Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
•
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1252 reviews)
130 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

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Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Terrace
Family rooms
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Facilities for disabled guests
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Non-smoking throughout
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.

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

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and charges may be applicable.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Groups

    No special conditions apply for groups.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 10 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 11 years old to 17 years old stay for US$5 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.7
Based on 1252 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
C
Cristian • solo_traveller • it
10
Good
Pros:

Very good rooms, classical American breakfast, good parking and 5 min by walk from the see with different restaurants

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
H
Holly • extended_group • us
8
good value for the location
Pros:

location, cleanliness, quaint hotel

Cons:

bathroom sink fixture leaked

2026-04-23 • via Nuitee
R
Robert • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
G
Gloria • solo_traveller • us
10
Overall my stay was stress free
Pros:

I liked how it was easy to find

Cons:

The parking lol

2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
S
Samantha • extended_group • us
10
Cozy and convenient
Pros:

It was cute and so convenient and the staff were so kind

2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
B
Brianna • couple • us
10
2026-04-22 • via Nuitee
H
Helge • solo_traveller • de
8
Pros:

Schöne lage mit Meerblick & kleinem Balkon sehr nettes Personal !

2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
D
Delphine • extended_group • fr
8
Bon rapport qualité /prix pour l’emplacement
Pros:

Proche du port et des commerces et petit déjeuner compris, simple mais efficace !

Cons:

Un peu vieillot…

2026-04-21 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • extended_group • us
4
2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
J
John Boche • family_with_children • us
10
2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
C
Chad • family_with_children • us
7
2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
D
Douglas • couple • us
8
It's close to the Santa Cruz beach, that's what really matters!
Pros:

The location was great!

Cons:

The breakfast seems to be getting cheaper quality from previous visits!

2026-04-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elica • solo_traveller • us
4
Great location but needs TLC
Pros:

Decently quiet after midnight, especially for a Friday night.

Cons:

Some unnerving details of room 105 made for an uncomfortable visit. For one, there’s no deadbolt or security for the door other than a flimsy stopper on ONE entrance.

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
P
pizziol • family_with_children • us
6
Decent and pleasant but over priced for what it was
Pros:

Location was great honestly. My kids enjoyed the hot tub and I thought the bed was comfortable

Cons:

The beds were strange and honestly the hotel was overpriced. It was worth maybe $200 . The parking situation was a little rough

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
S
SCHIRLEY • couple • us
9
Pros:

Tenía lo justo, y además su ubicación es muy central

2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
D
Donna • couple • us
7
2026-04-19 • via Nuitee
K
Kelly • family_with_children • us
5
Pros:

It’s a great location and value. The staff and manager were very friendly and helpful giving the place a very local hometown vibe. The room and dining area were very clean and in good order.

2026-04-18 • via Nuitee
N
Nevaeh • family_with_children • us
3
It was OK for the night, but it’s not something I would suggest for any longer
Pros:

When we first arrived, I really thought it was gonna be like a more of a little family cozy places to stay my expectations did really change once we got into the room. I can say that the beds were decently comfy

Cons:

You’re adding an extra total to the price for breakfast included, but there wasn’t even no items for the breakfast. There’s maybe three oranges. The waffle mix ran out. There’s no coffee creamer. The coffee was really horrible and they had a bunch of grinds in it. And they had cream cheese, but no bagels or bread.

2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
K
Krystin • couple • us
4
Pros:

Very good location

Cons:

Out dates not what pics show on the listing

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
B
bobby g (robert) • couple • us
3
Never again
Pros:

The location

Cons:

It was old musty and dirty. A/C heater didn’t work very well and it was expensive. Also the breakfast was a joke. Hardly no food to choose from.

2026-04-14 • via Nuitee