Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

2.5 star property
Bayside motel in Santa Cruz with a seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Reception
Property grounds
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
325 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪48 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(51 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(47 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Westside Santa Cruz within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 38-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cowell's Beach - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Natural Bridges State Park - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Namaste Bar & Grill - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Craft Beer at The Boardwalk - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bayside motel in Santa Cruz with a seasonal outdoor pool
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz features free WiFi in public areas, a seasonal outdoor pool, and express check-out. Limited parking is available. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area. Additional amenities include a terrace, a garden, and a picnic area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking within 0.15 miles (USD 15 per day), from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Street parking available
  • Limited onsite parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (on request)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On the bay
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

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 floors
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 6:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 6:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

The following facilities are closed seasonally each year. They will be closed from September 22 to March 20:
  • Swimming pool

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals exempt from fees

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.

  • Offsite parking fee: USD 15 per day (0.15 mi away; open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM)
  • Pet fee: USD 25 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (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
Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 21 years old
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM—-6:30 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers limited 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.
  • The minimum check-in age for Spring Break is 21 years old.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • The seasonal pool is open from March 19 to September 13.
  • Nearby construction work may cause some noise disturbance.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Bay Front Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Hotel Santa Cruz
Bay Front Motel
Bay Front Inn
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on certain room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

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

As of Sep 25, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Sep 28, 2025 start from $82.98, 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 is there to do close to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz, just steps from Pacific Avenue and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, and within a short walk of Santa Cruz Wharf. You'll also find Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, though parking is limited.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz include a casino on the premises?

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

Is there an indoor pool at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool. The seasonal pool will be open from March 19 until September 13.

Is Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities at this motel that appeal to couples include a seasonal outdoor pool and a terrace.

Are there hot tubs at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

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

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

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

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz for a fee of USD 25 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 17.1 mi away (27 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.5 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 323 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 198 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 128 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 119 out of 1022 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Small but nice. Far enough from the beach to not get the noise, but not to far to walk.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved this little hotel in Santa Cruz! The pool was warm and awesome to have. The distance to the beach, pier, shops and restaurants was excellent. We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Evandro Jose, palatine

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a great place to stay in a convenient location. Staff is super friendly and helpful as well.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian, Stockton

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly. I needed an inexpensive place for the night and found one here. Personally, i think the location is great. I was very impressed with the room itself. I got a too good to be true rate so i wasn't expecting much. The location of my room has to be the worst in the complex (there has to be one) but to my surprise, it was great inside with comfortable beds and clean. So, if you want a good location and the rate is better than anywhere else, take it.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
I checked in at my assigned check in time 3:00 p.m., my room was not ready. Staff said it would be ready in a few minutes, waited in the parking lot 45 minutes before my room was available to me.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close access to town and wharf.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Casey

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janice

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Was good except For people smoking sitting out front there rooms when it says no smoking I couldn’t keep my wi how open at all and no one at front desk seemed to care
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Heidi

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location was great. It was the bare minimal. Towels were old & thin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kayla

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

8/10 Good

Amanda

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great space not to noisy
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas John

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marisela

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lorena

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Angela

Traveled with family
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed in a double queen room. Very small and super outdated, however fairly clean and the stag. Was excellent, especially Marie!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The person that check me in was rude and was smoking outside when I walked in. There was a fake nail under our sink
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We used a third-party booking site. My son booked a room for three nights and my daughter booked a room for one night and at check-in they could not find the reservations for both of my children so it was a bit stressful however, the manager accommodated our needs and made everything right which I was thankful for. Everything was nice with our stay. Just the check-in experience was difficult due to an unexperienced front desk attendant.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Christian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good stay bed was pretty clean boardwalk was close by!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

George

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Luz

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Like the bed but the area and neighbor are just not ok
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025