How to find the best hotel deal in Santa Cruz
If booking flights with us feels easy, just wait until you try our hotel search. Find top Santa Cruz hotels at low prices with these handy tips.
Pick up some of the best Santa Cruz hotel prices by planning ahead. Hotels often offer early booking discounts to fill rooms before the busy season starts.
That said, booking at the last minute can work in your favor. Some places drop their rates a day or two before check-in to keep rooms from sitting empty.
Be flexible with your dates to snag better rates. Search for hotels in different seasons or months. Even booking midweek (instead of weekends) can lead to bigger savings.
Search for accommodation options with free cancellation and book with peace of mind. You can adjust or cancel your stay without fees if your schedule changes or you spot a better deal.
Where to stay in Santa Cruz
Central Santa Cruz
Choose the city centre and you'll never be far from your next adventure. Take your pick of these accommodation options that keep you close to the must-see attractions in central Santa Cruz.
If you'd like to stay within easy reach of Natural Bridges State Beach, book a room at National 9 Motel. This Santa Cruz hotel is about 5 kilometres from this sight.
When it comes to accommodation options close to Whale Point, Hotel Santa Cruz Beach Inn wins points for comfort and convenience. Stash your suitcase at this Santa Cruz hotel and you'll be about 3 kilometres away.
Hotels near Capitola beach are also well worth checking out. Capitola Hotel is 3 kilometres or so from this popular sight. It's a good base for discovering the city more broadly.
Best hotels in Santa Cruz
Best budget hotels
Let your travel money work harder by choosing from around 50 budget Santa Cruz hotels. Perfect for when you want to spend less on where you sleep and more on seeing the sights, these stays come with essentials like fresh linens and towels, and simple breakfasts.
National 9 Motel is a 2-star option that delivers comfort without the fuss or frills. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi in designated areas are some of its amenities.
Sea & Sand Inn comes with conveniences like internet access and heating. Kick back at this 3-star Santa Cruz hotel and make your travel money go the extra mile.
You'll also be happy with the prices at Best Western Plus Capitola by-The-Sea Inn Suites, which is rated 3 stars. It features a laundry and a fitness centre.
Best 4-star hotels in Santa Cruz
When you'd like a little more from your stay, the 4-star hotels in Santa Cruz deliver. With around ten choices, they typically feature well-designed rooms, attentive service, and extras such as on-site restaurants and spas. These hotels feel elevated without feeling extravagant.
Inn at Depot Hill offers everything you'd expect from a 4-star stay. A lobby bar and a golf course help make this option a favourite for many.
Another Santa Cruz hotel worth a mention is Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection. It features thoughtful amenities such as a pool and valet parking.
Pacific Blue Inn is also one to keep on your list. It keeps guests happy with a lobby bar, a golf course and more.
Best hotels in Santa Cruz for families
Taking off with the kids? You need a hotel that offers more than just a bed. Activity centres, childcare services, kids' menus, and connecting rooms make family stays easier. You'll find roughly ten family-friendly hotels in Santa Cruz standing by for your crew.
Pack up the family and save big at Fern River Resort. Express check-in and table tennis are some of the amenities you'll find at this affordable 2-star option.
Discover what a luxury family stay feels like at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Rated 4 stars, this Santa Cruz hotel offers parking and a fitness centre.
Best hotels with a spa
Begin your journey to zen at one of the ten or so Santa Cruz hotels with a spa. They feature anything from saunas to fitness centres and treatment rooms. Throw in meditation classes, beauty salons, and wellness programmes and you have the recipe for relaxation.
In need of a reset? Make it happen at Mission Inn. This 3-star accommodation option has concierge assistance and a spa.
Best hotels with a pool
A pool is a great way to add some play to your travel plans. Book a resort and you'll usually find large outdoor setups and maybe even a lazy river. At city hotels, indoor and rooftop pools are the norm. Choose from at least 30 pool hotels in Santa Cruz and jump right in.
Make relaxing poolside a priority at National 9 Motel. With an outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, this Santa Cruz hotel delivers a stay that balances leisure and convenience.
Best Western Plus Capitola by-The-Sea Inn Suites will also have you reaching for your swimsuit and goggles. Go for this popular option and take advantage of an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
Or make time for a little fun at Beach Street Inn and Suites. An outdoor swimming pool, this hotel has Wi-Fi and a lobby bar.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Heading away with your furry friend? Pet-friendly hotels often offer comfy pet beds, feeding bowls, and outdoor areas to run around. Some take it a step further with things like grooming or pet-sitting services. With around 20 Santa Cruz hotels that welcome pets, your little pal can tag along too.
You bring the treats, Pacific Blue Inn will handle the rest. Amenities like Wi-Fi and a golf course add to the comfort of this pet-friendly hotel in Santa Cruz.
There's also room for you and your little buddy at Seaway Inn. It includes accessible parking, a bowling alley and more.
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West will have you all settled in no time. Its amenities include a teahouse and internet access.
