Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
•
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1185 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 1185 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
M
Michael • solo_traveller • us
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Bad wi-fi connection, squeaky desk chair

2026-02-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jesús • extended_group • us
8
Good
2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
A
Andrew • couple • us
4
2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
W
William • solo_traveller • us
9
Great location with friendly staff.
Pros:

I was in a cottage like room. Which was comfortable. The location is great, short walk to the boardwalk. Staff is friendly. Breakfast was decent.

Cons:

It doesn't get very cold in Santa Cruz that often. I happened to be there when it was. The room was a bit cool and I had to ask for a blanket, which I received with no problem. The bathroom was a bit cold in the morning.

2026-01-27 • via Nuitee
S
Sara • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
S
Swapnesh • extended_group • us
6
I booked last min but next time i would plan and get a better place
Pros:

Good location, hot tub was good, staff was helpful

Cons:

Breakfast was mid, AC was very loud, the table in our balcony had only 1 chair which was weird for 3 people.

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
L
Lisa • family_with_children • us
8
Pros:

The waffle maker was very popular so I didn't wait to try it since there were plenty of other options. I really liked the spacious room where breakfast was served.

Cons:

The rooms were cold and the heaters were really loud and inefficient. Blankets would have really been appreciated.

2026-01-25 • via Nuitee
J
Jeffrey • family_with_children • us
8
2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
T
Todd • family_with_children • us
7
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
A
Adam • couple • us
4
2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
A
Anne • couple • de
9
Pros:

Sauber, sehr freundliche Mitarbeiter, Strandnähe.

2026-01-20 • via Nuitee
C
Clara • couple • us
4
It was just one night, so in and out. Not much to say about it
Pros:

The location was great! So close the boardwalk

Cons:

It was really dirty. Stains on the tables, it just felt unkept. My room look like the lock had been broken before and they put it back together . Thin walls. I was ok for a night . We tried checking out with the front desk, and the workers never came out and you can hear them in the back room laughing and talking.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
L
Luis • couple • us
3
Smelly
Pros:

Close to the beach

Cons:

Wasn’t what we selected as far bed size, pillow’s smelt like death, Definitely not worth the money we paid

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Marina • couple • es
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Marlin • couple • us
7
Pros:

It was fairly close to the beach...5-10 minutes so thar location was nice......Enjoyed the Hot Tub. Liked the person at check in, etc....

Cons:

Hot Tub area could have been cleaner.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
N
Nicole • family_with_children • us
10
Would definitely stay here again.
Pros:

Breakfast had all the basic morning essentials to get the family started for the day ahead. It’s such an easy walk to the boardwalk. It was a perfect room and location for us.

Cons:

The room was small but it worked perfect since we needed a room only to sleep in since we wanted to spend most of our time exploring the town and area.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
malik • couple • us
1
Pros:

nothing the pictures looking nothing like the room

Cons:

the manger was rude and very aggressive with both me and my girlfriend

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Mary • couple • us
8
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Alondra • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Staff was wonderfuñ

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • couple • us
9
Pros:

Great room and breakfast
Pool is too small, so 7 people made it crowded...didn't go in,
Parking was a challenge...I didn't feel comfortable parking far when I have handicap.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay and will come back.

Cons:

Parking and small pool.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee