Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Property class: 4

Choose dates to view prices

Beachfront retro energy on Cowell Beach

Dream Inn Santa Cruz keeps things easy with a retro-chic, mid-century modern vibe and a beach-culture lobby scene. Start the day with coffee from the Verve Coffee Cart, then settle in with modern in-room essentials like high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and Lather bath products. The big flex is that every room comes with a private oceanfront balcony or patio and wide-open views over Monterey Bay.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Amenities

  • Outdoor heated beachfront pool with direct stairs.
  • Inlaid hot tub and built-in fire pits.
  • Shorebreak Pool Bar frozen cocktails poolside.
  • Complimentary beach cruisers for West Cliff rides.
  • Short walk to the historic Santa Cruz Wharf.
  • Refillable water stations throughout the hotel.

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Full-service spa
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Valet parking
  • Self parking
  • Pool bar
  • Room service
  • Coffee shop/cafe
  • 3 meeting rooms

Feel at home (6)

  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Elevator
  • Cable TV service
$219 nightly
The total price is $250
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

A hotel room with a wooden headboard, two bedside lamps, a white bedspread, and a patterned wallpaper.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Deluxe - Tower King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(93 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 333 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

A hallway with blue doors, white walls, and a light-colored floor.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Deluxe - King ADA)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 333 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

A hotel room with a large bed, a desk, a chair, a nightstand, and a view of the ocean.

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Executive - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(18 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 333 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Two Queen - Beach Level)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a small table with a lamp, and a view of the sea.

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Two Queen - Beach Level)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(62 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Two Queen - Beac)

A hotel room with a bed, a dining table with a lamp, a chair, a small table with a drink and fruit, and a view of the beach through the window.

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Cathedral Two Queen - Beac)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Beach Le)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a small table with a lamp, and a view of the sea.

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View, Tower (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Beach Le)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(32 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity Two Queen - Beach)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a small table with a lamp, and a view of the sea.

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity Two Queen - Beach)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(12 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity King ADA - Beach )

A hotel room with a wooden headboard, two bedside lamps, a white bedspread, and a patterned wallpaper.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Infinity King ADA - Beach )

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a view of the sea, a balcony with a chair, and a desk with a lamp.

Superior Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Cloud - King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 333 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Cloud Le)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a small table with a lamp, and a view of the sea.

Superior Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Cloud Le)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower Two Queen - Wave Lev)

  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Ocean View (Ocean View Tower King - Wave Level)

  • Ocean view
  • 340 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal) - 33 min drive
  • Salinas, CA (SNS-Salinas Municipal) - 48 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 49 min drive
  • Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) - 71 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Marini’s at the Wharf - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Makai Island Kitchen - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Shrine Coffee - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

  • Dream Inn Santa Cruz is a great choice for your beach stay in Santa Cruz. The outdoor pool provides a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in massages at the spa. The coffee shop/cafe is a great spot for a bite to eat and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. A poolside bar, a snack bar/deli, and a terrace are other highlights. The helpful staff and restaurant get great marks from fellow travelers.

At a glance

CHECK-IN
4:00pm
CHECK-OUT
11:00am

Hotel size

    • 165 units
    • Arranged over 10 floors

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
    • Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

    • An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets allowed (dogs only, 2 total, up to 40 lbs per pet)*
    • Service animals welcome
    • Specific rooms only. Pet-friendly rooms can be requested by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation; restrictions apply*
    • Pets must be supervised
    • Food and water bowls available

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Secured uncovered onsite self parking (USD 35 per night; includes in/out privileges)
    • Secured uncovered onsite valet parking (USD 40.00 per night; includes in/out privileges)
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:00 AM–11:00 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Snack bar/deli

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Fishing nearby

Working away

  • 3 meeting rooms

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas

Facilities

  • ATM/banking
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Terrace
  • An outdoor pool
  • Heated pool
  • Full-service spa
  • Banquet hall
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Walkway to water

Accessibility

  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Hand-held showerheads
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Pool hoist on site

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Cable TV channels
  • Pay movies

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning and heating
  • Coffee/tea maker

Sleep well

  • Alarm clock
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Balcony

Freshen up

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Free local calls

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Recycling

Special features

Spa

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the resort's full-service spa. Services include massages. The spa is open daily.

Dining

Jack O'Neill Restaurant - This restaurant is located on the beach. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Reservations are required. Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

Sustainability Certifications
This property is certified by this third-party sustainability certification scheme: Green Key Global. For more information on what this certification requires and verifies, please visit their website.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 10.00 to 30.00 per person

Renovations and closures

The property will be renovating from November 1 2026 to January 15 2027 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Swimming pool
Renovation work will only be conducted during business hours on weekdays. Every effort will be made to minimize noise and disturbance.

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 30.00 per night

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of USD 100 per pet (may vary based on length of stay)

Parking

  • Uncovered self parking costs USD 35 per night with in/out privileges
  • Uncovered valet parking costs USD 40.00 per night with in/out privileges

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool access available from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Children under 15 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Cashless transactions are available.

Also known as

Dream Inn
Dream Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel
Dream Hotel Santa Cruz
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
a Joie De Vivre Hotel Hotel Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz Resort Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Dream Inn Santa Cruz does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 total and maximum weight of 40 lbs per pet. There's a charge of USD 100 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

Is parking offered on site at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes. Self parking costs USD 35 per night. Valet parking costs USD 40.00 per night.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Dream Inn Santa Cruz and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as fishing. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool.

Are there restaurants at or near Dream Inn Santa Cruz?

Yes, Jack O'Neill Restaurant offers beachfront dining and ocean views.

Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony.

What's the area around Dream Inn Santa Cruz like?

Dream Inn Santa Cruz is on Cowell's Beach in Westside Santa Cruz, a short 9-minute walk from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 9 minutes' walk from Monterey Bay. The local area is walkable and popular for its beaches.

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Reviews

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

9.0

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The property offers stunning beach views, direct beach access, and a relaxing beachfront experience. (87 reviews)
  • The on-site restaurant, Jack O'Neill's, served great food with delicious options and friendly staff. (75 reviews)
  • The pool area is outstanding, heated, and relaxing with great service and tasty food and drinks. (66 reviews)
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Popular mentions

Room
View
Location
Service staff
Beach
Piers
Restaurant
Ocean view
Ocean
Boardwalks

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

My puppy and I were very well treated on our recent stay. The property provided a brochure on local pet friendly places to visit. Location is perfect. Slept with the sliding door open hearing the waves.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Friendly and helpful staff as always. Beach view is amazing (you’re on the beach). Love the pool/hot tub. Pool bar great (male bartender).
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful place to stay. Beautiful view, helpful staff, definitely recommend
Verified review

8/10 Very good

We stayed right above the pool area and facing the beach. The weekend we went it was very loud on the beach with loud amplified music and a lot of people. Staying so close to the pool was not great and it was very loud as well. The rooms were great and location to the Boardwalk and Wharf is outstanding. However, we would only stay again if we were in the tower and higher up away from possible noise. Also, we would check on any activities on the beach that would have amplified music and large noisy crowds.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely spot and views. Comfy beds, service oriented staff. Great location walk to wharf restaurants and amusement park in one direction , and lovely beach view path along the cliff in another.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Check in was quick and simple. Staff was very friendly. Rooms were very spacious and clean and the view was PERFECT! Definitely will be returning. O and I highly recommend Jack O’Neil Restaurant. I ordered a steak and it was DELICIOUS!!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great experience and great staff. Cant beat the view and beach access.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect location. Adorable decore. Cant beat the view and beach access. Pool was fun with great service and tasty food and drinks.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great family place. Rooms were clean & updated to a very cool surf vibe!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The beach view was beautiful. And the pool/hot tub area was very kid and adult friendly.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Love Dream Inn - property and pool were amazing with attentive staff! Spotless rooms with amazing ocean views!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful stay. Love the pool which is situated facing beach with stairs onto beach from pool deck. Wharf for dinner and boardwalk are easy walk from hotel.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

One of the best locations I've ever stayed in.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great place, location was excellent
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Such a wonderful property. Our oceanfront rooms were spectacular. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Special thanks to the front desk staff and the valet staff.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

View was great, staff friendly . Only issue was the water temperature in the shower. It stayed really warm and we couldn’t get it cooler .
Verified review

6/10 Good

Great views and right on beach. Nice retro surf vibe. If you have and/or love kids, this is a great place. However, if you want a quiet, couples trip, this is not the place. Pool and hot tub are jammed with kids all the time and quite dirty.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

1st..all rooms have a balcony view...with glass fencing. The food is good...the location is THE best in Santa Cruz!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The Dream Inn is always our go to spot. The hotel is close to everything fun, clean and the staff are great!
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The room was clean and beds were comfy. The hotel is in a great location and the views from the balcony were great. I also liked that the coffee bar opened at 6:30am. The bathroom was clean but could use a little upgrade.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The views were great! The bed was comfortable!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great location and good for family. They had beach volleyball balls for the kids to check out to play. The pool looked cleaned but some construction was on site. We enjoyed our stay. The view was so nice and relaxing. Wished we stayed longer than two days.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome rooms facing the ocean. Clean room, comfortable bed and bathroom had good water pressure. Very cool surfer vibe hotel. Excellent customer service by staff and valet....
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The restaurant in property was great. Good breakfast. Fair prices. The happy hour cocktails by the poool were great. Beautiful overlooking the beach. The room is a basic motel room though. Nothing special. Unsure what the big hype over this hotel is, but we enjoyed our stay being nearby the boardwalk.
Verified review

4/10 Fair

I expected better basics such as decent toilet paper for the price of the stay. Staff was great. Food was mediocre. Room was basic.