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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
Exterior
Property grounds
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

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

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

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

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  • Pool
  • Hot Tub
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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.
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

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
  • Ocean Street - 11 min walk - 0.6 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
  • ‪Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge - ‬7 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 picnic area, and a vending machine.
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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Ocean Pacific Lodge
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  • Hot Tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,229 reviews
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The price is $95
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees
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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 Nov 9, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Nov 12, 2025 start from $78.47, 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 parking available on site 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.

What do couples enjoy most about Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

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

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have a hot tub?

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.

Does Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz have connecting rooms?

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 at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

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

Reviews

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

7.2

Good

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 325 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 241 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 198 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 119 out of 1001 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 118 out of 1001 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Connie

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms appeared poorly kept, unsafe neighborhood, and noisy
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Brian

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service
Was a good stay. Loved that it was by the boardwalk. Parking was challenging at times but thankfully we were able to get a spot in the parking lot
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have stayed here several times, but I noticed they have made some upgrades, such as adding more lighting to their parking lot but it’s not too bright to where you can’t sleep at night. I really like the area, and the staff is friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amardeep

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and close to the beach
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Matt

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband got locked out outside coz the key don't work but nobody on front desk or security to ask . He called the phone number many times but the lady show up after hes frustrated already...
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Ciara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel! Just needs more parking :)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kao

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness
Checked late, no parking available. Park the car across the parking park and got a ticket. Will not return.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary Elizzabeth

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Very close to everything but poor quality rooms. Rooms are very small and close to one another along with the door not shutting properly. Nice and easy going staff but wouldn’t return again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carrie

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

Wish we could of stayed longer

Check in is at 3pm...everything was pretty quick in the lobby. They have a pool, and you can sign out certain things to play in the pool that was fun for the kids. Our coffee pot, it wasn't working and service. The maid service man, they were awesome. She was awesome. She immediately tried to fix the situation, cleaned it up. Couldn't fix it. So she got another coffee pot. I mean, she really was very sweet, limited english.But you could understand that she was trying her best and her best was great. The motel is very close 2, the boardwalk, which made it even better. You didn't have to drive your car. You could just walk literally less than 5 minutes to the arcade area for kids. Had a good time and the motel made it easy. Just as quick to walk to a sit down, breakfast had a great time. Thank you so much
Didn't get a photo of the motel unfortunately.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Aubree

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking is always full, barhroom door and front foor hard to open
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Bates Motel

Everything's broken , including the front door TV BROKEN, the flush plunger on the toilet broken. Towel holder broken. Hole in bathroom door. Front door wound not close No live front desk person
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Brenda

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was happy with the property, parking was fine. Internet was good. Staff was helpful. After hours check-in was simple the lady was very nice. My only problem was that the TV quit working staff tried to reconnect it but it wouldn't work for them either. But we were tired from a long day at the beach so no big deal. Will definitely come back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Limited parking and pet area very limited
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Bertha Gonzalez

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Terrible communication from motel, called and texted multiple times we were running late when we got there no one was there no parking at all people illegally parked, couldn't even check in had to go elsewhere, very unresponsive
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Samantha

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Disliked: Staff & service

Not so great stay

Walking distance to the boardwalk. Exterior was cute. Parking was horrible. The additional street parking is a joke. Ended up parking having to park several blocks away on a not so well lit street. Check in was tedious. The front desk person seemed annoyed to be there with zero personality. The room was VERY small. If you open the bathroom door it hits the end of the bed. The satelite tv box wouldnt connect to the tv and we had to figure it out ourselves. There were stains on the wall, and bathroom smelled musty/moldy. Oh and the AC didnt work. Nearly $300 for one night. Not worth it.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lena

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chantel

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Kris

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Rodney

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable and clean. Checked in a bit early with no charge.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

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

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