Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Lobby
Property amenity
Exterior

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
130 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Oceanside 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. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center and Pacific Avenue are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Bar & Grill - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz
A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. There's an onsite business center. Free breakfast is served daily. A hot tub, a vending machine, and laundry facilities are also featured at the business-friendly Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 27 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 4 buildings
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Convenience store
  • No smoking on site
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers 27 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 45
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • 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.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (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, 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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
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 affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham)
Masks are required at the property for guests without COVID-19 vaccination
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
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. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. Masks are required in public areas for unvaccinated guests. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham).

Property is also known as

Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Inn Fisherman`s Wharf Santa Cruz Hotel Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Boardwalk
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How close is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz to the airport?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is 17.2 mi (28-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 Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

As of Oct 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz on Nov 2, 2025 start from $101.15, 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 Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz.

How close is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz to the beach?

This motel is a short 4-minute walk from Main Beach and 4-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers free continental breakfast every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM. Early check-in costs USD 45 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz have a pool?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz does not have a pool.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz to downtown Santa Cruz?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is 1 mi away from Santa Cruz.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 225 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 353 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 225 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 102 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 95 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.4/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

LINDA, Berkeley

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very happy with our overall stay. Hotel staff friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Liked breakfast included.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Keily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Overnight anniversary trip

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Disliked: Staff & service
I will never do business with this shady company again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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

Never again

A lot of noise from the street and we were in one of the rooms off the hallway leading to the hot tub. People were talking loudly and singing in the hot tub after 11PM and it sounded like they were just outside the door. The phone had no dial tone to call the office and complain, and the TV had no antenna signal. The bathroom walls and tub had been poorly patched. There was hair on one of the towels.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Burhan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

melissa

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

perfect little spot

The location was perfect! Free parking and walking distance to the Wharf
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

dennis

Place was older but seem clean
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Earl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful location! Great breakfast. Good hotel service.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This Hotel is perfectly suited to walk down to pier or to the boardwalk. It is situated just above the main strip that gets heavy traffic but you are away from it and there is a private drive and stairway to get down to Pacific and Beach streets
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

RoiAne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place for the price Amazing staff. Huge hot tub. If you want a balcony.... request the top floor, I don't really consider a patio a balcony... but it was still worth it!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wade

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. The young lady behind the desk was incredible. Very accommodating and friendly. Will definitely book another stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Amanda

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was located very close to everything, I was able to walk with my kids to boardwalk and beach. It was the basic needs and a decent price. My son was cold and when I asked for an extra blanket, they said they didn’t have any extra blankets or pillows. I thought that was a little weird. The blankets were basically just sheets, so if you get cold easily bring an extra blanket other than that, everyone was very nice and liked we could walk to what we needed in about 10 minutes.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

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

Great Location

Stayed one night with my daughters to do some hiking and hang out at the boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The place is a little old but is very clean and the location of the Inn is within walking distance to all the attractions
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Gina

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, next to Boardwalk but away from the crowds. Ice machine was broken and only half of the hot tub worked.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lupe

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

10/10 Excellent

Vance

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Adequate

Old. Cluttered. Room was clean, very comfortable bedding. Very helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Luis

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Nice view of the beach
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025