Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bayside motel in Santa Cruz with a seasonal outdoor pool

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

August 2025

September 2025

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

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Good

Popular amenities

Pool
Air conditioning
Free WiFi

Explore the area

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

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Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Very good

280 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Very good

280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

Family Room

Excellent

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.

View more Motels in Santa Cruz

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
‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬8 min walk
‪Marini's at the Beach - ‬10 min walk
‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬3 min walk
‪The Catalyst - ‬8 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 vending machine, and a garden.

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.

Languages

English, Spanish

Similar properties

Pool
Hot Tub
Spa
Pet friendly

$104 nightly

Sep 1 - Sep 2

Total includes taxes and fees

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

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

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.

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 at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz.

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

10/10 Excellent

michael

Traveled with partner

Jul 24, 2025

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

Jul 1, 2025

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

Jun 30, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Marco

Traveled with family and small children

May 5, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities

Location is fairly convenient, parking is first come first serve. Our bathroom had a slight sewer smell and the pillows provided were a little on the stiff side but that’s minor. Not a bad spot for a quick getaway.

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Tiffany

Traveled with partner

Apr 30, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Disliked: Amenities

In a convenient location close to the wharf and boardwalk, everything is within walking distance. Bed was very comfortable, good linens, and clean. However our door didn’t feel secure, kinda had a gap in it and even though it laches & locked it almost didn’t feel completely shut. The room was bottom floor and near the stairs so you heard and felt every time they were used/walked on. The room above us had a kid practicing gymnastics off the beds till 11pm and was up bright and early. The room had a shower bathtub combo but couldn’t use the bath part because the latch that closes the drain was broken. And the parking lot is EXTREMELY SMALL, by the time we got there in the evening (5:30pm) the lot was full and we had to pay metered parking on the street.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

hai

Traveled with family

Apr 30, 2025

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

I rented 3 rooms for three nights a family member also rented a room neither one of us got our 100 dollar deposit back

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla

Apr 29, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Amanda

Apr 29, 2025

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

Fine for a short trip

TV did not work and the room was not very clean - sheets had a stain and the floor had shoe prints. Very loud hallway.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group

Apr 28, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Great for a weekend getaway

Overall would recommend this place due to proximity, cost and amenities. Strict check in at 3pm and 11am checkout which is typical of most hotels we stay with. They offer early/late check in/out for additional cost. They also have very limited parking so they only allow 1 car per room free and charge for extra vehicles. There is street parking and its free after 8pm until 8am. The rooms themselves are small but we only really used it for sleeping purposes so it suited us just fine. The bed themselves were fine but were told the pillows were very uncomfortable (we brought our own, but our friends did not). We couldn't get the coffee maker to work, i personally did not use it so idk if it was user error or it simply didnt operate but there are tons of coffee shops nearby with great options. My only complaint was the cleanliness of the room itself- the floors were filthy, handprints on the walls of the bathroom door and just overall not the cleanest room. I kept slides on or socks on at all times and had to thow away all my socks/slides i wore because of how black they got from the floor. I suggest bringing waterproof shoes to utilize the shower. We only stayed 2 nights, which again i would recommend this place but if you are staying awhile, maybe find something a little cleaner and more comfortable. The biggest pro was that everything is within walking distance, boardwalk was no more than a 6 min walk and downtown was just around the corner about 4 mins.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Karman

Apr 28, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicole

Business traveler

Apr 25, 2025

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

I knew I wouldn’t be getting in till late. The office was closed but I called the phone number left on the office door and immediately, after speaking with the manager, given a lock box number that had my envelope with key and car pass.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Apr 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Didnt like the shady people in parking lot and lack of parking. Didnt like the front desk not being available for questions and issues such as my coffee keurig did not work but the cleaning staff did assist me and was super nice. Cant say as much for the front desk. Definately did not like last minute notice of 100 deposit required affter i paid for my room.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

samuel

Apr 23, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lee Ann, Fresno

Traveled with family

Apr 21, 2025

Liked: Staff & service

Disliked: Amenities

Need a littlelove

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Myshel

Apr 21, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Front end clerk rude

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Tayler

Apr 21, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort

Disliked: Cleanliness

We really liked the room but when we went to use the shower, it hadn’t been cleaned and there was hair on the shower wall

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Apr 19, 2025

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

It was great stay for great price only issue was the parking was non existent if u left hotel and I had small children and did not want to ask that far with them to boardwalk! But other then that and having trouble getting enough towels for 7 people I had amazing stay beds were comfy and made up most every day there was coffee in room with mugs and the family suite was very spacious nice showers! I woudl definitely stay there again !

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carmen

Traveled with family

Apr 19, 2025

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

Close distance to walk to boardwalk,

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Roy

Apr 17, 2025

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

The door handle just didn’t work well. No one was around to help out.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurt

Apr 17, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Elizabeth

Apr 14, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

The hotel room was filthy

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Kutter

Apr 13, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Deborah

Apr 11, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Vanessa

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family

Apr 11, 2025

Liked: Amenities

Great location in regards to distance of Boardwalk and wharf. Easy walk to those spots. I wouldn't walk anywhere else though if your with kids. Lots of homeless and noise, granted it is spring break time. Our bathroom smelled like dirty cat litter and surfaces had dust, drawers filled with crumbs so didnt use them. They don't answer phones. Instead you get texts that i don't believe really helped. It was an affordable place to sleep and the beds appeared clean and a/c worked great.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025