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Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, near Mission Santa Cruz

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Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk
1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk
Reception
Point of interest

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

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.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk

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

  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

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

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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 Main Beach. The 22 rooms at this motel include microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and Egyptian cotton linens.
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Main Beach - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Jury Room - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel with free parking, near Mission 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.

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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: 1:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

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 3:00 PM 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

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

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 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: 19
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 credit card for incidental charges and 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.

What's there to see around Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Ocean Street, and within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History and Pacific Garden Mall. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel.

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.

Is Islander Motel Santa Cruz a good place to stay for couples?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like Egyptian cotton sheets as well as a seasonal outdoor pool and a 24-hour front desk.

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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.

Are there connecting rooms at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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.

Are there rooms with balconies at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 407 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 387 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 116 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1002 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every time we visit family in Santa Cruz
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

F. Jay

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean room. Like having 4 pillows on the bed, 2 more puffy, 2 less puffy. Very comfortable bed. Staff friendly and attentive. Only coffee for breakfast but rather go out for breakfast anyway. Staff gave good recommendations on morning and evening dining. Could not recommend any more highly. Perhaps a bit of highway noise early in the evening that became neglible later.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

DANIEL, South Lake Tahoe

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abdel

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Langley

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

Islander Santa Cruz

Good, clean, no frills hotel. With the cost of rooms in the Santa Cruz area this was a great deal. Definitely would stay there again. Pool could use a cleaning
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

8/10 Good

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One night stay and perfect location for us. Clean, comfortable and quiet as we had a 2nd story room away from the busy street(223)!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Fredrick

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
When I went to check in, the man at the front desk was kind of a jerk. The rooms were nice, easy parking, and close to pretty much everything, but again the desk man was overall not pleasant
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant motel in great location. On a busy street but not that loud in the room. Convenient to downtown and walkable to the Boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Dale

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

Reasonable lodging for the Summer

Good experience overall. Good location. Management was responsive to requests.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved how comfortable the beds were. Everything was clean and neat, and there were plenty of amenities in the room to have a comfortable stay. Although we drove somewhere else for dinner, there are plenty of places to eat close by.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Laura

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice budget option for one night in Santa Cruz for Wharf to Wharf. The room had everything we needed, including a microwave and mini fridge for some heat n eat meals and race day breakfast, and check in and out were quick and easy. Other guests were a bit noisy, but I can’t fault the motel for that. My husband did find someone else’s undies in a drawer as he was double-checking before we left, yuck! Other than that, no issues with the cleanliness of the room, the bed was comfortable and the larger pillows were appreciated, and this was a convenient place to stay with easy access to grocery stores and the freeway. Thanks for hosting us!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kirsten

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

MALARIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Velina

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always an enjoyable time here. Staff is super welcoming and professional. Will be booking again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

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

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cru

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cruz. Staff is warm and welcoming. Location is very central to downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROSA PALACIOS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall, we had a great stay…!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Luis

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Nothing special about the hotel . The owner was not that friendly. His wife was. The room was clean l hope . The area was in a good location, next to a lot of stores and fast food restaurants .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine, Tustin

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location, excellent staff, comfortable bed. Older property, however very clean and well kept. Only note is no in room coffee option. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Sofie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and no bed bugs, the restrooms were nice. Only issue was customer service my hotel room was under my name but my husband was going to pay. The manger said no and then said he was charging a 100 dollar refundable deposit which i understand but the way he spoke to us was a little rude. Other than that everything else was very great!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Katy

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

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