RIO VISTA INN & SUITES SANTA CRUZ | Santa Cruz ★ Prime Downtown Location & Comfort

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Key details

Hotel Details

611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Close to the beach

Great

8.5

8.8

/10

3.0

Loved by guests

River view
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Spacious bathroom

"The hotel itself is a beautifully restored Victorian building and has literally every thing thought of, from light airy rooms, with beautiful en suite bathrooms, to complimentary soft drinks and coffee."

Louisa S from United Kingdom

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"Really liked the water, coffee and ice in the lobby."

Anonymous from United States

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"Loved the access to free beverages during our stay."

Sridhar from United States

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Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - A Victorian 4-star boutique hotel with river views and modern amenities on Beach Hill

Located on iconic Beach Hill, this 12-room Santa Cruz hotel occupies a restored Victorian estate offering views of San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Each of Rio Vista Inn & Suites' rooms features modern fixtures, water-sense certified bathrooms, and daily housekeeping service. Standard amenities include wireless internet, complimentary toiletries, and access to a lounge with fireplace. Rooms accommodate a maximum of two guests and include custom showers or jetted tubs. The Rio Vista offers ADA-compliant facilities with roll-in showers, grab bars, and wheelchair-accessible routes throughout. Positioned 34 miles from Mineta San Jose International Airport, the property sits near Natural Bridges State Beach, UC Santa Cruz, and Pasatiempo Golf Club. Guest parking is available on the street.

Pros

Original Victorian architectural features including arched windows and hardwood floors

Complimentary concierge service for local activity recommendations

Views of San Lorenzo River flowing from Santa Cruz Mountains to Pacific Ocean

ADA-compliant facilities with multiple accessibility features

Cons

Maximum occupancy of 2 guests per room with no extra beds available

No guests under 21 permitted

“This meticulously restored Victorian building distinguishes itself with a blend of historical charm and contemporary comforts. Its location balances river views with convenient proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. In my view, the personalized service and thoughtfully appointed rooms create a unique and memorable experience.”

Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown

Map View

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Arrival

The parking was super easy, right under the building. Plenty of spots and felt really secure.

Mike from Canada

Review on

DiningMorning Treat

The breakfast was amazing. So many choices, hot and fresh. Started each day off perfectly.

Linda from Australia

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Room FeaturesCozy Escape

The room was perfect. It felt recently updated, super clean, and had everything we needed.

David from England

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BathroomSparkling Clean!

The bathroom was spotless! Plenty of towels and toiletries, which was a nice surprise.

Maria from Spain

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Select room type

Choose from double rooms, family suites, and premium stays. Enjoy breakfast, flexible cancellations, and exclusive deals.

Deluxe Queen Room # 5

2 persons

230 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Fireplace

room details

Deluxe Queen Room # 2

2 persons

230 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Fireplace

room details

Queen Room #17 Annexed

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

Standard Queen Room #15 Annexed

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

Bathtub

room details

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Facilities

Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Adults only

Sports & Fitness

Golf course

Services

Housekeeping

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Map view

611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

City landmarks

Harbour

Santa Cruz Wharf

2600 ft

Museum

Museum of Art and History

3800 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

4500 ft

Landmark

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

2700 ft

Shopping Area

Pacific Garden Mall

3200 ft

Landmark

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

5200 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

1.4 mi

Park

Neary Lagoon Park

1.2 mi

Landmark

To Honor Surfing Monument

4900 ft

Spa Centre

Tea House Spa

2200 ft

Spa Centre

Well Within Spa

2300 ft

Landmark

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

5200 ft

Landmark

Cave Train

2100 ft

Store

Cowell Beach

3200 ft

Store

Cowell's Beach Surf Shop

2600 ft

Landmark

Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conf

4200 ft

Park

Abbott Square

3300 ft

Store

Shopper's Corner

3600 ft

Beach

Seabright State Beach

1.1 mi

Landmark

The Satellite Workspace and Digital Media Studio

2600 ft

Landmark

Lighthouse Field State Beach

1.4 mi

Landmark

Ocean View Park

1.0 mi

Nearby

Mall

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

1700 ft

400 Beach St

Sky Glider

1700 ft

400 Beach St

Giant Dipper

1800 ft

400 Beach St

Undertow

1600 ft

299 San Lorenzo Boulevard

Mike Fox Skate Park

1300 ft

Raymond St

Beach Flats Community Garden

1400 ft

Beach

Main Beach

1900 ft

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Holiday Train

2000 ft

Restaurants

Beach Street Cafe

1800 ft

399 Beach St

South Beach Pizza Company

1900 ft

303 Beach St

Saturn Cafe

1700 ft

145 Laurel Street

The Picnic Basket

2600 ft

125 Beach St

Casablanca Bistro

2200 ft

101 Main St

Sawasdee By The Sea

2300 ft

101 Main St Casablanca Inn

Mumbai Delights

1800 ft

810 Pacific Ave

Zachary's Restaurant

2100 ft

819 Pacific Avenue

Tampico Kitchen & Lounge LNG

2100 ft

822 Pacific Ave

Subway

2100 ft

825 Pacific Avenue

A Slice of Kianti's

2400 ft

46 Front St

Sesame

2300 ft

435 Front St

Explore Santa Cruz

Local Highlights

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

7 minutes' walk

A classic seaside amusement park featuring rides, games, and food stands along the beach, perfect for family fun.

Santa Cruz Wharf

10 minutes' walk

A bustling pier with restaurants, shops, and stunning views of the ocean; watch sea lions and enjoy fresh seafood.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

10 minutes' walk

An educational center showcasing marine life with interactive exhibits; a great spot for families and ocean enthusiasts.

Museum of Art and History

14 minutes' walk

A modern museum featuring local art, history exhibits, and a vibrant community space, with occasional free admission days.

Surfing Lessons

10 minutes' drive

Surfing schools offer lessons at nearby beaches, catering to beginners and thrill-seekers; rentals available.

Scenic Biking

10 minutes' drive

Biking along the coastal trails provides stunning ocean views; bike rentals are accessible at local shops.

Spa Treatments at Tea House Spa

10 minutes' walk

Pampering spa offering massages and wellness therapies; ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation after a busy day.

Beach Street Cafe

7 minutes' walk

A cozy spot famous for its hearty breakfast and brunch options, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.

Casablanca Bistro

8 minutes' walk

Casual dining with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, known for fresh ingredients and a charming outdoor patio.

Saturn Cafe

7 minutes' walk

A vegetarian and vegan eatery offering tasty comfort foods in a quirky, retro setting; great for casual dining.

The Catalyst

12 minutes' walk

A legendary live music venue hosting diverse acts from rock to indie; check the schedule for all-ages shows.

Santa Cruz Theater

14 minutes' walk

Showcasing new releases and indie films, this charming theater provides a cozy movie-going experience.

Getting around

City Centre

Santa Cruz10 min · 2700 ft

Airports

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)81 min · 33.6 mi

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)102 min · 42.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-21:00

Check-out

from 06:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish, Hindi

Number of rooms:

Former name

rio vista suites

FAQs

About Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

How far is Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz from the beach?

The hotel is 0.5 km from Cowell Beach and 0.5 km from Santa Cruz Main Beach.

What amenities are provided in the rooms at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and complimentary toiletries.

Is parking available at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Free private parking is available on-site without the need for reservation.

What nearby dining options are available from Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Nearby restaurants include Tacos Moreno, Surf City Grill, and Beach Street Cafe, all within 0.5 km.

Are pets allowed at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

The hotel does not allow pets.

What recreational activities can guests partake in at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Guests can enjoy activities such as beach access, cycling, fishing, and golfing.

What is the distance of Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz from Mineta San Jose International Airport?

The hotel is located 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Does Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz offer any communal spaces for guests?

Guests have access to a lounge area with a cozy fireplace.

Is there free internet access at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

How many unique suites does Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz offer?

The hotel features 12 luxurious and refurbished suites.

What are the notable attractions close to Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the Museum of Art and History, all within a short distance.