Santa Cruz Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz, California

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Top Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Mission Inn

2.5 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1001)
"Pleasant surprise."
The price is €97
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Mission Inn

Beachview Inn

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1000)
"Very close to beach. Ocean smells all around. "
The price is €85
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Beachview Inn

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (494)
"The room was super clean, the owners & staff were really nice!!"
The price is €89
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
The Aqua Pacific Hotel

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

3.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1016)
"The property was clean and well-maintained. Rooms were a bit dated, and could be slightly upgraded or refreshed. Otherwise, it was a pleasant and comfortable stay."
The price is €117
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1016)
"Great location. Walking distance to the ocean and downtown."
The price is €91
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4.0 star property
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1013)
"Easy check in offered a late check out with was appreciated. The room was clean and large with a great shower and comfortable bed. Amazing views from our balcony, make sure you are awake for sunrise. The food at the Jack O'Neill restaurant was delicious and the staff were friendly. Would definitely recommend this restaurant and hotel. A must do when in Santa Cruz."
The price is €261
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Beach Street Inn and Suites

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1006)
"Very clean and nice staff!"
The price is €141
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Beach Street Inn and Suites

Continental Inn

2.0 star property
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1001)
"Super clean. Very convenient and easy check in. "
The price is €86
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Continental Inn

Surf City Inn and Suites

2.0 star property
6.8 out of 10, (1022)
"Wonderful!"
The price is €77
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Surf City Inn and Suites

Torch Lite Inn

2.5 star property
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1012)
"Rooms are nice, location isn’t too far from the boardwalk or downtown too. "
The price is €76
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Torch Lite Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveller reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn.
How many low-cost hotels can I expect to find in Santa Cruz?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia’s 16 budget hotels in Santa Cruz.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn’t as good. The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 677 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the centre in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn’t suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transport options so renting a car could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.