A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Santa Cruz from AU$179

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Cruz Luxury Hotels

Tonight
21 Sept - 22 Sept
Tomorrow
22 Sept - 23 Sept
This weekend
25 Sept - 27 Sept
Next weekend
2 Oct - 4 Oct

Our top choices for Santa Cruz luxury hotels

A spacious indoor area with wicker furniture, large windows offering a view of the beach and ocean, and a surf shop sign.
A modern building with multiple dining areas, large windows, and a view of the beach and palm trees.
A balcony with a view of the beach, a sofa with cushions, a glass table with a tray of food and drinks, and a potted plant.
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the ocean.

1. Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
AU$430
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.
A row of colorful houses along a waterfront.
A dining area with a long table set for a meal, large windows offering a view, and a modern ceiling design.
A spacious lobby with high ceilings, arched windows, and a variety of seating arrangements including sofas, armchairs, and a bar area.

2. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa
Westside Santa Cruz
AU$491
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
A library with bookshelves, a chandelier, and a fireplace.
A dining room with a fireplace, wooden chairs, a chandelier, and a view of trees through large windows.
A room with a fireplace, a sofa, a chair, and a table with books.
A spacious bedroom with a large bed, wooden beams, a traditional Japanese sliding door, and a small table with chairs.

3. Inn at Depot Hill

Inn at Depot Hill
Capitola
  • Oceanside luxury at historic B&B offers elegant rooms with fireplaces, patios, and homely touches near Capitola Beach.
AU$451
includes taxes & fees
23 Sept - 24 Sept
Inn at Depot Hill
An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.
A hotel room with a bed, a seating area with a table, a desk, and a mirror.
A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.
A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

4. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Westside Santa Cruz
AU$245
includes taxes & fees
27 Sept - 28 Sept
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
A patio with two chairs and a table, a fire in the center, surrounded by greenery and a view of the landscape.
A modern hotel with a Mediterranean architectural style, featuring arched windows and a covered entrance area.
A modern bar area with wooden bar stools, a counter with a television, and shelves stocked with bottles.
A grand staircase with patterned tiles, wooden beams, and a skylight.

5. Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa
Santa Cruz
AU$321
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Chaminade Resort & Spa
A spacious lobby with a stone accent wall, a reception desk, a seating area with a coffee table, and a staircase.
A stone fireplace with a TV mounted above it, a stone wall, a seating area with a sofa and chairs, and a view of trees through large windows.
A modern reception area with a counter, refrigerated beverage dispensers, snack shelves, and decorative wall art.
A stone building with a turret, a covered entrance, and a parking area with handicapped accessibility.

6. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz
  • Luxury retreat in Santa Cruz offers plush beds, outdoor pool, and gourmet dining among redwoods.
AU$197
includes taxes & fees
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.
A modern kitchen with a dining table, chairs, a microwave, and a coffee maker.
A kitchen counter with a stainless steel container, a white appliance, and wicker baskets.
A modern kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, and wooden cabinets. There is a round dining table with two chairs and a potted plant.

7. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
Eastside Santa Cruz
AU$272
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel
An outdoor patio with a table set for two, overlooking a hilly landscape.
A modern living room with a stone fireplace, a large sofa, and a glass coffee table.
A residential area with a house featuring a covered porch, a landscaped lawn, and a view of a hilly landscape in the background.
A spacious lobby with high ceilings, wooden beams, and a central seating area with armchairs and a table.

8. CordeValle

CordeValle
San Martin
  • Luxurious rural retreat offers serene escape with championship golf, tennis courts, and a rejuvenating full-service spa in wine country.
AU$961
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
CordeValle
A breakfast table with a view of the beach and ocean.
A long dining table set for a formal event with multiple chairs, large windows offering a view of the outdoors, and a chandelier.
A modern bar area with a long counter, multiple bar stools, and a large overhead industrial-style kitchen.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, wooden beams, a central fireplace, and a large window providing natural light.

9. Sanctuary Beach Resort

Sanctuary Beach Resort
Marina
  • Coastal sanctuary offers elegant beachfront relaxation with ocean views and fireside bliss.
AU$836
includes taxes & fees
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Sanctuary Beach Resort
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, large windows, and a central seating arrangement.
A hotel room with a large sliding glass door leading to an outdoor seating area with chairs and a table, a sofa with cushions, and a bed.
A modern kitchen with a central island, wooden beams, and a large hanging light fixture.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and red umbrellas, surrounded by greenery and a large building in the background.

10. Rosewood Sand Hill

Rosewood Sand Hill
Menlo Park
  • Indulge in five-star luxury near Stanford with a full-service spa offering couples treatments, two restaurants, and a poolside bar.
AU$2,056
includes taxes & fees
25 Sept - 26 Sept
Rosewood Sand Hill
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Santa Cruzand its attractions for luxury travelers

Santa Cruz, California, offers a blend of natural beauty and luxury experiences that will captivate discerning travellers. Begin your exploration at the stunning Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can relax on golden sands while enjoying breathtaking views of the iconic natural rock arch. For a touch of sophistication, visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, which showcases local culture and art, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon. Adventure seekers can indulge in a private sailing tour of Monterey Bay, where you might spot playful sea otters and majestic whales. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, the upscale boutiques and artisan shops in the charming downtown area offer unique finds, from handcrafted jewellery to fine clothing. After a day of exploration, unwind at luxury hotels nestled along West Cliff Drive, such as the Chaminade Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy serene views of the ocean, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, and relish exquisite dining options. This area provides a perfect base for both relaxation and adventure, ensuring a memorable stay.

Find the best luxury hotels and resorts in Santa Cruz

For those looking to indulge in a luxurious stay in Santa Cruz, a selection of exceptional hotels awaits. Each hotel combines elegance with top amenities to ensure an unforgettable experience.Dream Inn Santa Cruz

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the epitome of luxury with a review rating of 9.2, offering travelers a stunning beachfront location and an array of premium amenities. The heated pool, poolside bar, and exclusive champagne service elevate the relaxation experience, while the restaurant with ocean views ensures a memorable dining experience for travelers.
  • Other amenities: Guests can enjoy a cozy fireplace in select rooms, climate control, and room service for added comfort. The hotel also features valet parking, a concierge service, and a resort structure that invites unforgettable beachside relaxation. With options for outdoor lounging, including sun loungers and umbrellas, travelers are sure to find their perfect spot to unwind.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.2 km, Cowell's Beach - 0 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.1 km

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Hotel Paradox stands out with a review rating of 8.6, offering chic accommodations and top-tier amenities for luxury travellers. The on-site poolside bar, designer toiletries, and concierge service ensure that every need is met while enjoying the stylish surroundings of this Autograph Collection hotel.
  • Other amenities: Guests will appreciate the outdoor pool with cabanas, a fitness centre open 24 hours, and a rooftop garden for leisurely strolls. Additional features include a hot tub, snack bar, and self-parking. The presence of suites adds an extra layer of comfort, perfect for those wanting to unwind in style.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.9 km, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 1.9 km, Ocean Street - 0.6 km

Casablanca On The Beach

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: Casablanca On The Beach offers a unique blend of luxury and comfort with a review rating of 8.6. Guests are greeted with elegant rooms that feature a fireplace and concierge service, making it a perfect haven for travellers seeking an upscale experience by the sea.
  • Other amenities: The hotel boasts air conditioning for optimal comfort, along with a terrace and patio for outdoor relaxation. Located near the beach and historical district, travelers can easily venture out for windsurfing or kayaking. Self-parking is available, and additional features like ocean views enhance the overall experience.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.5 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0 km, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.4 km

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

  • Why it's great for a luxury retreat: With a review rating of 8.2, Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley provides a luxurious stay with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features premium bedding and designer toiletries, ensuring that travelers enjoy both comfort and sophistication during their stay.
  • Other amenities: Travelers can unwind by the outdoor pool or rejuvenate in the hot tub, while the concierge service is on hand to assist with local information and reservations. Additional features include climate control, a terrace for relaxing evenings, and 24-hour fitness facilities. Self-parking is also available for convenience.
  • Nearby attractions: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park - 4.5 km, Zip Line - 5.5 km, Pasatiempo Golf Course - 6 km

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

8/10 Good
"Staff were wonderful, lovely property, and location is great. Did NOT appreciate being awaken at 8am day of check out, by cleaning staff checking to see if we were still there. Then, another knock at 9:30 by cleaning staff. Check out is 11:00. Staff should check with front desk on who is still there and who has checked out."
Mike 2-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Mission Inn

Mission Inn

8/10 Good
"Room was clean, staff was kind and helpful, and location was great for helping my daughter move into UCSC."
Kim 2-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Mission Inn
Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach

10/10 Excellent
"Have stayed multiple times here! Always clean and great location. Walking distance to the pier and boardwalk."
Amanda 1-night trip
Posted 9 hours ago
Casablanca On The Beach
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

10/10 Excellent
"It was excellent stay away from home."
Matt 4-night trip
Posted 12 hours ago
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares

8/10 Good
"Nice big room with two balconies, pool, two hot tubs, and a big outdoor seating area. Very happy with the facility, but the night check in staff needs customer service training. We had a late check-in at 9 pm, but no one was at the front. It took 15 minutes of our looking for someone to get us checked in even though we had already paid full price online for our room."
Alicia 1-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Hotel Solares

Frequently asked questions

Are you searching for the perfect hotel for your luxury holiday in Santa Cruz?
Known for its entertainment and sporting events, Santa Cruz also has some interesting things to see and do including Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, so you may want to take in the local sights during your visit.
What's the best luxury hotel in Santa Cruz?
La Bahia Hotel and Spa is a luxury hotel with 3 restaurants and 3 bars, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay.
When can I expect good weather in Santa Cruz?
Planning for the weather is an important factor for making your trip to Santa Cruz a success, especially when you're splurging. 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's there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
When you're in Santa Cruz, enjoy exploring the sights and attractions here including Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Monterey Bay and Ocean Street. If you have extra time while you're in the area, you might want to see Mission Santa Cruz and Pacific Avenue.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia