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The best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

Check out our pick of great cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Located in Santa Cruz, within 100 metres of Sunny Cove Beach and 600 metres of Black’s Beach, Sunny Cove Motel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse is 6.5 km from the motel and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum is 6.5 km away.

The cutest motel with a vintage feel, literally 3 minutes walk from a lovely little cove and beach lookout where you can see across the whole bay. Super friendly owner, we felt really at home here and would go back anytime

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9
Superb
150 reviews
Price from
£135
per night

Boasting garden views, The Midtown Cottage- w/ Private Entrance and Views features accommodation with a terrace, around 2.7 km from Seabright State Beach. Both free WiFi and parking on-site are accessible at the holiday home free of charge. The property is non-smoking and is situated 2.7 km from Santa Cruz Beach.

Quiet and cozy. Easy check-in and great parking.

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9.1
Superb
20 reviews
Price from
£201
per night

Set in Santa Cruz in the California region, Beach Haven has a patio. The property is around 1.2 km from Moran Lake Park Beach, 2.1 km from Hooper's Beach and 6.6 km from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Pleasure Point Beach is 300 metres away.

Such a cute little House. Very well equipped and exceptionally clean. Plenty of amenities. Good neighborhood.

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9.4
Superb
18 reviews
Price from
£346
per night

Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in each room as well as a private patio, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer and an alarm clock. Free WiFi is available in every room. Select rooms offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park.

Reception was very welcoming and accommodating. The room was spacious and very clean. Location is excellent for exploring the waterfront area. Breakfast was very good with a variety of breakfast items. The whole hotel staff was friendly - grounds and buildings kept very clean.

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8.2
Very good
1,767 reviews
Price from
£215
per night

Located 3 blocks from the historic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean Pacific Lodge is 100% non-smoking and offers guest rooms with free WiFi. Free on-site parking is available at this pet-friendly motel.

The staff is very professional and friendly. The check in process was easy and my room was ready when I arrived. There is ample parking and we found a spot near our room. The room was clean and well apportioned. Everything in the room worked perfectly.

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8.1
Very good
1,210 reviews
Price from
£144
per night

Set in Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Santa Cruz Beach, SeaSide Inn & Suites offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located 1.8 km from Cowell's Beach, 1.5 km from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 49 km from San Jose Convention Center. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.6 km from Seabright State Beach.

Comfortable bed, kind staff, modern furniture, Great price for the accommodation!

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8.1
Very good
470 reviews
Price from
£116
per night

Marea Sol Hotel is well set in Santa Cruz, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace. The property is located 200 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 1.9 km from Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and 1.9 km from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Private parking is available on site.

Clean, friendly staff, very good location, quiet, excellent

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8.4
Very good
322 reviews
Price from
£198
per night

Well situated in the centre of Santa Cruz, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre and free WiFi. This property is set a short distance from attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Private parking is available on site.

New and clean hotel with great location and parking garage

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8.7
Fabulous
694 reviews
Price from
£181
per night

Featuring barbecue facilities and a garden, Santa Cruz Hostel is located in Santa Cruz, 500 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Set in the Santa Cruz Boardwalk district, the hostel is within 1.5 km of Pacific Avenue.

Everything was brilliant, the staff, the facilities and the general vibe of the place was amazing. The staff were super hospitable and one even made this delicious banana bread.

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8.9
Fabulous
151 reviews
Price from
£51
per night

Styled in modern decor, this restored historic mansion offers 12 luxurious and refurbished suites. Free WiFi is included daily.

Offering a city or ocean view, each suite at Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz features a flat-screen TV. A microwave and refrigerator are provided. Guests are pampered with free toiletries.

We were a remote working group of 11 or 12 people meeting for a relaxed team get together. The spaces and rooms were lovely, Wifi was good, seating out front on patio was great as well. Amenities were just right and the vibe and staff were exceptional. It was just what we wanted. Location was perfect between downtown and beaches, along Riverwalk

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8.5
Very good
846 reviews
Price from
£118
per night

Looking for a cheap hotel?

For those on a budget, these cheap and cheerful hotels still have a lot to offer, with most offering WiFi and convenient locations. Popular with backpackers, many properties can be found in central locations and include comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also find a number of options which feature a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
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Most booked cheap hotels in Santa Cruz this month

Enjoy breakfast in Santa Cruz!

  • Carousel Beach Inn
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,766 reviews

    Located 2 minutes’ walk away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn offers rooms equipped with a private balcony. It serves a daily continental breakfast.

    Breakfast included, great location, friendly staff

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 694 reviews

    Well situated in the centre of Santa Cruz, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre and free WiFi.

    location, lounge/meeting/tv area well designed

  • Mission Inn
    Breakfast options
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 902 reviews

    Seymore Marine Discovery is 2 miles from this Santa Cruz area inn. A free breakfast is provided and all rooms offer free WiFi. A flat-screen cable TV is featured in all rooms at the Mission Inn.

    Large clean room with comfortable bed & chairs.

  • Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 396 reviews

    Conveniently located 1.1 miles from the Natural Bridges State Beach, the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, Ca offers a fitness room and guest laundry room.. All rooms include free Wi-Fi.

    The staff was friendly and the location was perfect

  • Beach Haven
    Breakfast options
    9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 18 reviews

    Set in Santa Cruz in the California region, Beach Haven has a patio. The property is around 1.2 km from Moran Lake Park Beach, 2.1 km from Hooper's Beach and 6.6 km from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

    Location was perfect, couldn't have asked for more.

  • Beach Hill Bungalow
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 9 reviews

    Set in Santa Cruz, 500 metres from Cowell's Beach, 1.5 km from Seabright State Beach and 300 metres from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Beach Hill Bungalow offers accommodation with a patio and free WiFi...

    How private it was, amd close to the boardwalk and beach

  • Fantastic 2 bedroom Cottage, 5min to beach
    9.8
    Scored 9.8
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 4 reviews

    Featuring garden views, Fantastic 2 bedroom Cottage, 5min to beach provides accommodation with a garden and a balcony, around less than 1 km from Sunny Cove Beach.

  • Amazing Santa Cruz Landscaped Paradise
    9.3
    Scored 9.3
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3 reviews

    Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Amazing Santa Cruz Landscaped Paradise is set in Santa Cruz.

Great access to the city centre! Check these cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

  • The Midtown Cottage- w/ Private Entrance and Views
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 20 reviews

    Boasting garden views, The Midtown Cottage- w/ Private Entrance and Views features accommodation with a terrace, around 2.7 km from Seabright State Beach.

    private entrance, fantastic patio with a great view, very clean.

  • Sunny Cove Motel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 150 reviews

    Located in Santa Cruz, within 100 metres of Sunny Cove Beach and 600 metres of Black’s Beach, Sunny Cove Motel provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi as well as free...

    Jane is Awesome as well as the location and customer service!!

  • Sea & Sand Inn
    Central location
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 164 reviews

    Located within 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk, this hotel features rooms with free Wi-Fi. It offers a 24-hour reception and free guest parking.

    Wine and cheese hour was great, staff extremely friendly!

  • Pacific Blue Inn
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 483 reviews

    Just 10 minutes’ walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this eco-friendly hotel offers en suite rooms with flat-screen cable TVs and iPod docking stations.

    Really lovely little place, great host. Perfect location

  • Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 846 reviews

    Styled in modern decor, this restored historic mansion offers 12 luxurious and refurbished suites. Free WiFi is included daily.

    Charming villa in optimal location, comfortable room.

  • Marea Sol Hotel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 322 reviews

    Marea Sol Hotel is well set in Santa Cruz, and features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi and a terrace.

    We got upgraded to a suite which was a massive bonus

  • SeaSide Inn & Suites
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 470 reviews

    Set in Santa Cruz, 1.5 km from Santa Cruz Beach, SeaSide Inn & Suites offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

    Great front counter service, nice comfortable rooms

  • Ocean Pacific Lodge
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,211 reviews

    Located 3 blocks from the historic Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk, Ocean Pacific Lodge is 100% non-smoking and offers guest rooms with free WiFi.

    Location was excellent for seafront and town centre.

  • The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 466 reviews

    Offering a seasonal outdoor pool, this motel is 5 minutes' walk from downtown Santa Cruz. It offers free WiFi and free parking.

    nice and big room, good facilities, friendly staff

  • Drift Inn, LLC
    Central location
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 905 reviews

    This central Santa Cruz motel is just an 8-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. It features guest rooms with free Wi-Fi access and a cable TV.

    Staff/owner was extremely friendly and helpful

FAQ about cheap hotels in Santa Cruz







Cheap hotels that guests love in Santa Cruz

  • Avg. price/night: £120.22
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,030 reviews
    We were travelling with our children and booked only one night at Surf City Inn .I was really pleased with everything there .The room was very clean and spacious.Shower really good,clean sheets and towels.I liked it as it was also lively and lots of families with children .The location was very close to everything and the man at reception was very kind and helpful.Surrounding was lovely too .Overall a pleasant stay .
    Merita
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £441.95
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,369 reviews
    Very clean, modern and comfortable. Beautiful view, lovely balcony with fire pit in the evening. Great location on the beach front! Easy walking distance to plenty of restaurants and attractions.
    Jayne
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £356.18
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,570 reviews
    A faultless experience. Fantastic location and beach view, spotlessly clean and well-appointed room and friendly helpful staff. A heated pool and hot tub were great additional bonuses, as were the complementary popcorn, snow cones and great selection of coffees
    Sophy
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £98.55
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 905 reviews
    The manager was very friendly and helpful. He came to inspect the window screen and blinds which were faulty and assured our safety and that he was on hand 24/7 should we have any concerns. The room was recently refurbished and very clean. Excellent location within 15 minute walk to the beach.
    Lucinda
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £120.22
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,030 reviews
    Great location, affordable, comfortable, lovely staff.
    Mari
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £193.99
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 220 reviews
    Great location, helpful staff, good breakfast (we had a voucher to spend each morning, this didn't cover the total bill but if we'd of opted for a bagel and coffee each it would of). The kids loved the pool. Laundry was a bonus! Nice and quiet at night in our room. I was worried after seeing some of the reviews, but we had a wonderful stay. Yes, you pay for parking, but we factored that into our budget. Try Pizza of my heart and penny ice creamery!
    Jayne
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £115.72
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 470 reviews
    Great location for downtown/ boardwalk. Very clean and Nital was a friendly, helpful host.very comfortable room with microwave, fridge and coffee facilities. Plentiful parking .
    Lee
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £181.94
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 599 reviews
    Great lovely hosts, an awesome location, super cheap and the room was very clean. Included even a mini fridge, microwave and TV. Would come back anytime!
    Malyn
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £445.21
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 980 reviews
    Fantastic location with great rooms and we had a balcony overlooking the pool as well as the beach - ideally situated you can walk to the beach in seconds - 0nto the main pier and down to the boardwalk and fun fair. Hotel is Very Clean, Very modern - Could have spent all day in the pool looking out at the beach - fantastic.
    David
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £98.55
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 905 reviews
    Very clean, ideal location for boulevard. A small selection of rooms which is nice because it's not overcrowded. Nice and quiet too. Newly refurbished bathroom.
    Kiera
    Young couple

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