I've read a lot of reviews saying this is the worst possible hotel ever. It is a cheap hotel, that is certainly true, but it is far from being the worst in the world. It's about what you would expect for the price.
I got a room here because of the location, I was only using it as a place to sleep after a concert. The mattress was very firm, there was a stain on the duvet, and it certainly wasn't a Hilton or Marriott. But I also didn't find anything particularly dangerous or threatening about the hotel, I did not see drug deals or prostitutes or people stealing from cars or anything like this that other people have described. I did not try to turn on the television so I don't know anything about that. I also did not inspect anything with a UV light, I'm not that paranoid.
So yeah, if you're looking for minimal basic hotel in a convenient location this will do the job. I would stay here again if I was coming to a concert in Santa Cruz again.