Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

2.5 star property
Motel near Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Reception
Exterior
Property grounds
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
325 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(51 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(48 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz stay.A stay at this Westside Santa Cruz motel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2 miles (3 km) of Monterey Bay. Pacific Avenue and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Pacific Avenue - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Motel near Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz
As a guest of Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool, a terrace, and a vending machine. Public spaces have free WiFi. Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz also features a garden, a picnic area, and express check-out.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 38 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz offers 38 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with cable channels. Housekeeping is provided on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking within 0.15 miles (USD 15 per day), from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Street parking available
  • Limited onsite parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal 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.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from September 22 to March 20:
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • Pets: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Offsite parking fee: USD 15 per day (0.15 mi away; open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

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 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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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. Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. 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

  • The seasonal pool will open March 19 and close September 13.
  • Guests may experience noise disturbance due to nearby construction work.

Property is also known as

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Bay Front Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Hotel Santa Cruz
Bay Front Motel
Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How close is Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz to the airport?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is 17.1 mi (27-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 Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

As of Nov 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Dec 1, 2025 start from $72.44, 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 Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz.

How close is Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz to the beach?

This motel is a short 6-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach and 6-minute walk from Main Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM. Early check-in costs USD 25 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Free parking is not available at this motel.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have a pool?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz features a seasonal outdoor pool. The pool is closed seasonally each year from September 22 to March 20.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz to downtown Santa Cruz?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is 0.9 mi away from Santa Cruz.

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 325 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 238 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 199 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 121 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 118 out of 1001 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the two bedrooms and convenience to the boardwalk!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was comfortable stay in
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Oyu Erdene

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Room key fix

Loved it there but they definitely could find a way for the room keys not to lose connection so easily, I had to get mine reactivated and it was just in my wallet.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Shirell

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The lobby didn’t out to 3:00. I have to wait to 3:00 clock to check in . Because they were under staff. The room a hair dryer didn’t work. The housekeeper only clean my room one day. I take my own garbage outside.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Desiree

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness
The parking absolutely sucks. The beds are not comfortable. We did enjoy the convenience and location of the hotel. 3min walk to the wharf and beach. Overall I give this place a 3.5 star rating only because for the price you pay the rooms should be cleaner
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

AnJeanette

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking is a huge hassle because there aren’t enough spaces. Luckily most things are walkable if you are able to park in the lot, otherwise everything is paid or metered on the street.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Connie

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms appeared poorly kept, unsafe neighborhood, and noisy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Was a good stay. Loved that it was by the boardwalk. Parking was challenging at times but thankfully we were able to get a spot in the parking lot
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed here several times, but I noticed they have made some upgrades, such as adding more lighting to their parking lot but it’s not too bright to where you can’t sleep at night. I really like the area, and the staff is friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amardeep

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and close to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband got locked out outside coz the key don't work but nobody on front desk or security to ask . He called the phone number many times but the lady show up after hes frustrated already...
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ciara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel! Just needs more parking :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kao

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness
Checked late, no parking available. Park the car across the parking park and got a ticket. Will not return.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary Elizzabeth

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Very close to everything but poor quality rooms. Rooms are very small and close to one another along with the door not shutting properly. Nice and easy going staff but wouldn’t return again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

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

Wish we could of stayed longer

Check in is at 3pm...everything was pretty quick in the lobby. They have a pool, and you can sign out certain things to play in the pool that was fun for the kids. Our coffee pot, it wasn't working and service. The maid service man, they were awesome. She was awesome. She immediately tried to fix the situation, cleaned it up. Couldn't fix it. So she got another coffee pot. I mean, she really was very sweet, limited english.But you could understand that she was trying her best and her best was great. The motel is very close 2, the boardwalk, which made it even better. You didn't have to drive your car. You could just walk literally less than 5 minutes to the arcade area for kids. Had a good time and the motel made it easy. Just as quick to walk to a sit down, breakfast had a great time. Thank you so much
Didn't get a photo of the motel unfortunately.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Aubree

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

6/10 Okay

Daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking is always full, barhroom door and front foor hard to open
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bates Motel

Everything's broken , including the front door TV BROKEN, the flush plunger on the toilet broken. Towel holder broken. Hole in bathroom door. Front door wound not close No live front desk person
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Brenda

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was happy with the property, parking was fine. Internet was good. Staff was helpful. After hours check-in was simple the lady was very nice. My only problem was that the TV quit working staff tried to reconnect it but it wouldn't work for them either. But we were tired from a long day at the beach so no big deal. Will definitely come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Limited parking and pet area very limited
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Bertha Gonzalez

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrible communication from motel, called and texted multiple times we were running late when we got there no one was there no parking at all people illegally parked, couldn't even check in had to go elsewhere, very unresponsive
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025