What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in Santa Cruz?

Motels typically offer cheaper rates compared to hotels, which makes them excellent if you're touring around Santa Cruz on a shoestring. A good option for overnight trips, these roadside getaways come with simply furnished rooms, limited services and on-site parking. Opt for a 3-star hotel and you can expect to pay extra for additional comfort, privacy and amenities. Guests can take advantage of things like a fitness centre, free WiFi and conference rooms at this kind of property.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in Santa Cruz?

Enjoy the free breakfast at Hyatt Place Santa Cruz . This 3-star stay in Santa Cruz also has an electric car charging station and a terrace. Or pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and fill up at Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages , which also offers a complimentary breakfast.

Do any 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz have a pool?

Expedia has some good 3-star choices in Santa Cruz where you can take a refreshing dip, including Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz and Hyatt Place Santa Cruz . June, July and August, which are the summer months here, are wonderful for staying at a 3-star hotel with a pool. If you're craving the warmest weather for your poolside break, come in September when temperatures average from 14ºC at night to 24ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz have an on-site restaurant?

Book a room at Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz and dine without venturing from the comfort of your accommodations. A firepit and pool sun loungers are other amenities at this popular 3-star getaway in Santa Cruz. Need to fill up after a full day of adventures? Enjoy the on-site restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley , which also comes with a terrace and a garden.

Do any 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz have WiFi?

Certainly. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz and Hyatt Place Santa Cruz are among Expedia's 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz with WiFi. Book one of these stays to easily access weather updates, travel news and tourist information. Remember, this handy amenity may be free or incur an additional fee.

What 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz have parking?

Two of our favourites are Hyatt Place Santa Cruz and Rio Vista Suites . These 3-star options in Santa Cruz provide parking, making it convenient for you to grab the keys and go. Once you've seen the main sights in the city, why not top up the gas tank and venture a little farther away? Some excellent day trip ideas from central Santa Cruz are Oracle Park and Pier 39.

Top 10 3 Star Hotels in Santa Cruz CA $149: Find a Three Star Hotel in Santa Cruz

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz 3-star hotels

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Rosio

CA $192 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 1 - Dec 2

An outdoor deck with wicker furniture and a large umbrella, overlooking a beach and pier.

2. Casablanca On The Beach

Westside Santa Cruz

Harjeet

CA $228 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

A modern office space with a long wooden table, four chairs, a sofa, and two wall-mounted lamps.

3. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Alissa

CA $216 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 9 - Nov 10

A lakeside hotel with outdoor seating and a bridge over the water.

4. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Aptos

Landon

CA $165 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A rustic wooden cabin with a stone staircase leading up to a wooden deck, surrounded by dense forest and a flowing stream.

5. The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Boulder Creek

Staphany

CA $158 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

6. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Ruth

CA $198 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A spacious living area with leather sofas, a coffee table, and a kitchen in the background.

7. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

Scotts Valley

Stanley

CA $166 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 4 - Nov 5

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

8. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

Santa Cruz

William

CA $177 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 10 - Nov 11

An outdoor patio with round tables and chairs, a stone fireplace, and a railing.

9. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Westside Santa Cruz

Michelle

CA $184 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 8 - Nov 9

A wicker chair with a brown cushion, overlooking a balcony with a white railing, palm trees, and a view of the ocean.

10. Monarch Cove Inn

Capitola

Anh Vu

CA $303 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

A modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, a walk-in shower, and a large mirror.

11. Rio Vista Suites

Westside Santa Cruz

Shawna

CA $164 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 29 - Nov 30

An outdoor patio with a table set for two, a white fence, and a view of the ocean.

12. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

Eastside Santa Cruz

Brenda Lynn

CA $225 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A hotel entrance with a wrought iron gate, outdoor seating area with striped cushions, and a sign reading "Capitol Hotel".

13. Capitola Hotel

Capitola

Jeff

CA $333 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A wooden bench and a small table in a courtyard with potted plants and a building in the background.

14. Pacific Blue Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

Sharon

CA $149 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 3 - Nov 4

A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a television, and a view of the city.

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

Westside Santa Cruz

Molly

CA $245 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 2 - Nov 3

A cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a sofa, a bench, and large windows offering a view of the forest.

16. Fern River Resort

Felton

Shireen

CA $171 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 11 - Nov 12

A dining area with a table and chairs, large windows with a view of the ocean and buildings.

17. East Cliff Nook

Eastside Santa Cruz

Judith

A wooden cabin with a balcony, surrounded by dense foliage and pampas grass.

18. Rustic Mtn-view Home w/ Wood Stove: Dog Friendly

Felton

A house with a green door, a porch, and a staircase leading to the front door.

19. Inviting 1BR Patio Full Kitchen

Westside Santa Cruz

A modern house with a hot tub, deck, and a forested backdrop.

20. Redwood Oasis - Luxe Santa Cruz Cabin w/ Hot Tub

Ben Lomond

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in Santa Cruz.

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

215 Beach Street Santa Cruz CA

CA $341

CA $461 total

Nov 8 - Nov 9

includes taxes & fees

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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.

Santa Cruz and related destinations

Surfers catch perfect waves at Steamer Lane while sea lions bark along the wooden boardwalk of the historic Beach Boardwalk. Redwoods tower over hiking trails in nearby state parks, offering cool shade before you head back for sunset bonfires.

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A beach with a Ferris wheel and amusement park rides in the background.

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Great location."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Room was clean and the breakfast was great!"

Find out more about Santa Cruz

The top 3 Stars hotels in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz may offer some of the best discounts and rates, but these properties are anything but average. Travelers love Santa Cruz 3 Stars hotels for their top quality services, just-like-home amenities, and wallet-friendly prices. You can even get access to fantastic perks like delectable restaurants, so-cool cocktail bars, and spacious fitness centres.

Use the travel tools at Expedia.ca to find a cheap deal on a 3 Stars upscale hotel in Santa Cruz for a first-class experience, or book an inexpensive rate on one of the cheap 3 Stars hotels in Santa Cruz neighbourhoods near the city’s best attractions. We’ll even help you find vacation packages to go with your three star hotel in Santa Cruz. From last-minute work trips to long-awaited family getaways, we offer all the essentials you need to enjoy your jaunt through Santa Cruz.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in Santa Cruz?

Expedia guests recommend Hyatt Place Santa Cruz. It features a terrace and pool sun loungers, and is around 0.64 kilometres southeast of central Santa Cruz. Rio Vista Suites is another popular 3-star hotel. Located approximately 2 kilometres south of downtown, it offers a water view and a lake view.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in Santa Cruz?

Try Expedia's sort and search filters to secure an affordable 3-star hotel for your Santa Cruz vacation. Just set your ideal budget with our convenient pricing tool. You can also pick the amenities you want, neighbourhood and a lot more.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from CA $157

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in Santa Cruz?

Stay at a 3-star hotel and you can look forward to clean and comfortable rooms and conveniences such as WiFi, gyms and coffee and tea facilities. These properties may also offer an on-site bar and restaurant. Elevate your Santa Cruz trip by opting for a 4-star hotel. With things like a wellness area, round-the-clock room service and upscale toiletries, you'll enjoy a heightened level of comfort.

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Santa Cruz Vacation Rentals

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Our top choices for Santa Cruz 3-star hotels

1. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

2. Casablanca On The Beach

3. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

4. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

5. The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

6. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

7. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

8. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

9. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

10. Monarch Cove Inn

11. Rio Vista Suites

12. Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages

13. Capitola Hotel

14. Pacific Blue Inn

15. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

16. Fern River Resort

17. East Cliff Nook

18. Rustic Mtn-view Home w/ Wood Stove: Dog Friendly

19. Inviting 1BR Patio Full Kitchen

20. Redwood Oasis - Luxe Santa Cruz Cabin w/ Hot Tub

Explore similar 4-star hotels

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Santa Cruz and related destinations

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

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