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Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4.0 star property
Beachfront resort near Monterey Bay

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Outdoor pool, a heated pool, open 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas
Beach views
In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets
Beach views
In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(81 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King) | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - Two Queen)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - Two Queen)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(49 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive Two Qu)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive Two Qu)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower - Two Queen)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower - Two Queen)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(28 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - Two Queen)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - Two Queen)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - King ADA)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - King ADA)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King) | In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(23 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - Two Queen)

In-room safe, desk, free WiFi, bed sheets

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - Two Queen)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Dream Suite)

  • 600 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Suite - Tower)

  • 473 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (West Cliff Suite)

  • 600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Suite - Cloud Level)

  • 473 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed (Shore Break Suite ADA)

  • 580 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

On the beach.A stay at this Westside Santa Cruz resort places you within half a mile (1 km) of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2 miles (3 km) of Monterey Bay. Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Resorts in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stagnaro Bros. - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Marini’s at the Wharf - ‬11 min walk

About this property

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Beachfront resort near Monterey Bay
Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers its guests a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. There's a restaurant on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi.

There are 3 meeting rooms available. A terrace, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Dream Inn Santa Cruz. For a fee, parking is available.

This Santa Cruz resort is smoke free.

  • 165 guestrooms or units
  • 10 levels
  • Meeting rooms
  • Deli
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers 165 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies. Flat-screen televisions come with cable channels and pay movies.

This Santa Cruz resort provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa. Services include massages. The spa is open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Secured, uncovered self parking on site (USD 35 per night)
  • Secured, uncovered valet parking on site (USD 40 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 10 to 30 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Recycling
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
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: USD 100 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10.00 to 30.00 per person
  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 35 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Uncovered valet parking fee: USD 40.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 100 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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 accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Property is also known as

Dream Inn
Dream Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel
Dream Hotel Santa Cruz
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
a Joie De Vivre Hotel Hotel Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How close is Dream Inn Santa Cruz to the airport?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is 17.4 mi (29-min drive) away from the Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

As of Nov 27, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dream Inn Santa Cruz on Nov 30, 2025 start from $249.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

How close is Dream Inn Santa Cruz to the beach?

This resort is on the beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Dream Inn Santa Cruz, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 10.00 and 30.00 per person. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

No, there is no casino at this resort.

What time is check-in at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Free parking is not available at this resort. Self parking is available for USD 35 per night, and valet parking for USD 40.00 per night.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a pool?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz features an outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy pool access from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a restaurant?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is home to Jack O'Neill Restaurant, which features ocean views and a beachfront location.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a spa?

This resort has a spa, which features massages.

How close is Dream Inn Santa Cruz to downtown Santa Cruz?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is 1.1 mi away from Santa Cruz.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 750 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 148 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 1003 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jose

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice beachfront hotel with awesome views. Great place to stay with many dining options in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

sandra

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Staff & service
The pool was not all that.. needs to be resurface and too noisy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, right on the beach. Close to boardwalk, downtown and west cliff for walking or running. Staff was friendly and helpful. Our room was spacious and clean, wonderful little balcony too. We'll be back.
View from room
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

COLIN

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gemma

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The view makes this hotel worth visiting but the surrounding area is not the best part of Santa Cruz. Cool to be right on the beach though and amazing to watch your teenage kids surf in the sea from your balcony! Bathrooms very basic but clean towels and linen. Valet staff super friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great time. Great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

chris

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Over priced. Very expensive per night but objectively does not meet that quality. Being on the beach, you pick this hotel for location but it became easily evident that that wasn’t required, especially at the price point. The rooms were not clean, very dated, and not properly maintained. Even to the point of dangerous for some potential patrons.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

sara

Liked: Staff & service
If you get there at check in time , it's very hard to park with valet there's limited space...so keep that in mind. It's a big place in a great location overlooking the water, you can hear the waves crashing, that was wonderful, but you also hear everybody else. It's very loud and family friendly. So there's lots of children running around. Having a balcony is really, really nice. But the doors shutting in other rooms shakes your wall.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gina, Sacramento

Traveled with family
Ive stayed here many times over the years, and it just doesn't have the same mystical feeling about it.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was great, spacious, clean and loved our ocean view. Bed and pillows comfortable. Staff was nice, kind, welcoming and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best hotel in Santa Cruz! Walking distance to the wharf and the boardwalk! Best of all, all rooms have an ocean view! We always crack the patio door at night and sleep to the sound of the sea!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Shawn

Dndnenem
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Melinda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
View was perfect. So many much to observe. Easy walk to the Boardwalk and pier.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Harley, Vacaville

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is nice and very accessible to the beach and the boardwalk. The staff at the pool bar was some of the best service I have had in years.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

mike

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel. Expensive but great location. Excellent pool.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great! The pool and beach were perfect! Food poolside was good. Easy walk to the boardwalk. Clean hotel ad fun surf decor!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Super kid friendly. Warm hot tub. Taco bar for lunch. Easy beach access and easy walking to boardwalk. Kids had a blast! Ages 3 & 6.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Nayeli

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gail

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

Lovely Overnight Get Away

Dream Inn has been perfect for our quick get aways. The location on the beach is awesome! Awesome service by the reservations staff and front desk. Parking fee is a bit steep though.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lucia

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
The location and views are great. However, the room needs lots of updates, specially in the bathroom ( grout on the floor/corners coming apart, gray/black grout in the bathroom, scratches and wholes in the cabinets). It was also very noisy, you could hear everything from the rooms next to us and people walking in the hallways. The pool was nice but needs a good clean. There is a lot of buildup around the pool, specially in the jacuzzi. We didn’t stay long. The worst part was the hostess at the restaurant. She was very rude and condescending. Even though the restaurant had many open seats, she asked if we would leave by 11am “because a lot of people like to camp out and stay long.” What kind of welcome is that?! Food was ok, but we didn’t return during our stay. Overall great location, but the amenities and our room need updates to be at the high-end level that is advertised as.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025