Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Santa Cruz from AU$136

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

Exterior

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
3.0 star property
Boulder Creek
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,022 reviews)
"It was a very relaxing spot and the staff was great"
United States
Tina
The price is AU$136
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
Ecotours

Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 10, (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was a minimal hotel good for an overnight stay. The management, staff and parking was all great! I'd recommend it for the budget and limited amenities. "
United States
Geneva
Motel Santa Cruz
Deluxe Cottage, 1 Bedroom, Fireplace, Garden Area (Cottage 11B)

Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (507 reviews)
"Cozy, clean cabin surrounded by nature and close to local hiking trails. Great host easy process to book and arrive. "
United States
Seth
The price is AU$339
includes taxes & fees
8 July - 9 July
Fern River Resort
Carriage House (Pets Allowed) | View from room

Monarch Cove Inn

Monarch Cove Inn
3.5 star property
Capitola
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (996 reviews)
"Excellent location."
United States
Chris
The price is AU$308
includes taxes & fees
24 June - 25 June
Monarch Cove Inn
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains

Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
2.5 star property
Ben Lomond
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (907 reviews)
"Very nice staff, in a beautiful location."
United States
Ed
The price is AU$173
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June
Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
One Queen Bed

Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,006 reviews)
"Perfect location close to a lot of places and staff was very friendly. "
United States
Miguel
The price is AU$180
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Beachview Inn
Exclusive Studio, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Kitchenette | Private kitchen

Bella Notte

Bella Notte
4.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (3 reviews)
"Great spot. Love the keyless, personless checkin!"
United States
Andrew
The price is AU$309
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Bella Notte
Single Room, Non Smoking

Drift Inn

Drift Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (93 reviews)
"There were restaurants nearby, easy to get to Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk"
United States
Emere
The price is AU$142
includes taxes & fees
28 June - 29 June
Drift Inn
Lobby

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
2.5 star property
Scotts Valley
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,018 reviews)
"I really enjoyed our stay"
United States
EVALYNE
The price is AU$218
includes taxes & fees
6 July - 7 July
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Exterior

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (964 reviews)
"Great location for families who want to enjoy downtown santa cruz and the boardwalk"
United States
Michael
The price is AU$143
includes taxes & fees
16 June - 17 June
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
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.
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Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2/10 Terrible
"Attention!!!!! Be aware of this property!!!!! Last weekend my family & I stayed in this hotel, when we arrived the check in was easy and everything was going well. The room was so dirty, not well cleaned, left over used toilet paper, the doors were stain of makeup and some type of orange sticky food, could be Cheetos, the walls were all dirty and the certain was full of dryed ice cream from days before. That’s not it there is more! Friday afternoon we got some dinner sat in the patio where there is tables and chair, and a person first asked how to get a hold of front desk and we told him where to go, he then came back and ask for a water bottle, left to his room and came back downstairs and sat in the patio, he started mentioning all the types of drugs he was selling and also that he was hiding from the cops!!!! When this was heard I didn’t feel comfortable I try to get a hold of the front desk for hours and no answer no reply, until the next day and still didn’t want to give my money back!!!!! Will not stay here again, this was my 2nd time staying in this hotel and 1st time didn’t have a problem but this time it was unacceptable, I will not be staying here and if you have small kids be aware because this hotels approves a lot of drug dealers to walk in and out of the property. Is a very nice place but will not be staying here ever. Be aware!!!!! Always read the reviews!!!!!"
Vanessa 2-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Surf City Inn and Suites

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveller reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 677 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Santa Cruz Main Beach and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the centre in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transport options so renting a car could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.

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