Dream Inn Santa Cruz Interior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Macro Details photo
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From222US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
-
Steps from the beach
Great
8.8
9.1
/10
4.6
4.3
/5

Rooms with a View

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers 165 air-conditioned guest rooms that include iPod docking stations, refrigerators, complimentary high-speed wireless internet access, and free local calls. Each room also features a large flat-screen TV, premium in-room coffee, bathrobes, a large bathtub, and a safe that will fit a laptop computer. Room options include Ocean View Cathedral Executive Two Queen, Ocean View Cathedral Executive King, Ocean View Deluxe Tower Two Queen, Ocean View Infinity Two Queen, breezy Ocean View Junior Suite, and suites with a king-size bed, sunken tub, fireplace, and pullout sofa bed. Some rooms have a private balcony or semi-private patio with ocean views, select rooms feature vaulted cathedral ceilings.

Onsite Dining

Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge, located on Cowell Beach, offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with a menu that sources ingredients locally. The restaurant has a full bar with a collection of signature cocktails, ocean views, and live music. In-room dining is available with the same cuisine as in the restaurant. Poolside dining is also an option with snacks and drinks served from Shorebreak Drink + Dine poolside bar.

Leisure and Activities

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz features a renovated outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub. Complimentary Beach Cruisers are available first come, first served. The hotel is located near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Steamer Lane. Guests can visit Mount Hermon Adventures for a Redwood Canopy Tour, featuring six zip lines and two sky bridges, or explore the 80+ miles of trails in Big Basin. The hotel also offers a Wellness Weekend Series.

Location and Access

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is located on the historic Beach Boardwalk, 55 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Nearby landmarks include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (1 km), Pacific Garden Mall (1 km), and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum (1 km). The hotel is within walking distance to everything Santa Cruz has to offer.

Services & Conveniences

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The hotel has three flexible event spaces, accommodating up to 200 guests. For weddings, the Dream Inn offers ceremony options at a historic cathedral, a redwood grove, or Cowell Beach. The hotel is Green Key Certified for its reduced environmental impact.

“Dream Inn Santa Cruz impresses as the only beachfront hotel, providing immediate access to iconic spots such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; I appreciate that most rooms come with private balconies, maximizing those ocean views. Dining is a high point thanks to the sustainable cuisine and locally sourced seafood, which is a real treat. For those seeking a blend of relaxation and activity, this is a solid choice.”
Hotel logo
Michael TurnerEditor, UsCalifornia
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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Ocean View Suite Tower
2 persons
475 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Ocean View Executive Two Queen
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
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Calendar of room availability and rates

See current availability and pricing for your dates

Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • On-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At the Dream Inn Santa Cruz, culinary delights come alive at the Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, where local flavors meet vibrant atmospheres. Guests can indulge in hearty breakfasts, leisurely brunches, and sumptuous dinners while soaking in the warm, inviting ambiance that captures the essence of coastal dining.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Local cuisine with a focus on seafood
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic setting, perfect for gatherings or intimate meals
Key Offerings
Delight in a selection of fresh seafood dishes and seasonal specials, ideal for breakfast, brunch, and dinner experiences.
Reservation
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner.
Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner; specific hours may vary.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
800 ft
35 Pacific Ave
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
900 ft
Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
1900 ft
Store
Cowell Beach
800 ft
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
1200 ft
Restaurants
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
700 ft
175 West Cliff Drive
Ideal Bar & Grill
900 ft
106 Beach St
The Picnic Basket
1100 ft
125 Beach St
Sawasdee By The Sea
1300 ft
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Casablanca Bistro
1600 ft
101 Main St
South Beach Pizza Company
1700 ft
303 Beach St
FireFish Grill
2200 ft
25 Municipal Wharf
Riva Fish House
2200 ft
31 Municipal Wharf
Beach Street Cafe
1900 ft
399 Beach St
Splash
2800 ft
49A Municipal Wharf
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
3800 ft
Municipal Wharf
Explore Santa Cruz
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11-minute walk
Historic seaside amusement park with rides, games, and food. A must-visit for fun and nostalgia right by the beach.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4-minute walk
Interactive exhibits about marine life and conservation. Perfect for families eager to learn about ocean ecosystems.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
15-minute walk
Showcase of surfing history and culture in a charming building, featuring unique artifacts and surfing memorabilia.
Cowell Beach
3-minute walk
Popular beach known for surfing and sunbathing, suitable for all ages. Great spot for a day of relaxation.
Surf Lessons
5-minute walk
Surfing lessons available at Cowell's Beach Surf Shop for all skill levels. Rentals also offered for performance fun.
Well Within Spa
15-minute walk
A tranquil spa offering various treatments and wellness programs, perfect for relaxation after a day's adventure.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3-minute walk
Casual eatery serving fresh seafood and local specialties. Enjoy their signature fish tacos with ocean views.
Ideal Bar & Grill
4-minute walk
Casual atmosphere featuring burgers, sandwiches, and craft beers. Great for families with a diverse menu.
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conference
10-minute walk
A historic venue with events ranging from concerts to dance nights, offering a lively atmosphere for all ages.
Pacific Garden Mall
17-minute walk
Outdoor shopping street with shops, eateries, and occasional live music. Great for an evening stroll or casual shopping.
Local transportation
City Centre
Santa Cruz15 min  ·  4000 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC)83 min  ·  34.0 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY)103 min  ·  42.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 35 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
10
Number of rooms:
165
Former name
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 871 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Staff
9.1/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Beach location
Helpful staff
Comfortable room
Delicious food
Great water pressure
Cons
Poor service
Mold in shower
Guest reviews
based on 3752 reviews
4.5/5
based on 795 reviews
8.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Dream Inn Santa Cruz
What time can I check in or check out at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Dream Inn Santa Cruz from the nearest airport?
The hotel is located 55 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What are the nearby attractions to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby attractions include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (1 km), Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (0.5 km), and Natural Bridges State Park (3 km).
What dining options are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, offering locally sourced cuisine with full ocean views.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a swimming pool?
Yes, the hotel has a renovated outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub.
Is Wi-Fi available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms feature flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, premium coffee makers, bathrobes, and private balconies or patios.
How much does parking cost at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Private parking is available on-site for 35 USD per day.
Can I access business services at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel provides business services including free local calls and express check-in/out options.
What languages are spoken by staff at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The staff is proficient in multiple languages, accommodating a diverse group of guests.
What types of views can I expect from the rooms at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms offer spectacular views of the Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Beach Boardwalk.

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