutes' walk to Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Free Wi-Fi and free 1 car parking is included in the reservation.

    I liked how close to the beach the property was located

  • Motel Santa Cruz
    4.7
    Scored 4.7
    Disappointing
    Rated disappointing
     · 471 reviews

    A short distance from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and other popular area attractions, this California motel provides comfortable accommodations and 24-hour front desk service.

    Room was very clean, staff was nice and accommodating.

FAQ about motels in Santa Cruz






Motels that guests love in Santa Cruz

  • Avg. price/night: € 174.19
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 903 reviews
    The rooms were spacious and clean. In particular, I liked that the flooring wasn't carpet (faux hardwood is much better). The hot tub was a nice touch (clean and hot). There were some good restaurants near the motel, although the ambiance was just so-so. Parking was free!
    Paul
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 103.88
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 422 reviews
    This motel was a great find. Because the price was so reasonable, I had expected less. To my surprise, my room was quiet, impeccably clean, the bed was comfortable, I had extra towels, and the staff was so accommodating. I will be back for sure!
    Roxanne
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 101.76
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 730 reviews
    We were late to arrive to check in, cause of work site on the road. The owner was waiting for us by late night. Very appreciate it. The room and bed linens were served well clean and satisfied. Good price and good location!
    Hyunsook
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 183.11
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 137 reviews
    I loved that the manager was really quick to respond to any issues that came up. The entire motel lost power and she was quick to let us know what's going. All facilities were really clean and tidy! I would definitely come back for another stay.
    Samuel
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: € 125.92
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 472 reviews
    I like loved the fact that the room was super clean and cozy. It had a nice size refrigerator and a microwave which I was very happy about because I brought food with me that needed to be refrigerated. I didn’t have to go out and buy food or order in. I was able to heat my food in the microwave, sit back, relax and enjoy my stay. I will definitely be back and hope to get the same room on a regular basis. I highly recommend The Islander Motel.
    Jackie
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 127
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 827 reviews
    Nice and clean hotel in a beautiful Victorian building. Good coffee to wake you up in the morning, + free soft drinks.
    Johanna
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: € 183.11
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 137 reviews
    The location was better than I thought. There's a beach right down the street around the corner from the Starbucks which is next to the motel. The staff was really nice and housekeeping was very polite. They were very accommodating and very professional. We are a family of 4 and have 2 kids under the age of 11 and that was taken into consideration when I checked in (which i appreciated). The beds are very comfortable. Super quite at night which was very nice. Many things around: stores, laundry mats, grocery, restaurants etc.
    Lucero
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 87.82
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 348 reviews
    I had to dial 911 and call the police. At 2am a women bounded on my door so hard I thought it would burst. This is no one I knew. After ten minuites of her shouting, moaning, asking for help, demanding to enter, I called the police. In 10 minutes they came and after talked to her briefly, they restrained her and took her away. It was very frightening. I never heard from the manager who many not spend the night at the motel.
    Catlin
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 270.92
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,749 reviews
    We loved the fact, that the motel was located next to the pier or beach walk of Santa Cruz. However we were unlucky, because it was closed on the night that we arrived (we only spent one night there). The check-in staff, was friendly, no issues. The parking spots, free parking, were super convenient, and the security shut our trunk that we left open (thanks for that!). The hallways, that leads to the rooms, look quite old and shabby, they could need some improvement. The rooms were alright, motel style, nothing fancy, but clean.
    Frank
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: € 505.70
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 363 reviews
    Great value for money!! The room was super clean and the furniture looked quite new. The shower was very spacious. Shampoo and conditioner were provided. There were a free parking. Staff was very friendly. This is the best « motel » we’ve been to so far.
    Nina
    Young couple

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