Welcome to Dream Inn Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz

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From475US$ /night
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Dream Inn Santa Cruz, a 4-star beachfront retreat in California's original surf town, offers panoramic views of Santa Cruz's Boardwalk, 100-year-old Wharf, and Monterey Bay.

Ocean View Rooms

Each room at Dream Inn Santa Cruz features complimentary high-speed wireless internet, iPod docking stations, large flat-screen TVs, premium in-room coffee, bathrobes, and laptop-sized safes. All accommodations include private balconies or patios with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.

Coastal Dining Experience

Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge serves locally-sourced seafood from Monterey Bay following sustainability standards and seasonal produce from area farmers. A collection of signature cocktails makes for a fitting toast to a successful day of surfing.

Beachfront Leisure Options

The renovated outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub provide ocean views for those not interested in getting sandy. Complimentary beach cruisers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and Sunday morning yoga is offered from May through October.

Panoramic Event Spaces

The Dream Ballroom offers floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the Santa Cruz Wharf, West Cliff Drive, and Monterey Bay. Three flexible event spaces span a combined 325 m², accommodating up to 200 guests for weddings, retreats, or receptions.

Prime Beach Location

Located directly atop Cowell Beach, the Dream Inn is steps away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf. Pacific Avenue's eclectic array of stores and eateries is within walking distance, while Mineta San Jose International Airport is 55 km away.

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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
32 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
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Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
32 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
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Ocean View Executive Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
32 m² 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre
Santa Cruz 1.2 km
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 54.7 km
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 68.5 km
Bus
Bus stop100 m

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
240 m
35 Pacific Ave
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
250 m
Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
570 m
Store
Cowell Beach
230 m
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
360 m
Restaurants
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
210 m
175 West Cliff Drive
Ideal Bar & Grill
270 m
106 Beach St
The Picnic Basket
320 m
125 Beach St
Sawasdee By The Sea
380 m
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Casablanca Bistro
470 m
101 Main St
FireFish Grill
660 m
25 Municipal Wharf
South Beach Pizza Company
500 m
303 Beach St
Riva Fish House
660 m
31 Municipal Wharf
Gilberts On The Wharf
640 m
460 Municipal Wharf
Splash
840 m
49A Municipal Wharf
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
1.1 km
Municipal Wharf

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 7 reviews
4.5/5 based on 3752 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 830 reviews
#5 of 55 hotels in Santa Cruz based on Tripadvisor
Frank
United Kingdom, May  2024
8.4/10

I couldn't ask for a better experience at this hotel! The oceanfront view and friendly service made my stay unforgettable. However, the squeaky pullout couch was a bit of a downside.

Rooms
8.0
Waking up to the oceanfront view was breathtaking, and the room was cozy despite the squeaky pullout couch.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, even fulfilling our special requests promptly.
Location
9.0
Being right in front of the beach was a dream come true! The hilltop location added a touch of serenity to the stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining options were satisfactory, with delicious hamburgers on the menu. However, a wider selection would have been appreciated.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel facilities were top-notch, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Ed
United States, March  2024
8.8/10

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The rooms offered stunning views with private balconies and 180-degree views, and the air conditioning was a blessing in the summer heat. The service was incredibly warm and welcoming, meeting all our needs with a smile. The location was unbeatable, right on the beach next to the Boardwalk. However, the dining options were limited, which was a slight drawback. The facilities were top-notch, making our stay even more enjoyable.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious and offered amazing views from the private balcony.
Service
9.0
The service was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate our special requests.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location was perfect, right on the beach next to the Boardwalk, offering easy access to all the beachfront activities.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was satisfactory, but I wished there were more traditional bread options available.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were impressive, providing everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Jimmy
United Kingdom, September  2023
8.4/10

My stay at the hotel was wonderful! The rooms were cozy with an amazing view, equipped with all the amenities one could need inside, and even had a balcony to enjoy. The service was exceptional, with staff who met all our needs and special requests warmly and welcomingly. The location was unbeatable, right on the beach with a beautiful view. The dining experience offered fresh meats which was a delight. Overall, a great place to stay with just a few minor downsides.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were cozy with an amazing view and all necessary amenities.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, with staff who were warm, welcoming, and attentive to our needs.
Location
10.0
The hotel is situated right on the beach, offering a beautiful and relaxing view.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good, offering fresh meats for a satisfying meal.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were well-maintained and added to the overall comfort of the stay.
Rick
United States, August  2023
8.6/10

My stay at this hotel was a delightful experience. The rooms offered a beautiful view of the ocean from a private balcony, creating a serene atmosphere. The service was exceptional, with staff who were warm, welcoming, and attentive to all our needs. The location, set over the ocean, was simply stunning, adding a touch of magic to our vacation. However, the dining options, though not included, could have been more varied.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were on the ceiling above, with a great oceanfront view from a private balcony.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, and the maids were excellent.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location set over the ocean was a true gem, offering a unique and picturesque setting for a relaxing stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience, although not included, was satisfactory, with home-made pies and jams adding a homey touch.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities provided all we needed for a comfortable stay, making our vacation truly enjoyable.
Michael
United Kingdom, August  2023
8.6/10

The hotel's location by the ocean is stunning, offering beautiful views even from the first level rooms. The service was exceptional, meeting all our needs and special requests with warmth. The proximity to various attractions makes it a convenient choice. However, the dining options were not included, slightly affecting the overall experience.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms provide amazing views of the water, even on the first level.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, although a softer mattress would have enhanced the comfort. The maids provided excellent service.
Location
10.0
The hotel is conveniently located near many attractions and right on the beach, making it a perfect choice for easy access to the Boardwalk and the pier.
Dining
7.0
Dining was not included, which was a downside.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel provides all necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
William
United Kingdom, June  2023
8.2/10

The hotel offers a great view with a squeaky pullout couch, but the ceiling above may need attention. The service was very nice, although a softer mattress would have been appreciated. The location is directly on the beach, which is amazing, but the lack of wireless cellphone towers in the beautiful forest area nearby might affect connectivity. The dining experience featured Italian products. The facilities were convenient and modern.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms provide a great view and amenities, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit bothersome.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, and the maids were excellent in meeting all our needs. However, a softer mattress would have enhanced the comfort level.
Location
9.0
The hotel is literally on the beach, offering an unparalleled seaside experience. However, the absence of wireless cellphone towers in the nearby forest area might pose a challenge for connectivity.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience included delightful Italian products.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities are modern and convenient, providing a comfortable stay.
Great view
Squeaky couch
Carol
United States, May  2023
7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms had a beautiful view, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit annoying. The service was very nice, although I wished the mattress was softer. The location was perfect, right on the beach, but it was a bit too busy for my liking. The dining options were not included but were satisfactory. The facilities provided were decent for a comfortable stay.

Rooms
7.0
The room had a beautiful view, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit bothersome.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, but I would have preferred a softer mattress.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect, right on the beach, although it was a bit too busy for my preference.
Dining
7.0
The dining was not included, but the options available were satisfactory.
Facilities
The facilities provided were decent for a comfortable stay.
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Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room