The 20 Best Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, California is a lovely area to visit and it is filled with a variety of tourist attractions and wonderful places to visit. There are public beaches, you can take a stroll through the wharf, visit the discovery center and much more. If you’re planning to take a trip to the city, it’s a good idea to secure your lodging accommodations. While there are hundreds of places to stay, not all are created equally. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 best hotels in Santa Cruz as recommended by former guests in accordance with a convenient location, best value for the cost, clean and comfortable rooms, amenities, and service for your consideration.
20. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Dr, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $120 per night
This hotel has received a 4.2 out of 5-star rating from previous guests. It is a 3-star hotel that is fashioned in the style of a mountain retreat and it is situated in a breathtaking forest setting. The rooms are clean and comfortable with private bathrooms that are fully stocked with fresh linens and free toiletries. Guests may enjoy fine dining at the on-site restaurant or opt for room service. There are plenty of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center
19. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
1505 Ocean St, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $121 per night
The Hampton Inn Santa Cruz is a 3-star establishment that gets a 4.0 out of 5 ratings from guests. The hotel is pet-friendly and very good for families. They offer a free breakfast for guests daily along with free wi-fi. There is also a business center, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center on-site. The rooms are clean and comfortable with daily cleaning service and restocking of bathroom toiletries and fresh linens.
18. Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $127 per night
The Chaminade Resort 7 Spa is a 4-star hotel that is decked out in a lovely mission style. The hotel and resort sit on 300 acres of property with upscale rooms and suites available. While you’re there, you’ll enjoy all of the amenities of a 4-star resort with a swimming pool, a spa on-site, and 2 eateries. Guests give this hotel a 4.2 out of 5 ratings for the excellent service and the host of amenities including available room service, breakfast, and access to the recreational opportunities at the resort.
17. Dream Inn Santa Cruz
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $259 per night
The Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a 3-star hotel that has been given a 4.5 out of 5 ratings from previous guests and it comes with high recommendations for its clean and bright rooms with suites available as well. The hotel is located on the beachfront and guests may enjoy use of an outdoor pool and other amenities. There is also a restaurant on-site for fine dining or room service, and a bar to relax and enjoy cocktails.
16. Hilton Santa Cruz at Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $119 per night
The Hilton Santa Cruz at Scotts Valley is a 3-star hotel. It is located in a forest of trees in a mountain retreat-style setting. This hotel is given a 4.2 out of 5 from guests that rated it high on service, great rooms, and amenities. The hotel offers a choice of rooms and suites with private bathrooms, fully stocked with toiletries and fresh linens with daily room cleaning services. There is also an outdoor pool and fitness center, along with free wi-fi.
15. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
407 Broadway, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $159 per night
The Hyatt Place Santa Crus is a 3-star hotel that guests give a 4.4 out of 5 for its wonderful service, clean and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, free toiletries and a host of amenities. Guests may choose between rooms and suites in contemporary decor. There is on-site dining available as well as a cafe and bar, with room service available upon request. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center available for guests.
14. Babbling Brook Inn
1025 Laurel St #4237, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $176 per night
The Babbling Brook Inn is a 3-star hotel that is a bed and breakfast with an upscale ambiance. The rooms are casual-chic and each comes with a fireplace. Guests relax in the lap of luxury with free cookies and nightly wine socials. This is ideal accommodation for couples who want to spend time in a romantic getaway with luxury surroundings and accommodations. Previous guests give the Babbling Brook Inn a 4.5 out of 5.
13. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $141 per night
The Hotel Paradox is a 3-star hotel that is set in contemporary styling offering rooms and suites. Guests may enjoy a host of amenities including free wi-fi, and access to a heated outdoor pool. There is also a restaurant on-site for fine dining and a guarantee of the freshest possible foods with their signature farm to table restaurant. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the service is excellent. This hotel has a 4.3 score out of a possible 5.
12. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Santa Cruz
1410 Ocean St, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $135 per night
This Holiday Inn Express is a 2-star hotel that is very straightforward as a part of the larger chain of lodges. They offer clean and well-maintained rooms for a reasonable nightly rate. Guests receive free breakfast and wi-fi. They also have access to the outdoor pool and a fitness center. There are plenty of dining opportunities in close proximity to the hotel. Guests give this hotel a 4.1 out of 5.
11. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Curz Scotts Valley
5030 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley
Starting rates: $146 per night
The Four Points by Sheraton is a 3-star hotel that offers guests streamlined rooms in a casual setting. Guests enjoy clean and comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free toiletries. Other complementary items include free wi-fi, free parking, and a fitness center with daily room cleaning service and restocking of toiletries and fresh linens, and a fitness center. Guests give this hotel a 4.2 out of 5.
10. Best Western Seacliff Inn
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos
Starting rates: $170 per night
The Best Western Seacliff Inn is located in Aptos which is not far from Santa Cruz. It is a relaxed 3-star hotel that offers guests free parking, wi-fi, and breakfast daily. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant for casual dining or room service is available upon request. This hotel is rated with a 4.3 out of 5 and gets high marks for cleanliness, great amenities, and friendly and helpful staff.
9. The Inn at Pasatiempo
555 CA-17, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $116 per night
The Inn at Pasatiempo is a 3-star hotel with a casual straightforward setting. The hotel is low key and the rooms are cozy and comfortable. Guests enjoy free breakfast daily, wi-fi and a swimming pool. It gets a 4.2 out of 5.
8. Inn at Depot Hill
250 Monterey Ave, Capitola
Starting rates: $207 per night
The Inn at Depot Hill is a 4-star hotel located near Santa Cruz. This is the ideal location for a romantic getaway for couples in a refined bed and breakfast setting that has just 12 themed rooms which are richly decorated available. You’ll have to book well in advance to secure accommodations at this popular inn. They offer a full breakfast, parking, and a wine hour. Guests give this a high rating of 4.6 out of 5.
7. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
1505 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $116 per night
The Hampton Inn Satna Cruz is a 3-star hotel offering a casual setting. There is a business center available for guests and an indoor swimming pool. Free wi-fi and breakfast are included. Guests give this a 4.0 out of 5.
6. Capital Yoga
620 El Salto Drive, Capitola
Starting rates: $200 per night
Capitola Yoga is located in Capitola, near Santa Cruz. It’s located on the beachfront and is a laid back guesthouse offering guests breathtaking ocean views. Guests also enjoy free in-room breakfast and they may also enjoy touring the butterfly sanctuary which is one of the area’s best attractions. Guests give this 4-star hotel a high rating of 4.6 out of 5.
5. Rio Vista Inn & Suites
611 3rd Street, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $79 per night
The Rio Vista Inn & Suites offers guests the choice of rooms or suites. This is one of the best values for the cost with reasonable room rates and a 4-star hotel rating. The setting is casual and this is an adults-only guesthouse that is set in a 19th-century mansion. The Inn offers a terrace, free wi-fi, and a lounge. It gets a rating of 4.1 out of 5.
4. Pacific Blue Inn
636 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $159 per night
The Pacific Blue Inn is a 3-star bed and breakfast with a hip styling featuring bamboo floors and local artwork in teh rooms. The Inn also provides free loaner bikes for guests and on-site parking. It gets a rating of 4.6 out of 5.
3. Bella Notte Inn
21305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $179 per night
The Bella Notte Inn is a 3-star hotel that features a casual setting and the rooms come equipped with wet bars and heated bathroom floors, fresh linens, and free toiletries. Guests also enjoy free breakfast and wi-fi in the rooms. This is one of the most popular 3-star inns in the area so you’ll need to book your reservations as far in advance as possible. Guests give this Inn an incredibly high rating of 4.7 out of 5.
2. Mission Inn & Suites
2250 Mission St, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $119 per night
The Mission Inn & Suites is a 3-star hotel that offers some of the most reasonable rates in the area. It features Spanish Colonial decor and the rooms are straightforward yet comfortable. The hotel offers a choice of rooms or suites. Guests enjoy a free continental breakfast daily with access to a hot tub and several other amenities. Guests give this hotel a 4.3 out of 5.
1. Redwood Croft
275 Northwest Dr, Santa Cruz
Starting rates: $Must call for current rates
Redwood Croft is a 3-star hotel that offers a host of guest amenities. It gets a high rating of 4.9 from guests who have stayed there previously. The staff is friendly and helpful. This is the ideal getaway for couples who are looking for accommodations in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The amenities are amazing and this is the one hotel on our list that has been given a near-perfect rating for being the ideal place to stay in Santa Cruz, California.
