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

Dream Inn Santa Cruz – A Favorite for Families in Santa Cruz

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Check rooms and rates
From$222 /night
Check-in
24Jul
Check-out
25Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
-
Next to the beach
Great
8.7
9.1
/10
4.6
4.3
/5

Rooms with Ocean Views

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers 165 air-conditioned guest rooms, each with a private balcony or patio overlooking Monterey Bay. Rooms include iPod docking stations, large flat-screen TVs, premium in-room coffee, bathrobes, and laptop-sized safes. Select suites feature vaulted cathedral ceilings, fireplaces, and queen sleeper sofas. ADA-accessible rooms have roll-in showers and extended patios.

Dining by the Shore

Jack O'Neill Restaurant and Lounge serves locally sourced seafood, including Dungeness crab cakes and Pacific catch tacos. Breakfast options include banana French toast and huevos rancheros. The poolside bar offers snacks and signature cocktails like the Dreamarita. In-room dining is available with the same menu as the restaurant.

Adventure and Relaxation

Guests can explore the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, surf at Steamer Lane, or hike in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. The Redwood Canopy Tour includes six zip lines and sky bridges up to 150 feet high. Whale watching tours depart from the nearby Municipal Wharf.

Beachfront Event Spaces

Dream Inn features three flexible event spaces with ocean views, accommodating up to 200 guests. The Dream Ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wharf and Monterey Bay. Outdoor ceremonies can be held on Cowell Beach. The Sand Room is equipped for executive meetings with USB power outlets.

Services and Amenities

Complimentary Wi-Fi, beach cruiser bikes, and Sunday yoga (May-October) are available. The concierge can arrange brewery tours, catamaran excursions, and wine tastings. In-room amenities include Keurig coffeemakers, rainfall showers, and Malin+Goetz toiletries. Valet parking and electric bike rentals are offered for convenience.

“In my opinion, the property's direct access to the beach and panoramic views define its appeal. The retro-chic design strikes a balance, making it family-friendly, and the location puts Santa Cruz attractions within easy reach. I think the on-site dining, with its focus on local seafood, nicely complements the overall experience.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • 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

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.8/10Review 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

Discover delightful on-site dining at Dream Inn Santa Cruz, where the focus is on local flavors and a warm atmosphere. Guests can relish a variety of meal options in a setting that invites both family gatherings and romantic dinners, all complemented by stunning coastal views.
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Restaurant photo

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

Local seafood and American cuisine
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a romantic touch, equipped with cozy seating and a relaxed vibe, perfect for enjoying meals while gazing at the scenic surroundings.
Key Offerings
Highlights include fresh seafood dishes and locally inspired favorites, enhancing the dining experience with flavors that celebrate the region's bounty. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, or dinner while basking in the inviting atmosphere.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for breakfast, brunch, and dinner; hours vary.

Location

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060
Explore Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
11-minute walk
An iconic beachfront amusement park featuring thrilling rides, games, and carnival food with stunning ocean views.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf
3-minute walk
A lively pier with shops, restaurants, and marine life viewing opportunities, perfect for a scenic stroll and dining.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4-minute walk
An educational center focused on the marine ecosystem, featuring interactive exhibits and stunning views of the bay.
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
15-minute walk
A small museum dedicated to the history of surfing in Santa Cruz, housing vintage boards and memorabilia.
Surfing at Cowell's Beach
5-minute walk
Surfing hotspot known for gentle waves, perfect for all skill levels. Rentals available at local shops nearby.
Well Within Spa
Well Within Spa
15-minute walk
A serene destination offering a range of spa services, yoga classes, and wellness treatments for relaxation.
Hiking at Neary Lagoon Park
16-minute walk
Scenic trails offer opportunities for jogging and bird-watching in a tranquil lagoon setting, ideal for nature lovers.
Biking the San Lorenzo River Parkway
5-minute drive
Bike paths along the river provide a scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts, with rental shops available nearby.
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
3-minute walk
With a casual vibe, this spot serves fresh seafood and local wines, perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.
The Picnic Basket
4-minute walk
A cozy eatery offering farm-to-table ingredients, sandwiches, and breakfast items, ideal for a quick and healthy meal.
Casablanca Bistro
6-minute walk
A charming venue serving Mediterranean cuisine with fresh ingredients and an inviting atmosphere for dinner.
Sawasdee By The Sea
5-minute walk
Enjoy authentic Thai dishes in a laid-back setting, with options for vegan and gluten-free diners, reservations suggested.
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conference Center
10-minute walk
This historic venue hosts events and live music, featuring stunning ocean views, ideal for night outings with friends.
Ideal Bar & Grill
4-minute walk
An upbeat bar offering cocktails, bar snacks, and local music, perfect for a fun night out after dinner.
Rio Theatre
5-minute drive
Quirky venue showing indie films and hosting events, known for a relaxed vibe, popcorn classics, and local performances.
Teatro Loma
5-minute drive
A quaint theater with a variety of live performances, including comedy and music, providing family-friendly entertainment.
Tips on navigating the 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
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
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

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review score
Based on 955 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.8/10
Free WiFi
8.7/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Excellent views
Helpful staff
Clean rooms
Easy parking
Cons
Small closet
Dated interior
Guest reviews
based on 3752 reviews
4.5/5
based on 741 reviews
8.7/10
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
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What types of dining options are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Guests can enjoy dining at Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge and poolside dining options.
What are the notable nearby attractions to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby attractions include Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (0.5 km) and Natural Bridges State Park (0.5 km).
What room amenities can guests expect at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, iPod docking stations, premium coffee, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
What recreational facilities does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer?
The hotel features a renovated outdoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, and beach access with sun loungers.
How far is Dream Inn Santa Cruz from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
The hotel is 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What services are provided for guests' convenience at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel offers luggage storage, express check-in and check-out, and bike rentals.
What activities are available on-site at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Guests can enjoy activities such as live music performances, hiking, fishing, and golfing.
Are there any health or wellness amenities at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The hotel provides a hot tub, outdoor swimming pool, and wellness programs.
What are the different types of rooms available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Room types include Ocean View Cathedral Executive King and Queen, Ocean View Suite, and Shore Break ADA Suite.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The staff speaks multiple languages to assist a diverse range of guests.

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