Best Downtown Hotels in Santa Cruz, United States from 59$/night

Santa Cruz boasts the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the lush landscapes of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. You can find hotels near university for student visitors, cheap hotel rooms for families, or beachfront hotels for relaxing coastal getaways. Boutique hotels here offer unique local experiences. You'll discover a curated list of places with great amenities and reviews on the site. Plan your stay ahead during summer when hotel demand rises, and consider using the local bus or renting a bike for easy travel.

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Oceana Inn Santa Cruz (Adults Only)

MapCentrally located near attractions50m

On-site swimming pool available for relaxation
Convenient location near the boardwalk area
Offers free continental breakfast to guests

Swimming Pool
Car Park
On-site Spa

Adults-only hotel providing a relaxing getaway experience

FromUS$ 59 /nightSelect

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection Santa Cruz

MapClose to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk1.5km

Unique poolside cabana lounge experience
Modern American cuisine at Solaire
Versatile meeting and event spaces

Outdoor pool
Solaire Restaurant
Event spaces

Boutique hotel blending urban luxury with natural beauty

FromUS$ 192 /nightSelect

Motel Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk250m

Close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Offers free onsite parking
Rooms with flat-screen TVs

Free parking
24-hour reception
Pet-friendly

Motel near popular attractions with essential amenities

FromUS$ 65 /nightSelect

The Babbling Brook Inn

MapProximity to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk300m

Unique themed rooms enhance your stay
Charming gardens with a tranquil atmosphere
Complimentary evening wine and cheese reception

Complimentary parking
Evening reception
Garden views

Historic hotel featuring themed rooms and lush gardens

FromUS$ 209 /nightSelect

Marea Sol Hotel

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk100m

Steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Outdoor pool and ocean view sundeck
On-site dining options and marketplace

Outdoor pool
Rooftop sundeck
On-site parking

Boutique hotel offering beachside relaxation and activities

FromUS$ 199 /nightSelect

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk600m

Short walk to the beach
Comfortable family rooms available
Adjacent to dining and nightlife

Complimentary parking
Nightly front desk
Air conditioned

Affordable hotel with easy access to Santa Cruz attractions

FromUS$ 127 /nightSelect

Carousel Beach Inn

MapNear Santa Cruz Beach200m

Steps from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Rooms with private balconies available
Daily continental breakfast included

Free Parking
24-Hour Reception
Vending Machines

Hotel near Santa Cruz Boardwalk and beach activities

FromUS$ 109 /nightSelect

Capri Motel Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk200m

Short walk to beach boardwalk
Free parking available on-site
Nearby dining options abound

Free Parking
Air Conditioning
Family Rooms

Budget-friendly hotel near popular coastal attractions

FromUS$ 68 /nightSelect

Hotel Solares

MapFamous beach boardwalk200m

Relaxing outdoor heated pool
Pet-friendly rooms available
Proximity to major attractions

Heated Pool
Hot Tub
24-hour Front Desk

Beach hotel with modern decor and scenic views

FromUS$ 67 /nightSelect

Casablanca Inn On The Beach

MapAcross from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk300m

Ocean view outdoor dining options
Proximity to Santa Cruz Beach
Unique room upgrades available

Outdoor dining
Golf course
Pet-friendly

Hotel featuring diverse rooms with ocean and garden views

FromUS$ 291 /nightSelect

Seaway Inn

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk400ft

Steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Pet-friendly rooms for furry companions
Comfortable family suites with unique decor

Pet-friendly
Family suites
Parking available

Charming hotel with easy beach access and family amenities

FromUS$ 99 /nightSelect

Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

MapNear Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk300m

Historic Victorian architecture throughout hotel
Complimentary refreshments available for guests
Access to beautiful river views and outdoor spaces

Complimentary Refreshments
River Views
Victorian Architecture

Luxury Hotel Blending Historic Charm and Modern Comfort

FromUS$ 79 /nightSelect

Ocean Gate Inn

MapHistoric Beach Boardwalk1km

Close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Rooms with private balconies available
Free parking for all guests

Private Balconies
Free Parking
24-Hour Front Desk

Hotel offering family-friendly rooms near attractions

FromUS$ 86 /nightSelect

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

MapHistoric Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk100m

Only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz
Ocean view rooms with private balconies
Heated outdoor pool and hot tub

Infinity Pool
On-site Restaurant
Private Balconies

Beachfront hotel with ocean views and vibrant dining options

FromUS$ 222 /nightSelect

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk1.3km

Outdoor swimming pool access
Free breakfast buffet daily
Fitness center on-site

Outdoor pool
Fitness center
Hot tub

Hotel offering modern rooms near coastal attractions

FromUS$ 179 /nightSelect

Surf City Inn & Suites

MapNearby Santa Cruz Beach300m

Indoor pool and hot tub
Steps from Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Pet-friendly and family-oriented rooms

Indoor Pool
Hot Tub
Pet-Friendly

Hotel offering family-friendly amenities and activities

FromUS$ 77 /nightSelect

Beach Street Inn And Suites

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk300m

Breathtaking ocean views
Heated outdoor pool
On-site cafe dining

Heated Pool
Hot Tub
On-Site Cafe

Hotel offering ocean views and direct beach access

FromUS$ 279 /nightSelect

Seaside Inn & Suites

MapProximity to Santa Cruz Beach1.5km

Delightful outdoor spaces for relaxation
Comfortable rooms with modern renovations
Close to beach and downtown attractions

Parking Facilities
Outdoor Seating
Dining Proximity

Hotel offering newly renovated rooms and outdoor relaxation

FromUS$ 156 /nightSelect

Courtyard By Marriott Santa Cruz

MapNear Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk300m

Heated outdoor swimming pool
On-site Bistro offering American cuisine
Proximity to popular beaches

Heated pool
Fitness center
On-site dining

Hotel featuring modern amenities near beach attractions

FromUS$ 140 /nightSelect

La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Santa Cruz

MapSanta Cruz Beach Boardwalk900m

Outdoor swimming pool
Complimentary breakfast offered
Fitness center equipped

Outdoor Pool
Fitness Center
Business Center

Hotel with modern rooms near popular beach attractions

FromUS$ 144 /nightSelect

Hotel Price Range in Santa Cruz

From budget-friendly stays to luxury downtown properties—find a hotel that fits your travel style

⬆️ The highest price

US$ 369

⬇️ The lowest price

US$ 59

💸 Average price for

5-star hotels

US$ 335

4-star hotels

US$ 190

3-star hotels

US$ 188

Downtown hotels in Santa Cruz

Rated by real guests over the past 12 months

Beachfront Bliss:

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Budget-Friendly Finds:

Super 8 By Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach

Charming Boutique Stay:

Casablanca Inn On The Beach

Family Friendly Retreat:

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz By Ihg

Pet-Friendly Escapes:

Aqua Breeze Inn

Cozy Beach Vibes:

Fireside Inn By The Beach Boardwalk & Bowling

Modern Comforts:

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Historic Hospitality:

The Babbling Brook Inn

Relaxing Nature Retreat:

West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

FAQs about downtown hotels in Santa Cruz

Find answers to common questions to plan your trip

Which hotels downtown offer unique views or are best for couples?

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers ocean views and romantic sunset spots, while the West Cliff Inn, A Four Sisters Inn, provides scenic coastal vistas. Both are well-suited for couples.

Which downtown hotels are family-friendly?

The Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz By IHG offer family-friendly amenities such as outdoor pools and free breakfast, making them ideal for families.

What are the cheapest hotel options downtown in Santa Cruz?

Cheapest options downtown are the National 9 Motel and Surf City Inn & Suites, with nightly rates starting around $100 on average during off-peak times.

Which downtown hotel is top-rated based on guest reviews?

The Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection is highly rated, known for its modern decor and location, often receiving scores around 9/10 from guests.

What hotels are closest to popular landmarks in Santa Cruz?

Hotels such as the Beach Street Inn And Suites and the Howard Johnson By Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are close to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, within 0.5 km, making them convenient for visitors.

Downtown Santa Cruz Hotel Overview

This guide provides essential information on 62 evaluated hotels downtown in Santa Cruz, focusing on pricing, location, and booking tips for prospective travelers.

Typical nightly rates range from $150 to $300.

62 properties are available in downtown Santa Cruz.

Peak travel seasons are summer and major holidays.

Local taxes and fees add approximately 12% to rates.

Key attractions like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk are within 1 mile.