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

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
23 Oct - 25 Oct
In two weeks
30 Oct - 1 Nov
In one month
13 Nov - 15 Nov
In two months
11 Dec - 13 Dec

Our top choices for Santa Cruz motels

A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

1. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,007 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
KimLien
The price is AED 337
AED 419 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Mission Inn
The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

2. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,556 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
James
The price is AED 272
AED 362 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Nov - 3 Nov
Ocean Pacific Lodge
A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

3. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,002 reviews)
"Good and affordable hotel"
United States
Aleksandr
The price is AED 228
AED 303 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Beachview Inn
Room

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
The price is AED 304
AED 351 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Salt Air Lodge
A lobby with a brick wall, a reception desk, a black rug, and a framed picture on the wall.

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
The price is AED 257
AED 296 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
National 9 Santa Cruz
A landscaped garden with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and a gravel path.

6. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
2.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (483 reviews)
"Rooms clean, easy parking, and it’s 10 minutes from downtown. Perfect little spot"
United States
vincent
The price is AED 294
AED 340 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Hitching Post Studios Inn
A rectangular swimming pool with clear water, marked lanes, and a metal ladder.

7. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,252 reviews)
"Incredible stay. Friendly staff and great rate"
United States
Amra
The price is AED 223
AED 281 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Surf City Inn and Suites
A room with a television mounted on the wall, a window with blinds, a heater, a wooden dresser, and a door.

8. Drift Inn

Drift Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (162 reviews)
"Nice stay."
United States
John
The price is AED 258
AED 289 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Drift Inn
A street view with a building featuring a pink fence, a tree, and parked cars.

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, (1,000 reviews)
"Clean room close by to the beach"
United States
Salvador
The price is AED 222
AED 260 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.

10. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,027 reviews)
"Nice staff, clean and close to the beach!"
United States
Irinea
The price is AED 248
AED 310 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Islander Motel Santa Cruz
A hotel room with two beds, a kitchenette, a sliding glass door to a balcony, and a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall.

11. Torch Lite Inn

Torch Lite Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,003 reviews)
"great stay"
United States
Holly
The price is AED 278
AED 323 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Torch Lite Inn
A hotel room with two beds, a large painting, a TV, and a view of the outdoors.

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
The price is AED 281
AED 326 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach
A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a street with palm trees and buildings.

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, (1,000 reviews)
"Room was very clean and comfortable. Firm bed was nice and comfortable. Location was the best part as we like to eat and drink a little on the wharf and it's basically across the street with a short walk. Ocean view was filtered from the first floor so if you want a view you'll need to request the second floor."
United States
Rod
The price is AED 434
AED 498 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz
A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

14. Aqua Breeze Inn

Aqua Breeze Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,001 reviews)
"Clean, friendly, nice location"
United States
Aaron
The price is AED 327
AED 377 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Oct - 19 Oct
Aqua Breeze Inn
A parking lot with several cars and people walking.

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
The price is AED 248
AED 286 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz
A reception area with a framed floral artwork, a bulletin board with various advertisements, a potted orchid, and a sign thanking guests.

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
The price is AED 220
AED 274 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Capri Motel
A red train with the number 2600 traveling on a track alongside a beach.

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
The price is AED 290
AED 358 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Oct - 16 Oct
Motel Santa Cruz
A poolside area with a lounge chair, a table, and a large umbrella.

18. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1,003 reviews)
"Great location, good for the price basic, a bit modest but perfect for beach and boardwalk accessibility"
United States
Margot
The price is AED 366
AED 466 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a lamp, and a mirror.

19. Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.0 out of 10, (715 reviews)
"Very convenient location and nice people!"
United States
Veronica
The price is AED 318
AED 367 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA
A large ceramic pot with a rustic finish, placed on a circular stone base surrounded by small pebbles.

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
The price is AED 473
AED 546 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
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

Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn

10/10 Excellent
"We had such a wonderful stay at Carousel Inn! From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The location was great, the property was clean and well cared for, and the overall atmosphere was warm and inviting."
Summer 1-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Carousel Beach Inn

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. Mission Inn: Free breakfast, free WiFi, and a sauna are available during your stay. You'll be located within a 5-minute drive of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz: Enjoy access to the free WiFi and free parking, as well as room amenities like a microwave. Stay within a quick 1-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Surf City Inn and Suites: It's located within a quick 1-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A full-service spa, free WiFi, and a snack bar/deli are available during your stay. Beachview Inn: Stay within a 5-minute drive of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. Enjoy access to the 24-hour front desk, and freebies including WiFi and parking.
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 scenic seaside 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 Williams-Reynolds House, Lighthouse Point Park, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.
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.