Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a street with palm trees and buildings.
A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a view of the ocean.
A restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a kitchen area, and a large window with a view.
A multi-story hotel with a flat facade, multiple balconies, and a sign indicating it is part of the Howard Johnson network.
An indoor swimming pool with steps leading into it, surrounded by tables and chairs under a covered area.

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
130 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • 355 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

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

Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(4 reviews)
  • 350 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(8 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz places you in Westside Santa Cruz, within a leisurely stroll of popular sights such as Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay. This 27-room motel welcomes guests with free breakfast and conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪De La Hacienda Taqueria - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Guests of Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a hot tub, and a business center. Free parking is included with your stay. Dry cleaning/laundry services make packing light an option. Additional amenities include a computer station, laundry facilities, and a banquet hall.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a hot tub.

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

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)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • 4 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 45
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • JCB International
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (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, 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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
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.
  • 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.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Inn Fisherman`s Wharf Santa Cruz Hotel Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Boardwalk
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

As of Oct 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz on Oct 19, 2026 start from $136, including 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 within easy reach of Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz within a short 9-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and also 12 minutes on foot from Monterey Bay. You'll also find Pacific Avenue and Santa Cruz Main Beach less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Though parking is limited parking spaces, wheelchair-accessible parking is also available. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz feature a casino on the premises?

No, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is a hot tub.

Is Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz good for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a hot tub plus some guestrooms include a private hot tub and an ocean view.

Are there hot tubs at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

No, but this motel offers jetted bathtubs in some guestrooms.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers free continental breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

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

How close is the airport from Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 17.2 mi away (28 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.4 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Yes, some guestrooms at this motel offer either a furnished balcony and a furnished patio where guests can enjoy ocean views.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 254 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 347 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 204 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 100 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 96 out of 1001 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I wish there was more breakfast options but other then that the staff was very nice and friendly, it was clean and quiet. I like that it was a short walk to the boardwalk.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everyone and everything was great! We stay there yearly . Clean convenient and nice general breakfast!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice ocean view, breakfast was ok, huge hot tub was very nice
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great check in experience, great location. Cozy Lil hot tub. Walls are a wee bit thin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place was clean convenient to local boardwalk attraction and beach. All walkable. Our room had 3 beds separate room had 2 beds and one by itself. Staff was very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind. The room was clean. Breakfast was good. I would come back again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location near wharf. Within walking distance of many local sights of interest.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Solid breakfast, enjoyed the hot tub, friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was good. Clean rooms and well kept
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Staff was courteous and helpful, and the room was clean. This motel definitely shows it's age, looks to be built in the 70s with 90s styling. The tub, while clean, was well worn from years of use. Location was good, just a 5 minute walk from the pier. Parking lot is awful, bring your smallest car if you want to maneuver around into and out of some of the spaces (seemed to us that these were the only ones left if you arrive later in the evening)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed another stay! Celeste & staff are always friendly & welcoming, clean room, very nice complementary breakfast, we always enjoy our relaxing stay here and look forward to our next stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Very nice stay
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Amenities
Would stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean and in a great location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean, and the staff was wonderful. It was within walking distance to the pier, the boardwalk, and the markets. I would recommend to anyone this is really a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Breakfast was ok, we didn’t use the hot tub
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly room and bathroom were dated and could use some updating to be comfortable. Not what I expected for the price per night
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was amazing staff was more than accommodating and nice
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous staff, comfortable bed.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff was great from the beginning, accommodating, and helpful with information. The room catered to what we needed for our large family. The breakfast was a true continental, nothing special but got the kids fed enough. The hot tub area was very big and spacious, but also a safety risk. One of the rails leading to the tub was detached, the tiles are very slippery, and rusty. Only half of the jets worked, but regardless after a long day of walking, it was nice to relax.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean when we arrived. Loved the ocean view from the second floor. No elevator, I have limited mobility so 18 stairs were hard to do. Smoke alarm went off at 5 am as batteries were low. All in all a good stay, not great but good.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Old property but in good conditions. Very convenient location. Breakfast is basic (typical motel) but fine and it's nice to have it included whether you want to use it or not. The A/C in the room was very loud and we ended up open the window instead (nights are cool). However, the room faced the parking, so it was a bit noisy. Overall, you get what you pay for.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
great place for the family of 6 right by the beach breakfast was great but the hot tub was cold!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff is super nice. I live staying here
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025