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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a street with palm trees and buildings. - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A multi-story hotel with a flat facade, multiple balconies, and a sign indicating it is part of the Howard Johnson network. - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a view of the ocean. - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a large window with a view. - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
An indoor swimming pool with steps leading into it, surrounded by tables and chairs under a covered area. - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is located near Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz, which provides free continental breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and dry cleaning/laundry services. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices), and guests can find other amenities such as a business center.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

View all photos for Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

A hotel room with two beds, a chair, a desk, and a window with curtains.

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, a chair, and a mirror.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a view of the ocean.

Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a TV, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk, and a view of the city.

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, a wardrobe, and a shower area.

Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a TV.

Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

Room

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a microwave, a small desk, and a window with a city view.

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is in the entertainment district and near the beach. Mystery Spot and Roaring Camp Railroads are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Motels in Santa Cruz
Map
130 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • 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
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A beachside amusement park with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, and a building with a red roof.
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Ideal Bar & Grill
    4 min walk
  • Las Palmas Taco Bar
    2 min walk
  • Boardwalk Bowl
    7 min walk
  • De La Hacienda Taqueria
    10 min walk
  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
    3 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • 4 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 45
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
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 not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)

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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Frequently asked questions

Is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 45 (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 50.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz located?

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay is 0.6 mi (1 km) away.

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

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Reviews

7.2

Good

7.8

Cleanliness

8.4

Location

7.4

Staff & service

6.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 253 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 349 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 201 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 97 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were clean, staff was friendly, and it is only a quick walk to the Broadwalk. Parking is limited and tight.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean and comfortable. Firm bed was nice and comfortable. Location was the best part as we like to eat and drink a little on the wharf and it's basically across the street with a short walk. Ocean view was filtered from the first floor so if you want a view you'll need to request the second floor.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super clean and great location! Price is right and would stay again! Easy parking too!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great, room was good but the place needs updates. You feel like you're transported back to the 80s here. However, it is a cute little getaway by the beach, they were very accommodating and we had no problems here. Would come here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location and friendly staff were the best parts. Perfect short walk to beach and boardwalk. The hotel is a good 2 star. Not fancy but still great. Celeste and her staff were so friendly!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone and everything was great! We stay there yearly . Clean convenient and nice general breakfast!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great check in experience, great location. Cozy Lil hot tub. Walls are a wee bit thin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Much improved motel. Location cannot be beat - right across from wharf and beach and a short walk to Boardwalk. Continental breakfast was fine with a very nice breakfast room. Hotel manager was very helpful at check-in. Room was clean with housekeeping every day. Larger than usual mini-fridge and a microwave - both of which we used. Coin operated laundry was also a plus. Not upscale but quite satisfactory.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Property was clean and very cute. The bed is extra firm. The biggest issue we had was our toilet was clogged. The morning after our first night, my husband went to the office to let them know. He was given a plunger and told it was normal. Plunging didn’t help. It was quite disgusting. We should have complained again and insisted on another room. The breakfast is continental. Yogurt, toast, 2 different cereals and a waffle maker, coffee and regular tea. That’s it. No fruit or juices offered. Location is convenient. Overall, the property was satisfactory.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was not bad overall. The room was comfortable, although a little dated, and the location was very central. However, it was close to an overpass, so the room was a bit noisy. The refrigerator was also quite old and made some noise during the night. The staff were friendly and helpful, the parking was included, and the breakfast was good. Overall, a decent stay with some room for improvement.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was clean convenient to local boardwalk attraction and beach. All walkable. Our room had 3 beds separate room had 2 beds and one by itself. Staff was very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location near wharf. Within walking distance of many local sights of interest.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind. The room was clean. Breakfast was good. I would come back again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Solid breakfast, enjoyed the hot tub, friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was good. Clean rooms and well kept
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Staff was courteous and helpful, and the room was clean. This motel definitely shows it's age, looks to be built in the 70s with 90s styling. The tub, while clean, was well worn from years of use. Location was good, just a 5 minute walk from the pier. Parking lot is awful, bring your smallest car if you want to maneuver around into and out of some of the spaces (seemed to us that these were the only ones left if you arrive later in the evening)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean and in a great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean, and the staff was wonderful. It was within walking distance to the pier, the boardwalk, and the markets. I would recommend to anyone this is really a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was amazing staff was more than accommodating and nice
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly room and bathroom were dated and could use some updating to be comfortable. Not what I expected for the price per night
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous staff, comfortable bed.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
great place for the family of 6 right by the beach breakfast was great but the hot tub was cold!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old property but in good conditions. Very convenient location. Breakfast is basic (typical motel) but fine and it's nice to have it included whether you want to use it or not. The A/C in the room was very loud and we ended up open the window instead (nights are cool). However, the room faced the parking, so it was a bit noisy. Overall, you get what you pay for.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean when we arrived. Loved the ocean view from the second floor. No elevator, I have limited mobility so 18 stairs were hard to do. Smoke alarm went off at 5 am as batteries were low. All in all a good stay, not great but good.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026