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Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
A coastal retreat just steps from Main Beach where the staff's local knowledge and genuine hospitality create a welcoming base for Santa Cruz adventures

Choose dates to view prices

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz captures the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Monterey Bay while providing essential comforts. Travelers can take a refreshing dip in the seasonal pool, stay connected with in-room WiFi, and appreciate the convenience of free self-parking.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Egyptian cotton linens
2 bedrooms
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton linens
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton linens
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
Egyptian cotton linens
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Egyptian cotton linens
2 bedrooms
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Main Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cat Cloud Companion - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel near Main Beach
Located close to Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Islander Motel Santa Cruz has plenty to offer. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • A seasonal outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • Access to a nearby health club, smoke-free premises, and a vending machine
  • A 24-hour front desk
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at Islander Motel Santa Cruz feature perks such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the clean rooms at the property.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and tubs or showers
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves, and daily housekeeping

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet (33 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1963
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
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
1 child per adult, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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
The seasonal pool will be open from May 15 to October 31
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property
Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, and guests under 5 years old are only allowed in the swimming pool with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a pool?

Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool.

Is Islander Motel 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 Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 25 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for USD 50.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Islander Motel Santa Cruz located?

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mission Santa Cruz and Main Beach. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Monterey Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.8

Cleanliness

7.8

Location

8.2

Staff & service

8.2

Eco-friendliness

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 418 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 377 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking, friendly, helpful person at check-in, close proximity to the downtown. Good value for the price. Have stayed here before and will stay here next time I’m in Santa Cruz
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was really nice, and gave great recommendations for great food near by. The room and very clear. The hotel is perfectly located within 5 minute walking distanced to main street area. 10/10 would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was good
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

DANIEL

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant short stay. Room was very small but had all the amenities we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every time we visit family in Santa Cruz
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were in walking distance of Front street and lots of food options.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Dena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Is was nice and close to tge beach, a little over priced.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Biswadeep

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and comfortable room
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a pleasant stay. Room nice and clean. Staff friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROSA PALACIOS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall, we had a great stay…!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

DARPAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nice and good host
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leoncio

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One night stay and perfect location for us. Clean, comfortable and quiet as we had a 2nd story room away from the busy street(223)!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Rooms itself were clean. the entire facility, however was tires. Just needs a refresh.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

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

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cru

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cruz. Staff is warm and welcoming. Location is very central to downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was clean. Staff very friendly. Parking spaces are tough, very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
just a cute no hassle surf hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always an enjoyable time here. Staff is super welcoming and professional. Will be booking again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant motel in great location. On a busy street but not that loud in the room. Convenient to downtown and walkable to the Boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved how comfortable the beds were. Everything was clean and neat, and there were plenty of amenities in the room to have a comfortable stay. Although we drove somewhere else for dinner, there are plenty of places to eat close by.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Langley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Islander Santa Cruz

Good, clean, no frills hotel. With the cost of rooms in the Santa Cruz area this was a great deal. Definitely would stay there again. Pool could use a cleaning
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
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Policies

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