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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Travelers enjoy the beachside atmosphere and convenient pool access at this Santa Cruz hotel, where evening relaxation pairs with practical dry cleaning services

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Photo gallery for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Pool - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Free daily continental breakfast - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Exterior - Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a coastal experience with practical amenities. Guests enjoy free continental breakfast, a swimming pool, and a spa tub to relax after exploring the nearby famous boardwalk.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms

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

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor) | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor) | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

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

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

Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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
  • Free WiFi

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

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(3 reviews)
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial) | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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
  • Free WiFi

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

Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

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
  • Free WiFi

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

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

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

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. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center and Boardwalk Bowl are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and hiking/biking trails. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Motels in Santa Cruz
Map
130 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • Pier at Santa Cruz, California
    Santa Cruz Wharf
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue
    Pacific Avenue
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    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

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

About this property

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
At Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz, you can look forward to free continental breakfast, a grocery/convenience store, and dry cleaning/laundry services. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a business center, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices).
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • A computer station, a banquet hall, and a vending machine
  • Smoke-free premises
Room features
All guestrooms at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz have comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free toiletries and hair dryers
  • Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

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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

  • Bedsheets 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

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
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham)
Masks are required at the property for guests without COVID-19 vaccination
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

Property is also known as

Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Inn Fisherman`s Wharf Santa Cruz Hotel Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Boardwalk
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz

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 1.1 mi (1.8 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

8.6

Location

7.4

Staff & service

6.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 239 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 350 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 211 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 104 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 96 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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

10/10 Excellent

Janine

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

8/10 Good

Larry

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

8/10 Good

Sarah

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

10/10 Excellent

Ramandeep

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

4/10 Poor

Martha

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was too small, felt cramped and stuffy. Very efe óptions for breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gena

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

8/10 Good

Bonnie

Clean room
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff is super nice. I live staying here
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

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

8/10 Good

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Room was spacious and clean. Breakfast good with waffles. Covered spa area was enjoyable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Cindy

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

10/10 Excellent

Gloria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room, friendly service y safe area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kelsie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hot tub wasn’t working, they said it would be fixed the day after we got there and it was never fixed. Breakfast had a couple of good things. You need a remote for the AC that they don’t tell you about until you ask why your AC doesn’t work. Good location tho.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We had a great stay and enjoyed the hot tub and other amenities. Very friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Catrina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location for walking to red d
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The location was close to the boardwalk and pier, a 7 minute walk. A plus so you don't need to pay $25 for parking. The staff were friendly. The lobby to check in seems to have cats because I can smell them and was getting an allergy attack. We had a room with a view of the ocean/pier with a balcony. That was nice. The room itself was dated, especially the bathrooms. Breakfast consisted of oatmeal packets, basic bread for toast, a tray of boiled eggs, yogurt, a waffle machine and drinks (coffee, orange juice, etc.). Not very healthy or what I expected/desired. Overall, a great location with a dated interior and subpar breakfast. I would not stay again only because of the smell of cats in the lobby.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Loved the balcony and view! Nice check in gal and such an easy walk to the Pier and beach ⛱️ We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice and clean room. Close to the beach.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

perfect little spot

The location was perfect! Free parking and walking distance to the Wharf
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Liked breakfast included.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wade

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. The young lady behind the desk was incredible. Very accommodating and friendly. Will definitely book another stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beds are a little on the uncomfortable side but overall good location and nice stay.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness
So close to boardwalk and restaurants! Very nice manager, checked in early, parked early
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025