Dream Inn Santa Cruz Amenities photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Interior photoDream Inn Santa Cruz Business photo

DREAM INN SANTA CRUZ, Santa Cruz

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From$544 /night
Check-in
09Aug
Check-out
10Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel Overview and Details

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
-
Steps from the Santa Cruz Wharf
Great
8.7
9.1
/10
4.5
4.3
/5

4-star beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz with stunning ocean views

Amenities

The Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a beachfront location directly above Cowell Beach, allowing immediate access to sandy shores and surfing. The hotel provides three flexible event spaces totaling 3,500 square feet, featuring outdoor patio access and built-in audiovisual equipment. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool with cabana beds and fire pits that overlook the ocean.

Rooms

Accommodations include rooms with private balconies offering panoramic ocean views. The Ocean View Cloud rooms feature two queen beds, while the spacious Dream Suite includes a king-size bed, a sunken tub, and a fireplace. Each room is equipped with premium in-room amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Location

Located on the historic Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions like Steamer Lane and the Santa Cruz Wharf. The nearby Natural Bridges State Beach offers natural beauty and unique wildlife experiences. Experiencing Santa Cruz's outdoor recreational opportunities is just a step outside the hotel doors.

Dining

The hotel's dining option, Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge, serves locally-sourced seafood dishes and is situated right on Cowell Beach. Guests can indulge in outdoor seating while enjoying ocean views, or opt for in-room dining from the restaurant's menu. Signature dishes emphasize regional ingredients, enhancing the dining experience.

Family-Friendly

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers family-friendly accommodations with rooms well-suited for children and families. Beach cruisers are available for guests wishing to explore the boardwalk area together. Daily breakfast for two is included, allowing families to start their day with a satisfying meal.

Highlights

Location: Beachfront location at Cowell Beach

Rooms: Ocean View Cloud rooms & Dream Suite

Dining: Jack O'Neill Restaurant offering local seafood

Family-Friendly: Daily breakfast included for two

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk at sunset for stunning views.
  • Visit the Mystery Spot for a quirky experience of gravity-defying fun.
  • Savor the Santa Cruz-style fish tacos at The Fish Hopper on the Wharf.
  • Explore the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History for local culture.
  • Check out the Downtown Farmers Market for fresh produce on Wednesday.

Choose Your Room Category

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including doubles, family rooms, and suites—plus breakfast, free cancellation, and special rates.
  • Ocean View Suite Tower
    2 persons
    44 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Ocean view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
    2 persons
    32 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Ocean view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
    2 persons
    32 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Ocean view
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Room Availability and Pricing Calendar

Find available rooms and check today's best prices!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

This hotel provides premium amenities for a memorable and relaxed stay
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, dining is a delightful experience shaped by local flavors and stunning coastal views. The Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge invites guests to savor fresh seafood and other local cuisine in an inviting atmosphere perfect for both families and couples looking for a romantic meal by the beach.
  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

    Local cuisine
    Ambiance
    Family friendly and romantic setting with ocean views
    Key Offerings
    Signature seafood dishes, craft cocktails, and seasonal brunch specials
    Reservation
    Reservations recommended
    Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner; Hours vary

Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
Explore Santa Cruz
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11-minute walk
An iconic coastal amusement park featuring rides, games, and beach access. Enjoy free admission with pay-per-ride options.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
15-minute walk
A small museum dedicated to the history of surfing. Unique for its ocean views and no admission fee.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4-minute walk
An educational center showcasing marine life of the bay. Features interactive exhibits and stunning tidal views.
Cowell Beach
3-minute walk
A popular beach perfect for sunbathing and surfing. Offers easy beach access and scenic vistas.
Surf Lessons at Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
5-minute walk
Thrill-seekers can sign up for surf lessons. Equipment rentals are available, catering to all skill levels.
Relaxation at Well Within Spa
15-minute walk
A calming spa offering various treatments. Ideal for those seeking relaxation and a rejuvenating experience.
Biking the San Lorenzo River Parkway Trestle Trail
5-minute drive
A scenic trail for biking enthusiasts. Rentals available nearby; great for enjoying nature while getting active.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3-minute walk
Casual dining with local seafood dishes and ocean views. Known for its inviting atmosphere and craft cocktails.
The Picnic Basket
4-minute walk
Farm-to-table café specializing in fresh, local ingredients. Offers vegetarian options and delectable pastries.
Sawasdee By The Sea
5-minute walk
Authentic Thai cuisine in an intimate setting. Renowned for its flavorful curries and friendly service.
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conference Center
10-minute walk
Hosts events and live entertainment. Check their calendar for special shows appealing to all ages.
Ideal Bar & Grill
4-minute walk
A lively bar with live music. Perfect for enjoying local brews and flavorful bites in a vibrant atmosphere.
Navigating city
  • 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

Guest Reviews and Hotel Ratings

Honest Guest Feedback Based on Real Stays
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers a retro-styled experience with spacious and clean rooms, many boasting oceanfront balconies. Guests appreciate the direct beach access and the proximity to attractions like the wharf and boardwalk. The pool area is a highlight, providing a relaxing, wind-sheltered space for snacks and drinks; some guests, however, have mentioned occasional maintenance issues in the bathrooms. You can also enjoy amenities like available bikes and a restaurant with great views.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 955 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.6/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Pros
Amazing view
Prime location
Delicious room service
Cons
Expensive hotel
Guest reviews
based on 955 reviews
9.0/10
based on 3752 reviews
4.5/5
based on 739 reviews
8.7/10
tyler from united states
Family with children
ocean view cloud king
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 09, 2025
7/10
beach access amazing hot tub great bartender mold problem intermittent water old furniture
the hotel's location is unbeatable. it gave me direct beach access. the pool and hot tub were amazing and other guests were fun. the bartender at the pool bar, was also amazing.
i was disappointed in the maintenance. there was mold everywhere, especially in the bathrooms. the hot water was intermittent and water pressure was non existent. furniture is old and falling apart.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Is parking available at the hotel, and is there a fee associated with it?
10 February 2024
Parking is available at a rate of $25 per night, plus tax.
Do the rooms come equipped with microwaves for heating food?
5 March 2024
Microwaves are not provided in the rooms at this property.
Is there designated parking for guests with disabilities?
15 April 2024
Handicapped parking is available for guests who need it.
Are pets allowed at this hotel?
22 May 2024
Pets are not permitted on the property.
Can an extra bed be added to a room with two queen beds?
30 June 2024
Adding a rollaway bed is not allowed in the two queen rooms; it is only permitted in king rooms and select suites.
What unique experiences does Santa Cruz offer for guests?
12 July 2024
Santa Cruz boasts stunning beaches, iconic surfing spots like Steamer Lane, and attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Are there any special packages or discounts available for booking?
9 August 2024
There are various specials, deals, and discounts offered for guests looking to enhance their stay.
Is there an option for in-room dining during my stay?
19 September 2024
In-room dining services are available, allowing guests to enjoy meals delivered straight to their rooms.
What wellness activities are available at the hotel?
25 October 2024
The hotel offers a Wellness Weekend Series focused on relaxation, guided meditation, and nature-inspired activities.
Can I purchase gift cards for future stays or dining experiences?
3 November 2024
Gift cards are available and can be customized with a personal message, making them a ideal gift.

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