Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4.0 star property
Oceanfront with outdoor pool, near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Relax by the pool with ocean views and a pier in the background, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas.
Enjoy the beach view from this balcony with a table and chairs.
Enjoy a room with two beds, a desk, and a window offering a view of the pier and water.
Relax on the balcony overlooking the water with a seating area and stunning views.
Enjoy expansive views from large windows and balconies in this contemporary hotel.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar

Explore the area

Map
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Cowell's Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬
VIP Access
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  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

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Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - King ADA)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - Two Queen)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(21 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Suite - Tower)

  • 473 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Shore Break Suite ADA)

  • 580 sq ft
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Suite - Cloud Level)

  • 473 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (West Cliff Suite)

  • 600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Dream Suite)

  • 600 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(14 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(76 reviews)
  • 333 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower - Two Queen)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(26 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive Two Qu)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(13 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - Two Queen)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(48 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity - Two Queen)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • 340 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 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, Dream Inn Santa Cruz is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 165-room resort welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool.

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 44 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Stagnaro Bros - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Marini's at the Beach - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Oceanfront with outdoor pool, near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Guests staying at Dream Inn Santa Cruz enjoy access to a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and free WiFi in public areas. Valet parking is offered for USD 40.00 per night. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with tours or tickets, luggage storage, and dry cleaning/laundry. Other amenities at this beach resort include meeting rooms, free newspapers, and a terrace.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels and pay movies. Balconies, coffee makers, and free local calls are also available.
Recreational amenities at the resort include an outdoor pool.

Children under 15 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa. Services include massages. The spa is open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (USD 35 per night)
  • Valet parking on site (USD 40 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 10 to 30 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Jack O'Neill Restaurant

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Full-service spa
  • Heated pool
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • 3 meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • On the beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Massage
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Pool hoist on site
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 10 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with cable channels
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Recycling
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 10.00 to 30.00 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 35.00 per night
  • Valet parking fee: USD 40.00 per night (in/out privileges)

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, debit card, or cash deposit 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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as 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.
  • 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:

  • Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Dream Inn
Dream Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel
Dream Hotel Santa Cruz
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
a Joie De Vivre Hotel Hotel Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Jul 19, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dream Inn Santa Cruz on Aug 12, 2025 start from $479.0, 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 can I see close to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

This resort is situated in Westside Santa Cruz within a short 9-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and also 18 minutes on foot from Monterey Bay. You'll also find Cowell's Beach and Santa Cruz Wharf less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, valet parking is offered for USD 40.00 per night with in/out privileges. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

There is a full-service spa available for guests to enjoy and services include massages.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz feature a casino at the property?

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

Will I find an indoor pool at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

No, this resort doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access between 7:30 AM and 9:00 PM.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

This beachfront resort offers many amenities for couples, including Champagne service as well as an outdoor pool and a poolside bar.

Are there hot tubs at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

No, but this resort does have a heated pool.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, Dream Inn Santa Cruz serves a cooked-to-order breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Jack O'Neill Restaurant.

Will Dream Inn Santa Cruz allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Dream Inn Santa Cruz though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

No, this resort doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Dream Inn Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 17.4 mi away (29 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.3 mi away.

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

Yes, every guestroom at Dream Inn Santa Cruz comes with a balcony with some featuring ocean or pool views.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 741 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 153 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 22 out of 1002 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Emine

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

MARIA

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Andy

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right on the ocean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Decor was great, very stylish hotel and all staff was nice. Pool and hot tub were hard to access as it’s rather small for the amount of rooms there. All chairs and loungers were claimed by 9:00 am. We ended up using the pool and hot tub from 9:15-10:00 pm since that was really the only time it wasn’t super crowded.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked it was right on the beach.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing experience from checking in to check out

This hotel was booked based on other people’s reviews, and it didn’t disappoint, the hotel on the outside looks like any other hotel, but the rooms are very spacious with good decoration, and my view from the balcony had a view right onto the beach. The greeting was amazing. I spoke to a lady called Ann, she was extremely helpful and informative about the local area. Car parking is pretty easy. You can pull to the drop up zone outside the hotel, then when you’ve got your luggage in the hotel, you drive across the street and park in the open space Carr park of which your room key will let you access. This hotel was in an amazing location right next to the beach, the pier and the boardwalk, which is essentially a fun fair on the seaside. You could have a 30 minute walk to get to a local lighthouse, which is well worth the trip. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, the coffee shop in the hotel is fantastic or locally your options would be trying coffee, which will be near the lighthouse next to the hotel. They also do very good coffee. The hotel restaurant also serves amazing food. I opted for the steak, which was very enjoyable, and the service was second to none. If you are a light sleeper, while there was no noise from the hotel, you could hear the waves crashing on the beach - which from my point of view helped with me getting to sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

darrick

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Krista

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Wouldn’t return. Slow check in and made us wait till 4 to Check in. No help finding our way around. Parking/ valet fee and room charge is extreme for the small room it is. Wouldn’t return.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haoyi

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Bad service

The property was convenient, and one of the nicer hotels in the area. The heated pool came in handy when it was chilly. Quick access to the beach. Close to the boardwalk. However, service wasn't great - maybe it was because I wasn't of a certain race, or that I was traveling alone with kids. Regardless, I would not stay here ever again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mally

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael, Elk Grove

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great stay. Right on the beach, view of the pier from out 9th floor window was fantastic, sitting on the patio while listening to the waves and feeling the ocean breeze, wandering down to walk along the beach. Had on room service meal of a burger and it was wonderful. I will want to come back to the 'Dream Inn' again next year.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marco

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay!

Great hotel with a great restaurant attached. Service was excellent, friendly. Checking in was a breeze.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip Browne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As close to the boardwalk and wharf as you can get while still having breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs. Rooms were spacious with everything we needed, and had easy access to the beach, even for people with disabilities.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joie

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Louise

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

caroline, moreno valley

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marianna

Liked: Amenities
Pool view & ocean front property
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

jennifer, Coto de Caza

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view and clean rooms.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay- beautiful property! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

sf**annie

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing view and loved the pool!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard, Tiburon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We love the dream inn, and always will. See you soon!

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Valerie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Beautiful and so updated!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025