A historic building with a distinctive corner turret, surrounded by autumn-colored trees and a clear street.

Hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
In two weeks

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

Selecting then applying a filter from this group will update the results on a new page

Our top choices for Downtown Santa Cruz hotels

1. Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn
3.0 star property
Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (949 reviews)
"We arrived after hours and self-checkin was super easy. The Inn was lovely and was a great location near downtown."
United States
Sharon
The price is CA $152
CA $181 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 8 - Oct 9
Pacific Blue Inn

2. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.5 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"Great place to stay at, very clean and very convenient"
United States
Grester
The price is CA $189
CA $218 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

3. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,117 reviews)
"Great spot, easy walking distance to downtown!"
United States
Justin
The price is CA $80
CA $116 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Seaside Inn & Suites

4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,346 reviews)
"Great location by beautiful beach and boardwalk"
United States
Jill Susanne
The price is CA $201
CA $231 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

5. Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,619 reviews)
"Great Location"
United States
Lisa
The price is CA $153
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Marea Sol Hotel

6. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,346 reviews)
"Great stay"
United States
Brooke
The price is CA $213
CA $244 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

7. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Downtown, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,541 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
Anthony
The price is CA $112
CA $147 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Ocean Pacific Lodge

8. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (99 reviews)
"The staff was super helpful and the inn was clean. Location was perfect! The beds were comfortable! Overall great stay!"
United States
Carmen
The price is CA $113
CA $134 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Carousel Beach Inn

9. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.9 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,169 reviews)
"Great hotel close to boardwalk"
United States
jessika
The price is CA $202
CA $232 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

10. Best Western Plus All Suites Inn

Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.7 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1,002 reviews)
"Clean rooms and breakfast was good."
United States
Roy
The price is CA $161
CA $185 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn

11. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,269 reviews)
"Great stay,"
United States
Steve
The price is CA $176
CA $204 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

12. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,011 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, rooms are great as well"
United States
Javier
The price is CA $95
CA $125 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Beachview Inn

13. Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,004 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
Corinne
The price is CA $190
CA $219 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Beach Street Inn and Suites

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.3 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,327 reviews)
"nice hotel and staff, excellent location,"
United States
Bertha
The price is CA $130
CA $151 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

15. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
3.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.1 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,280 reviews)
"Excellent trip and great hotel view of beach!"
United States
David
The price is CA $172
CA $246 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Casablanca On The Beach

16. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
2.0 star property
Lower Ocean, 0.7 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,002 reviews)
"Clean room and friendly staff, they have plenty of parking."
United States
SONIA ARACELI MATA
The price is CA $76
CA $109 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
The Aqua Pacific Hotel

17. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 0.6 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,027 reviews)
"Nice staff, clean and close to the beach!"
United States
Irinea
The price is CA $104
CA $128 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Islander Motel Santa Cruz

18. Seaway Inn

Seaway Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz, 1.2 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (297 reviews)
"Great location and rooms were very nice. Staff was excellent, we will be back!"
United States
Mina
The price is CA $175
CA $202 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Seaway Inn

19. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Lower Ocean, 0.7 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (1,005 reviews)
"Very convenient place"
United States
Siddharth
The price is CA $86
CA $100 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

20. Rio Vista Suites

Rio Vista Suites
3.0 star property
Beach Hill - Beach Flats, 0.8 km from Downtown Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,000 reviews)
"Fun funky place would ask for attic room if you go and don’t mind stairs."
United States
Shawna
The price is CA $153
CA $197 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Rio Vista Suites
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.

Where to stay in Downtown Santa Cruz

Find the best Downtown Santa Cruz areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Santa Cruz
Learn more about Downtown Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Santa Cruz.

Eastside Santa Cruz

Eastside Santa Cruz is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Monterey Bay and Twin Lakes State Beach while you're in town.

Pleasure Point

World-renowned surf spot with a strong surf culture, Pleasure Point offers picturesque ocean views along East Cliff Drive and a walkable path with separate bike lanes. Enjoy amenities at Pleasure Point Park and nearby 41st Ave commercial district.

Beach Hill - Beach Flats

Beach Hill - Beach Flats might not have many top sights, but Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Main Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Upper Seabright

When in Upper Seabright, you can plan a visit to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Harbor, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Top Downtown Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz that travellers recommend?
For excellent hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz that travellers frequently recommend, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, and Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, is highly praised by guests for its beautiful and clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent restaurant. Its location right on the beach is a significant draw, and it features a fireplace, a heated pool, and a poolside bar. The Santa Cruz Wharf is just 0.2 km away.

Another great option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, rated 8.6. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, helpful staff, and the beautiful outdoor pool with sun loungers and cabanas. The hotel also offers a poolside bar and designer toiletries. Ocean Street is very close by at only 0.1 km.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, with a 9.0 rating, is known for its spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds, and helpful staff. Guests particularly enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast and appreciate the convenient valet parking. It is located 0.5 km from Ocean Street.

Finally, the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, rated 8.4, offers spacious and clean rooms and great service from its friendly staff. This hotel boasts an onsite full-service spa with various treatments including deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and body wraps, as well as a sauna and steam room. The Santa Cruz Wharf is 0.6 km from the hotel.
What are the best family hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For excellent family-friendly accommodation in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz.

The 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, with an 8.4 rating, offers spacious and clean rooms, some with sofa beds, and complimentary cribs for younger guests. Families will appreciate the pool with a gate and the availability of connecting rooms. It is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.6 km away, and Twin Lakes State Beach, 2.0 km away.

Another great option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, including suites, and offers connecting rooms and free cribs. The beautiful outdoor pool features sun loungers, cabanas, and a poolside bar, making it a relaxing spot for families. It is situated 1.6 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and only 0.1 km from Ocean Street.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, rated 9.2, is highly recommended for families. It boasts spacious and clean rooms, sofa beds, and free cribs. Guests can enjoy the pool with a gate and a complimentary continental breakfast. Its location is excellent, being just 0.2 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.3 km from Lighthouse Point Park.
What are the best spa hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For excellent spa facilities in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, offers a full-service spa that operates daily, along with an outdoor pool and poolside bar for ultimate relaxation. Guests consistently praise its beautiful and clean rooms, as well as its fantastic beachfront location.

Another great option is the 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz, rated 8.4. This hotel features an extensive full-service spa that operates daily, offering a wide range of treatments including body scrubs, deep tissue massages, facials, hot stone massages, and aromatherapy. It also has a sauna and steam room for guests to enjoy.
Which beach resorts in Downtown Santa Cruz do travellers love?
For a highly-rated beach resort in Downtown Santa Cruz, travellers consistently recommend the Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with an excellent 9.2 rating, is a fantastic choice for those seeking a beachside experience. Guests frequently praise its beautiful, clean rooms and the friendly, great staff. Its location right on the beach is a major highlight, offering ocean views and being very close to the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.2 km away. The hotel also features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar, superb for relaxation. Additionally, there is an excellent restaurant on site, and customers often comment on the superb customer service.
What hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?
Several hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz offer complimentary breakfast, including La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, Mission Inn, Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with an excellent 9.2 rating, provides a free continental breakfast. Guests frequently mention the spacious and clean rooms, as well as the friendly staff. It is conveniently located near the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.2 km away.

Mission Inn, rated 9.2, also offers a free continental breakfast. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms and the helpful staff. This hotel is close to Natural Bridges State Beach, which is 1.6 km away.

The 3-star Hyatt Place Santa Cruz, rated 9.0, provides a free buffet breakfast. Travellers often highlight the spacious and clean rooms and the great breakfast. It is situated 1.0 km from Mission Santa Cruz.

West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, a 3.5-star hotel with a 9.0 rating, includes a free full breakfast. Guests praise its convenient location and friendly staff. It is very close to the Santa Cruz Wharf, just 0.1 km away.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG, with an 8.6 rating, also offers a complimentary full breakfast. Guests frequently comment on the friendly staff and the comfortable beds. It is located 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz.
What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For top pet-friendly hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a superb 9.2 rating, is highly recommended for its excellent location right on the beach, just 0.2 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. This hotel permits dogs and provides food and water bowls. Guests consistently praise its beautiful, clean rooms and friendly staff. It also features an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a poolside bar.

Another excellent choice is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, rated 8.6. This hotel also permits dogs and offers food and water bowls, with suites available for extra space. It is conveniently located just 0.1 km from Ocean Street. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable, clean rooms, helpful staff, and the beautiful pool.

The Ocean Pacific Lodge, with an 8.8 rating, is another great option for travellers with pets, providing food and water bowls. It is well-situated, just 0.4 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests appreciate the great location, friendly staff, and spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds, along with free and easy parking.

The Continental Inn, rated 7.6, also welcomes pets and offers food and water bowls. It is conveniently located 0.5 km from Ocean Street. Guests frequently comment on the affordable, clean rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

Hotel Solares is another pet-friendly option that specifically permits dogs and provides a litter box. It is located 0.9 km from Santa Cruz Wharf. Guests have noted the spacious, clean rooms and good breakfast and coffee.
What are the top boutique hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For a top boutique hotel in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Torch Lite Inn.

The Torch Lite Inn, with a 7.6 rating, is known for its clean rooms and convenient location, making it a good base for exploring the area. Guests frequently praise the excellent and kind service provided by the helpful staff. The inn also offers free WiFi and complimentary self-parking. Furthermore, it has an Art Deco design, providing a unique aesthetic, and is located just under 20 kilometres from Monterey Bay.
What are the best budget hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz?
For budget-friendly accommodation in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz or the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz.

The 3-star La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, is an excellent choice. Guests consistently praise its spacious and clean rooms, delicious breakfast, and friendly staff. It is also incredibly well-located, being just 0.2 km from Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.4 km from the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The hotel offers free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and a free continental breakfast, and cribs are available free of charge.

Another highly-rated option is the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz, which has an 8.2 rating. It offers free self-parking, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast, including a buffet and to-go options. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and helpful staff and the great breakfast. The hotel is conveniently located 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz and 0.8 km from Ocean Street.

The SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz is another good choice, offering free continental breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Customers have noted the helpful front desk and comfortable rooms. It is situated 0.2 km from Ocean Street and 0.9 km from Mission Santa Cruz.

The Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area, with a 7.8 rating, also provides good value. It offers free WiFi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free self-parking. Guests appreciate the comfortable and clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the convenient location, being only 0.6 km from Santa Cruz Wharf.

Finally, the Best Western Inn, rated 8.0, provides a complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests often mention the delicious breakfast, helpful staff, and spacious, clean rooms with comfortable beds. It is located 0.8 km from Ocean Street and 1.0 km from Mission Santa Cruz.
What are the most romantic hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz for couples?
For a romantic getaway in Downtown Santa Cruz, consider the Dream Inn Santa Cruz or the Mission Inn.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, offers beautiful rooms and a fantastic location right on the beach, providing splendid ocean views. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and the excellent on-site restaurant, superb for a romantic meal. Many rooms also feature balconies, ideal for enjoying the stunning sea air together.

Another excellent option is the Mission Inn, rated 9.2. This hotel provides comfortable and clean rooms, and guests often praise the helpful and professional staff. It offers a private indoor hot tub, which is a lovely feature for couples seeking relaxation. The hotel is also conveniently located near Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing, just 0.3 km away.
What are the best hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz near Monterey Bay?
For hotels in Downtown Santa Cruz near Monterey Bay, consider the West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn or Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection.

The 3.5-star West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, rated 9.0, is particularly well-located, being just 0.1 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.2 km from Its Beach. Guests appreciate the complimentary full breakfast and free on-site parking, making for a convenient stay.

Another excellent option is the 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, which has an 8.6 rating. This hotel is 1.6 km from the Santa Cruz Wharf and 1.7 km from Cowell's Beach. It features a lovely outdoor pool with sun loungers and cabanas, and a poolside bar, great for relaxation.
When is the best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz?
The best time to go to Downtown Santa Cruz is during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months, from May through October, when the weather is at its most pleasant.

During these months, you'll experience warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall, ideal for exploring the downtown area and enjoying outdoor activities. This period allows you to fully appreciate the nearby beaches and the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find May and early June particularly appealing. The weather is warm and inviting, but the summer crowds haven't fully arrived yet, offering a more tranquil experience. You can enjoy strolls along Pacific Avenue or a quiet dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants.

Families travelling with children will find the peak summer months of July and August to be the most convenient. While it's busier, all attractions are in full swing, and the warm weather is great for beach days.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline – this is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a non-refundable booking, it might still be possible to receive a refund if you cancel it within 24 hours of booking. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use our "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right Downtown Santa Cruz hotel for you.
How much is the nightly rate at a Downtown Santa Cruz hotel?
Hotel prices in Downtown Santa Cruz often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia