THE BABBLING BROOK INN, Santa Cruz

The Babbling Brook Inn - Historic 3-star Santa Cruz hotel with garden views and private fireplaces in a converted 1796 mill

Nestled in a converted corn grist mill from 1796, this boutique Santa Cruz hotel features 13 individually designed rooms with fireplaces, featherbeds, and private bathrooms equipped with signature toiletries. Located on Laurel Street between California and Walti Streets, The Babbling Brook Inn offers garden-view balconies overlooking a working waterwheel and flowing brook through landscaped grounds. Each room includes a flat-screen TV with premium satellite channels, sitting area, and artwork from renowned painters. Most accommodations provide views of the gardens and brook, with select rooms featuring spa or jetted tubs. Guests start their day with hot dishes like quiche or pancakes. The property sits 1 mile from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Museum of Natural History, with Pasatiempo Golf Club 3 miles away. Babbling Brook Inn is positioned 34 miles from Mineta San Jose International Airport and within walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants, and museums.

Pros

Originally built as a corn grist mill in 1796, offering unique historic character

Working waterwheel and flowing brook through landscaped gardens

Each room individually decorated with works by renowned artists like Monet and Renoir

17-minute walk through Victorian neighborhoods to downtown attractions

Cons

34 miles distance from nearest major airport

Limited off-street parking available