Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1423 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 1423 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
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
R
Ralf extended_group de
3
Nicht zu empfehlen - ist keine 7/8 laut Booking sondern eher eine 4/5
Pros:

Lage - schnell am Pier

Cons:

Unsauber - fremde Haare im Bad
Abfluss hat schlecht gerochen
Klimaanlage schaltet sich aus
Zeichen an der Matratze
Beim Frühstück waren überall Fruchtfliegen beim Brot, was unappetitlich war

2026-08-18 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
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
E
Elizabeth solo_traveller us
8
Pros:

How close it was to wharf but I did put in a lot of steps wanted a beach front couldn't afford it

Cons:

It wasn't that bad but man walking everywhere took a toll

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
R
Ruud couple nl
7
Op prima locatie een redelijk verblijf.
Pros:

De ligging en ruime kamer

Cons:

Wifi viel steeds weg en douche-kop zat halverwege de muur (dus niet van boven), ontbijt wel erg karig en vooral zoet.

2026-08-18 via Nuitee
C
Christienne extended_group us
7
2026-08-18 via Nuitee
A
Alan couple us
9
2026-08-17 via Nuitee
J
Jean-Philippe family_with_children fr
6
2026-08-17 via Nuitee
P
paige couple us
10
Pros:

The room was clean, spacious and the bed was comfortable. Bathroom was clean with good amenities. The girl who checked me in was friendly and quick. Location was walking distance from the boardwalk.

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
J
Jessica couple de
7
Für einen kurzen Aufenthalt absolut in Ordnung.
Pros:

Die Lage ist super. Nur wenige Minuten zu Fuß zum Meer und Boardwalk. Unser Zimmer hatte eine kleine Terrasse mit seitlichem Meeblick

Cons:

Das Zimmer war mittlerweile in die Jahre gekommen und recht klein. Das Frühstück ist nicht so gut, aber der Kaffee war gut und man konnte zumindest frische Waffeln machen

2026-08-17 via Nuitee
J
Jesuana Montserrat solo_traveller us
10
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
P
Patrick family_with_children us
10
2026-08-16 via Nuitee
Y
Yuliia couple se
10
2026-08-15 via Nuitee
S
Susie family_with_children us
8
2026-08-15 via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth family_with_children us
6
Overall, I would stay here again
Pros:

Staff was friendly

Cons:

Bathroom needed better cleaning

2026-08-13 via Nuitee