Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 27-room motel welcomes guests with free breakfast and conveniences like free in-room WiFi and free self parking.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
Getting around
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 43 min drive
Restaurants
Las Palmas Taco Bar - 2 min walk
Ideal Bar & Grill - 4 min walk
Boardwalk Bowl - 7 min walk
Cruzin’ Crepes - 10 min walk
The Picnic Basket - 4 min walk
About this property
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Motel with free breakfast, 9-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
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 vending machine.
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.
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
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
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
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham)
Masks are required at the property for guests without COVID-19 vaccination
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.
Masks are required in public areas for unvaccinated guests.
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham).
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.
What can I see within easy reach of Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?
This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Pacific Avenue and Main Beach, and within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. You'll also find Santa Cruz Main Beach and Ocean Street 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 available on request, 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 free breakfast plus some guestrooms include jetted bathtubs and kitchens.
Are there hot tubs at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?
Yes, this motel has a spa tub.
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 or a furnished patio where guests can enjoy ocean views.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Reviews
Reviews
7.2
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 229 out of 1000 reviews
10 - Excellent
229
Rating 8 - Good. 351 out of 1000 reviews
8 - Good
351
Rating 6 - Okay. 224 out of 1000 reviews
6 - Okay
224
Rating 4 - Poor. 102 out of 1000 reviews
4 - Poor
102
Rating 2 - Terrible. 94 out of 1000 reviews
2 - Terrible
94
7.8/10
Cleanliness
7.4/10
Staff & service
6.6/10
Amenities
6.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.2/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Tim
Traveled with family
Oct 9, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
We had a great stay and enjoyed the hot tub and other amenities. Very friendly staff.
Tim
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mila
Oct 7, 2025
Very nice stay
Mila
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
6/10 Okay
John
Traveled with partner
Oct 1, 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Great people just the rooms are getting run down from just being old. Great view maybe up date the rooms with the great views
Loved the balcony and view! Nice check in gal and such an easy walk to the Pier and beach ⛱️
We will be back!
Julie
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
6/10 Okay
Terry
Traveled with partner
Sep 24, 2025
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The hot tub was covered and padlocked closed
Internet didn’t work most of the time
Parking lot was being resurfaced so we have to find alternate parking, but we were lucky to find a spot on the premises.
The bed was a little too firm for me
It was a little loud due to street traffic.
The room was clean and the balcony and ocean view was really nice!
The breakfast selection was good!
The staff was nice and apologetic about the inconvenience
My sister and I have stayed there two other times, she more than that. I had requested an Accessible room and we did not get it. There was only 1 in the hotel and it does not face the bay. Our room should have had a grab/safety bar to hold onto in the bathtub. The bathtub was slippery as there was no non-slip mat in the tub. We put a towel/bath mat inside the tub so I wouldn't slip.
Breakfast could have provided some more protein like peanut butter. Otherwise, it was good.
My daughter suffers from severe eczema and allergies and she breaks out and gets hot and itchy when exposed to hot conditions, being that the hotel room was bolstering hot upon arrival and the amana heat pump in the room did not work made the day and night very uncomfortable through out that day especially at peak temperatures of 94 degrees during the day. I was expecting a far more comfortable stay at the hotel but unfortunately was not able to comfortably relax and rest.
Falsely advertised. This place is not clean, there were little hairs in the bed & on the towels. Absolutely disgusting. Never staying in a Howard Johnson brand again after this.