Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

2.5 star property
Bayside motel with a seasonal outdoor pool, near Monterey Bay

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

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

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
325 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪1 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.)
    ‪60 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(48 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

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

  • Pacific Avenue - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪De La Hacienda Taqueria - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Picnic Basket - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bayside motel with a seasonal outdoor pool, near Monterey Bay
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 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.

Similar properties

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Feb 9, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz on Feb 10, 2026 start from $65.56, 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 Cowell's Beach. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 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.

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, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

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.

Can I book a room with a balcony 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. 334 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 235 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 202 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 121 out of 1008 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 116 out of 1008 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Lluvia

Liked: Cleanliness
Every thing was ok !! I had a great time
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Mary

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our bedsheets had stains on it, outlets were missing covers, the bathtub looked dirty, there was no help desk at night, and parking is horrible. It’s super close to the pier, about 15 mins walk to boardwalk but other than that it’s horrible. Don’t be fooled by the pretty marketing photos. Look at trip advisor first before booking.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Martha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
There was a lod noise emitting from outside the whole night.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Johnjeffrey

Great
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anjini

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Alaina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
In a great location — right in between the boardwalk and downtown so easy to walk around. For the price this place is awesome. Only complaint is the SMELL. Stayed here twice, the first time it was just the bathroom that had a bad sewage smell, the second time it was the whole room. Had to keep window open and still didn’t help much. Not sure if it’s the pipes or what but bad enough that we probably won’t stay here again unless it’s a last option which sucks because it’s a nice spot in great location.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Sunshine

Was kept up after quite hours from other guest, hotel front desk had no care in the world, didn’t get
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Bat Front Inn staff is always courteous, professional and efficient in accommodating client requests within hotel standards. Housekeeping isost gravious. The rooms are exceptionally clean and this Inn is clearly the underrated stay in Santa Cruz proper.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Raena

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Audelina, Fresno

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean. Friendly staff. Not enough parking.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nina

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Front desk staff was very accommodating and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Bay View is a great secret spot to enjoy a quick stay or in my case, an extended stay. It is so centrally located that everything Santa Cruz is within walking distance. The staff are sweethearts both in the office and in common areas. *Clean room, pet friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

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

10/10 Excellent

Sochiyar

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Kristel

Traveled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I thought it was overpriced for the quality of the room. It was loud all night and I was afraid to go outside. There wasn't enough parking for me because we checked in at 6:30pm so it was full. Had to park on the street. I was charged extra for my pet which made the cost for the room greater. I would not recommend staying there
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was walking distance to the Boardwalk and favorite Bar
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Silvia

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Michell

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Latasha

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
This Inn was great until my family and I saw cockroaches on the coffee tray and by the mirror. It made us uncomfortable to sleep through the night.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andres

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

2/10 Terrible

Hillary

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025