5 star hotels in Soquel, CA

1. Capitola Venetian Hotel (2-star hotel)

  • Address: 1500 Wharf Rd, Capitola, CA 95010
  • Phone: (831) 476-6471
  • Ratings: 4.3 (307 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Capitola Venetian Hotel
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Mediterranean-style 1920s hotel offering suites with kitchens, plus many with ocean views.

About this hotel

Overlooking the beach and its historic wooden wharf, this 1920s Mediterranean-style hotel is a 5-minute walk from the shops and restaurants of the Esplanade, and 5 miles from Santa Cruz Boardwalk.The 1- to 3-bedroom suites feature private entrances and Mission-style furniture, plus kitchens and sitting/dining areas. They also have flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. Some rooms add fireplaces, balconies and ocean views.Parking is free. Minimum-stay rules may apply.

Things You Need to Know

  • 2 min walk to Capitola Beach
  • Guests praised the service
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Guests mentioned “an ocean” 16 times

Feedback From Real Customers

ed martinez

I wanted to give this hotel a try based on the hype and location The hotel has a great location for shopping, dining and beach access A room with ocean view does not provide you unobstructed view of the ocean

The rooms are outdated and furniture and bedding need an upgrade The room we got came with a kitchenette @$380 night, it was a good trial but wouldn’t stay here again

Rachel Meredith

Ceiling was extremely lowThankfully I’m only 5’4″If taller than 5’8″ wouldn’t recommend this room Door lacked weather stripping which made it cold I turned on heater and had the worst burning fist smell

It definitely wasn’t worth the money I paid ( Almost $600) a night Water showers to rinse off from the beach were next to my room and it became a hangout of all the teenagers Only good thing is location and next to all the restaurants I was under the impression that I had an ocean front room one of the color ones in the pictures from the website The colorful ones are not even part of the hotel and our privately owned

Eileen Binning

Spoiler Alert: DumpYou can stay next door at the Capitola Suites for less money and a better view!!!The Venetian Hotel was on my friend’s bucket listWe booked a balcony and paid extra for a view We had a beautiful view of a building

the ocean was barely visible, considered “partially obstructed” The dissapointment continued for the length of our stay The kitchen does not come with utensils or cooking pots, but many signs state you can pay extra to rent them When we went to check out we were told, “Oh, you should have just asked” We did ask for conditioner/shampoo and extra blankets Which for $43000 shows lack of respect for the customer We also had some preventable negative experiences, such as locating the black out blinds and thermostat On check out, the desk clerk showed us where they were Parking is available, and you won’t need to move your car, but the lot is small I had to be super careful manuevering my Ford Edge (A Prius would be fine) When we took our complaints to the desk clerk, he asked what he could do to make us happy My friend stated take $100 off a night He said he needed to talk to management and would get back to me (That was a month ago) I did call several times and left my name and number No return call I understand that businesses need to make money, and I am willing to pay for quality However, I feel I have been robbedof money and time This stay tainted my entire tripI hope you read all the reviews and make a better choice than we did

2. Chaminade Resort & Spa (4-star hotel)

  • Address: 1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
  • Phone: (831) 475-5600
  • Ratings: 4.2 (1430 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Chaminade Resort & Spa
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Mission-style resort on 300 acres, offering upscale rooms & suites, plus a spa, a pool & 2 eateries.

About this hotel

Set on 300 mountaintop acres, this polished, mission-style resort is 3 miles from the hip shops in downtown Santa Cruz, and 4.1 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Breezy rooms in 11 villas feature Spanish-inspired decor, Wi-Fi, flat-screens and coffeemakers. Some have patios, while suites add living areas. Room service is available.Amenities include an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, 4 tennis courts and 3 miles of hiking trails. A Zen-like spa offers indoor and outdoor treatments. There’s also a laid-back eatery serving breakfast and lunch, and a restaurant/bar offering eclectic dishes and al fresco dining.

Things You Need to Know

  • 11 min drive to Mystery Spot
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Some guests complained about the beds
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • Guests mentioned “Trail” 59 times
  • Guests praised the fitness center, which has weight machines
  • Guests praised the nightlife
  • Guests liked the outdoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

Brandon Cohrs

We loved this resort Came with my family and enjoyed the pool and spa The property is good sized with 3 different hiking trails

The 2 queen room is really 2 double beds Not sure why they mixed that up The room is a big rectangle with nice space, but it needs a couch or other sitting area The view is gorgeous, sitting on top of a hillside The restaurant is pretty solid for a hotel, too

Jonathan Williams

We came here for a wedding and was given a “discount” resulting in the rooms being $495 for their base double queen room Not to mention we booked this out a couple months before but a friend of ours walked up the same day, got the exact same room for $200

So we paid $300 more for what?!There was NOTHING special about this, not to mention the fan in the bathroom was broken along with the AC that was not working and blowing out hot air instead There was nothing upgraded or modern about the entire venue We were very disappointed by the quality of the rooms, the mutual areas and the staff The staff at the view was extremely slow moving and more of an inconvenience for them to serve you After checking out, brought up the issues with the room and they thought it was accommodating to take off resort fees, big whoop Then dealt with Hannah and she was trying to be helpful and was going to take more off our bill and mentioned she would email the difference in charges, still have not received that email, and instead of having a difference, I have more charges on my credit card NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED The customer service is strongly lacking and not accommodating and feel very cheated out of a lot of money Unhappy, do not recommend and would like this place to reach out to have my issue resolved as I not have 5 different charges from them

Sal Sandoval

I visited the resort for a work conference The location is beautiful and peaceful Hidden in the trees and with a far view of the ocean

The staff were very friendly and accommodating My room was a good size with a pleasant decor Not modern but not quite rustic And antique refrigerator shell hid the real refrigerator inside The dinner was good I cannot comment on lunch because we had a buffet style service for work so the buffet food was okay The atmosphere of the bar and patio area at night was relaxing I was here during the week so it was not a late night place with a nightlife as the bar and restaurant shut down about 9 or 10 Didn’t get a chance to visit the hiking trails but was able to see the morning deer and occasional fox or coyote I wasn’t sure which so keep your small pets on a leash The resort is dog friendly Only reason I did not give it 5 stars is the pool area was not available It is being renovated so I will reserve the last star to see how that turns out The location is centered between Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Capitola beach

3. Pacific Blue Inn (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 636 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: (831) 600-8880
  • Ratings: 4.4 (122 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Pacific Blue Inn
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Hip B&B offering rooms with local artwork & bamboo floors, plus free loaner bikes & on-site parking.

About this hotel

This hip, 3-story B&B is a half-mile from the Neary Lagoon Park wildlife refuge and 10 blocks from the bike path and surfing at West Cliff Drive.Colorful rooms with chic, minimalist furnishings and local artwork feature electric fireplaces and bamboo flooring, plus free Wi-Fi and 37-inch flat-screen HDTVs with DVD players.Amenities include energy-efficient lighting and appliances, a DVD and board game library, and free parking and loaner bikes. Full hot breakfast is typically included with the room rate. There’s also an elevator, and a shaded courtyard with gas fire pits and funky wooden seating.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the large, clean rooms and the beds
  • Guests praised the bathrooms
  • Walking distance to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Guests praised the service

Feedback From Real Customers

M E

This is the spot Great location in downtown Santa Cruz Walking distance to beach, Boardwalk, wharf, shopping, restaurants, bars, Metro station, West Cliff Drive and other neighborhoods

They have bikes you can borrow if you feel like taking a ride There’s a full commercial kitchen at your disposal Excellent rooms with high ceilings, comfortable beds, ample seating, awesome bathroom and shower, smart TV There’s a quiet outside common area with a gas fire pit and a serious laid back vibe It’s like a love child of Santa Cruz and a boutique European inn Late check outs are ENCOURAGED And you can check yourself in via text with the manager if you’re going to arrive after they’ve left for the day It feels very exclusive and like you’re part of the secret And the staff are incredible I cannot say enough about how awesome this place is Definitely worth the higher room rate without question- but please keep this little hidden gem the amazing place that it is by being respectful to the property and guests and enjoy your stay at the best rooms in Santa Cruz

John Spencer

Great spot, quiet, clean, free bikes to ride, kitchen is open for use Calvin was super friendly at the desk, gave us directions, made us feel welcome Stayed here with my girlfriend on a west coast trip

If you’re staying in Santa Cruz, try this place Awesome breakfast spot down the street The patio & firepit ended up being perfect place to hang for an hour with my girl before going out Best hotel on our trip in her opinion, she told her friends

Tony Ruiz

Location is perfect Don’t need to pay for parking- plenty of parking on the street If you’re here to enjoy Santa Cruz this location is well situated

Most things are walking distance especially on Pacific Ave If you walk the opposite direction you get to the boardwalk in less than 10 minutes Bed is welcoming and comfortable after a long day This place is not a typical hotel where you have a pool or continental breakfast, but my wife and I weren’t needing that We have places in Santa Cruz we like eating at and most are easily accessible in a short walk Another thing this place has is despite being small (9 rooms) it is handicap friendly

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HotelsCombined

4. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Set in a commercial area, this informal hotel off State Highway 17 is 5 miles from Roaring Camp Railroads amusement park and 7 miles from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.The streamlined rooms, some with balconies and/or sofabeds, provide flat-screen TVs, microwaves, and tea and coffeemakers, in addition to marble bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.Parking is free. Breakfast (surcharge) is served in a casual restaurant/bar. Other amenities include a terrace, a gym and a meeting room, plus guest laundry facilities.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the large, clean rooms and praised the beds
  • 10 min drive to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
  • Some guests complained about the casual restaurant
  • Guests mentioned lobbies 13 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines and elliptical machines
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Ami A

WORST hotel stay I’ve ever had I stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton in Scott’s Valley last weekend As someone who travels frequently and who holds status with all of the major hotel chains, I am still in shock over my experience here

I do want to note that I previously stayed at this hotel one year ago and had a pleasant experience at that time (I can’t believe this is the same hotel) After checking in last week, I walked to the King Suite I had reserved and found the door unlocked and wide open (MAJOR safety risk) As I pushed the door further, I walked into a room that was completely unkempt There were consumed water bottles on the table The bathroom did not have a single towel There was no soap The bathroom trashcan was placed in the bedroom The countertops in the suite were stained It was quite clear that the suite had not been cleaned The tea and coffee had not been replenished In addition, the bathroom door was not attached and nearly fell on top of me and my travel companions Upon returning to the check-in desk, I was informed by the staff person that he was “pretty much the manager” When I shared the details regarding the room, there was not a single apology and instead he nonchalantly offered only one “solution” which was to cancel my reservation at the last-minute leaving me with nowhere to stay on a July 4 weekend Ultimately, I decided to go back to the suite and to clean it myself I wiped down counters and put the bathroom trashcan in the right place I had to request towels and soap since the room had come with NONE From start to end, this was one of the worst hotel experiences I have ever had The attitude of the person at the front desk is something I have never seen before and it will stay with me for years to come This was truly a disappointing, unacceptable experience for a room that cost nearly $400 for a nightI do want to share that the hotel has been completely unresponsive to my concerns over what happened during my stay, which speaks volumes I will update if I ever hear back from them

Chris McQuillan

Nice, clean and moderately new hotel Stayed in a suite, which was spacious, but a lot of wasted space And the dining table was placed in the bedroom area

just oddly laid out They also have a huge back patio and live music on the weekends, but only serve minimal food and for a brief time There’s are no dining tables on that huge patio either Seems like they could do a pretty nice lunch/dinner run with more tables and a kitchen that is open And that dining table in the bedroom? Better bring your own food, because there isn’t any room service!?

Tim Caposio

I’ve stayed here on 2 separate occasions ( one for approx 8 days while quarantining, the other for 2 days because I found a good rate ) and I have nothing but good things to address Every staff member I’ve encountered have been incredibly nice and accommodating During my latter stay, I was offered a room upgrade and the room was ostensibly immaculate ( minus a couple minor cosmetic blemishes )

The location is beautiful; peaceful, and convienent A lot of these negative reviews seem to be rooted in misunderstandings on behalf of the reviewer, irrational standards and perhaps even fragile egos If you find a room for sub 150 you will receive a solid stay relative to the competition as far as I’m concerned

5. Sea & Sand Inn (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 201 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: (831) 427-3400
  • Ratings: 4.6 (256 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Sea & Sand Inn
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Relaxed quarters, some with private hot tubs, plus free breakfast & a deck with ocean views.

About this hotel

Perched on a cliff over Monterey Bay beach, this quaint low-rise hotel is a 10-minute walk to Santa Cruz Wharf with its dining, shopping and fishing, and 12 minutes’ walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Modern rooms and suites have ocean views, free Wi-Fi, minifridges and TVs. Upgraded rooms offer Jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces, while suites feature private decks with 4-person hot tubs overlooking the ocean.Free perks consist of continental breakfast, afternoon drinks and parking. There’s also a communal waterfront deck.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the clean rooms
  • Walking distance to شاطئ كويل and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned “a fireplace” 15 times
  • Guests mentioned “an ocean” 27 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the ocean views
  • Guests liked the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Robert garcia

Very reasonable rate compared to others like it that don’t even have the view Overlooking the boardwalk, the pier and the beach was great Nice clean and modern room

Small but appreciated touch of a taffy treat bag in the room 2pm-5pm coffee and cookies in the lobby, 5pm-9pm cheese and wine then topped off with a continental breakfast in the morning Over all just a great experience that didn’t break the bank I will be back

logan hess

My wife and I loved our stay Service was great and our room was fantastic We definitely want to stay again

The onlllyyyyy down fall is there is no ac unit for the summer months The cookies between 3-5pm are a nice touch The simple things like the breakfast and also the wine and cheese at night make you feel like the hotel appreciates you for staying

Pat Law

The great: ocean views and wave sounds Room very clean The service staff work very hard at keeping the place in tip top shape

Short walk to boardwalk Short walk to wharf This part of Santa cruz is just awesomeThe good: free continental type breakfastThe not so great: the bed was killer on my back, guess I’m getting oldI will definitely want to stay at this spot again on a yearly basis

6. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz – Capitola (2-star hotel)

About this hotel

Set a mile from Capitola Beach on the Pacific Ocean, this understated all-suite hotel is also a mile from the Capitola Museum and 5 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Casual, colorful 1-bedroom suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and living areas with sofabeds, plus microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded suites add fireplaces, balconies and/or whirlpool tubs.Freebies include a breakfast buffet and parking. There’s also a bar, a bocce court and a patio with a fireplace, as well as an outdoor pool, a hot tub and an exercise room. Other amenities include a business center and a coin-operated laundry.

Things You Need to Know

  • The rooms have microwaves and refrigerators
  • 5 min drive to Capitola Beach
  • Guests liked the friendly service
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned beaches 16 times
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a fitness center
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a hot tub
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Lindsay Rucker

I loved the whole experience at this hotel it was really hard to find a hotel with a hot tub in it but this one was amazing The tub was in the bathroom but there was a window you could open with shutters so you could see the living room and the TV and there was a TV in the living room and in the bedroom so me and my man got to watch separate shows The staff was great the room was clean and we only paid like $150 or something

The bed was comfortable, there was a fridge microwave coffee oh yeah and the free breakfast was the most stocked I’ve ever seen and I’ve been to a lot of hotels Had to write this review so I can remember where we stayed if we go down there again Five stars for sure!

Cathleen Copeland Fink

My three ladies and I had been in our room for about 45 minutes when two men entered our room via card key Thank goodness one of the ladies had just dressed – otherwise it could have been much worse We were completely startled and the two men were completely embarrassed and apologetic, when it clearly was not their fault

Shortly after that, we received a phone call from someone down at the front desk – a man who wanted to verify we were in the right room?? I thought that was incredibly unprofessional – how were we (the guests) in the wrong room?? Your front desk issued the same set of keys obviously to different reservations! Why would this be the guests fault? I was not rude in the least but was somehow hung up on Well, of course after dinner, we went back to our room only to find both of our keys no longer working We were wondering if someone was in our room? Were our belongings safe? Paying almost $35000 for one night and I can’t access my room and it could have been compromised again without us there? We went down to the front desk where they were unable to issue us new keys to get in to our room due to some problem with the system So, now we have no keys to access in/out of my room She apologized profusely and had to let us in our room and bring the keys later We asked to speak to a manager and told no, he was not in but would be in in the morning The next morning after breakfast around 9 AM once again, we were told the manager was not in and could not help usI have never in all my travels ever had some stranger walk into my hotel room with my card key Also, to have absolutely no one in charge to remedy the situation is completely unacceptable I emailed both Marriott and the GM with zero response I would never stay here again

Dana Bashi

For it’s kind, it is a good choice We had a junior suite with 2 double beds and a sofa bed Somewhat convenient for a family with teenagers

Breakfast is the usual complementary bagel,omelet ,cereal ,fruit and bad American coffee They put only 4 towels in our room even though I booked a room for 5 When I called to ask for extra towels,no body responded We went downstairs and there was no one to be found Night shift but still

7. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

This hip hotel is a mile from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 5 miles from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.Contemporary rooms offer free Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges, coffeemakers and desks. Suites add separate living spaces.There’s a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a sundeck with a fire pit. Poolside cabanas can be rented for a fee. There’s also an exercise room, a farm-to-table restaurant and a poolside bar.

Things You Need to Know

  • 9 min walk to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
  • Guests praised the clean rooms but some thought they were small
  • Guests praised the friendly service, which has a concierge
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned “Boardwalk” 10 times
  • Guests praised the architecture
  • Guests praised the breakfast

Feedback From Real Customers

Steve Jones

I had not been to Santa Cruz since the start of the pandemic and was really looking forward to it I booked this location through Marriott Trouble started from the moment I tried to check in and they confirmed the wrong room

After a delay we straightened it out and I got a room that was almost up to the same level of the one I had booked But that one came with an additional fee which we later had removed Trying to get a satisfactory room and trying to determine why there’s an extra charge and then having to deal with getting it fixed isn’t exactly what I want to spend my time on for vacation I had planned to charge my car at the hotel and then spent 20 minutes trying to figure out why it wasn’t working I inquired at the hotel front desk they had no idea So I was the one who spent 20 minutes on the phone talking with the charger company only to be told that the charger was out of orderThe property was cool The location was great The people were nice But the organizational aspects of running a hotel and how to make sure your guest needs are satisfied even before they think of them is lacking with this property It almost felt like there’s new ownership and they are still kind of getting their feet wet with what they’re supposed to do I would stay there again primarily based on its location and niceness of the propery

Morgan Smelker

As a preface we have stayed in a few autograph collection hotels in the last few years This is not an autograph hotel And you feel a little nickel and dined when they tell you parking is $10/ night and you can’t even really walk to the beach…First major flag is that in order to go anywhere interesting in Santa Cruz on foot you must cross the river

Rivers a great but this riverbed is full of a cali sized homeless camp Great people watching but there are definitely better parts of the city to stay in Security is great though and we felt very safe while thereThe main areas of the hotel are nice, it’s well done But it’s very much appears to have the bones of a roadside hotel that got a decent facelift The rooms are not up to par for the name Peeling wall paper, no closet doors, tiny bathroom The craftsman ship and attention to detail in the rooms is lacking What we expect for the autograph name If you think of it like a nice roadside hotel with no complimentary breakfast you’ll see it as a 5 star place

Cherisse Du Preez -DFO

The police suggested I write reviews on this hotel to warn people who stay here I wish I didn’t stay at Hotel Paradox Santa Cruz We made the mistake of leaving expensive jackets in the hotel room closet & checked out

Although we realized our mistake immediately the hotel staff had already taken our stuff The manager refused to get it back His exact words were “we have a no responsibility policy… I stand by my staff” Thanks Christian (front of house manager that day)🤦🏼 It was over a thousand dollars in clothes The police got involved and there’s a formal incident report but they can’t force the staff to give us our things back Terrible policy, terrible hotel, absolute thieves I have tried for 3 days to speak directly with the General Manager but he won’t take or return my calls I’m shocked at how criminal their policies are and how abusive and angry their management staff was when I asked if I can come pick up our things I really hope everyone who they steal from reports it to the police so the staff can be held accountable by the law

8. Dream Inn (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: (831) 740-8069
  • Ratings: 4.5 (1438 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Dream Inn
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Bright rooms & suites in a beachfront hotel offering an outdoor pool, a bar & a restaurant.

About this hotel

Set on Cowell Beach, this trendy hotel with a retro vibe is a 7-minute walk from dining on the Santa Cruz Wharf and 11 minutes’ walk from the thrill rides on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Bright, modern rooms featuring balconies or patios include flat-screen TVs, minifridges, free Wi-Fi and iPod docks, along with Keurig coffeemakers. Most have ocean views. Suites add separate living rooms with sofabeds. Room service is available.There’s a stylish seafood restaurant with ocean views, and a casual lounge with a bar. Other amenities include a beachfront outdoor pool, a deck with sunloungers, and a hot tub, plus event space for up to 250 guests.

Things You Need to Know

  • Walking distance to شاطئ كويل and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Guests praised the clean, large rooms but some disliked the kitchenettes
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a 24-hr front desk
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned “Boardwalk” 97 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the ocean views

Feedback From Real Customers

Train Like GODS San Jose barbros

In the room you feel like you’re on the set of a 60’s show like I dream of Jeannie The employees are great, and helpful The place is ADA accessible as we’ll

They have complimentary non electric beach cruisers that are awesome fun too Heated pool and large jacuzzi with ocean view!! And every room has beach view Will definitely stay again and recommend it to anyone looking for a great beach front hotel! Coffee in the Room is good but if you like the flavored coffees then they have fresh baked goods and baristas

Michael Rothstein

Love this hotel! This was our first stay and certainly won’t be our last It was exactly what we needed for an extended weekend getaway with the kids Great location with an easy walk to the pier or boardwalk

Rooms face the ocean and when opening the door to the deck, you can hear the waves while laying in bed Friendly service from every single person we met They also have a filtered water station which we used to refill our water bottles over and over Our family is rested, recharged and ready to go back to school and work

Nicole Beardsley

Can’t beat the location and the views, for sure Staff was super friendly, especially the valets For the price, the amenities in the rooms could have been much nicer (better coffee, nicer bedding, etc

) Bathroom is dated and needs a good remodel Food and drinks are priced sky-high and were just ok The pool and hot tub area are great Easy beach access

9. Best Western Plus Capitola By-The-Sea Inn & Suites (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Less than a mile from Capitola Beach, this laid-back hotel is 4 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 6 miles from Mystery Spot, an illusion-based attraction.Warmly decorated rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sitting areas, as well as minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas with pull-out sofas; some have fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs.Complimentary perks include parking, and continental breakfast served in a colorful dining area. There’s also a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness room.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the kitchenettes and the beds
  • 6 min drive to Capitola Beach
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests mentioned beaches 35 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a fitness center
  • One of the few hotels in the area with an outdoor pool

Feedback From Real Customers

John Petersen

This Best Western is one of the best we have stayed at, and we have stayed at many different ones in many states The staff at the front desk are fantastic The breakfast is better now that they are allowing full breakfast instead of the grab and go option

Sadly, it lived up to Best Western expectations in that there were ants in the room when we got there The front desk had us go and get the bug spray from them and spray, and then room service cleaned them up the next day Also, the bed and pillow combination did not work for me or my wife Others may like the way they feel This is just our opinion Last month we bought pillows from a hotel we stayed at because they were amazing These pillows, not so muchThe hotel is really nice and clean, and the staff are fantastic

andrew t

It was ok Pro’s Very close to the beach

Friendly staff, Stephen checked us in quickly and offered us some suggestions on where to eat We stayed on 3rd floor and had a clean room The pull out sofa just had a regular sheet, not a small fitted so my son kept having to fix it over night The bathroom did have a working ventilation system leading to a musty smell The shower pressure was underwhelming however there was an attachment to raise the head up so it actually hit the top of my head Breakfast was great, 3 types of coffee, 3 fruit juices, waffles in a waffle iron, cereals, fresh fruit and breadsSummer time weekend night from Priceline in 2022 is about 490 per night This seems average The pool is only open from 10am so no early morning swim I would consider going to try a rental property to save money on eating out in this expensive town At the time of this writing there was construction so we missed the entrance to the parking lot in back

Kimberly Ross

We were just passing through and didn’t know anything about Santa Cruz, so we just picked this hotel randomly from an internet search We are so glad we did The hotel was attractive, the staff were above-and-beyond helpful and friendly, the bed was comfortable, the hot tub was clean and heated just right, the location was very nice, and the breakfast was incredible (waffle bar, biscuits and gravy, eggs and bacon, fruit, bagels/muffins/other breads, yogurt, oatmeal, and on and on!)

I would happily stay here again and highly recommend it to others

10. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

A mile from Seacliff State Beach, this laid-back hotel is also a mile from the S.S. Palo Alto and 3 miles from New Brighton State Beach.The relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, desks and minifridges, plus coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Wi-Fi is available.Amenities include an outdoor pool, gardens and a fitness center, as well as a casual bar/restaurant. Parking is available.

Things You Need to Know

  • 15 min walk to Seacliff State Beach
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Some guests complained about the kitchenettes
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a restaurant
  • Guests liked “Landscape”, mentioned 12 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the grounds
  • The hotel has a fitness center
  • Guests praised the nightlife

Feedback From Real Customers

Autumn Leaf

One of the better hotels I’ve been in! Would be nicer if there wasn’t constant renovation, but they’re expanding and staying on top of their clean game!!Pretty views, lovely fountain and even a tasty restaurant!! The bartender Benjamin is easily one of the coolest and nicest guys I’ve seen in the bartending industry!! Very encouraging and sweet~The pool is nice, hot tub is a little small, but it works and spacey enough!! They have gender neutral restrooms which is important to meLove this hotel and would most certainly go back!!

Joshua Rothschild

Super clean rooms and a nice safe area close to Santa Cruz without the parking and homeless headaches Great staff, Safeway across the street Restaurants and shops nearby

There will be a $10 per night parking charge, heads up but worth the safety and cleanliness Will definitely return Great restaurant and bar with live music on premises

Karen VanHooser

The place is clean and renewThe front desk person was not very communicative or helpful They also charge you 10 extra dollars if you have a car which of course you need a card to get to that hotel

Our room was clean and renew but the AC didn’t work They offer us switch rooms but it was really late at night so we ended up staying in that roomPrice $145 night

11. Capitola Beach Suites

  • Address: 5000 Cliff Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
  • Phone: (831) 476-0505
  • Ratings: 4.3 (81 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Capitola Beach Suites
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Casual hotel set near a beach offering complimentary WiFi, plus an ocean-view rooftop terrace.

About this hotel

This 3-story motel is a 2-minute walk from Capitola Beach, 5 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 10 miles from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.Accessed by exterior corridors, the 10 casual suites feature balconies with deck chairs and bay views, free WiFi and living rooms with cable TV. They also have minifridges, microwaves and coffeemakers. Most have fireplaces, futons and/or full kitchens. Minimum-stay rules may apply.Limited free on-site parking is available. There’s also a rooftop terrace with ocean views.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the kitchenettes
  • 3 min walk to Capitola Beach

Feedback From Real Customers

Carrie Kieselhorst

I cannot say enough positive things about this stay! The location is more than ideal We stayed on the first floor and our view was spectacular Each morning we opened our curtains to ocean, palm trees and sand

The beach is located just across the parking lot Super fun for the kids Thousands of birds to watch Interior was everything we needed It had a full kitchen which was awesome when traveling with a family The place was comfortable and VERY clean!The staff went above and beyond to make sure that our questions were answered, our stay was comfortable and beyond that they contacted me after my stay because I left a very important document in the room They made sure that I got this document back it was beyond my wildest dreams for a family vacationThanks so much! We’ll be back

Caleb Winningham

I’ll start this review by saying the staff at the hotel was super friendly—both the housekeeping member and the front desk member we interfaced with were very nice The room we stayed in had a great view, and the room itself was clean, but all other aspects of our stay were nightmarish to say the leastWhen we arrived at 3 PM the front desk team informed us that there were some serious plumbing issues that were identified and had to be resolved before we could actually check into our room

There was massive flooding in the parking garage, and the front desk staff told me they couldn’t estimate how long it would take but would call me when things were readyAbout two and a half hours later we drive back and find that the plumbers just left and we could use the room finally We were still charged full price, and I was willing to pay it just to get into the room It wasn’t until later that night that it became apparent that the toilet of our room was not working properly I figured with it being late, we just wouldn’t use it and we’d live to fight another dayUnfortunately, around 5 AM we awoke to a stench too powerful to even sleep through The plumbing for this hotel was so bad that we couldn’t even stand to sleep there any longer My wife and I gathered our things and prepared to leave I walked down to the parking garage to find water bubbling out of the paint in the ceiling and leaking onto the cars in the garage We could not leave fast enough I left a note on my key card when checking out (the front desk is not open until 0900) and called and left a message about our experience after no one answered when when we called We haven’t been contacted by any member of the staff to this day after paying nearly $300 for this hellish experienceI can say wholeheartedly that for low importance trips out to the beach, this may be the place for you If being able to sleep through the night, functional bathrooms, and being treated with adequate respect as a customer are things you value as a guest, I’d absolutely look elsewhere

Chris Powers

Very uncomfortable bed, small, terrible bathrooms, abysmal parking situation”But we’re on the beach

“I care about comfort from my hotels This beach side motel isn’t built for beach goers, that’s for sure Not worth the money and the village closes early Will not return here

12. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley (3-star hotel)

About this hotel

Nestled in a redwood forest, this mountain retreat hotel off Highway 17 is 3 miles’ drive from Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and a 6-mile drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park.All rooms (some with forest views) offer modern decor and custom-designed beds, plus microwaves, minifridges, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Some rooms feature private balconies. Suites add separate living areas, pull-out sofas and whirlpool tubs.Amenities include a bar and grill, a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool, plus a business center and over 7,000 sq ft of meeting space.

Things You Need to Know

  • 9 min drive to the Mission Santa Cruz
  • Some guests complained about the air conditioning but others praised the beds
  • Some guests complained about the bathrooms
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests mentioned “dogs” 19 times
  • Guests liked the forest views
  • Guests liked the fitness center, which has free weights

Feedback From Real Customers

C. B.

It is a great location, well maintained hotel Room was clean Check-in was ready early

Front desk and workers around the hotel were very friendly and nice I’m not sure why some of the negative reviews from others This is not a 5 star resort but it is one of the nicer low key, family friendly hotels Way better to stay there than in Santa Cruz itself The price point seems fair given that inflation is so high right now so I disagree with other reviews that say it is too high Hotel has to pay for workers, water, etc and all rising costs so all in all, we would stay there again definitely in the future

Jason Hauk

I’ve been a Hilton Honors member for many years and this was one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at The level of service and guest experience we received were top-notch The room spacious and clean, the pool was warm, the hot tub was hot and the food was excellent! Joy and Maria went out of their way to enhance our experience

Only a 10 minute drive to the beach, 15 minute drive to the Mystery Spot and 10 minute drive to look at some Redwood trees We will definitely be staying here again on our next trip to Santa Cruz!!

Monica Gamboa

The room was extremely clean as well as the rest of the Hotel It was also in a great location The front desk staff was so friendly and even went out of her way to let my husband in by the rear parking lot and gave him an extra key

Our room was a little warm and the ac was not cooling off the room We called the front desk and maintenance was at our door within 5 min and fixed the problem I will definitely stay again!

13. Seascape Beach Resort (4-star hotel)

  • Address: 1 Seascape Resort Dr, Aptos, CA 95003
  • Phone: (831) 688-6800
  • Ratings: 4.5 (1828 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Seascape Beach Resort
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Suites & 2-bedroom villas in an upscale resort with a private beach, golf course & 3 outdoor pools.

About this hotel

Overlooking Monterey Bay, this all-suite hotel with a private beach is 12 miles from the Santa Cruz Wharf.Relaxed studios with kitchenettes offer flat-screen TVs, fireplaces and balconies (many with ocean views). Suites add separate living spaces or whirlpool tubs, and 2-bedroom villas are also available. In-suite spa treatments are offered (fee). A daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi.A casual restaurant offers California cuisine and ocean views. There are 3 outdoor pools, hot tubs and tennis courts. Amenities also include a golf course and a fitness center, access to which is covered by a resort fee. Loaner bikes and boogie boards are available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the large, clean rooms and the kitchenettes
  • 7 min drive to Manresa State Beach
  • One of the few hotels in the area with room service
  • Guests praised the restaurant service
  • Guests liked “Fire pit”, mentioned 14 times in reviews
  • Guests praised the nightlife
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a spa
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Dennis Cardoso

The location is spectacular with many trails and beach access It’s simply a beautiful spot and the facilities are nestled in the middle of it all During our visit, there was a lot of maintenance going on with a lot of exterior structural and siding repairs

The maintenance didn’t bother us but it was very present with dozens of ladders and workers across the units The staff are friendly but we did have an issue with them forgetting to pick us up for a reservation we had set with them for an on-site service They simply forgot about us until we called them fifteen minutes after the pick up time they provided They corrected it promptly I definitely recommend the resort but perhaps at a time when they don’t have so much construction going on

Junior2k4

My friend’s and I visited here on vacation We brought our kids and they LOVED it The rooms were lovely, it overlooks the beach, and there are a few pools

Small washer and dryer in the unit, as well as a small but functional kitchen Beach towels and board games were providedThe resort restaurant seemed expensive for both the quality and quantity of the portions but the cocktails were good

Akhilesh Prasad

The rooms are large with 2 storey 2 bedroom, pull out couch in the living room and balconies in both the living and bedrooms with 2 and a half baths Room service is not daily, coffee and tea are in the kitchen top cupboards Older property with most balconies overlooking the ocean

Small swimming pool and a restaurant and bar Our organized lunches and bf seemed like catered in and very mediocre quality Ask for Dan by the bar There is a south point coffee shop close by in the village but closes at 1 pm

14. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
  • Phone: (831) 226-2300
  • Ratings: 4.3 (516 reviews) Very good
  • Website : Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Relaxed rooms & suites in a contemporary hotel featuring an outdoor pool & a cafe/bar.

About this hotel

On a leafy residential street, this modern hotel is a 14-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park and a mile from Highway 1.Relaxed rooms offer sofabeds, as well as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Suites add separate living and dining areas. Room service is available.A breakfast buffet is served in an informal dining room. There’s also a laid-back cafe/bar and a mini-market, in addition to an outdoor pool and a gym. Valet parking is extra.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the beds
  • Walking distance to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Guests mentioned “Boardwalk” 35 times
  • The fitness center has weight machines and free weights
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a hot tub
  • Guests praised the outdoor pool
  • One of the few hotels in the area with a bar

Feedback From Real Customers

David Weintraub

Like all Hyatt Places it’s clean and efficient Staff is nice Parking is an extra $15

You literally hear every door in the hotel slam And believe me they slam In room phone didn’t work No blanket on pullout bed and they never brought one up after asking 3 times Elevator may need a key, may not You don’t really know if it’s working Kinda weird But location to boardwalk and food is good All walkable Suites are really just large rooms with no cutoff walls Odd design Probably 4/5 based on value but still, every Damn Door

Nini Nini

Check in was smooth as well as our 2 day stay The hotel was well kept and very clean On our first full day we came back to a clean room which took me by surprise because I was told at check in that we wouldn’t receive house keeping since we’re staying less than 5 days

But it was much needed since my kiddies decided to feed the floor their crumbs Breakfast was limited but it was appetizing Valet along with the cleanliness of our room and hotel is why I would book her again in the future

Hollis Folts

Very friendly, very service oriented,The TV did not turn on, one call to the front desk and in 5min cable box was reset and we had local news and of course Shark TankThe cont breakfast was better than if I was Home

Very much liked the choicesLarge room with very comfortable sofa and very clean restroomI’m not a High Roller but I felt like one this week I don’t know what 5 stars is YET but let’s go 45 for now

15. Inn At Depot Hill (4-star hotel)

  • Address: 250 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA 95010
  • Phone: (831) 462-3376
  • Ratings: 4.7 (118 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Inn At Depot Hill
  • Check-in time: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Refined B&B with 12 themed & richly decorated rooms, plus full breakfast, parking & a wine hour.

About this hotel

This upscale B&B inside a former train depot is a 5-minute walk from the breezy restaurants and shops fronting Capitola Beach and 7 miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.Featuring feather beds, fireplaces and rich decor evoking the ambiance of classic destinations (such as an Orient Express sleeper car or English cottage), the 12 lavish rooms and suites have free Wi-Fi, fresh flowers and flat-screen TVs. Some have high ceilings and patios with hot tubs. Turndown service and in-room breakfast are available.Free amenities include parking, full breakfast served in the dining room, wine and cheese, and evening port, sherry and desserts.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests praised the rooms
  • 5 min walk to Capitola Beach
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests mentioned beaches 15 times
  • Guests mentioned “wine” 14 times
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the bar

Feedback From Real Customers

Dan B

Stayed for our wedding anniversary Great location, quiet setting and top notch service About a five minute walk to the beach

It’s uphill on the way back to the inn but manageable for those with good mobility Stayed in-the Railroad Barron room Very posh and lots of space including a small sitting area All the rooms are themed so different experience each time Reserved parking onsite at no extra cost! Breakfast was delicious and severed in your room if you like We will be back again!

William Taylor

If you like a little ‘pampering’the Inn at Depot Hill might be for you

My spouse and I stayed two nights in their newer unit The main building is a converted train depotwith some room entries on the first level that aren’t necessarily real ‘private’ (although it makes hauling luggage a bit easier than up a flight of stairs) The converted depot is well done aestheticallyinside and outWe were greeted enthusiastically, offered complimentary fruits , chips other treats before showing us to our room We were on the second level of the newer building Our room had a nice private patio , remote gas fireplace, flat screen TV, great lighting (both natural and artificial) , a coffee station and a wonderful bathroom Parking was on-site Our host showed us where everything was and how everythingworked We enjoyed a wonderfully prepared breakfast brought to our room so we could enjoy ‘breakfast in bed’ or on the patioOur room was very quietsomething we appreciate as we get older Very little noise from the adjacent room or from the outside Our only hiccup was the gas fireplace in our room didn’t work all the time We’d called to get it fixedand it started okbut then just quitHowever, our host did adjust our final payment for our troubles We were looking forward to using the fireplace

Melora Golightly

An amazing ADULTS ONLY anniversary destination Sager was very helpful when booking the accommodations and made great recommendations for food and activities in the area The Kyoto room was an experience, we absolutely loved relaxing in the giant soaking tub with a cozy fire going

Loved how private the room was as it’s in a separate building from the main hotel and had a lovely private zen garden as well The beach was easy walking distance from the hotel as well My one and only complaint is that there was no minifridge or microwave in the room but honestly it was hardly missed as the rest of the accommodations more than made up for it Definitely looking forward to staying again the next time we visit the Santa Cruz area!

16. Monarch Cove Inn (3-star hotel)

  • Address: 620 El Salto Dr, Capitola, CA 95010
  • Phone: (831) 464-1295
  • Ratings: 4.6 (47 reviews) Excellent
  • Website : Monarch Cove Inn
  • Check-in time: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out time: 11:00 AM
  • Quick Summary: Quaint B&B in an 1895 house with frilly rooms & suites, plus a garden & a butterfly sanctuary.

About this hotel

On a hilltop street overlooking Monterey Bay, this charming B&B is housed in an 1895 Victorian-style house and annexes. It’s a 12-minute walk from Capitola Beach and a mile from the Cabrillo Highway.Featuring private entrances, the frilly rooms provide microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers, plus Wi-Fi and TVs; all have en suite bathrooms. The 2-bedroom suites in the annex include living areas and kitchenettes. Breakfast is served in-room.There’s a garden, a terrace and a Monarch butterfly sanctuary. Parking is available.

Things You Need to Know

  • Guests liked the rooms and praised the beds
  • 12 min walk to Capitola Beach
  • Guests praised the friendly service
  • Guests praised the breakfast
  • Guests praised the views

Feedback From Real Customers

Sophia Pacioni

My boyfriend and I stayed in the Lilac room! It had beautiful views from our window and from our balcony The grounds were beautiful and had many types of flowers and plants overlooking the cliff and bay It was a short distance from restaurants and Capitola Beach and New Brighton Beach

The breakfast in the morning was also beautiful and fantastic We loved our stay

Erin K

I stayed in the Lilac room for one night and it was just what I neededSerene room with an ocean view from the bed?✅The sound of waves crashing day & night? ✅Friendly staff & breakfast delivered in-room? ✅Perfect for a low-key romantic getaway or rejuvenating time alone I did nothing

It was amazing I probably wouldn’t bring my kids because they’d be loud and rambunctious and this place is just so peaceful They’d love it, but they’d love any adventure- I’m keeping this for myselfThe room feels like I’m staying at my aunt’s house- unpretentious and welcoming Not fancy or perfect Lived in I hope to come back and do nothing in this lovely room again

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