Drift Inn

2.5 star property
Motel with free parking, a short walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Drift Inn

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

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

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

Room options

Single Room, Non Smoking

  • 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 - 0.0 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Hot Dog On Stick - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Drift Inn

Motel with free parking, a short 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

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 Santa Cruz Main Beach. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Mystery Spot within a short drive.

How much does it cost to stay at Drift Inn?

As of Oct 20, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Drift Inn on Oct 21, 2025 start from $75.0, 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.

Will I be able to park 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at 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, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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.

Are there rooms with balconies at Drift Inn?

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

Reviews

Drift Inn Reviews

8.4

Very Good

8.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 42 reviews

Reviews

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

David

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

6/10 Okay

Raul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Very stiff but again it’s a hotel bigger can’t be choosers
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Don

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional customer service from the front desk clerk, he was very friendly and helpful. He welcomed me like I came home. Very nice personality.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Manuel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I liked that it was walking distance from the boardwalk and customer service was good what I didn’t like was the room where a little older needed upgrade
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Meagan

Disliked: Cleanliness
There was no staff 24 hours. I tried to complain about the cockroaches in my room that ended up in my food but the front desk was locked and no way to reach out to staff
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dale

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

2/10 Terrible

Tashena

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room reeked of mold
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luis

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

With out the Nazarene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Peter, Las Vegas

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I had an issue with my reservation that could not be solved when fully booked. The Manager arranged for my stay at a separate motel. This solution was fair and reasonable. Based on this integrity alone, I would recommend the Drift Inn.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Rigoberto

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily

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

Thank you Ankit

The front Desk agent was very helpful. He gave me a free room upgrade and allowed me to check in early. He was also kind enough to let us park our car after checkout while we hung out at the boardwalk. Our room was very clean and check out was simple.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

terry

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
so reasonable and nice people.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Elsa

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property needs maintenance. TV didn’t work, lamp missing lightbulbs. Shower pressure not good. Smoke detector missing.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

LAURA

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

Customer service at it's best!

The only place I'll stay. Customer service is amazing which is hard to find now days.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025