Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel near Mission Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board
Reception
Free self parking
Seasonal outdoor pool
Point of interest

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

  • 192 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Westside Santa Cruz stay.Your stay at this Westside Santa Cruz motel places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Mission Santa Cruz and Main Beach. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Monterey Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Main Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cat Cloud Companion - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel near Mission Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz
As a guest of Islander Motel Santa Cruz, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the health club at a partner property.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1963
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • No smoking on site
Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

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.
  • Grab bar near toilet (33 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 5 years old or younger stays free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • 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.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, mobile payments, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open May 15 and close October 31.
  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free, per registered adult, in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

How close is Islander Motel Santa Cruz to the airport?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz is 15.4 mi (18-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 Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

As of Jan 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Islander Motel Santa Cruz on Jan 22, 2026 start from $62.49, 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 Islander Motel Santa Cruz have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.

How close is Islander Motel Santa Cruz to the beach?

This motel is 1.3 mi (7-min drive) from Main Beach and 5.6 mi (15-min drive) from Capitola Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz offer free breakfast?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, there is no casino at this motel.

What time is check-in at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 1:00 AM. Early check-in costs USD 25 (subject to availability).

Is there free parking at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

This motel offers free self parking.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a pool?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz features a seasonal outdoor pool.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is Islander Motel Santa Cruz to downtown Santa Cruz?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz is 0.3 mi away from Santa Cruz.

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 418 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 377 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1000 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leoncio

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant short stay. Room was very small but had all the amenities we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Jaime

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Okay do the reviews seem on par however i would like to add my 2 cents. Yes the rooms are affordable however i would never stay here again. There was a stain on my blanket and the pool closed very early. The couple who runs this place are the rudest people ever! We were so happy to go on this family trip but they charge extra per person which we did not know. It did not ask us how many people were staying and the front desk guy is super rude and sexist! He would not let me get a work in and talked over me. Very condescending towards women but once by husband stepped in it was a different tone. The woman is an instigator and they were speaking badly about us. The beds were not comfortable at all and its in a shady area. Parking lot is small and the rooms looked alot better in the photos than irl. Super disappointed, would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sherrie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was clean. Staff very friendly. Parking spaces are tough, very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Tiffany

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

MARC, TORRANCE

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small parking lot. Be sure to call ahead with special requests for rooms. They don’t read requests.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Dena

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Is was nice and close to tge beach, a little over priced.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a pleasant stay. Room nice and clean. Staff friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were in walking distance of Front street and lots of food options.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

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

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Peter

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Edgar J

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The room smelled bad
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. You can walk downtown if you like. We had a car so it didn’t really matter. Great service. It’s an older motel but comfortable beds, very clean. It felt as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

DARPAN

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nice and good host
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

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

10/10 Excellent

F. Jay

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean room. Like having 4 pillows on the bed, 2 more puffy, 2 less puffy. Very comfortable bed. Staff friendly and attentive. Only coffee for breakfast but rather go out for breakfast anyway. Staff gave good recommendations on morning and evening dining. Could not recommend any more highly. Perhaps a bit of highway noise early in the evening that became neglible later.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

DANIEL, South Lake Tahoe

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abdel

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Langley

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

Islander Santa Cruz

Good, clean, no frills hotel. With the cost of rooms in the Santa Cruz area this was a great deal. Definitely would stay there again. Pool could use a cleaning
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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