Question 1

What are the best beach hotels in Santa Cruz?

Accepted Answer

Some of the best beach hotels in Santa Cruz include Beach Street Inn and Suites, Marea Sol Hotel, and Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

Beach Street Inn and Suites, with a 9.4 rating, is located directly on the beach, offering ocean views from many of its rooms. Guests often praise its heated outdoor pool and comfortable beds.

The Marea Sol Hotel, rated 9.2, provides direct beach access and features rooms with ocean views and furnished balconies or patios. Many guests highlight its great location and clean rooms.

For a 4-star option, Dream Inn Santa Cruz, also with a 9.2 rating, is situated right on the beach. It boasts an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and offers beautiful ocean views. Reviewers frequently mention its friendly staff and excellent restaurant.

Question 2

How much does a beach hotel in Santa Cruz cost?

Accepted Answer

Prices for beach hotels in Santa Cruz vary, but you can find a great deal from £44 on Expedia. You're likely to find lower rates if you're travelling during the off-peak season or mid-week. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

Question 3

Which Santa Cruz hotels are near the best beaches?

Accepted Answer

For hotels near the best beaches in Santa Cruz, consider Beach Street Inn and Suites, Marea Sol Hotel, and Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, with a 9.4 rating, offers direct access to the beach and ocean views from some rooms. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor heated pool with sun loungers and umbrellas.

Marea Sol Hotel, rated 9.2, provides direct beach access and features ocean views from some rooms, often with a balcony or furnished patio. Some rooms also have a rooftop terrace.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, also with a 9.2 rating, is located directly on the beach, offering beach and ocean views. It has an outdoor pool and a poolside bar for guests to enjoy.

Question 4

Which beach hotels in Santa Cruz are good for families?

Accepted Answer

For families seeking beach hotels in Santa Cruz, consider the Beach Street Inn and Suites, Marea Sol Hotel, or Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites has a 9.4 rating and is located directly by the ocean, offering ocean views and direct beach access. It features a heated outdoor pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, and guests frequently mention the comfortable beds and friendly staff.

Marea Sol Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, provides direct access to the beach and offers ocean views, with some rooms featuring balconies or furnished balconies. Guests often highlight its superb location and clean rooms.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, rated 9.2, is situated right on the beach, offering ocean, beach, and partial ocean views. It has an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and sun loungers. Reviewers consistently praise its beautiful rooms and great staff.

Question 5

What are the best Santa Cruz hotels with ocean views?

Accepted Answer

Some of the best Santa Cruz hotels with ocean views include the Beach Street Inn and Suites, Marea Sol Hotel, and the Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, with a 9.4 rating, offers direct beach access and features private and heated outdoor pools with sun loungers. Customers often highlight the nice and clean rooms and the amazing location.

The Marea Sol Hotel, rated 9.2, provides direct beach access and boasts ocean view balconies or patios, with some rooms offering a furnished balcony or access to a rooftop terrace. Guests frequently mention the great location and clean rooms.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, offers full ocean and beach views and is located right on the beach. It features an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and sun loungers. Reviewers often praise the beautiful rooms and the excellent restaurant.

Question 6

What are the top-rated beach hotels in Santa Cruz with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For top-rated beach hotels in Santa Cruz with a pool, consider Dream Inn Santa Cruz, La Bahia Hotel and Spa, and Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection.

The 4-star Dream Inn Santa Cruz, with a 9.2 rating, is highly regarded for its direct beachfront location, with many rooms offering beach or ocean views. It features an outdoor pool and a poolside bar, and customers frequently mention its excellent location right on the beach.

La Bahia Hotel and Spa is a 4.5-star property with an impressive 9.8 rating. While it is located near the beach, it boasts an outdoor resort-inclusive pool and offers spa services including hydrotherapy treatments and hot stone massage.

The 4-star Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, rated 8.6, provides an outdoor pool with cabanas, sun loungers, and a poolside bar. It is also located near the ocean, offering a convenient base for beach visits.

Question 7

Which beach hotels in Santa Cruz are good for couples?

Accepted Answer

For couples looking for a beach hotel in Santa Cruz, consider La Bahia Hotel and Spa, Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages, or The Boardwalk Beach House.

The 4.5-star La Bahia Hotel and Spa, with a 9.8 rating, offers ocean views and a full-service spa with a wide range of treatments, including couples' treatment rooms and thalassotherapy.

The 3.5-star Ocean Echo Inn and Beach Cottages, rated 8.8, is located near the ocean and provides partial ocean views. Guests often mention the great location and friendly staff.

The Boardwalk Beach House, with a 7.6 rating, is near the beach and offers beach views. It also includes free local breakfast and free self-parking.

Question 8

Which area of Santa Cruz is best to stay in for beaches?

Accepted Answer

The best area in Santa Cruz for beach access is the area immediately surrounding the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach.

This central area puts you right on the doorstep of the city's most famous stretch of sand. You'll find a range of hotels directly across from the beach and within a short walk of the Boardwalk's attractions, including amusement park rides and arcade games. West Cliff Drive, a scenic coastal path, starts here, offering lovely views and walks.

Families will find this location particularly convenient. With the beach just steps away and the Boardwalk providing entertainment for all ages, it minimises travel time and keeps everyone happily occupied. There are plenty of casual eateries nearby, great for quick meals between beach sessions.

Couples looking for a lively beach holiday will also appreciate this area. You can easily spend your days relaxing on the sand, strolling along the pier, and enjoying the lively option.

Question 9

Which top beach hotels in Santa Cruz offer water sport activities?

Accepted Answer

For top beach hotels in Santa Cruz that offer water sport activities, consider Beach Street Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, and West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn.

The Beach Street Inn and Suites, with a 9.4 rating, offers direct beach access and is located very near the ocean. Guests can enjoy private and outdoor heated pools, and the location is ideal for kayaking, surfing, and bodyboarding.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola, rated 9.4, provides free breakfast and is near the beach. This hotel is conveniently located for kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and scuba diving, and it also offers water sports equipment.

The 3.5-star West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn, with a 9.0 rating, features partial ocean views and is close to the beach, making it suitable for snorkelling and windsurfing. It also provides a complimentary full breakfast.

Question 10

What is the best time of year to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Cruz?

Accepted Answer

The most popular time to stay in a beach hotel in Santa Cruz is during the summer, particularly in July and August. The weather is delightfully warm, with average temperatures hovering around 22-25°C, creating superb conditions for soaking up the sun on Main Beach or catching waves at Steamer Lane.

During these peak months, the city truly comes alive with a vibrant beach atmosphere. It's an ideal time for families to enjoy the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and for couples to stroll along the wharf, taking in the ocean views. The long, sunny days mean plenty of time for all your favourite watersports and beachfront relaxation.

For a slightly different, yet equally appealing, experience, May is a fantastic alternative. While the ocean might still be a touch cool for some, the weather is beautifully mild, typically ranging from 18-20°C, making it excellent for coastal walks and exploring the natural beauty of Natural Bridges State Beach.

Question 11

How can I save on a beach hotel in Santa Cruz with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ —Expedia’s free travel rewards programme—gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Santa Cruz beach hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. But, if you're feeling spontaneous, check out the last-minute deals.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 12

What beach activities should we do in Santa Cruz?

Accepted Answer

The best beach activities in Santa Cruz centre around the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the natural beauty of its coastline.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a must-visit, offering a classic seaside amusement park experience right on the sand. You can ride the historic Giant Dipper rollercoaster or the Looff Carousel, both National Historic Landmarks. For a more relaxed time, enjoy the arcade games, grab some classic boardwalk food like corn dogs and funnel cakes, or simply stroll along the beach, which is well-maintained and provides plenty of space for sunbathing and building sandcastles. This area is superb for families looking for a fun-filled day with plenty of entertainment options.

For those seeking a more tranquil beach experience, Natural Bridges State Beach, located a short drive west of the Boardwalk, is ideal. It's famous for its natural rock formations, including the iconic arch bridge that gives the beach its name. The beach is excellent for exploring tide pools at low tide, where you can spot sea stars, anemones, and crabs. It's also a prime spot for monarch butterfly viewing from October to February. Couples or nature lovers will appreciate the scenic beauty and opportunities for quiet walks and wildlife observation.

Question 13

Is it cheaper to book flights and a beach hotel in Santa Cruz as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a beach hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking a beach vacation package well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 14

Can I cancel my beach hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right beach hotel in Santa Cruz for you.

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