Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Property class: 2

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.
A natural rock arch formation with a clear view of the ocean and a sunset in the background.
A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony.
A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

  • 192 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(36 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS NON SMOKING

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE KING SIZE BED

  • Sleeps 4

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, Islander Motel Santa Cruz is within a mile (2 km) of popular sights such as Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The 22 rooms at this motel include microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and Egyptian cotton linens.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Mission Santa Cruz - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Taqueria Los Pericos - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pacific Cookie Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Guests of Islander Motel Santa Cruz enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a vending machine. Free parking is included with your stay. Front-desk staff are standing by 24/7 to assist with any requests.
32-inch flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include microwaves, free local calls, and ironing boards.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision. Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool.

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: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet (33 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1963
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

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 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property 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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • One child 5 years old or younger stays free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding

Property payment types

  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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.

Optional extras

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

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (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 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 mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
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: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21
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 private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit or credit 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 mobile payments. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from May 15 to October 31.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • No alcohol is served at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

As of Oct 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Islander Motel Santa Cruz on Oct 4, 2026 start from $82, 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's there to see around Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Ocean Street. You'll also find Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pacific Avenue less than a mile away.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz feature a casino?

No, Islander Motel Santa Cruz doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool will be open from May 15 until October 31.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Islander Motel Santa Cruz doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Islander Motel Santa Cruz allow pets to stay free of charge?

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

What is the closest airport to Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Islander Motel Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 15.4 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is around 27.7 mi away.

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 503 out of 1024 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 351 out of 1024 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 87 out of 1024 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1024 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 1024 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was nice and cleaned and good price
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a wonderful stay thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable yet very clean. Very friendly staff. We would definitely stay there again and recommend to our friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay. All staff were helpful and able to accommodate an additional night’s stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay. The room is a bit cramped but it was clean and the bed was comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is our favorite hotel in Santa Cruz. The owners are so very nice. There is a bit of street noise, but the free parking, location, and cleanliness make up for it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and the room was clean. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, good location, attentive staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, fairly comfy bed, convienent
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room was clean, close to downtown Santa Cruz. Parking felt safe
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quick,immediate availability with good location. Clean considering age of property. Will book again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This motel/hotel was super super clean, with nice bathrooms and very comfortable beds. Would come back in a heartbeat!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was so pleasant, no one bothered us, it was like we had the place to ourselves and it was booked with people.. peaceful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Whenever I come to Santa Cruz, I always stay at this motel. Great staff the room is comfortable always clean. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room. Mattress was a little soft for me but I would recommend and stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was clean and everyone was very nice. Only thing to update is windows to keep out traffic noise. A good place between the beach and downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy access
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay if you need to sleep. It’s just fine. Staff is friendly and the property feels pretty safe. Great for the price and location.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and renovated room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and the beds were comfy. Parking was a little bit tight, but the location is central to everything Santa Cruz, and feels quiet and safe at night. ☺️
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking was tight but doable. Room pleasant and clean. Staff very friendly. Keurig coffee available in morning. Wonderful bakery/cafe walking distance for breakfast, The Buttery. Nice Deli across the street.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in and check out was both good by a nice Lady, Coffee was really good, room was clean and also a nice comfortable bed . It was definitely worth the price I would say
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, cozy and close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026