Hitching Post Studios Inn

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hitching Post Studios Inn

Interior
Fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, freezer
Property entrance
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Exterior

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
1717 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Mystery Spot
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Single Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Private Bathroom

  • 194 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Double Bed

Basic Studio, 1 King Bed, Kitchen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Basic Room, 2 Double Beds, Kitchen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(27 reviews)
  • 193 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • 193 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

Located in Eastside Santa Cruz, Hitching Post Studios Inn is within a mile (2 km) of sights such as Santa Cruz Harbor and Ocean Street. This 31-room motel welcomes guests with in-room amenities like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 4 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 4 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Mystery Spot - 8 min drive - 4.1 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Crêpe Place - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Sante Adairius Rustic Ales - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Buttery - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Sampa - ‬14 min walk

About this property

Hitching Post Studios Inn

Motel with free parking, near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Hitching Post Studios Inn features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and express check-out. There's free parking if you drive. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the area. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a vending machine, and a garden.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 32-inch LCD TVs with cable channels. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Business services

  • Business center

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • No elevator (single-level property)
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 1 floor
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Freezer
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Free long-distance calls
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
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
If you are planning to arrive after 6:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100.00 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

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; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. 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. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • 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

Hitching Post Motel
Hitching Post Motel Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Studios Inn Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Studios Inn
Hitching Post Studios Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Studios
Hitching Post Hotel Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Studios Inn Motel
Hitching Post Studios Inn Santa Cruz
Hitching Post Studios Inn Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

Hitching Post Studios Inn provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do around Hitching Post Studios Inn?

This motel is situated in Eastside Santa Cruz within a short 15-minute walk of Santa Cruz Harbor. You'll also find Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does Hitching Post Studios Inn include a casino?

No, Hitching Post Studios Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like a garden plus some guestrooms include kitchens and garden views.

Are there hot tubs at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

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

Does Hitching Post Studios Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Hitching Post Studios Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Hitching Post Studios Inn allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Hitching Post Studios Inn though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

Where is the closest airport to Hitching Post Studios Inn?

The closest major airport to Hitching Post Studios Inn is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 13.9 mi away (16 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is around 27.1 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Hitching Post Studios Inn?

Yes, some guestrooms at Hitching Post Studios Inn offer a furnished patio and may feature garden views.

Reviews

Hitching Post Studios Inn Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 167 out of 282 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 64 out of 282 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 282 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 282 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 282 reviews

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Jonathan

Liked: Staff & service
Room smelt like poop when we walked in and there were only three towels for four people. Wouldn’t go back again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There’s really nothing around the property, but downtown and the pier are a short drive. However, the hotel is remodeled, clean and safe. The owner and staff are all very nice people. I’ll go back next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

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

Pleasant

Pleasant stay. Staff was very frie dly and accomodating. Room was comfortable and quiet. Only one small issue; the floors could have been cleaner.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Julie

Liked: Staff & service
This is an outdated property that is hard to keep dust-free and clean. They do as much as they could I suppose. The bed sheets are thin. There was a second room the size of the bed/bath with a kitchen and dining space. There's a full-size freezer and you can cook for an added $5 cleaning fee. You can also borrow utensils for cooking. That seems reasonable!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maribel

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Very basic motel room. Suited our needs. Clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

2/10 Terrible

Travis

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynyrd

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin

Traveled with family
The room was small. One of the bedsheets has stain. Not too happy with this stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A nice surprise! Now if I want to cook meals on my trips to Santa Cruz, I know where to stay
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Edgar

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

Horrible service and nasty r

They gave me and my wife a horrible room and when we complained we got put in a smaller room with no AC and a little old fan not friendly at all. We had no choice to stay there because we were tired from driving he even complained about my wife I forgot to put 2 people when I book the room he said you lucky I’m not charging you. Toilet seat where all nasty the need to be replaced the bolts had rust from urine
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We only stayed one night, it was clean, comfortable with excellent parking and excellent facilities in the room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Great
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gene Ray III

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like everything and easy check in and check out
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Place was clean and quiet, front desk very helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Michelle

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
Honest opinion this place is on the low end of ok. The rooms have been updated, so the photos from 2018 on the travel sites are outdated. Inside the room, is a bed, a lounge chair, a wall a/c unit, outdated curtains, 2 nightstands, tv with limited channels, dresser, and a little office area,. The amenities needed for a quickstop. The bathroom, sink and shower have also been updated. , The mini fridge and microwave are in the bathroom area, but close to the closet-like section. Complaint, the shower leaks water, so place a couple of towels on the floor. Also, if you have more than one person staying in the room. You will have to request additional towels, provided - 1 face, 2 hand, and one body. Towel. The soap dispenser and hair shampoo/conditioner dispensers are ok. I suggest you bring your own. The bed... the bed was uncomfortable. It sinks in and lumpy. Outside. The hotel is off a busy street so occasionally you hear loud cars, (music, burn outs, etc). Some units have an outside/mini patio with 2 chairs, but the inside units do not (may or may not have a chair in front of the room window). They do have a gathering area with a BBQ grill and a couple of seating areas. Best part. Staff was excellent, nice, and friendly.. Overall. I give this inn a 4 out of 10. This place is ok for an overnight stay, but the price per night is overpriced.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ilisa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
It was fairly quiet, especially for being close to a major street. The room was clean and looked good. The desk clerk was very friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

SILVIO, Montrose

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

10/10 Excellent

David

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

Great place to stay

It served us well for a good night's rest. We are local but stayed here one night to attend a family function. The inn is one of the long-standing businesses in the area. We appreciated the inn's upkeep and maintenance of the room's cleanliness and comfort. The bed felt nice and firm. We tend to sleep cold but avoid using AC for health/environmental reasons. We should have asked for an extra blanket. There was a blanket and a thin decorative cover (not a duvet). We felt a bit cold at night. Our room had a full kitchen and a dining table adjacent to the bedroom. We appreciated the place to sit and eat our takeout. Our room lacked pots, pans, plates, and utensils. There are many restaurants within a few blocks where you can dine, so I imagine there isn't much need for them. If you plan to use the kitchen, you might want to check with the inn whether kitchen supplies will be in your room. The only issue we had was a scent in the room. There was a noticeable scent, like laundry or cleaning detergent type, not offensive, but a "fresh" artificial scent. We thought a plug-in air freshener might be somewhere in the room. But we couldn't locate it. We both got a headache from it, and had to leave the window open during our stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amee

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

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in was fast and curteous
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great stay

Very friendly staff. Clean room very spacious. They gave a nice little welcome bag with water & snacks. Conveniently located.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025