See all properties

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

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk. - Islander Motel Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony. - Islander Motel Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
Point of interest - Islander Motel Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window. - Islander Motel Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi. - Islander Motel Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz)
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

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a door leading to a bathroom.

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, a small table, a bathroom with a sink and mirror, and a framed picture on the wall.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, a wooden nightstand, a chair, a table, a painting on the wall, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(34 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a bathroom, and a small dining table.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a television, and a door leading to a bathroom.

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS NON SMOKING

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE KING SIZE BED

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighborhood in Santa Cruz, Islander Motel Santa Cruz is near a metro station and near the beach. Mission Santa Cruz and Mystery Spot are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Capitola Beach and Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum are not to be missed. Take time off to check out the hot springs and health/beauty spa in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like mountain biking nearby. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Motels in Santa Cruz
Map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • A historic half-timbered building with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a red brick sidewalk.
    Ocean Street
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • A street with a clock tower, a tram, and a building with a sign.
    Pacific Avenue
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • A church with a wooden door and a bell tower.
    Mission Santa Cruz
    13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • A pier extending into the ocean with a roller coaster in the background.
    Santa Cruz Wharf
    2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Taqueria Los Pericos
    11 min walk
  • Jack in the Box
    4 min walk
  • Pacific Cookie Company
    9 min walk
  • Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz
    9 min walk
  • The Buttery
    6 min walk

Similar properties

Exterior
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 1,001 reviews
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Compare similar properties

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: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

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 noon 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)

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: midnight. 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

8.4

Very Good

9.0

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.4

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 474 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 361 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1010 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 54 out of 1010 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maryn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable yet very clean. Very friendly staff. We would definitely stay there again and recommend to our friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Selene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed there for one night quick trip to Santa Cruz room was clean and just what we needed for one day only problem is parking is tight. Other than that would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

CARLA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay. All staff were helpful and able to accommodate an additional night’s stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

zita

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was clean, close to downtown Santa Cruz. Parking felt safe
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Conor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and the room was clean. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was clean and everyone was very nice. Only thing to update is windows to keep out traffic noise. A good place between the beach and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, good location, attentive staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel/hotel was super super clean, with nice bathrooms and very comfortable beds. Would come back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Whenever I come to Santa Cruz, I always stay at this motel. Great staff the room is comfortable always clean. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mauro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, 711 down the street , Thai food , Mexican, & other food places near by, walkable to beach & dispensary across the street. good price. Bathroom had a slight smell & the bathroom vents filter could be replaced as it was very dusty but other than that great.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was tight but doable. Room pleasant and clean. Staff very friendly. Keurig coffee available in morning. Wonderful bakery/cafe walking distance for breakfast, The Buttery. Nice Deli across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice and clean. Nice staff. We didn't like waiting 30 minutes for our room to be finished at check in.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fast check in/checkout. Great rooms. Easy parking. Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had a great stay here at the Islander. The room was clean and smelled good, the staff was friendly and helpful, and check-in and check-out were easy. Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking on site and free. Check in was simple. Staff was super friendly. Nice pool. Very convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always nice to stay here when we're in Santa Cruz. We love how convenient the location is to downtown. And the staff is so lovely and remember which room we like to stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Clean room. The downside was their pool was not heated or open and they had no coffee machines in room. Had to wait till 7am to get from office
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Islander is one of the most nicely remodeled and maintained classic motels that I have stayed at in a long time. It's nice to get the vintage vibe while having an otherwise modern experience. Munaf and Rose were awesome and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My go to hotel in SC. Clean Safe and the owners are wonderful!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The man was very rude..tight parking . Rooms were clean pool was clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You can't beat the price and the accommodations were fine, considering. The owners were pleasant and helpful. Given the price, you might be surprised there's a pool and from my experience it's probably more accurate/helpful to think that they don't. Looks fine from the parking lot but nothing you'd want to get in when you see it up close. Again, it's a great deal if you're looking to save a buck.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent room with amazing bed and quality pillows. Very clean and spacious. Keurig coffee in lobby. Low price but high on quality.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, comfortable and very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Biswadeep

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