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

Search Motels in Santa Cruz

  • 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 prices for these dates

Next weekend
4 Sep - 6 Sep
In two weeks
11 Sep - 13 Sep
In one month
25 Sep - 27 Sep
In two months
23 Oct - 25 Oct

Our top choices for Santa Cruz motels

Front of property

1. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,523 reviews)
"I like the location , the clean rooms, it was quiet, free parking, for the price you cant beat it, I will be going there in the near future"
United States
Ramiro
The price is AED 327
AED 424 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Queen Room | Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), WiFi (free)

2. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and price."
Canada
Elizabeth
The price is AED 238
AED 314 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Beachview Inn
Front of property

3. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,004 reviews)
"Amazing property and fantastic helpful staff"
United States
Terry
The price is AED 344
AED 427 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Sep - 2 Sep
Mission Inn
Indoor spa tub

4. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,194 reviews)
"Enjoyed the hot tub and the proximity to the Boardwalk!"
United States
Heather
The price is AED 241
AED 301 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Surf City Inn and Suites
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

5. 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)
"Always a great stay here."
United States
Vanessa
The price is AED 251
AED 314 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Standard Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, WiFi (free), bed sheets

6. Salt Air Lodge

Salt Air Lodge
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (127 reviews)
"Despite claims of a recent remodel, the bed was tough and felt like an outdated box-spring. We were stuck next to a loud ice machine that cycled on and off all night; the hotel was full so they couldn’t move us. Walls had unexplained stains running down them, and the bathroom had about five flies we had to swat. There was a mini fridge and microwave; however, there was a coffee maker— no cups, coffee, or tea. No ice bucket or bags either, and the lobby didn’t even have a fork. This was a real...
United States
Isaac
The price is AED 349
AED 402 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Salt Air Lodge
Beach/ocean view

7. Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,001 reviews)
"Great location walking distance to most places great view"
United States
Marci
The price is AED 540
AED 621 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Seasonal outdoor pool

8. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1,002 reviews)
"Location is great"
United States
Brian
The price is AED 232
AED 317 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Exterior

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, (1,004 reviews)
"Staff was friendly"
United States
Arif
The price is AED 241
AED 280 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Deluxe Double Room, Non Smoking | WiFi (free)

10. Drift Inn

Drift Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (148 reviews)
"Nice stay."
United States
John
The price is AED 281
AED 315 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Drift Inn
Reception

11. National 9 Santa Cruz

National 9 Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (259 reviews)
"Very friendly staff."
United States
James
The price is AED 275
AED 317 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Sep - 30 Sep
National 9 Santa Cruz
Signature Room | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, desk, blackout drapes

12. Torch Lite Inn

Torch Lite Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,002 reviews)
"The gentleman at the desk was so kind, clean rooms, decent bed, great walk to the boardwalk and overall felt very safe and comfortable."
United States
Nevaeh
The price is AED 309
AED 358 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Sep - 16 Sep
Torch Lite Inn
Garden

13. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
2.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (456 reviews)
"Stayed for 5 days, everything was perfect!"
United States
Michelle Renee
The price is AED 298
AED 344 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Hitching Post Studios Inn
Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds | Desk, iron/ironing board (on request), cribs (surcharge)

14. 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)
"The staff was kind and helpful!"
United States
Jorge
The price is AED 343
AED 395 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Sep - 21 Sep
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach
Standard Double Room, 2 Double Beds | Desk, blackout drapes, WiFi (free), bed sheets

15. Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,001 reviews)
"The room had an awesome view of the Boardwalk!"
United States
Rosa
The price is AED 364
AED 418 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Aqua Breeze Inn
Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free), bed sheets

16. 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, (1,000 reviews)
"Super clean and great location! Price is right and would stay again! Easy parking too!"
United States
Giana
The price is AED 434
AED 498 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sep
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Reception

17. Capri Motel

Capri Motel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.6 out of 10, (641 reviews)
The price is AED 235
AED 290 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Sep - 8 Sep
Capri Motel
Ecotours

18. Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
5.2 out of 10, (1,001 reviews)
"It was a nice stay"
United States
Justin
The price is AED 290
AED 358 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Motel Santa Cruz
Fountain

19. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
2.0 star property
Rio del Mar
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
The price is AED 529
AED 609 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Rio Sands Vacation Rentals
Down comforters, desk, blackout drapes, WiFi (free)

20. Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.0 out of 10, (692 reviews)
"The hotel was good. The room was clean, and the staff was really kind to us. We reserved it only to go to sleep, and it was perfect for us. Around the hotel, you can find a gas station and different restaurants or fast-food options."
United States
Vicente
The price is AED 318
AED 367 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Sep - 14 Sep
Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
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.
View all properties
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent
"."
Marty 1-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Santa Cruz?
When you save on your room price, you can enjoy more of what Santa Cruz has to offer. Top sights include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay.
What are motels like?
When you stay at a motel, you're likely to find a free parking spot and an outdoor pool. With a stay at a motel, you'll often have access to your room directly from the parking lot. Starting in the early 1950s, customized neon signs often lit up the roadside motels, and examples today can still be seen along historic U.S. Route 66.
What are the best motels in Santa Cruz?
Ocean Pacific Lodge: Stay within a 5-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Enjoy access to the 2 hot tubs, and freebies including WiFi and parking. Surf City Inn and Suites: A full-service spa, free WiFi, and a snack bar/deli are available during your stay. It's located within a quick 1-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Mission Inn: Enjoy access to the sauna, and freebies including breakfast and WiFi. Stay within a 5-minute drive of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz: You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. A seasonal outdoor pool and free WiFi are available during your stay, along with room amenities like a microwave. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz: Stay within a quick 1-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy access to the free WiFi and free parking, as well as room amenities like a microwave.
How many motels should I expect to find in Santa Cruz?
You can select from 23 economical motels in Santa Cruz.
What can I do in Santa Cruz?
In this walkable area, you can enjoy the entertainment choices and popular beaches while you're sightseeing. Must-see local attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Santa Cruz Main Beach, Cowell's Beach, and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum. You'll find these family-friendly attractions: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Boardwalk Bowl, and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Some historical places you might want to see include Lighthouse Point Park, Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, and Williams-Reynolds House.
What's the seasonal weather like in Santa Cruz?
Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Santa Cruz to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 27 inches.
What are my options for getting around Santa Cruz when staying in a motel?
We've gathered some information about getting around Santa Cruz to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is located 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the city center. You can also search for flights into Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. If you'd like to explore around the area, you may want a rental car for your journey.