Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Property class: 2
Motel near Mission Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.
A natural rock arch formation with a clear view of the ocean and a sunset in the background.
A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.
A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

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.)
    ‪58 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, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum 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
  • Mission Santa Cruz - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Taqueria Los Pericos - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Pacific Cookie Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 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: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

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 noon 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

  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 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
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 cash deposit or 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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. 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 Oct 21, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Islander Motel Santa Cruz on Nov 9, 2026 start from $84, including 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 5.6 mi (15-min drive) from Capitola Beach and 1.2 mi (6-min drive) from Seabright 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: midnight. 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

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 507 out of 1026 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 349 out of 1026 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 out of 1026 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1026 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 1026 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a great stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a wonderful stay thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was clean and cozy, with a great location. The staff were very nice and kind.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
And on-site parking besides!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable yet very clean. Very friendly staff. We would definitely stay there again and recommend to our friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay. All staff were helpful and able to accommodate an additional night’s stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and the room was clean. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay. The room is a bit cramped but it was clean and the bed was comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our favorite hotel in Santa Cruz. The owners are so very nice. There is a bit of street noise, but the free parking, location, and cleanliness make up for it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed there for one night quick trip to Santa Cruz room was clean and just what we needed for one day only problem is parking is tight. Other than that would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, good location, attentive staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, fairly comfy bed, convienent
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was clean, close to downtown Santa Cruz. Parking felt safe
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quick,immediate availability with good location. Clean considering age of property. Will book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel/hotel was super super clean, with nice bathrooms and very comfortable beds. Would come back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Whenever I come to Santa Cruz, I always stay at this motel. Great staff the room is comfortable always clean. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was so pleasant, no one bothered us, it was like we had the place to ourselves and it was booked with people.. peaceful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Smelled good upon walking in, like incense. No bad smells. Very comfortable and big bed. Everything good for the price. There’s hot water and coffee at the front. Friendly and helpful staff. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room. Mattress was a little soft for me but I would recommend and stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a great location to stay at. It was close to many different things. The staff was friendly and the room was super clean. I especially loved being able to use the bath tub. A lot of hotels I’ve stayed at in the past do not have bath tubs. The parking is limited but it works. Definitely will stay again if back in Santa Cruz.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was clean and everyone was very nice. Only thing to update is windows to keep out traffic noise. A good place between the beach and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay if you need to sleep. It’s just fine. Staff is friendly and the property feels pretty safe. Great for the price and location.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026