Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Dream Inn Santa Cruz

A spacious indoor area with wicker furniture, large windows offering a view of the beach and ocean, and a surf shop sign. - Dream Inn Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Creator video - submitted by Sandra G
A balcony with a sofa, armchairs, and a table with drinks, overlooking a pool and umbrellas. - Dream Inn Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the ocean. - Dream Inn Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A modern building with multiple dining areas, large windows, and a view of the beach and palm trees. - Dream Inn Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Close to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Dream Inn Santa Cruz provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and a firepit. This resort is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location and beachfront dining. Treat yourself to a massage at the onsite spa. The on-site restaurant, Jack O'Neill Restaurant, features ocean views. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as a coffee shop/cafe and dry cleaning/laundry services.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 15 of 15 rooms

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(93 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Two Queen - Beach Level)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(62 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Two Queen - Beac)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Beach Le)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(32 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity Two Queen - Beach)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity King ADA - Beach )

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Cloud Le)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Wave Lev)

  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower King - Wave Level)

  • Ocean view
  • 31 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE GRAND DELUXE

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE KING BED

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE OCEAN VIEW

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located on the beach, Dream Inn Santa Cruz is in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighborhood in Santa Cruz. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach, while Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Roaring Camp Railroads are popular area attractions. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Resorts in Santa Cruz
Map
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and houses on the cliffside.
    Cowell's Beach
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.
    Santa Cruz Wharf
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A street with a clock tower, a tram, and a building with a sign.
    Pacific Avenue
    5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)
    49 min drive

Restaurants

  • Ideal Bar & Grill
    3 min walk
  • Stagnaro Bros.
    11 min walk
  • Marini’s at the Wharf
    11 min walk
  • Boardwalk Bowl
    7 min walk
  • Makai Island Kitchen
    9 min walk

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Secured, uncovered self parking on site (USD 35 per night)
  • Secured, uncovered valet parking on site (USD 40 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 10 to 30 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 10 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Recycling
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 100 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 40 lbs per pet)
Pets cannot be left unattended
Specific rooms only, restrictions apply; pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 30.00 per night
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10.00 to 30.00 per person
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 35 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Uncovered valet parking fee: USD 40.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 100 per pet (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 30.00 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Children under 15 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision

Frequently asked questions

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools. Pool access is from 7:30 AM–10:00 PM.

Is Dream Inn Santa Cruz pet-friendly?

Yes, this resort allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 40 lbs per pet. There's a fee of USD 100 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for USD 35 per night. Valet parking is available for USD 40.00 per night.

What time is check-in at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dream Inn Santa Cruz located?

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this beachfront resort is in the city center and within a 10-minute walk of Cowell's Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Main Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf are also within 5 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

9.0

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 794 out of 1045 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 150 out of 1045 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 1045 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 22 out of 1045 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 1045 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Henry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful views, close to shops, restaurants, amusement park, easily walkable, pool and on the beach.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Haley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location for any occasion
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Beverly A.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location with direct beach access. It’s an older property, but clean. Super friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First visit at this hotel and it was beautiful our room had a nice ocean view and a slight view of the pool area. The rooms were clean and we fell comfortable with our young Babies.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the views…
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the old California style. We had a very enjoyable stay, The hotel is positioned nicely near the beach and boardwalk, the property is well cared for and managed. The only down side was the extraordinarily high price (twice that of a more fancy hotel) for accomodations during the summer season.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Austin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience and great staff. Cant beat the view and beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chandah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location. Adorable decore. Cant beat the view and beach access. Pool was fun with great service and tasty food and drinks.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great family place. Rooms were clean & updated to a very cool surf vibe!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The beach view was beautiful. And the pool/hot tub area was very kid and adult friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay. Love the pool which is situated facing beach with stairs onto beach from pool deck. Wharf for dinner and boardwalk are easy walk from hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of the best locations I've ever stayed in.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jeanene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
View was great, staff friendly . Only issue was the water temperature in the shower. It stayed really warm and we couldn’t get it cooler .
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Sarah

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Great views and right on beach. Nice retro surf vibe. If you have and/or love kids, this is a great place. However, if you want a quiet, couples trip, this is not the place. Pool and hot tub are jammed with kids all the time and quite dirty.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
1st..all rooms have a balcony view...with glass fencing. The food is good...the location is THE best in Santa Cruz!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place, location was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Gwendolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The restaurant in property was great. Good breakfast. Fair prices. The happy hour cocktails by the poool were great. Beautiful overlooking the beach. The room is a basic motel room though. Nothing special. Unsure what the big hype over this hotel is, but we enjoyed our stay being nearby the boardwalk.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Fahm

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and good for family. They had beach volleyball balls for the kids to check out to play. The pool looked cleaned but some construction was on site. We enjoyed our stay. The view was so nice and relaxing. Wished we stayed longer than two days.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome rooms facing the ocean. Clean room, comfortable bed and bathroom had good water pressure. Very cool surfer vibe hotel. Excellent customer service by staff and valet....
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cameron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Dream Inn is always our go to spot. The hotel is close to everything fun, clean and the staff are great!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous view from the balcony, highly recommend the cloud rooms. Lovely stay, helpful staff. Getting from hotel down to the beach in a wheelchair requires a bit of a maze but it is doable and the staff knew how to direct me through that maze without having to look it up which is always nice from an accessibility training standpoint.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Terri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The views were great! The bed was comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beach view. Truly heated pool. Great staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the retro vibe at this hotel! Bed was comfortable and decorations were nice. The ac didn’t work great in our room but otherwise, we enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Garry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The housekeeping staff was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026