Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Tonight
23 Mar - 24 Mar
Tomorrow
24 Mar - 25 Mar
This weekend
27 Mar - 29 Mar
Next weekend
3 Apr - 5 Apr

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

Front of property

Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,001 reviews)
"We love the location, it’s perfect for when we visit our children who attend UCSC!!"
United States
Roxana
The price is HK$866
HK$1,059 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Mission Inn
Individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (1,002 reviews)
"Great location!"
United States
shiana
The price is HK$540
HK$709 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Beachview Inn
Indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (798 reviews)
"Close to everything we wanted to explore, great customer service. "
United States
Charis
The price is HK$593
HK$819 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Apr - 6 Apr
The Aqua Pacific Hotel
Terrace/patio

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"Room was clean and staff where excellent! "
United States
Michael
The price is HK$1,026
HK$1,182 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA
Outdoor spa tub

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,320 reviews)
"I loved my stay "
United States
Trice
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Beach views

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz
4.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,005 reviews)
"Very friendly and attentive staff. Great view and amenities, great food. Can’t wait to go back!"
United States
Deborah
The price is HK$2,029
HK$2,309 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Hypo-allergenic bedding, individually decorated, individually furnished

Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,002 reviews)
"Perfect location! Nice, clean and updated room with a great view. Very friendly and welcoming staff. We were able to park there before check in and for a few hours after check out which was very helpful. "
United States
Veronica
The price is HK$1,708
HK$1,948 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Property entrance

Continental Inn

Continental Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good location. Good price "
United States
Neemias
Continental Inn
Indoor spa tub

Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,011 reviews)
"Room was very clean, staff was great!"
United States
Mark
The price is HK$464
HK$589 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Surf City Inn and Suites
Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, desk, blackout curtains

Torch Lite Inn

Torch Lite Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,002 reviews)
"Such an amazing price for the location!!! Super close to boardwalk and downtown we didn’t even have to drive anywhere! "
United States
Myles
The price is HK$659
HK$764 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Torch Lite Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View all properties

Find out more about Santa Cruz

Discover cheap things to do in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, California, offers a delightful mix of budget-friendly activities and attractions that cater to the adventurous traveller. Start your journey at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you can enjoy free admission and indulge in affordable treats like corn dogs or cotton candy while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. For a taste of nature, head to Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can witness stunning tidal pools and migratory monarch butterflies, all at no cost. If you're in the mood for some culture, visit the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, which often features free admission days, allowing you to explore local art without breaking the bank. The lively Downtown Santa Cruz is perfect for those seeking thrift shops and local eateries; grab a bite at one of the many food trucks offering delicious, inexpensive meals. When it comes to accommodation, consider staying near the vibrant Downtown area or close to the beach, where you’ll find a range of budget hotels that provide excellent service and a comfortable base for your adventures. Here, you can easily explore the charming streets filled with local shops and cafes, ensuring a delightful experience without the hefty price tag.

Find the best cheap hotels in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers an array of budget-friendly hotels that cater to travellers seeking value without compromising on comfort. Here are some excellent options to consider for your stay.

Beach Street Inn and Suites

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Beach Street Inn and Suites offers an excellent budget-friendly option for travellers, a guest review rating of 9.4. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi and toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay without hidden costs. Guests can enjoy easy access to the nearby beach, perfect for sunbathing and leisurely walks along the coast, as well as an inviting outdoor pool for relaxation.
  • Other amenities: Additional features include a hot tub, a terrace for sunbathing, and self-parking options. With nearby kayaking and surfing opportunities, active travellers will find plenty to do. The hotel also includes beach towels for guest convenience, ensuring a fulfilling beach getaway. Housekeeping services are provided daily, adding an extra touch of comfort to the stay.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.3 km, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.3 km, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.5 km

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz is a great choice with an impressive guest review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast options daily, including continental selections on weekends, ensuring a great start to each day. The hotel also features a refreshing outdoor pool, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the beautiful beaches nearby.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include a fitness centre available 24 hours, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and convenient self-parking options. Guests will appreciate the terrace for relaxation and the nearby local attractions. The hotel also offers electric car charging stations, making it an eco-friendly choice for those travelling with electric vehicles.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Pacific Avenue - 0.2 km, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 0.2 km, Santa Cruz Wharf - 0.3 km

Marea Sol Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Marea Sol Hotel is another excellent budget option for travellers, featuring a review rating of 9.2. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi and toiletries, making it a practical choice for those looking to save without compromising comfort. Guests can enjoy the beautiful outdoor pool and stunning ocean views.
  • Other amenities: Alongside these amenities, Marea Sol Hotel offers self-parking, air conditioning, direct beach access, and a rooftop terrace for enjoying the sunset. The hotel also features furnished balconies, creating a lovely environment for relaxation after a day of exploring Santa Cruz.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.3 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.3 km, Main Beach - 0.2 km

Marea Sol Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: For those seeking a budget-friendly escape with stunning views, Marea Sol Hotel is an excellent choice, featuring a guest review rating of 9.2. Guests will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and toiletries, along with beautiful beach access just steps away. The hotel's outdoor pool is perfect for a refreshing swim on warm days, and its rooftop terrace provides a lovely spot to unwind.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include self-parking options and air conditioning for comfort throughout the stay. The hotel also offers partial and ocean views, enhancing the overall experience. Guests can easily explore nearby beaches and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere that Marea Sol provides.
  • Neighborhood: Westside Santa Cruz
  • Nearby attractions: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 0.3 km, Santa Cruz Main Beach - 0.3 km, Main Beach - 0.2 km

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2/10 Terrible
"Upon arriving at 10pm at night with my two young children, it was a very apparent that this motel was not a safe or peaceful place for us to stay. Our upstairs neighbors made noise and sounded like they were moving the furniture around all night long, the room had smelled like it had been hot boxed with smoke and in the morning there was no hot water available even after running it for over 30 minutes. The management staff was incredibly unhelpful, and even though we only stayed one night they refused to refund us for unused portion of our stay. This place is not only completely made up of scammers, but there were tweakers roaming the property all morning as well. Do not stay here. "
Sarah 3-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
Surf City Inn and Suites

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travellers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Monterey Bay, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best budget-friendly accommodation in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveller reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Torch Lite Inn and Beachview Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August, with an average temperature of 17°C, while the coldest months are February and March, with an average of 11°C. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 677 mm.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Main Beach and Santa Cruz Main Beach, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the centre in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transport options so renting a car could be a reasonable alternative to see more of the area.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia