Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, 7-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Exterior
Exterior
Deluxe King & Queen Suite with Kitchenette, Non Smoking | Desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Deluxe Family Suite with 3 Queen Beds & Kitchenette, Non Smoking | Private kitchenette | Coffee/tea maker

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
505 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Suite 2 Queen Beds, Non-Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 347 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Budget Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(30 reviews)
  • 232 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

  • 288 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe King & Queen Suite with Kitchenette, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)
  • 330 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Family Suite with 3 Queen Beds & Kitchenette, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 326 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • 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, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Monterey Bay. This 25-room motel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and express check-out.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Coaster's Lounge - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪El Chipotle Taqueria - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Motel with free parking, 7-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Guests staying at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz enjoy free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and a garden. There's free parking if you drive. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide front-desk service during limited hours. This motel also has a vending machine.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 42-inch LED TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers, free local calls, and ironing boards are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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
  • Limited onsite self parking (max 1 space per unit)

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 floor
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch LED TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 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

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay
  • A damage deposit of USD 200.00 will be collected before check-in.

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.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (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
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, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours, 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, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash.
  • Mobile payment options include: Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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.

Property is also known as

Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Motel
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Motel Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites-Boardwalk Hotel Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn And Suites-Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Boardwalk Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Inn Suites Boardwalk
Riverside Inn Santa Cruz
Riverside Santa Cruz
Riverside & Suites Santa Cruz
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Motel
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

As of Dec 29, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz on Jan 8, 2026 start from $66.5, 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's there to do around Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

This motel is situated in Westside Santa Cruz within a 10-minute walk of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Ocean Street, and Santa Cruz Main Beach. You'll also find Monterey Bay and Capitola Beach within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. You'll find a max of 1 space per unit.

Does Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz feature a casino on the premises?

No, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz good for couples?

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

Are there hot tubs at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

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

Does Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz though service animals are welcome.

Does Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

The closest major airport to Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz is Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal), which is 16.6 mi away (27 minutes by car). Another top airport is Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY), which is around 27.6 mi away.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz.

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 373 out of 856 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 248 out of 856 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 137 out of 856 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 52 out of 856 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 46 out of 856 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Always a great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

radhika

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always love staying here! Great staff, great prices, and great location!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cheap spot, but fine for what it is.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Janet

Inexpensive, close to the Boardwalk and easy check-in and Check-out
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Paola

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kevin Jared

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I was booked to stay in a Budget Queen room, but the guests in it extended their stay and I got upgraded to a room with the kitchenette. The room is exactly what I needed, simple, close to the boardwalk, and a place to sleep for the night, not to mention quite inexpensive for the area. To be more detailed though, there were a number of small things that were a bit funky: The tv was hooked over top of the wall mount, meaning it might fall if you mistook it for a telescoping mount. Next to it was the main light for the room, which was damaged on the top of the fixture. In the kitchenette, none of the four burners started, but the sink had great water preassure and was quick to heat. The sam went for the bathroom, where you would get hot water almost immediately, though there was some calcium build-up on the showerhead which reduced the water pressure. The shower screen itself was toen at the top, separating from the rail rings. The mirror over the bathroom sink had some odd discoloration behind the surface, and the bedspread had a couple small dot-stains. Again, these really didn’t bother me all that much, the room itself was comfortable enough to sleep in, and I spent most of my time walking the area, and visiting the nearby beach, boarwalk, arcade, and warf. Likely will stay again if I need a cheap place to stay the night and be close to the action. Literally took my a max of 8 minutes to jog over to the boardwalk from my room, I loved the closeness to the action!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Corey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Cindy

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Francisco Javier, Adelanto

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean sheets and towels. Room very clean too
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is perfect for our needs. We stayed here last year for our vacation in Santa Cruz. The management is kind. The did housekeeping and changed towels everyday. When ever we need something they can help with they take care of it! We really enjoyed how quiet it was! We've stayed there for two different years now, if we go back we'll stay there again, because we know what to expect. Enjoyed the fact that every room has a microwave and refrigerator, and a Smart TV. It was comfortable. Everyone is kind.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grecia

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The inside is a bit outdated, but it served its purpose. A major bonus is its location. The staff at the front desk was so kind.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very close to the beach boardwalk location was nice property was clean and accommodating
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Guy behind the desk happily lent me office supplies. I needed tape and it saved a ton of time shopping.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kalli

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sneha

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Very small rooms but great location
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Nicole

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

serena

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was just perfect, we were able to park early and walk to the boardwalk.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
the cofeee machine was broken. If yo
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Juan

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service and nice staff.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Hailey

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

David, San Gabriel

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My room was right next to a busy street from the bridge and river. There was loud music blasting till 11pm.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maja

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashlei

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind and helpful. We arrive way before our scheduled time, the staff was kind to let me park there.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025