Drift Inn

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, 8-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drift Inn

Deluxe Double Room, Non Smoking | Free WiFi
Single Room, Non Smoking | Free WiFi
Exterior
Reception
Deluxe Double Room, Non Smoking | Private kitchen | Mini-fridge, microwave

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
110 San Lorenzo Blvd, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Single Room, Non Smoking

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)
  • 0 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Drift Inn is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 19-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a 24-hour front desk.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Main Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Coaster's Lounge - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drift Inn

Motel with free parking, 8-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
At Drift Inn, guests have access to a garden. If you drive, put free parking to good use. The 24-hour front desk has staff always at the ready.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and cable TV. Microwaves are also included. Change of bedsheets is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Cable channels

Food and drink

  • Limited room service
  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating (climate-controlled)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

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
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

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.

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, debit cards, and cash
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number BL-109689

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 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, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

Property is also known as

Drift Inn Motel
Drift Inn Santa Cruz
Drift Inn Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to Drift Inn?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Ocean Street, and within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Inn?

As of Jan 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Inn on Jan 21, 2026 start from $70.0, 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.

Is there parking available at Drift Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

Does Drift Inn include a casino?

No, Drift Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Drift Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about Drift Inn?

Amenities at this motel that appeal to couples include a garden and a 24-hour front desk.

Does Drift Inn have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Drift Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Drift Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Drift Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Drift Inn.

Are there connecting rooms at Drift Inn?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

What is the closest airport to Drift Inn?

The closest major airport to Drift Inn is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 16.4 mi away (29 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.6 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Drift Inn?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Drift Inn.

Drift Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 20 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 67 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Silent

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Estela

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rnds

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Gilbert

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean area was quiet . It was within walking distance from the boardwalk.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The manager was very friendly and great customer service. We got a very spacious room. Right when you walked in there is bed and the next room was a bed and both queens beds and it can with a small fridge and freezer and microwave. The bathroom was pretty cool and the hotel was worth the price. I also need additional room so to my family member wanted to stay the night and instead of sharing beds they hotel manager gave as other room for a cheaper prices of $79 and that room was in its own little area and had like a little kitchen with a microwave and small fridge with a freezer. The bathroom was pretty big too and the shower was amazing
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

yvonne

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

maciej

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
👍
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice , helpful staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose Ortiz, Delano

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing staff, great location and extremely accommodating, overall a great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel, NEW CASTLE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Short walk to beach.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprised by my stay at the Drift Inn. Because the price was so low and it was so conveniently located, I was expecting certain "downside" stuff when I got there. But it really was a good hotel. The check in was seamless and the customer service was quite pleasant and friendly. The room was big. It had a kitchen, in addition to the regular hotel room. There was also a front and a back balcony. It was very conveniently located, walking distance to the boardwalk and to downtown Santa Cruz, while also having plenty of parking. It was clean and I had no issues with the other customers.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I found the staff very friendly
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

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

Perfect for our needs

The room was clean and near all the fun spots in Santa Cruz. Downtown shops restaurants and bar were all with in walking distance. To me that’s 30 mins. There was also a little kitchen area that had the microwave and refrigerator separate from the room with the two beds. The man doing our check in was training and did a great job helping me check in. I would highly recommend the Drift Inn. And would definitely book there again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Miguel

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

10/10 Excellent

Esteban

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Amber

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This hotel was clean. There is a kitchenette that has a refrigerator and microwave. Our kitchenette was a little run down with missing cabinet handles. It appears they are fixing up the rooms. Which I think will add great value.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Lucia

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Horrible hotel, never staying there again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms are extremely clean and the staff is friendly. We enjoyed being within a short walk of both downtown and the boardwalk. This is a great place to stay if you would like to park your car and leave it while you explore town.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the Boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have really nothing to say. Very good.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Teresa

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
No smoke detector
Worn linen
Poorly maintained floor
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025