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

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz motels

1. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,009 reviews)
"I will stay there again"
United States
Judy
$109 nightly
The price is $125
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Mission Inn

2. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,558 reviews)
"Lovely, spacious , well appointed, clean rooms, professional friendly staff, nice pool and hot tubs, and fantastic location; will definitely be back!"
United States
Tasia
$90 nightly
The price is $105
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Total with taxes and fees
Ocean Pacific Lodge

3. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,003 reviews)
"Good and affordable hotel"
United States
Aleksandr
$72 nightly
The price is $82
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Beachview Inn

4. Salt Air Lodge

Salt Air Lodge
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (148 reviews)
"Clean , and close to Santa Cruz boardwalk"
United States
Julio
$82 nightly
The price is $95
Oct 25 - Oct 26
Total with taxes and fees
Salt Air Lodge

5. National 9 Santa Cruz

National 9 Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (282 reviews)
"Not luxury, but nice people, good location, clean room."
United States
John
$70 nightly
The price is $81
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
National 9 Santa Cruz

6. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
2.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (484 reviews)
"Rooms clean, easy parking, and it’s 10 minutes from downtown. Perfect little spot"
United States
vincent
$70 nightly
The price is $81
Oct 22 - Oct 23
Total with taxes and fees
Hitching Post Studios Inn

7. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,253 reviews)
"Incredible stay. Friendly staff and great rate"
United States
Amra
$68 nightly
The price is $79
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Surf City Inn and Suites

8. Drift Inn

Drift Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (164 reviews)
"Nice stay."
United States
John
$78 nightly
The price is $87
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Drift Inn

9. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,003 reviews)
"Clean room close by to the beach"
United States
Salvador
$62 nightly
The price is $73
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Total with taxes and fees
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

10. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,024 reviews)
"Nice staff, clean and close to the beach!"
United States
Irinea
$71 nightly
The price is $83
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Islander Motel Santa Cruz

11. Torch Lite Inn

Torch Lite Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"great stay"
United States
Holly
$78 nightly
The price is $91
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Torch Lite Inn

12. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"Wonderful staff!! Great Location in relation to boardwalk!!"
United States
jennifer
$76 nightly
The price is $88
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

13. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.2 out of 10, Good, (1,001 reviews)
$118 nightly
The price is $135
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Total with taxes and fees
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

14. Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,000 reviews)
"Clean, friendly, nice location"
United States
Aaron
$89 nightly
The price is $103
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Aqua Breeze Inn

15. Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.2 out of 10, Good, (1,001 reviews)
"Friendly check in staff , had a nice quiet evening."
United States
Tiffiny
$71 nightly
The price is $82
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Total with taxes and fees
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

16. Capri Motel

Capri Motel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.6 out of 10, (656 reviews)
"Amazing staff,very helpfull and accommodating! Room was really clean with freshly restored bathroom. Walking distance from boardwalk and convenient stores. Extremely quiet and peacefull We will definitely come back"
United States
Karim
$64 nightly
The price is $75
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Capri Motel

17. Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
5.2 out of 10, (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly staff"
United States
teresa
$78 nightly
The price is $91
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Motel Santa Cruz

18. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"Great location, good for the price basic, a bit modest but perfect for beach and boardwalk accessibility"
United States
Margot
$122 nightly
The price is $140
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

19. Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.0 out of 10, (719 reviews)
"Very convenient location and nice people!"
United States
Veronica
$99 nightly
The price is $114
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

20. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
2.0 star property
Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Great little vacation spot away from the big crowds and corporate atmosphere."
United States
Rich
$143 nightly
The price is $165
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
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

Price trends for Motels in Santa Cruz

Less expensive
More expensive
Next month
December
May
$138
Month
Price
January
$280
February
$284
March
$300
April
$299
May
$305
June
$144
July
$193
August
$157
September
$143
October
$143
November
$138
December
$137
Price trend information excludes taxes and fees and is based on base rates for a nightly stay for 2 adults found in the last 7 days on our site and averaged for commonly viewed Motels in Santa Cruz. Select dates and complete search for nightly totals inclusive of taxes and fees.

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Motels information

Number of reviews
9,884
Accommodation
24 Motels
Lowest Price
$73
Highest Price
$165

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Santa Cruz motels, based on reviews?
Beach Street Inn and Suites is a fantastic option for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and convenience in Santa Cruz, boasting a remarkable 9.4 rating. Guests rave about the attentive staff and unbeatable location, which offers stunning views that enhance the experience. With a heated outdoor pool, complete with sun loungers and private room access, this motel ensures that relaxation is just a step away. Guests can also enjoy the lovely terrace or balcony, superb for unwinding after a day of adventure.

For those looking for a cozy and intimate stay, Mission Inn stands out with its inclusive setting and a solid 9.0 rating. The private hot tubs, both indoors and outdoors, provide a superb setting for couples wanting to enjoy some quality time together. Reviewers frequently mention the welcoming staff and delicious breakfast, making it an ideal choice for couples or solo travelers who appreciate thoughtful touches and a great location.

Families will find Ocean Pacific Lodge to be a welcoming haven, with a great rating of 8.8. Its excellent location and spacious rooms make it a great base for exploring Santa Cruz. Guests appreciate the friendly staff and comfortable rooms that cater to both relaxation and family fun.
What is the nightly rate for a motel in Santa Cruz?
You can find a great deal from $73 on Santa Cruz motels with Expedia. Typically, prices are higher during popular times – like weekends and holidays – while staying midweek is often cheaper. To find the best nightly rates on Santa Cruz motels, try to be flexible with travel dates, and sort search results by price from low to high.
Are there any family-friendly motels in Santa Cruz?
Beach Street Inn and Suites is an excellent choice for families visiting Santa Cruz. This welcoming property features a refreshing pool, great for kids to splash around after a day of adventure. With complimentary cribs and safety gates, it ensures peace of mind for parents traveling with little ones. The convenience of in-room microwaves allows for quick snacks, while daily housekeeping keeps your space tidy and stress-free. Plus, its proximity to nearby theme parks makes it an ideal base for family excursions.

Mission Inn also caters to families beautifully. Offering spacious rooms with a sofa bed and cribs available, it provides flexibility for larger families. The inviting garden area is a wonderful spot for kids to play or for parents to relax while enjoying the fresh air. With convenient amenities like a microwave and daily housekeeping, this motel ensures that families feel right at home during their stay.

For those seeking a cozy atmosphere, Ocean Pacific Lodge is another fantastic option. This family-friendly property offers cribs free of charge, making it easy for parents to travel light. Daily housekeeping keeps the environment clean and comfortable, while the in-room microwaves are great for heating up meals or snacks. Its inviting ambiance and thoughtful amenities create a warm and welcoming retreat that families will appreciate.
Can I find Santa Cruz motels that offer complimentary breakfast?
The Mission Inn is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a comfortable stay in Santa Cruz, especially for families. This welcoming motel offers complimentary continental breakfast, ensuring your mornings start off right. Guests can savor a variety of options while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. With a private hot tub available for relaxation after a day of exploring, it's superb for unwinding with family. The property's proximity to nearby beaches and ocean access makes it an ideal base for family adventures, allowing you to easily enjoy the sun and surf.

Another great option is the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which also provides a complimentary breakfast to fuel your adventures. Families will appreciate the spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, making it convenient for preparing snacks or light meals. The motel features inviting ocean views from some rooms, along with private balconies or furnished patios, superb for enjoying the coastal breeze. Its close location to the beach and boardwalk ensures that both children and adults have plenty of activities at their fingertips, from thrilling amusement rides to relaxing beach days.
Can I find motels with a pool in Santa Cruz?
The Beach Street Inn and Suites is a fantastic choice for travelers looking to enjoy a refreshing pool experience in Santa Cruz. This property features a heated outdoor pool, superb for a leisurely swim or relaxing poolside under the California sun. Guests can unwind on the sun loungers or take advantage of the pool umbrellas for some shade. The friendly space makes it an excellent option for families, providing ample space for kids to play while parents relax.

Another great option is the Ocean Pacific Lodge, which also boasts an outdoor pool. This casual and welcoming motel is superb for families, with easy access to nearby attractions and beaches. The pool area offers a great spot to cool off after a day of exploring, making it an ideal retreat for families seeking both comfort and convenience.

Lastly, consider The Islander Motel Santa Cruz, which features a shared outdoor pool. This seasonal pool is a wonderful place for families to gather and enjoy some fun in the sun. Its poolside bar adds an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing parents to indulge in a refreshing drink while keeping an eye on the kids.
Are there any Santa Cruz motels with kitchenettes?
If you're looking for motels in Santa Cruz that feature kitchenettes, the Harbor Inn is a wonderful choice. This charming property offers guests the convenience of a kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator and microwave, allowing you to prepare quick meals or snacks whenever you please. Its location makes it easy to explore the beautiful coastline and nearby attractions, making it a practical base for families or those traveling with children.

Another great option is the Hitching Post Studios Inn, which takes the kitchenette experience a step further. In addition to the standard kitchenette amenities, it includes an oven and stovetop, giving you more flexibility for meal preparation. This property is great for families who prefer home-cooked meals or need to accommodate various dietary preferences during their stay.

Lastly, consider the Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz, which also features a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator and stovetop, alongside a microwave. The added space and amenities make it an excellent choice for families seeking comfort and convenience while exploring all that Santa Cruz has to offer.
Is it better to stay in a Santa Cruz motel or hotel?
Motels and Hotels have different perks. When you stay at a motel, you're likely to find free parking and an outdoor pool. Staying overnight at a motel, can be handy when requiring easy road access. You'll often have access to your room from outside, and directly from the parking lot. Hotels generally have room access from inside the building. Motels are also often less expensive than hotels. The word "motel" was coined in 1925 by the owner of the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo, California.

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