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Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

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

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Photo gallery for Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

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

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, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪5 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.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

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

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  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
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Nov 3 - Nov 4
Total with taxes and fees
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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).
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • 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
  • Ocean Street - 11 min walk - 0.6 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
  • ‪Craft Beer at The Boardwalk - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Motel near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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.

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Ocean Pacific Lodge
  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,200 reviews
$81 nightly
The price is $95
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Total with taxes and fees
Ocean Pacific Lodge

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 Oct 22, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Nov 17, 2025 start from $78.47, 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. 324 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 199 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 122 out of 1015 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 121 out of 1015 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

6/10 Okay

humberto

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was convenient and about half the price of surrounding properties. Parking was an issue but Parking is avaliable on the street at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

ISIAH

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property was great due to the location and the staff, room was subpar, but due to the price we paid it made sense. Id stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Sergio

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Hotel overall is okay. Rooms are in decent condition. sheets and towels were clean and the rooms smelled clean. great location. downtown and boardwalk/pier are walkable. great deli across the street. staff was very pleasant and helpful with any inquiries. towels were way too small and parking is awful. they have “complimentary” parking but they have way more rooms than parking spots. otherwise you have to find metered parking on the street. you have to get lucky to get a spot in the parking lot.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Juan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was overall not bad, but small parking area and had to keep getting my room card programmed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Water pressure was non existent. The tv we couldnt get it to work.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Good basic hotel

Comfortable bed. Good, basic hotel. Excellent location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Not happy with my two night stay

Hotel is very dated. Needs were not comfortable. Pillows very small and not comfortable at all. If I needed towels I had to go to walk to the office to get myself and hope that the office was open. No phones in room. Room smelled very musty. And good luck with the parking. I'll leave it at that. Not happy at all.. being handicap and having to walk a ways to park off site was not good for me especially at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Maria

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pretty good hotel, room was nice and clean. For some reason the bathroom had a foul smell since we arrived. Parking is a little tight though, so I recommend if you stay here leave your car parked or you will have to park on the road.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Ashlee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Property was just OK. Pool wasn’t kept up on. Rooms are very small. Bathroom extremely small. Not for big men! Parking is VERY limited. One night we had to park off of the property and I had to pray that I didn’t get a parking ticket until I could move it early in the morning. Room was clean tho. Had issues with the tv and I couldn’t get ahold of anyone to help. Front desk was closed at 11:30 am which I thought was weird. Cleaning staff was very friendly however. I didn’t hate the stay but it’s not the best place I’ve stayed at in Santa Cruz. Honestly don’t think I would stay here again. There were other hotels for the same price we could have stayed at and been more comfortable. In all not bad but not great.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daisy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Office staff was very nice and helpful. Despite needing some updates (paint/furniture), the room was very clean and spacious. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the room we had booked actually had an additional room within the room making it extra spacious and comfortable. Downtown, pier, beach and, boardwalk within walking distance making it easy to walk back and forth as needed to take care of my infant’s needs and taking breaks.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

BOARDWALK FAMILY FUN 2025

The floors were dirty. And the door to the room was hard to open.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marianne

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Taylor

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

6/10 Okay

Diana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
No parking space
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

cd

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was clean and the staff was very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jose

Traveled with family
Was good
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good accommodation, small parking.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

corissa

Traveled with family

Happy stay, close to everything

Comfortable beds, pool is heated, towels were not the most absorbent, but we're new, tv and cable worked great, shower stall was extremely small, nice shampoo/conditioner, larger size refrigerator, microwave and a keurig, lampshade had stains, room was a little noisy with street traffic on the backside but overall a nice stay. We were amazed at how close the wharf and boardwalk was! It's like a 6 minute walk, closer than you'd think! There's no breakfast served here but there is a cash only market across the street that has several breakfast burritos and we got the banana packets. Large portions! You can order on door dash and pick up if you don't have cash. Our biggest concern is that the parking is non existent. There's like 140 rooms and 40 spaces. Bring quarters for the pay meters or you can park in limited day use, 8M to 8pm pay parking. Between 8pm and 8am, it's free.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kathleen, FRESNO

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kathleen, FRESNO

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Overpriced for Quality.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Eric

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adriana

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had to wait like 20 min for my room to be ready but I just waited by the pool. The staff were all so friendly. Will be back !:)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025