Need a place to stay in Santa Cruz? Here are our picks for the best value hotels in Santa Cruz.
Featured photo courtesy of Beach Street Inn and Suites
Beach Street Inn and Suites
With its long verandas outfitted with colorful Adirondack chairs overlooking bustling Beach Street and palm-tree fringed Cowell Beach, Beach Street Inn and Suites perfectly epitomizes Santa Cruz’s laid-back beach-town vibe. And while ocean view lodging tends to be priced at a premium, Beach Street Inn and Suites it accessible to a greater number of guests with features like shared ocean view patios and several suites that sleep up to six and include kitchenettes or full kitchens. Additional perks include the ocean-view pool deck with a heated swimming pool, hot tub and firepit (open until 10 p.m.!); the complimentary espresso bar and guest laundry facilities; and Google Chromecast streaming in all rooms — not to mention the location mere steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf.
HIGHLIGHT: Take advantage of mid-week specials to make your stay at this waterfront hotel even more affordable.
Casa Blanca Inn
It’s all about the location at this “no frills” waterfront inn — situated right across the street from the beach and a few blocks from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Housed in the historic, Mediterranean-styled Cerf Mansion, the pet-friendly Casa Blanca Inn features 33 simply decorated rooms, many of which have ocean views, and some have microwaves as well. Enjoy the views of Monterey Bay from the outdoor deck, which features a firepit for chilly evenings, or relax in the spacious patio garden, which is available for hosting events with up to 150 guests.
HIGHLIGHT: Families looking for an affordable beach getaway can book one of Casa Blanca Inn’s larger accommodations, which can accommodate up to six guests.
Hotel Solares
While other Santa Cruz lodging options may be located closer to the beach, family-, pet- and budget-friendly Hotel Solares is steps away from the Santa Cruz Riverwalk and only a 10-minute walk from the boardwalk. Guests also appreciate amenities like the pleasant pool deck and hot tub, complimentary continental breakfast, and in-room refrigerators and microwaves for heating up snacks or a light meal.
HIGHLIGHT: Families and groups traveling together can take advantage of adjoining rooms.
Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
It’s a mere 100 feet walk from this charming inn’s doorstep to compact Sunny Cove Beach, a neighborhood-favorite nestled between two cliffs — a perk that would come at a much higher premium for similar lodgings located at nearby Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Many of Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages’ bright, spacious, contemporary lodgings feature ocean views, and some cottages are outfitted with fully equipped kitchens and can accommodate groups of four to six guests.
HIGHLIGHT: Adding to the value, the generous continental breakfast, on-property barbecue grills, complimentary beach chairs and toys, and ping pong table make this inn an affordable, fun beach getaway destination for the whole family.
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