Dream Inn Santa Cruz Interior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Macro Details photo

Dream Inn Santa Cruz - Your Boutique Escape in Santa Cruz

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Check rooms and rates
From$222 /night
Check-in
27May
Check-out
28May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
-
Steps from the Beach Boardwalk
Great
8.8
9.1
/10
4.6
4.3
/5

Beachfront & Views

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz, sitting directly on Cowell Beach. Every guestroom and suite offers private balconies or patios with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz Wharf, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms, providing unobstructed ocean vistas from the lobby to the pool deck.

Rooms & Accommodations

All guestrooms and suites at Dream Inn Santa Cruz are equipped with iPod docking stations and premium coffee makers. The hotel offers multiple room categories including Ocean View Deluxe King and Ocean View Executive Two Queen, each with a private balcony. Higher-floor rooms in the tower building provide elevated perspectives of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Dining & Culinary

On-site dining is available at Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, which serves sustainable and locally sourced seafood. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a clam chowder frequently praised by guests as the best they have ever had. A coffee house on site serves Verve Coffee, and the pool deck features a seasonal taco stand and a bar with happy hour specials.

Activities & Wellness

The hotel provides complimentary Beach Cruisers for guests to explore Santa Cruz and the West Cliff Drive area. The heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub are open year-round, with sun loungers and umbrellas available on the deck. Dream Inn Santa Cruz holds Green Key Certification for its eco-friendly initiatives and hosts comprehensive wellness programs, including yoga classes, sound baths, and meditation sessions during dedicated wellness weekends.

Events & Services

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers flexible event spaces that accommodate up to 200 guests, including the Surf View room with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. The hotel provides meeting and banquet facilities with on-site audiovisual support and catering from Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge. Valet parking and self-parking are available, and the 24-hour front desk offers concierge service, express check-in/check-out, and luggage storage.

Highlights

Location: Beachfront on Cowell Beach, steps from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Rooms: All rooms face the ocean with private balconies

Dining: Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge with sustainable seafood

Wellness: Yoga classes, sound baths, and wellness weekends

Activities: Complimentary Beach Cruisers and heated pool

Eco-Friendly: Green Key Certified

“The location, directly on the beach, is undeniably the star here, with every room framing the ocean. I particularly appreciated the playful surf-inspired decor and the welcoming, attentive staff who clearly make an effort to personalize stays. Its proximity to the boardwalk and downtown amenities is a significant advantage, making for a very convenient base.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Wonderfulhotels

Select your room type

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Ocean View Suite Tower
    2 persons
    44 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
    2 persons
    32 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
    2 persons
    32 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
May 2026 - May 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Dream Inn Santa Cruz, onsite dining offers an inviting selection of local flavors against a backdrop of coastal beauty. Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge serves as a warm gathering spot, perfect for families and couples alike, catering to a range of appetites from hearty breakfasts to relaxed dinners by the sea.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Local cuisine
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a romantic touch, overlooking the ocean waves
Key Offerings
A menu featuring local seafood, hearty breakfast options, and comfortable seating for family gatherings or intimate dinners
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
Explore Santa Cruz
Nearby Attractions and Activities
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Cruz Wharf
3 minutes' walk
A lively pier with shops, restaurants, and sea life views. Perfect for a stroll and enjoying the ocean air.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11 minutes' walk
A historic amusement park with rides, games, and beachfront fun. Iconic for its nostalgic charm and family-friendly activities.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4 minutes' walk
An interactive center showcasing marine life and conservation efforts, making it an educational stop for all ages.
Cowell Beach
3 minutes' walk
A sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and beginner surfing. Offers stunning coastal views.
Discover the local attractions near Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Seek out the captivating sites near Dream Inn Santa Cruz California that showcase the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Perfect for enjoying scenic ocean views: Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conf
Ideal for discovering marine life and conservation: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Great for beach activities and relaxing walks: Lighthouse Field State Beach
Best for unique aerial views of the coastline: Sky Glider
Suited for immersive educational experiences: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Well suited for fun-filled amusement park adventures: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Ideal for exploring surf culture and history: Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Great for appreciating local arts and exhibits: Museum of Art and History
Best for paying tribute to surfing legends: To Honor Surfing Monument
Surfing at Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
5 minutes' walk
Surfing lessons and rentals for all skill levels. Great for thrill-seekers looking to catch some waves.
Well Within Spa
15 minutes' walk
A relaxing retreat offering massages and wellness treatments. Perfect for those seeking a serene escape.
San Lorenzo River Parkway Trestle Trail
16 minutes' walk
A scenic trail ideal for walking and biking along the river. Enjoy nature and local wildlife.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3 minutes' walk
Casual dining with ocean views. Specializes in seafood and American dishes, perfect for lunch or dinner.
The Picnic Basket
4 minutes' walk
Cozy eatery known for fresh, local ingredients. Offers breakfast and lunch, including vegetarian options.
Sawasdee By The Sea
5 minutes' walk
Authentic Thai cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its curry dishes and seafood specials.
Discover dining options near Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Savor the flavors near Dream Inn Santa Cruz California at these local dining spots that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Perfect for casual dining with ocean views: Ideal Bar & Grill
Great for enjoying authentic Mexican street food: Las Palmas Taco Bar
Ideal for fresh and locally sourced meals: The Picnic Basket
Suited for a taste of Thai cuisine with seaside charm: Sawasdee By The Sea
Perfect for relaxed brunch and lunch options: Woodies Cafe
Great for quick and delicious taco options: Tacos Moreno
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conference Center
10 minutes' walk
Venue for live events, including concerts and community gatherings. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in a historic setting.
Pacific Garden Mall
17 minutes' walk
A shopping promenade with boutiques and cafes. Family-friendly, ideal for an evening stroll and window shopping.
Ideal Bar & Grill
4 minutes' walk
Lively bar with live music. Great for nightlife, featuring local bands and a casual setting.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Santa Cruz 15 min  ·  4000 ft
  • Airports
    Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 83 min  ·  34.0 mi
    Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 103 min  ·  42.6 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 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 true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2008
Number of floors:
10
Number of rooms:
165
Former name
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Dream Inn Santa Cruz from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 1261 verified reviews
9.1 /10
Perfect
89 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free WiFi
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 access
Ocean views
Retro surf vibe
Accommodating staff
Valet parking
Cons
Lacking maintenance
Threadbare towels
Cold pool
Guest reviews
based on 3752 reviews
4.5/5
based on 750 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.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Dream Inn Santa Cruz
How far is Dream Inn Santa Cruz from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
The hotel is approximately 0.5 km from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What dining options are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Guests can dine at the on-site Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, which offers full ocean views and a menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Is there a swimming pool at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel features a renovated outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have any accessibility features?
The hotel offers ADA-accessible guest rooms with features such as a roll-in shower.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms include complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, iPod docking stations, a mini refrigerator, and a coffee maker.
How much does parking cost at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Private parking is available on-site for 35 USD per day.
What is the nearest airport to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The nearest airport is the Monterey Peninsula Airport, located approximately 45 km from the hotel.
What outdoor activities can guests enjoy at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel offers beach access, bicycle rentals, and activities like hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
What restaurants are nearby Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby dining options include Ideal Bar & Grill (0.5 km), Las Palmas Taco Bar (0.5 km), and The Picnic Basket (0.5 km).
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz provide any business services?
The hotel features flexible event spaces ideal for meetings and receptions, accommodating up to 200 guests.

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