Just an hour’s drive from San Francisco lies the beautiful city of Santa Cruz. Surfing is big in Santa Cruz. Probably because the area has some of the best waves in the world. However, the area has so much to offer other than just shores and beaches. Take Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, for example. It is an area lined with coin-op games, food stalls, and fun rides. Health enthusiasts will love exploring the downtown area, where lots of green stores and urban restaurants sell goods and meals made of locally sourced ingredients. Once you’ve had a taste of the area’s eclectic charm and natural beauty, you’ll be tempted to extend your stay. Thankfully, with many affordable accommodation options such as cabin rentals and hotels available, travelers can enjoy long-term stays in the city. Read on to find out the best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 11, 2024.
1. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz (from USD 105)
As the name suggests, guests will find comfort and enjoyment when staying at this hotel. Situated just a short walk away from the Museum of Art and History, Comfort Inn Santa Cruz is close to a number of attractions such as Rio Theatre and Nickelodeon Theatre. It also features extra facilities such as a business center and a fitness center. If you’re traveling on a budget with another person, their Queen Room is your best bet. The carpeted room comes with a double bed topped with comfy bedding, a refrigerator, and a coffee machine. Some of their more upgraded units even feature a bathtub and a hot tub.
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz
Address: 110 Plymouth Street
4.0 km (2.5 mi) from The Mystery Spot
2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz (from USD 144)
This hotel’s ideal location, homey rooms, and great amenities earn it a spot on this list. Secure their King Room for two for an economical stay in Santa Cruz. Rest at ease in the comfortable and clean room that comes with a television and a heater. You can go to the snack counter to get yourself some treats if you’re still hungry after eating their light breakfast. Take advantage of the business center to print and use a computer. The indoor pool is great for a quick swim before setting off to go shopping or sightseeing. There are some breathtaking state parks located near the hotel.
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz
Address: 1505 Ocean Street
4.0 km (2.5 mi) from The Mystery Spot
3. Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East (from USD 76)
Tourists looking for clean and modern rooms at an affordable price will not be disappointed with this choice. Their King Room, which boasts modern furnishings and amenities like a refrigerator and a coffee maker, is really of good value. After you’re done lazying around in your room, head over to the hotel’s patio and admire the beautiful scenery. The property lies in close proximity to the beach and the river as well. Enjoy a delectable continental breakfast that includes waffles and coffee. Take a swim in the pool before walking around in the garden.
Super 8 by Wyndham Santa Cruz/Beach Boardwalk East
Address: 338 Riverside Avenue
5.69 km (3.6 mi) from The Mystery Spot
4. Ramada Limited Santa Cruz Water Street (from USD 82)
This is a no-frills kind of hotel, offering amenities that you need for a convenient stay, minus the extra cost. The rooms are clean and bright. Each unit has a double bed and a flat-screen TV. Down in the lobby, you’ll find a good selection of food for breakfast and some computers that you can use for work. It’s also great that the hotel has staff that speaks languages other than English. Whether you’re in town for a vacation or work, the hotel is a nice option for those planning to go out for the majority of their trip.
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Cruz
Address: 516 Water Street
4.38 km (2.8 mi) from The Mystery Spot
5. Continental Inn (from USD 74)
Reasonable pricing for a clean and comfortable stay, with potential discounts for longer bookings.
Convenient location with walking distance to attractions, pet-friendly, and friendly staff.
Close proximity to downtown, boardwalk, and various eateries, though some noise and safety concerns in the area.
Limited dining options on-site, but surrounded by various restaurants and a nearby 7/11 for convenience.
Sitting just a few meters from the shopping district in the downtown area, the Continental Inn is a hotel that boasts a strategic location, with plenty of eateries and stores nearby. If you feel like retreating to nature, take a walk on the boardwalk and quayside area. The rooms have wonderful decoration, a comfortable bed, and a coffee maker. Don’t feel like getting out of bed? Turn on the television with premium channels. After a day of exploration, guests can lounge by the heated swimming pool, or take a dip in the hot tub. The property also allows pets at an additional charge.
Continental Inn
Address: 414 Ocean Street
4.98 km (3.1 mi) from The Mystery Spot
6. Quality Inn Santa Cruz (from USD 80)
Reasonable pricing for a pet-friendly hotel
Clean rooms, ample parking, and a pet-friendly policy
Conveniently located near the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, with easy access to restaurants and gas stations
Complimentary breakfast with grab-and-go bags, but some inconsistencies with the breakfast offerings
Family traveling to this city will love the rooms at Quality Inn Santa Cruz. Each unit is carpeted and had a microwave, a changing room, and a safe. Enjoy swimming under the sun in the open-air pool. The hotel also offers a number of facilities for disabled people, such as braille on the walls, tactile signs, and handrails installed at certain areas of the hotel. The sun terrace is perfect for soaking up the sun without having to go to the beach. The nearest attractions to this hotel are the Museum of Art and History, and Pacific Avenue. You can explore the area on foot.
Quality Inn Santa Cruz
Address: 1101 Ocean Street
4.27 km (2.7 mi) from The Mystery Spot
7. Ocean Pacific Lodge (from USD 121)
Clean and cozy rooms await you at this delightful hotel. It’s perfect for those who look for a simple accommodation to crash in. It features essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There is even a hot tub that guests can use after swimming in the outdoor pool. With the beach located just a few meters from the premise, the hotel is ideal for guests who want to explore the boardwalk. The room price comes with free parking spot for the hotel guests
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Address: 301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz City Center, Santa Cruz (CA), United States, 95060
6.12 km (3.9 mi) from The Mystery Spot
8. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz (from USD 137)
Good value for spacious, clean rooms and variety of amenities.
24-hour exercise room, heated pool, and suite-style rooms with fridge and microwave.
Convenient location near UCSC and Natural Bridges State Park, with easy access to the beach.
Breakfast with a good variety, friendly staff, and proximity to local dining options.
Come to Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz if you want clean rooms with functional amenities at a fair price. The property sits on the quieter side of the town. Hence, you can rest without worry about traffic noise. Enjoy a continental meal in the dining-cum-lounge area with carpet flooring. Afterward, follow the path to the outdoor pool with sun loungers and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Come to the business center if you need to print some materials for your next meeting. Plenty of dining and shopping options are available only moments away from the hotel.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz
Address: 2956 Mission Street
8.07 km (5.1 mi) from The Mystery Spot
9. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (from USD 120)
Reasonable pricing for a convenient location near the beach and boardwalk.
Convenient parking, clean rooms, and friendly staff, but some amenities need updating.
Walking distance to the beach, boardwalk, and downtown area, but some guests experienced noise and homeless individuals nearby.
Breakfast options were limited and some guests were disappointed with the quality, but nearby dining alternatives were recommended.
Behind the simple facade of this hotel are cozy rooms with great amenities at reasonable rates. There are many types of rooms that you can choose from. Their Queen Room offers the best value, while the Business Queen Room can sleep a family of four adults and two kids. Pick the one with the ocean view if you want to wake up to the beautiful view of the sea and the sounds of waves crashing. Worn out after taking a stroll along Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? Sit in the hot tub and let its water reinvigorate your tired body. Other amenities in the rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable, a fridge, and a microwave. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi as well.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Address: 130 West Cliff Drive
6.29 km (4.0 mi) from The Mystery Spot
10. Comfort Inn Boardwalk (from USD 100)
Just a stone’s throw away from Santa Cruz beach, you will find this lovely establishment. The hotel’s main appeal is its location — it’s close to some of the city’s best hotspots. Some of these attractions include Sky Glider and Pacific Garden Mall. Come down from your room to the pool area, and enjoy a quick swim before setting off to explore the boardwalk. Each unit in this hotel features a microwave and a fridge. Guests traveling kids will love the Standard Queen Room that comes with two big double beds.
Comfort Inn Boardwalk
Address: 314 Riverside Avenue
5.75 km (3.6 mi) from The Mystery Spot
Stay in the coastal city of Santa Cruz on a budget
There’s no dearth of amazing things to do and see in Santa Cruz. From beaches to beautiful boardwalk by the sea, this iconic city makes for a memorable vacation. Holidaying in Santa Cruz doesn’t have to be expensive, thanks to the availability of those affordable hotels. Bring your friends and family along with you to explore and experience the beautiful city. Be sure to book your preferred room in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
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