A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Tonight
Sep 26 - Sep 27
Tomorrow
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Next weekend
Oct 2 - Oct 4
In two weeks
Oct 9 - Oct 11

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a small table.
A balcony with a view of a parking lot, a building with multiple floors, and palm trees.
A Pepsi vending machine with various drink options.
A multi-story building with a modern design, featuring a central entrance with glass doors, parking spaces on either side, and a blue-lit facade.

1. Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Justin
￥8,386
￥12,397 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 5 - Oct 6
Seaside Inn & Suites
A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.
A row of motel buildings with orange doors and railings, featuring a central staircase and a parking lot.
A reception area with a counter, a desk, and a chair. There are framed pictures on the wall and a small shelf with magazines.
A room with a grey sofa, two wooden chairs, a small table with papers, and a large window with a view of parked cars and greenery outside.

2. Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Michael
￥9,953
￥13,185 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Beachview Inn
An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and a high ceiling with a balcony.
A hotel room with a bathroom, a desk, a bed, and a window.
A hotel sign with a logo and name, surrounded by a well-maintained garden with various plants and a stone wall.
A hotel lobby with a yellow color scheme, a double staircase, and a person pushing a luggage cart.

3. The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
SONIA ARACELI MATA
￥9,471
￥13,348 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.
A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".
A hot tub with a metal ladder, surrounded by greenery and a concrete deck.
A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

4. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Anthony
￥11,646
￥15,492 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Ocean Pacific Lodge
A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.
A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.
A modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.
A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Frank
￥23,395
￥26,909 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 30 - Oct 1
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
A rectangular swimming pool with clear water, marked lanes, and a metal ladder.
A golf course with artificial green turf, a flagstick, and a stone wall.
A compact kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and wooden cabinets.
An outdoor patio with red umbrellas, wicker chairs, and a stone wall.

6. Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Lorena
￥9,638
￥12,132 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Surf City Inn and Suites
A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.
A hotel room with a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a chair, a lamp, and a window with curtains.
A reception area with a receptionist desk, a large potted plant, a sofa with a colorful cushion, and a view through the glass doors.
A wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

7. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Bertha
￥14,652
￥16,958 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.
A hotel room with two beds, a balcony, and large colorful wall art.
A roller coaster at a seaside amusement park with a beach and pier in the background.
A restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

8. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Kelly
￥12,462
￥14,728 total
includes taxes & fees
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Carousel Beach Inn
A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.
A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, a round coffee table, and a blue ottoman. There is a desk with a chair, a framed picture on the wall, and a large window with curtains.
A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a beach and pier with palm trees.
A desk with a telephone and a lamp, a chair, and a window with a view of a bridge and a body of water.

9. Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Lisa
￥18,583
￥21,510 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Marea Sol Hotel
A poolside area with seating, palm trees, and a building with balconies.
A pool area with blue umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a white fence.
A multi-story hotel with balconies, a parking area, and a clear sky.
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a large flat-screen TV, and a small Christmas tree on the counter.

10. Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares
Westside Santa Cruz
United States
Sanmatie
￥9,910
￥14,627 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Hotel Solares
View all properties

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

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent
"Great location"
Emily 3-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

10/10 Excellent
"The location worked well for the activities that I planned. The breakfast was suitable for my needs. The staff very helpful. The room was spacious. The hotel is has two stories and no elevator. Fortunately they sent a message to make me aware of this and I got a needed first floor room."
Debra 2-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

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 Beachview Inn and Torch Lite 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 Santa Cruz Main Beach and Cowell's 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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