Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

2.5 star property
Bayside motel in Santa Cruz with a seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Reception
Exterior

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
325 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Main Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room

  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 38-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Ocean Street - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Marini's at the Beach - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Catalyst - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bayside motel in Santa Cruz with a seasonal outdoor pool
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz features free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and express check-out. Limited parking is available. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area. Additional amenities include a terrace, a garden, and a vending machine.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking within 0.15 miles (USD 15 per day), from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Street parking available
  • Limited onsite parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from September 22 to March 20:
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Offsite parking fee: USD 15 per day (0.15 mi away; open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-6:30 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers limited parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • The minimum check-in age for Spring Break is 21 years old.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from March 19 to September 13.
  • Nearby construction work may cause some noise disturbance.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Bay Front Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Hotel Santa Cruz
Bay Front Motel
Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

As of Jun 15, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Jun 18, 2025 start from $89.23, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do close to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Pacific Avenue and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, and within a short walk of Santa Cruz Wharf. You'll also find Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, though parking is limited.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz include a casino on the premises?

No, Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool will be open from March 19 until September 13.

Is Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz good for couples?

Amenities at this motel that appeal to couples include a seasonal outdoor pool and a terrace.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz for a fee of USD 25 per pet, per night.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 17.1 mi away (27 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz.

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 291 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 262 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 194 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 131 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 124 out of 1002 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isabel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location. There’s a great cafe within walking distance! Very clean, and great price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jerod

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rocky

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher or Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great prices and The family room was very spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Our room had a dirty restroom and a dirty shower. And poop on the wall near the light switch. One entire wall in the bedroom portion was scuffed and had dirt and mud all over it. There was sand in the bed. Clearly the sheets and bedding hadn’t been changed. The price for the stay was not worth the room we were given. I won’t be staying here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family

A couple blocks from beach, NO Bay View

There is no checking in early. Period. The lady at the front desk told us to come back at 3 o’clock or later. So luckily we were able to walk a couple blocks to the main street near the beach and get a sandwich at a little place called the Picnic Basket. It as ok. As for the rooms. They were not cleaned well. The bedding looked clean, but there was mud on the air conditioner like someone put their foot up there to put their shoes on. I don’t blame them because there is absolutely zero chairs in the room. So there is no place to sit to put on a pair of shoes or put on your pants. So the only place to sit if you want to read in the room is to sit on the bed. Plus, there’s only a nightstand on one side. So the side that I slept on had no place for me to put my book, my glasses, my water to drink at night. It all has to go on the floor. And who wants to put anything on a disgusting motel room floor. The room itself could use a really good thorough bleach cleaning. The sink has cigarette burns around the edge. And has a very odd smell. It seems like there are permanent residence living there: several times throughout the day there’s a group that gathers out front in the parking lot to smoke. So you could smell the smoke throughout the property. I understand the motel is old, but I think a better cleaning all the way around would be beneficial. There was a bucket of water with discarded cigarette butts in it that looked and smell awful. Ok for one night and close to beach
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Kurt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Kelly

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Abigail

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Clarence

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Should have stayed home.

Majority of my stay was spent trying to get the TV, heater, and lights to work. Less than one hour after checking in the office was closed for the night. Checked in at 8:30 pm. There's a phone number to call but no one responds. By far the worst Valentines Day on record. T.V. started working kinda, three channels nickeloaden, informercials news in a.langauge i dont know. Somewhere around 2:30am Why?
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

JEROD

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Gloria

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good but not great
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Father

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
THEY say they offer breakfast on there site and when i booked the room it said it as well there was no breakfast at all office was not open until 10am, first empression on the property, lady in the office was extremely rude while i was checking in, no hospitality asked about the area and what there is to do and she basically blew me off amd said theres some brosures right there if you want to know whats around here, was not a very pleasant interaction at all. front door to the room to start with had issues closing the handle is basicaly broken had to lock the dead bold inorder to get the door striker to reengage, the room bedding was dirty luckly i brought my own blankets, there was a roach crawling around on the head borad of the bed and in the bathroom, the bedroom cause i got a 3 bet room had no heat at all was freezing in there my whole family ended up all sleeping on 2 beds. the room was very spacious and the area was nice 10 minute walking distance from the board walk thats the only good thing i can say.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bruce

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Errol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Ryan

The people in the room next to mine came in late and were pretty noisey, and i heard a skateboard being ridden close by. I didnt get too much sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Brandon

Traveled with pets, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I got what I expected for the price, a clean place to stay for a night in Santa Cruz near the ocean. Quiet and comfortable, with no bells or whistles. A nice bed, bathroom, and TV.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024