Santa Cruz hotels

Channelling the old-school surfer vibe, Dream Inn is one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz, located just steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The ocean-facing rooms and suites are decorated in a retro-chic style, with colourful decor and 1970’s prints. Each one opens out onto a private balcony, with views along Monterey Bay, the beach and the outdoor pool.

The pool sits neatly between the hotel and the sand, with my favourite beach views in the area and cozy sun loungers to relax on with a drink. The ocean theme continues in the on-site dining room, the Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge, which serves freshly caught seafood and produce from nearby organic farms, along with local wines. Within walking distance of the vibrant downtown area, Dream Inn remains one of the best picks for an upscale surf retreat.

As one of the newest boutique hotels in Santa Cruz, Marea Sol Hotel feels like a modern beach house. Just a two-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and my other favourite nearby beaches, including Santa Cruz Beach and Cowell’s Beach, it’s a convenient place to bed down in the surf town.

The king rooms and suites are decorated in a homely beach theme, using a blend of blues and neutrals along with timber touches. At sunset, relax by the outdoor pool or head up to the sundeck for beautiful views and a place to mingle.

The surrounding streets offer plenty of outstanding restaurants to try, or you can dive into the vibrant local nightlife just minutes from the hotel. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a solo adventure, Marea Sol Hotel is one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz.

Perched on a bluff overlooking Cowell's Beach, this former Victorian home is now a three-story bed and breakfast not far from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Offering a little more character and intimacy than bigger accommodations, this is one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz for couples.

The charming coastal-inspired rooms feature cozy fireplaces, elegant marble-tile bathrooms and inviting colour combinations of yellows and blues matched with local artwork. I love the delicious buffet breakfast served each morning, followed by happy hour wines and hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon.

Bicycles are available to rent to explore the town, or you can stroll down to the beach.

If you want to be close to the downtown action, Hyatt Place is one of the top-rated hotels in Santa Cruz to book. While not on the beach, I love that you can still walk to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk within 15 minutes and enjoy the convenience of being close to the city centre and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.

The rooms and suites are generously spacious, offering lounges and large en-suite bathrooms that are perfect for families. It’s also one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz for business travellers, with private desk spaces in each room and a business centre with co-working spaces.

The Breakfast Bar offers complimentary cooked and cold breakfast options. Later in the day, head to The Placery in the lobby bar for a light lunch or snack, washed down with a cocktail.

Nestled in a tranquil passage leading to Sunny Cove Beach, Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages is one of the most unique hotels in Santa Cruz. Despite being located just 10 minutes from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, it offers a peaceful retreat.

With fully equipped cottages, you can have utmost privacy and enjoy your own little beach shack for the weekend, or stay in one of the coastal-inspired rooms in the main house. It’s the type of place where you can spend all weekend getting lost in the dreamy beach vibe, as I have.

Legendary singer-songwriters Neil Diamond and John Denver penned some of their most beloved songs at Ocean Echo Inn, and it’s not hard to see why. Start your day overlooking Monterey Bay with a complimentary breakfast, before exploring the coast by bike or on foot.

Blending historic charm with modern luxury, Rio Vista Inn and Suites is one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion from 1890 and surrounded by a picturesque garden, it offers 12 luxurious suites across three levels. I always feel like I’m staying at a friend’s place when I’m there.

The house rests on Beach Hill, overlooking the river and the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with beautiful views in each direction. Some of its original construction has been carefully maintained, including the hardwood flooring and stained-glass windows, while the renovations leaned into a more modern, Art Deco style.

As one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz for those looking for a unique stay, it’s ideally located within walking distance of all the main attractions.

Set just two blocks back from the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Courtyard by Marriott is one of the best luxury hotels in Santa Cruz, with plenty of amenities for relaxation. The sandstone hotel is decorated with earthy neutral colours, reminiscent of the California coastline.

The spacious rooms feature large king beds, lounge areas and desk space for those on business. Travellers looking to relax can unwind by the outdoor heated pool at any time of the year (a personal favourite), or head indoors to Spa Nalini.

At the heart of the property is The Bistro, a one-stop-shop for dining and drinking. It’s your go-to for Starbucks coffee in the morning before it transforms into a vibrant night hub for craft cocktails. As an amenities-heavy accommodation, this is one of the plushest hotels in Santa Cruz.

Located on the western side of the bay, Sea and Sand Inn is one of the best hotels to stay in Santa Cruz for unparalleled sea views. As its name suggests, each room offers beach views and is just steps away from the sand and the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

The simple, elegant rooms are heated by a cozy fireplace, plus some suites offer a private hot tub on a patio overlooking the ocean. But my favourite thing has to be the hotel’s afternoon happy hour, with wine and cheese served to guests on the outdoor patio overlooking the boardwalk and beach below.

For both convenience and comfort, Sea and Sand is easily one of the top hotels in Santa Cruz for couples and families. It’s also an ideal place for group trips and longer stays.

A few miles out of town, the expansive and beautiful Inn at Pasatiempo is one of the few fancy hotels in Santa Cruz situated in a peaceful woodland setting. Perfectly laid out for balancing relaxation and business, the Inn is filled with features and amenities to suit a range of travellers.

Here, you can select from over 50 rooms decorated in a simple style, with bright walls and timber finishings. Nearly every corner of this rustic-chic hotel seems to have a story to tell.

For something to eat or drink, I recommend the classic American barbecue at Back Nine Grill and Bar, inspired by California's rich history. Golf lovers, take note: the Pasatiempo Golf Course is conveniently located next door.

Dating back to the 1940’s, this vintage hotel combines classic California charm with modern appeal. With soothing blue rooms, sweeping ocean views and beachy decor, it feels like a classic Santa Cruz getaway. The inn features a courtyard area with picnic tables, an outdoor pool and guestrooms with free Wi-Fi.

The location makes it easy to feel like a local, strolling out to the promenade straight from your door. But for me, the biggest perk here is getting to hire a bicycle directly from the inn to explore the vibrant surroundings at my own pace.

Santa Cruz boasts a plethora of scenic bike paths and trails suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal activity for both the adventurous and those seeking a leisurely ride along the coast.