Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1452 reviews)
130 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Business center
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Location
Friendly Staff
Variety of Amenities
Cons:
Cleanliness Issues
Poor Customer Service
Food Quality

Categories

Cleanliness
6.58
Multiple reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, including dirty rooms and mold.
Service
9.07
Some positive feedback on staff friendliness, but also mentions of rude management.
Location
9.57
Frequent mentions of great location close to the wharf and boardwalk.
Room Quality
7.08
Referenced small rooms, hard beds, and noisy conditions.
Amenities
8.07
Some amenities mentioned positively, like breakfast variety; however, issues with jacuzzi and breakfast quality noted.
Value for Money
7.08
Several complaints about high prices relative to the quality.
Food and Beverage
6.08
Negative comments about breakfast quality, including specific complaints about food.
Overall Experience
8.07
Sentiment varies greatly, with some positive aspects but many complaints.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-08 08:00

Property Description

Ocean Views and Hot Tub
Experience stunning ocean views and relax in the hot tub at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and unwind in style.

Comfortable Rooms with Modern Amenities
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge, and microwave for your convenience. The bright and cozy rooms ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

Convenient Facilities and Nearby Attractions
Take advantage of the laundry facilities and grab snacks from the on-site vending machines. With the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Santa Cruz Wharf in close proximity, your stay promises to be filled with fun and adventure.

Book now for a memorable stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Important information:

If arriving after 22:30, please contact the hotel for instructions on late check-in.

Parking at the hotel is available for hotel guests ONLY.

Please note that there is US$ 20.00 parking fee if you will bring a second car.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SJC

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 1452 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.58
Service: 9.07
Location: 9.57
Room Quality: 7.08
Amenities: 8.07
Value for Money: 7.08
Food and Beverage: 6.08
Overall Experience: 8.07
P
Paloma family_with_children es
9
Buena ubicación
Pros:

Desayuno y jacuzzi

Cons:

Las escaleras a la segunda planta.

2026-08-29 via Nuitee
K
Kim solo_traveller nl
6
2026-08-28 via Nuitee
L
Luis Miguel solo_traveller es
7
Buena ubicación y muy normal
Pros:

La ubicación genial

Cons:

Las habitaciones muy pequeñas y el desayuno flojo

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
A
Amber couple us
6
Decent but room was hot and stuffy
Pros:

It’s very close to the Boardwalk and beach. Easily accessible by bus.
The bed was great for my back! (I had left another place because the bed made my back hurt.)
Room was decent. I liked the hot tub.

Cons:

Room was really stuffy and hot at night and the air conditioner didn’t seem to be doing much! It was odd to me, because the outdoor temperature hadn’t been very hot. It didn’t feel safe to me to sleep with the window open, and there wasn’t a fan. I would have loved a simple fan in the room! There was one night I barely slept because I was just too hot.
Motel felt old and like it could use some sprucing up.
One time I opened the window and there was a ton of smoke from people smoking outside- yuck!
Could hear noise from hallway and neighboring rooms, plus air conditioner was really loud. I don’t love having to sleep with earplugs, but that’s what I needed to do.
Also, the shower in my room had really intense water pressure and I couldn’t turn it down- it kind of blasted out water! Not great in an area known for droughts! It was hard to take a shower without using tons of water.

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
E
Eddy solo_traveller be
8
Pros:

Heel goede ligging,kort bij de zee,kermis

Cons:

Rioleringsgeur op de kamet

2026-08-27 via Nuitee
J
Juan couple us
8
2026-08-27 via Nuitee
I
Ian family_with_children gb
3
Cons:

Plumbing issues and had to clear own toilet with plunger provided by hotel reception.

2026-08-25 via Nuitee
M
Michele family_with_children it
8
Pros:

La struttura è pulita e in una buona posizione, vicina alla spiaggia ed alle principali attrazioni della zona. Ottima soluzione per una tappa nello spostamento tra San Francisco e Los Angeles

2026-08-24 via Nuitee
S
silvia peiretti solo_traveller it
7
Pros:

Colazione e posizione

Cons:

Camera piccola e datata

2026-08-24 via Nuitee
F
Flamer couple us
10
Great time, great location, and great value
Pros:

Proximity tp the beach/pier, and the staff was exceptional.

Cons:

N/a

2026-08-23 via Nuitee
D
Deirdre Shander family_with_children us
8
Pros:

Good breakfast

2026-08-23 via Nuitee
Y
Yuanyuan family_with_children us
8
2026-08-23 via Nuitee
H
Helena couple br
4
2026-08-22 via Nuitee
L
Lyle couple us
8
2026-08-21 via Nuitee
C
Carolyn couple us
10
We come to Santa. ruz as often as possible and ALWAYS stay here!
Pros:

EVERYTHING!!! The location, service, room was wonderful!!! Great breakfast, jacuzzi and staff!!!

2026-08-20 via Nuitee
J
Jeffrey solo_traveller us
10
Pros:

Every point I asked for was here ! Partial ocean view, patio nook with table and chairs, continental breakfast and most points of interest were in walking distance. The boardwalk provided great shopping stores and wonderful food. Many beautiful K

2026-08-19 via Nuitee
D
Daryl couple us
10
2026-08-19 via Nuitee
G
Gary family_with_children us
9
Location was great the view from our room was very nice the parking was very good and outside was ve
Pros:

Breakfast was good just a simple free breakfast but was very nice to have it on site and location was perfect

Cons:

Only one waffle machine and other patrons were making a lot to take up to there room so it was a long wait

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
C
Christienne extended_group us
7
2026-08-18 via Nuitee
B
Benedetta extended_group it
10
Pros:

Prezzo abbordabile e ottima posizione. Classica struttura simile a un motel con parcheggio interno

Cons:

Rispecchia il prezzo della struttura

2026-08-18 via Nuitee