The Best Hotels Closest to University of California in - 2026 Updated Prices

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Our top choices for University of California, Santa Cruz hotels

A spacious living area with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and a view of the outdoors.

A bar area with wooden chairs, a counter with a display, and shelves with bottles.

A lobby with a wooden ceiling, a reception desk, and a fireplace.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a television on the wall and a painting above the desk.

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

1.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Paul

£88

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

2. Salt Air Lodge

2.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Kyle

£68

includes taxes & fees

5 Oct - 6 Oct

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a small table.

A multi-story building with a modern design, featuring a central entrance with glass doors, parking spaces on either side, and a blue-lit facade.

A Pepsi vending machine with various drink options.

A balcony with a view of a parking lot, a building with multiple floors, and palm trees.

3. Seaside Inn & Suites

2.5 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Justin

£60

includes taxes & fees

1 Oct - 2 Oct

A lobby with a brick wall, a reception desk, a black rug, and a framed picture on the wall.

A rectangular swimming pool with a metal ladder on one side, surrounded by a concrete deck.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with two chairs, a television, a mirror, and a ceiling fan.

Two black chairs and a small table in a room with a carpeted floor and plain walls.

4. National 9 Santa Cruz

2 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

James

£61

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

A two-story building with a covered entrance, arched windows, and a tiled roof.

A modern lounge area with a fireplace, blue armchairs, a beige sofa, and a small table.

5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

5.4 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Anna Christine

£118

includes taxes & fees

6 Oct - 7 Oct

A beach setting with a fire pit, two white chairs, and a table with a vase and bottles.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sitting area with a chair, a kitchen with a sink, and a fireplace.

A resort with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a building with multiple balconies.

A spacious lobby with a large seating area, a staircase, and large windows.

6. Seascape Beach Resort

10.4 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Haleh

£268

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.

A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.

A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony.

7. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.6 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Irinea

£63

includes taxes & fees

11 Oct - 12 Oct

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and outdoor seating areas.

A modern kitchen with a dining table, chairs, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

A kitchen counter with a stainless steel container, a white appliance, and wicker baskets.

8. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

4.2 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Andrea

£139

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A room with a television mounted on the wall, a window with blinds, a heater, a wooden dresser, and a door.

A motel with a central entrance, multiple rooms, and a covered area with a railing.

A compact kitchen with a microwave, sink, and refrigerator.

A compact room with a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a refrigerator, a wooden cabinet, and a red chair.

9. Drift Inn

2.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

John

£59

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern hotel room with a wooden desk, a yellow chair, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.

A modern hotel room with a blue sofa, a painting, a floor lamp, a wooden cabinet, and a built-in sink.

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a patterned carpet.

10. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

2.1 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Steve

£111

includes taxes & fees

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A residential building with a paved pathway, wooden benches, and lush greenery.

A hotel room with a large window, a desk with a computer, a chair, a small table, and a decorative branch on the wall.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and a small kitchenette.

11. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

5.7 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Steven

£88

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

A modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

12. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

2.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Frank

£112

includes taxes & fees

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

A reception area with a counter, a desk, and a chair. There are framed pictures on the wall and a small shelf with magazines.

A room with a grey sofa, two wooden chairs, a small table with papers, and a large window with a view of parked cars and greenery outside.

A row of motel buildings with orange doors and railings, featuring a central staircase and a parking lot.

13. Beachview Inn

2.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Michael

£63

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a TV. There is a desk with a computer and a lamp. Large windows offer a view of trees and a building outside.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a fireplace, and a view of the outside through large windows.

A Best Western Plus Inn with a modern design, including a covered entrance and a landscaped area in front.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV, a desk, and a mirror.

14. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

5.4 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Robin

£94

includes taxes & fees

30 Sept - 1 Oct

A street view with a building featuring a pink fence, a tree, and parked cars.

A building with a white picket fence, a small bridge, and a bush.

A building with a white picket fence, a porch, and a small wooden bridge.

A kitchen with dark cabinets, a microwave, a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator.

15. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

2.8 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Siddharth

£56

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

A spacious living area with leather sofas, a central coffee table, and a kitchen in the background.

A living room with leather sofas, a central coffee table, a fireplace, and two flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and a sign reading "FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON".

An outdoor lounge area with wicker furniture, large umbrellas, and a tiled floor.

16. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

4.6 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Margaret

£95

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A landscaped garden with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and a gravel path.

A hotel entrance with a sign for 'Hitching Post Studios Inn' indicating availability and amenities like daily kitchen studios and free Wi-Fi.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a lamp.

A compact bathroom with a white sink, a mirror, a microwave, and a small refrigerator.

17. Hitching Post Studios Inn

3.2 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Grant

£70

includes taxes & fees

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A conference room with round tables, black chairs, and a carpeted floor.

A spacious living area with a fireplace, seating, and a television.

18. Chaminade Resort & Spa

3.9 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Erica

£173

includes taxes & fees

20 Oct - 21 Oct

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

A hotel room with a bed, a seating area with a table, a desk, and a mirror.

19. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

2.4 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Brooke

£125

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".

A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

20. Ocean Pacific Lodge

2.8 mi from University of California, Santa Cruz

Anthony

£74

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Inn At Pasatiempo	8.8 Excellent 1,014 reviews	View
Salt Air Lodge	8.4 Very good 136 reviews	View
Seaside Inn & Suites	8.2 Very good 1,129 reviews	View
National 9 Santa Cruz	8.4 Very good 270 reviews	View
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola	9.4 Exceptional 1,002 reviews	View

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Ocean Pacific Lodge

8/10 Good

"A fine hotel choice for one night in Santa Cruz. The room was large, bed was comfortable enough and it was surprisingly quiet. We did not use the pool or hot tub."

Casablanca On The Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful spot with lots of fun things to do."

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Staying at La Quinta was a great choice, the room was spacious and comfortable and for my first solo trip had everything I needed and more. The included breakfast also helped to keep my schedule together for the day and made for an easier morning. It was within 20 mins walking distance of downtown Santa Cruz, and closer to the boardwalk so for those without a car like myself can consider this hotel a great option to be close to all the sights of the area without having to drive; which was also a major reason for selecting it. All in all, I will be making it my hotel of choice when I come back to visit Santa Cruz."

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Hotel is clean, staff is very friendly and helpful, not too far of a walk to the boardwalk and downtown!"

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great location."

National 9 Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room, smells very fresh and very nice staff. This is my second Hotel. First one was a nightmare so had to relocated to this one. I used on my trip from the UK and will definitely use this Hotel on my next trip.."

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

10/10 Excellent

"The location worked well for the activities that I planned. The breakfast was suitable for my needs. The staff very helpful. The room was spacious. The hotel is has two stories and no elevator. Fortunately they sent a message to make me aware of this and I got a needed first floor room."

Other attractions near University of California, Santa Cruz

A church with a wooden door and a bell tower.

Mission Santa Cruz

8.2/10 (121 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Santa Cruz with a visit to Mission Santa Cruz. You can seek out the surfing spots and cycling trails in this walkable area.

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A historic half-timbered building with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a red brick sidewalk.

Ocean Street

8.6/10 (1,332 reviews)

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

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Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center

Enjoy an outing to Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center during your stay in Santa Cruz. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

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University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

8.4/10 (103 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Pasatiempo Golf Course

7.4/10 (99 reviews)

Play a round of golf in Santa Cruz at Pasatiempo Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Scandinavian Cultural Center

Enjoy an outing to Scandinavian Cultural Center during your stay in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area or seek out the cycling trails.

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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

7.0/10 (6 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

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Town Clock

6.8/10 (5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Cruz when you take a trip to Town Clock. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or seek out the surfing spots.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around University of California, Santa Cruz?

University of California, Santa Cruz is located in an area that travellers like for its sporting events. You'll find 429 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best place to stay near University of California, Santa Cruz?

La Bahia Hotel and Spa is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveller data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. It's located 3 mi (4.8 km) from University of California, Santa Cruz. Other good choices within 5 miles include Seaside Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG.

How many hotels should I expect to find close to University of California, Santa Cruz?

Expedia has 429 hotels and other accommodation options a few miles from University of California, Santa Cruz.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near University of California, Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best deals available near University of California, Santa Cruz.

What can I see and do near University of California, Santa Cruz?

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory and Lighthouse Point Park feature a variety of fascinating exhibits to see while you're in town. Sights like Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton Covered Bridge Park and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park are must-sees while exploring the area. Spend some time wandering around University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, University Terrace Dog Park and Branciforte Dog Park.

Search Hotels Near University of California,

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Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

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Our top choices for University of California, Santa Cruz hotels

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

2. Salt Air Lodge

3. Seaside Inn & Suites

4. National 9 Santa Cruz

5. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

6. Seascape Beach Resort

7. Islander Motel Santa Cruz

8. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

9. Drift Inn

10. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

11. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

12. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

13. Beachview Inn

14. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

15. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

16. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

17. Hitching Post Studios Inn

18. Chaminade Resort & Spa

19. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

20. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Casablanca On The Beach

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Marea Sol Hotel

National 9 Santa Cruz

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Other attractions near University of California, Santa Cruz

Mission Santa Cruz

Ocean Street

Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center

University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

Pasatiempo Golf Course

Scandinavian Cultural Center

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Town Clock

Frequently asked questions