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Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
3.0 star property
Boulder Creek
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"national park and santa cruz boardwalk were close by and the staff were all so friendly, accomodating, and nice!"
United States
Jenna
The price is ¥13,804
¥15,952 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,002 reviews)
"The view was amazing, the rooms quite clean and spacious, and the pool/hot tub area was perfect."
United States
Sarah
The price is ¥21,209
¥30,992 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Chaminade Resort & Spa

Fern River Resort

Fern River Resort
3.0 star property
Felton
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (489 reviews)
"Great location near park and very spacious cabin. "
United States
Gustavo Gamboa
The price is ¥16,339
¥20,760 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Fern River Resort

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,322 reviews)
"Will definitely return- great location, pet friendly, spacious room and helpful staff."
United States
Lara
The price is ¥12,841
¥16,870 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.0 out of 10, Good, (1,004 reviews)
"Great value, hidden gem. Disregard the older reviews the ownership has changed and the rooms have been remodeled. For the price you get all the basic amenities with an even greater location close to the tourist area of santa cruz "
United States
Jarod
The price is ¥10,477
¥12,095 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (985 reviews)
"Very nice room. Great place and quiet"
United States
Amparo
The price is ¥10,372
¥14,671 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Seaside Inn & Suites

Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 10, (1,000 reviews)
"Had to switch rooms Smelled terrible Was dirty! Woke up multiple times because it was so loud. Cops arrived to hotel because there was issues happening in the hotel Horrible experience would not recommend "
United States
Jacqueline
The price is ¥12,664
¥15,636 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Motel Santa Cruz

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
4.0 star property
Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,277 reviews)
"Great stay, place is very nice. Definitely recommend and price was perfect. "
United States
Isabel
The price is ¥19,981
¥22,883 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (883 reviews)
"A nice place at a great price "
United States
David
The price is ¥10,301
¥12,003 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (911 reviews)
"Great warm welcoming, very professional, super helpful pointing out points of interest. Also, had a mid-afternoon delicious snack out for us (brownies yum)! Nice touch but most importantly, our room was very clean. We will most definitely come back and stay here again. Thank you so much Pacific Blue Inn for a wonderful stay!"
United States
Claire
The price is ¥19,077
¥22,580 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 12 - Apr 13
Pacific Blue Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, is a paradise of affordable fun for budget-conscious travelers. Start your adventure at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where the classic amusement park offers free admission and affordable ride tickets, making it easy to enjoy a day of thrills without breaking the bank. Just a short stroll away, you can explore Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its stunning rock formations and tide pools, perfect for a picturesque picnic or a day of beachcombing—all at no cost! If you're looking for culture, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History offers free admission on certain days, allowing you to soak in local creativity without spending a dime. For a unique experience, visit the Santa Cruz Farmer’s Market, where you can sample fresh, local produce and enjoy live music while you shop. When it comes to budget-friendly accommodations, the downtown area is particularly appealing, with a variety of cheap hotels that provide easy access to these attractions. Stay near Pacific Avenue, where you can wander charming shops, grab a bite at affordable eateries, and embrace the vibrant local scene. With so many activities and comfortable lodging options, Santa Cruz is a fantastic choice for families and adventurous travelers seeking memorable experiences without overspending.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

Travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Santa Cruz will find these five hotels offer great value without compromising on quality. Each hotel features essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay while being easy on the wallet.

Beach Street Inn and Suites

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Beach Street Inn and Suites is a charming budget-friendly option with a stellar review rating of 9.4, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy Santa Cruz's beautiful coastline. With free Wi-Fi and essential toiletries included, guests can relax and enjoy their stay without any worry. The hotel also provides beach towels and easy beach access for sun-filled days by the shore.
  • Other amenities: Guests will appreciate the inviting outdoor pool, hot tub, and daily housekeeping services for added convenience. The hotel boasts ocean views and features a private pool in select rooms for a touch of luxury. With nearby attractions like the boardwalk and hiking trails, Beach Street Inn and Suites is an ideal base for your Santa Cruz adventure.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.2 miles, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.28 miles

Marea Sol Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marea Sol Hotel stands out as a budget-friendly gem with an excellent review rating of 9.2, perfectly situated for travelers looking to explore Santa Cruz. Guests will appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi and essential toiletries while enjoying the nearby stunning beaches, making it a great choice for seaside escapes.
  • Other amenities: This inviting hotel features an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and ocean views from select rooms. Guests can unwind on furnished balconies while taking in the coastal atmosphere. The hotel also offers self-parking and easy access to nearby attractions, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay for all visitors.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.2 miles, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.17 miles, Main Beach - 0.12 miles

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveler reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Torch Lite Inn and Beachview Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 27 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the center in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transit options so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to see the area.

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