Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Boardwalk/promenade motel in Santa Cruz with free parking

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

View from property
Reception
Front of property
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | Bathroom | Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
311 2nd Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Basic Suite, 2 Bedrooms

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(15 reviews)
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

7.4 out of 10
Good
(13 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a 5-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Fireside Inn Santa Cruz is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights like Monterey Bay. This 25-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs.

What's nearby

  • Pacific Avenue - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz

Boardwalk/promenade motel in Santa Cruz with free parking
Guests staying at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz enjoy free WiFi in public areas and free newspapers. There's free parking if you drive. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Refrigerators, microwaves, and desks are also available. Housekeeping is available on request.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space per unit)

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade

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 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1957
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 48 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Cash deposit: USD 100.00 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.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
  • Facilities fee: USD 3 per accommodation, per night

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-midnight
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. Driving? This property offers free 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 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 and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The motel can refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, which include pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No alcohol is served at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz
Fireside Santa Cruz
Paradise Hotel Santa Cruz
Paradise Inn By The Beach Hotel Santa Cruz
Paradise Motel Santa Cruz
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz Motel
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Fireside Inn Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Nov 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz on Nov 30, 2025 start from $68.49, 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's there to do close to Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

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

Is there parking available at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does Fireside Inn Santa Cruz feature a casino on the premises?

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

Is there an indoor pool at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Does Fireside Inn Santa Cruz have a hot tub?

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

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

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

Does Fireside Inn Santa Cruz allow pets to stay for free?

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

Does Fireside Inn Santa Cruz have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Fireside Inn Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 17.3 mi away (29 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.4 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Fireside Inn Santa Cruz.

Reviews

Fireside Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

7.0

Good

7.0/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

6.0/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 271 out of 992 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 263 out of 992 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 223 out of 992 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 126 out of 992 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 109 out of 992 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

matheus

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

8/10 Good

James

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

Close to the SC beach, boardwalk, and pier

This is a very well maintained and modernized property and priced lower than surrounding motels at most times. The entire Santa Cruz area is quite expensive on weekends during the summer. The only reason I have it only 4 stars is that the parking is horrendous. Not only is it on a steep hill, most spots are also slanted and quite tight to park in. Crime is also rampant in the area with vagrants eyeballing vehicles daily to steal from so don’t leave anything outside the room that you cannot live without. This applies to the entire area, not just Fireside…
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

ch

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Close to the boardwalk

Great location! Had everything we needed for a weekend away. Beds were comfy. Very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Raymon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
First time staying here and it was really convenient! Walking out the boardwalk through the arcade it’s about a 2 minute walk to the room. Check in was a breeze. Park, check in, and front desk helps you find a spot. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the boardwalk! We love staying here when we want to spend the night in Santa Cruz.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber

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

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Place was quiet, close to the boardwalk, staff was very nice, the only complaint would be the AC didn't work.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

brian

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is my second time here and once again, pros and cons. The last time we were here, the room were outdated but AC works. Now this year, rooms were renovated but AC didn't work this time. The only complaint was the bed platform makes loud bang noise. I'll definitely be back only if the price is right.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Bernard

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
1 spider in the bed fine, 1 green dead bug found inbetween the pillows ok….bed bug crawling on the bed, no no no packed up and left immediately. Still waiting for a call from the manager because supposedly no “manager” on site. Avoid her at costs. Yeah super close and convenient next to the boardwalk which was nice but I didn’t plan to have bugs in my bed also.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nicole

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel was awful. We spent $530 for 2 nights and it wasn’t even worth half of that. The beds are rock hard, you can feel the springs, and the bed frame is so noisy just getting in/ out and rolling. It sounds like metal hitting against metal. The showers water pressure is so so bad. It took our family of 5 an absolute ridiculous amount of time to shower as the water barely drips out. The water was also barely luke warm. By the time we were 2 showers in the water was cold. The lights outside of the rooms were also so bright that it looked like day time through the windows in the middle of the night. It was so bright and kept our kids up. We had to have housekeeping come in and mop the floors because our feet were immediately turning black walking around after showers. You can tell they don’t clean properly between guests. Also, they feed a whole hoard of pigeons, so if you’re lucky enough and park where they feed, your car will be covered in poop. Absolutely the worst place we’ve ever stayed. Will not be returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anselmy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Muy cerca de la playa
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Mold vs. Mildew Curiosity? Stay here!

We are Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk enthusiasts, and our objective is to stay as close to the Boardwalk as possible, park our car where we stay, and have a place to rest in the mid-afternoon. Did we get those things at the Fireside Inn? Yes, we did. However, we would not come back. Things we liked: - Proximity to the Boardwalk - Room configuration (king bed in the “main room” and separate bedroom with two double beds) - Parking included - Refrigerator (and microwave, though we didn’t use it) in room Things that were disappointing: - The strong smell of Fabuloso cleaner that tries to mask the mildew or mold (we still don’t know which one) stank. My kid’s stuffy that he slept with in his bed came home smelling like that room. So, so gross! - The bath products in the wall dispensers. The hand soap was empty. There is only a 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner. The body wash and shampoo are suspiciously similar. - The window, while operable, had no screen, and given the smell, you REALLY want to open that window. (Notable credit to the plantation shutters though.) - The TVs (there were two) got snowy reception and a very odd set of channels. The kid room has fewer channels than the main room. - The beds felt almost hollow and just sank when you sat. The linens were questionably clean. - The parking is very, very tight. We managed, but many spaces are parallel on an incline. Overall, this place reminds you - you get what you pay for. Pay a little more.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christiana

Disliked: Staff & service
The owner was super rude and
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Steve

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
There was no mirror in the bathroom. No closet or even a rod to hang your clothes. Great location and friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The owner is the sweetest man! He upgraded us for free and made sure that we were taken care of.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The gentleman at the desk was friendly and helpful. We were able to park and walk to the beach, boardwalk and breakfast!!! Cleaning services does a great job making it feel clean and not sandy.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Keith

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is very convenient. The staff was pretty nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Guinevere

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The air conditioner was out, no solution offered.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Samantha

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
It was great for the price. The room was clean. Our daughter loved the seperate room. There is no closet, but other than that is was really good. Check in was easy.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Yaneli

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
The bed was super uncomfortable but the showerr made up for it. Overall good, the location of the hotel was the real winner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Veronica

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
We have been here many times. The staff is always nice. It is not a high end place but it is close to the boardwalk.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Luciano

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

10/10 Excellent

kevin

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