A historic building with a distinctive corner turret, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a clear street.

Downtown Santa Cruz Hotels, Santa Cruz

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Our top choices for Downtown Santa Cruz hotels

1. Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn
3.0 star property
Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (947 reviews)
"Wonderful staff. Verycharming place, enjoyed our stay."
United States
Nicole
The price is AU$182
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Pacific Blue Inn

2. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great place to stay at, very clean and very convenient"
United States
Grester
The price is AU$219
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,347 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and room was clean."
United States
WESTRAY
The price is AU$233
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4. Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,625 reviews)
"Great Location"
United States
Lisa
The price is AU$179
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Marea Sol Hotel

5. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,120 reviews)
"Great spot, easy walking distance to downtown!"
United States
Justin
The price is AU$116
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Seaside Inn & Suites

6. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (94 reviews)
"Clean room, nice staff."
United States
Jason
The price is AU$130
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Carousel Beach Inn

7. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,345 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Brooke
The price is AU$246
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Downtown, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,537 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
Anthony
The price is AU$148
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Ocean Pacific Lodge

9. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.9 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,167 reviews)
"Great hotel close to boardwalk"
United States
jessika
The price is AU$234
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10. Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,003 reviews)
"Great place to stay! You can walk to the beach, they have treats they hand out at the check in office and the pool is nice and warm. Everyone was very friendly."
United States
Julie
The price is AU$212
includes taxes & fees
22 Sept - 23 Sept
Beach Street Inn and Suites

11. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
3.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,278 reviews)
"Excellent trip and great hotel view of beach!"
United States
David
The price is AU$242
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Casablanca On The Beach

12. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,268 reviews)
"Great stay,"
United States
Steve
The price is AU$205
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

13. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,005 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, rooms are great as well"
United States
Javier
The price is AU$125
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Beachview Inn

14. Best Western Plus All Suites Inn

Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.7 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"Good location and good service"
United States
YingFang
The price is AU$186
includes taxes & fees
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn

15. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
2.0 star property
Lower Ocean, 0.7 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (996 reviews)
"Property very nice"
United States
Salvador
The price is AU$108
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
The Aqua Pacific Hotel

16. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,325 reviews)
"nice hotel and staff, excellent location,"
United States
Bertha
The price is AU$153
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

17. Rio Vista Suites

Rio Vista Suites
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,002 reviews)
"Fun funky place would ask for attic room if you go and don’t mind stairs."
United States
Shawna
The price is AU$188
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Rio Vista Suites

18. Seaway Inn

Seaway Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (297 reviews)
"Great location and rooms were very nice. Staff was excellent, we will be back!"
United States
Mina
The price is AU$201
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Seaway Inn

19. Salt Air Lodge

Salt Air Lodge
2.5 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.9 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (133 reviews)
"AC didn’t work. Room smelled so bad. Left after 5 minutes. Stayed somewhere else. Still disputing with Expedia to get a refund."
United States
Kyle
The price is AU$148
includes taxes & fees
20 Sept - 21 Sept
Salt Air Lodge

20. Edgewater Beach Inn

Edgewater Beach Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (36 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay while in santa cruz. Property is well maintained and you can beat the price for the location! Would absolutely stay again!"
United States
Kurtis
The price is AU$155
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Edgewater Beach Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Santa Cruz

Find the best Downtown Santa Cruz areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Westside Santa Cruz

Travellers to Westside Santa Cruz praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.

Eastside Santa Cruz

Travellers come to Eastside Santa Cruz for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Pleasure Point

While visiting Pleasure Point, you might make a stop by sights like Monterey Bay and 38th Avenue Beach Access.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

While there might not be top attractions in Beach Hill - Beach Flats, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Upper Seabright

While Upper Seabright isn't home to many top sights, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor are some notable places to visit nearby.

Top Downtown Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Recent Reviews in Downtown Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz that travellers recommend?
For excellent hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz that travellers frequently recommend, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, and Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, is highly praised by guests for its beautiful and clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent restaurant. Its location right on the beach is a significant draw, and it features a fireplace, a heated pool, and a poolside bar. The Santa Cruz Wharf is just 0.2 km away.

Another great option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, rated 8.6. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, helpful staff, and the beautiful outdoor pool with sun loungers and cabanas. The hotel also offers a poolside bar and designer toiletries. Ocean Street is very close by at only 0.1 km.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, with a 9.0 rating, is known for its spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds, and helpful staff. Guests particularly enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast and appreciate the convenient valet parking. It is located 0.5 km from Ocean Street.

Finally, the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, rated 8.4, offers spacious and clean rooms and great service from its friendly staff. This hotel boasts an onsite full-service spa with various treatments including deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and body wraps, as well as a sauna and steam room. The Santa Cruz Wharf is 0.6 km from the hotel.
What are the best family hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For excellent family-friendly accommodation in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz.

The 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, with an 8.4 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms, some with sofa beds, and complimentary cribs for younger guests. Families will appreciate the pool with a gate and the availability of connecting rooms. It is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.6 km away, and Twin Lakes State Beach, 2.0 km away.

Another great option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, including suites, and offers connecting rooms and free cribs. The beautiful outdoor pool features sun loungers, cabanas, and a poolside bar, making it a relaxing spot for families. It is situated 1.6 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and only 0.1 km from Ocean Street.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, rated 9.2, is highly recommended for families. It boasts spacious and clean rooms, sofa beds, and free cribs. Guests can enjoy the pool with a gate and a complimentary continental breakfast. Its location is excellent, being just 0.2 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.3 km from Lighthouse Point Park.
What are the best spa hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For excellent spa facilities in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, offers a full-service spa that operates daily, along with an outdoor pool and poolside bar for ultimate relaxation. Guests consistently praise its beautiful and clean rooms, as well as its fantastic beachfront location.

Another great option is the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, rated 8.4. This hotel features an extensive full-service spa that operates daily, offering a wide range of treatments including body scrubs, deep tissue massages, facials, hot stone massages, and aromatherapy. It also has a sauna and steam room for guests to enjoy.
Which beach resorts in Downtown Santa Cruz do travellers love?
For a highly-rated beach resort in Downtown Santa Cruz, travellers consistently recommend the Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with an excellent 9.2 rating, is a fantastic choice for those seeking a beachside experience. Guests frequently praise its beautiful, clean rooms and the friendly, great staff. Its location right on the beach is a major highlight, offering ocean views and being very close to the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.2 km away. The hotel also features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, superb for relaxation. Additionally, there is an excellent restaurant on site, and customers often comment on the superb customer service.
What hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?
Several hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz offer complimentary breakfast, including La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, Mission Inn, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with an excellent 9.2 rating, provides a free continental breakfast. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the friendly staff. It is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.2 km away.

Mission Inn, rated 9.2, also offers a free continental breakfast. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms and the helpful staff. This hotel is close to Natural Bridges State Beach, which is 1.6 km away.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, rated 9.0, provides a free buffet breakfast. Travellers often highlight the spacious and clean rooms and the great breakfast. It is situated 1.0 km from Mission Santa Cruz.

West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, includes a free full breakfast. Guests praise its convenient location and friendly staff. It is very close to the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.1 km away.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG, with an 8.6 rating, also offers a complimentary full breakfast. Guests frequently comment on the friendly staff and the comfortable beds. It is located 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz.
What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For top pet-friendly hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, is highly recommended for its excellent location right on the beach, just 0.2 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. This hotel permits dogs and provides food and water bowls. Guests consistently praise its beautiful, clean rooms and friendly staff. It also features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, rated 8.6. This hotel also permits dogs and offers food and water bowls, with suites available for extra space. It is conveniently located just 0.1 km from Ocean Street. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable, clean rooms, helpful staff, and the beautiful pool.

The Ocean Pacific Lodge, with an 8.8 rating, is another great option for travellers with pets, providing food and water bowls. It is well-situated, just 0.4 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests appreciate the great location, friendly staff, and spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds, along with free and easy parking.

The Continental Inn, rated 7.6, also welcomes pets and offers food and water bowls. It is conveniently located 0.5 km from Ocean Street. Guests frequently comment on the affordable, clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

Hotel Solares is another pet-friendly option that specifically permits dogs and provides a litter box. It is located 0.9 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests have noted the spacious, clean rooms and good breakfast and coffee.
What are the top boutique hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For a top boutique hotel in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Torch Lite Inn.

The Torch Lite Inn, with a 7.6 rating, is known for its clean rooms and convenient location, making it a good base for exploring the area. Guests frequently praise the excellent and kind service provided by the helpful staff. The inn also offers free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. Furthermore, it has an Art Deco design, providing a unique aesthetic, and is located just under 20 kilometres from Monterey Bay.
What are the best budget hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For budget-friendly accommodation in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz or the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, is an excellent choice. Guests consistently praise its spacious and clean rooms, delicious breakfast, and friendly staff. It is also incredibly well-located, being just 0.2 km from Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.4 km from the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The hotel offers free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and a free continental breakfast, and cribs are available free of charge.

Another highly-rated option is the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz, which has an 8.2 rating. It offers free self-parking, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast, including a buffet and to-go options. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff and the great breakfast. The hotel is conveniently located 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz and 0.8 km from Ocean Street.

The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz is another good choice, offering free continental breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Customers have noted the helpful front desk and comfortable rooms. It is situated 0.2 km from Ocean Street and 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz.

The Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area, with a 7.8 rating, also provides good value. It offers free WiFi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free self-parking. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the convenient location, being only 0.6 km from Santa Cruz Wharf.

Finally, the Best Western Inn, rated 8.0, provides a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests often mention the delicious breakfast, helpful staff, and spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds. It is located 0.8 km from Ocean Street and 1.0 km from Mission Santa Cruz.
What are the most romantic hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz for couples?
For a romantic getaway in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the Mission Inn.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, offers beautiful rooms and a fantastic location right on the beach, providing splendid ocean views. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and the excellent on-site restaurant, superb for a romantic meal. Many rooms also feature balconies, ideal for enjoying the stunning sea air together.

Another excellent option is the Mission Inn, rated 9.2. This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, and guests often praise the helpful and professional staff. It offers a private indoor hot tub, which is a lovely feature for couples seeking relaxation. The hotel is also conveniently located near Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, just 0.3 km away.
What are the best hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz near Monterey Bay?
For hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz near Monterey Bay, consider the West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn or Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection.

The 3.5-star West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, rated 9.0, is particularly well-located, being just 0.1 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.2 km from Its Beach. Guests appreciate the complimentary full breakfast and free on-site parking, making for a convenient stay.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel is 1.6 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.7 km from Cowell's Beach. It features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and cabanas, and a poolside bar, great for relaxation.
When is the best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz?
The best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz is during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months, from May through October, when the weather is at its most pleasant.

During these months, you'll experience warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring the downtown area and enjoying outdoor activities. This period allows you to fully appreciate the nearby beaches and the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find May and early June particularly appealing. The weather is warm and inviting, but the summer crowds haven't fully arrived yet, offering a more tranquil experience. You can enjoy strolls along Pacific Avenue or a quiet dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants.

Families travelling with children will find the peak summer months of July and August to be the most convenient. While it's busier, all attractions are in full swing, and the warm weather is great for beach days.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline − this is often within 24 to 48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our 'Fully refundable property' filter during your search to find the right Downtown Santa Cruz hotel for you.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Downtown Santa Cruz with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Downtown Santa Cruz hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Downtown Santa Cruz?
Hotel prices in Downtown Santa Cruz often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates and sort search results by 'Price: low to high' for our cheapest rates.

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