Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Hotels
9 (1274 reviews)
175 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

Children allowed

Facilities

Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Excellent service
Cons:
Inconsistent room quality
Disappointing food service

Categories

Cleanliness
8.5
Overall cleanliness was generally mentioned as good, but older hotel might show some wear.
Service
10
Outstanding service highlighted, especially by staff member Dolores and overall positive staff interactions.
Location
9.5
Excellent location with beach views and nearby attractions.
Room Quality
8.5
Rooms were described as spacious and comfortable, but some outdated features noted.
Amenities
9.5
Amenities praised, including beautiful views and swimming pool.
Value for Money
8.5
Standard quality for this hotel tier; mentioned as run down in some reviews.
Food and Beverage
8
Mixed reviews on food quality, with room service being notably disappointing.
Overall Experience
9.5
Overall positive experience with highlights on service and location.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 01:17

Property Description

Ocean-Inspired Atmosphere
Experience a natural, laid-back ambiance at The Dream Inn, where every room offers a private balcony or patio overlooking the stunning Monterey Bay. Let the soothing ocean views inspire your stay.

Relaxation on the Deck
Unwind on the hotel's spacious deck, complete with a refreshing pool and inviting hot tub. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun or stargaze in the evening, our deck provides the perfect setting for relaxation.

Ideal Location for Business or Pleasure
Located next to Santa Cruz's famous boardwalk and close to the city center, The Dream Inn offers a prime location for both corporate events and leisure getaways. With luxurious amenities and a picturesque setting, make your reservation today for an unforgettable stay.

Important information:

When booking more than 5 rooms, different policies and supplements may apply.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.

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.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 30 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 1 year old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 17 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    People no matter the age stay for US$30 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 1274 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.5
Service: 10
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 9.5
Value for Money: 8.5
Food and Beverage: 8
Overall Experience: 9.5
V
Veronica family_with_children us
10
2026-04-25 via Nuitee
L
Laura extended_group us
10
Very comfortable
Pros:

Ocean view

Cons:

All good

2026-04-24 via Nuitee
J
Jessica solo_traveller ca
10
Pros:

Location, view from rooms

Cons:

Pool could have been open a bit later and the amenities at pool on cooler days were not open to enjoy like the ice cream happy hour or taco bar

2026-04-23 via Nuitee
G
gabe family_with_children us
1
2026-04-22 via Nuitee
L
Latrelle family_with_children us
10
Great hotel
Pros:

Family friendly and everything at my fingertips. Staff was all smiles, kind, and attentive. Food was amazing. Taco tent by the pool. Instant access to the beach. Huge hot tub that the kids enjoyed. Fire pits were beautiful down to the valet guys who were helpful giving us tips of where to go. I want to say I extra appreciate Katelyn for everything. Thank you so much.

2026-04-21 via Nuitee
M
Mark couple us
10
2026-04-19 via Nuitee
N
Nicolas family_with_children gb
9
2026-04-18 via Nuitee
B
Barbara family_with_children us
10
Pros:

Amenities and staff were great!

Cons:

We stayed in a room near pool area and it was very loud. Not hotels fault, it was spring break for all the kids and just wasn't expecting it. Still the best hotel and experience and will definitely be staying here again.

2026-04-12 via Nuitee
S
stephanietW1512TX NONE
2
Save your money
Pros:

Worst hotel experience I've ever had. The bathroom fan was broken, no lock on the bathroom door, heating and air was broken, beds were horrific to the point I opted to sleep on the balcony in a plastic chair because that wasore comfortable than the bed. Rooms were nothing like advertised. Broken decor hanging from one nail on balcony, obstructed view of side of dirty hotel

2026-04-11 via Tripadvisor
G
Guide64737104100 NONE
10
Greatest place
Pros:

Spacious and clean. Great food and friendly staff. Professional in evey way. The view was great. On the beach hotel was great

2026-04-10 via Tripadvisor
L
LeilaCalifornia NONE
10
Dream Inn
Pros:

This hotel is rxpensive but the location, pool, staff and food make it worth it. The views are amaving. We will be back very soon.

2026-04-10 via Tripadvisor
A
Andrew family_with_children us
10
great location!
Pros:

great

2026-04-09 via Nuitee
E
Eduardo solo_traveller mx
2
2026-04-08 via Nuitee
A
Aihwa couple us
7
2026-04-07 via Nuitee
M
Marlene couple us
10
2026-04-07 via Nuitee
7
797mikaelas Family
10
Best beach hotel
Pros:

We loved the dream inn because of the location, rooms and food. Also the reservation staff was very helpful as well as the valet and front desk employees as well. I loved the mid century vibe of the hotel. The kids loved the deck on the room.

2026-04-05 via Tripadvisor
J
Jennifer family_with_children us
10
Amazing spring break fun for the whole family!
Pros:

Great ocean view rooms overlooking pool and hot tub!

Cons:

Everything was great

2026-04-04 via Nuitee
P
patrickeZ888MQ Family
10
Amazing pool area
Pros:

Jason the bartender at the pool is amazing. Always remembers your name and what you like to drink. Takes care of our kids and has amazing customer relations. Make sure you go down and see him when your here!

2026-04-03 via Tripadvisor
6
624maciee Friends getaway
10
Pool experience
Pros:

I was at the pool during spring break, and Jason made my experience very enjoyable and fun. Each time I come back, I hope Jason is working because he livens the pool experience. He has great customer service!!

2026-04-03 via Tripadvisor
C
CaliforniaHarmony NONE
10
"Surfin' USA"!
Pros:

Love the Dream Inn as I have been going there since 1969. The atmosphere is "Surfin' USA" all the way, but the view is what keeps us coming back. Love listening to the ocean and watching the waves, the boats, the pier, the beach goers and the Boardwalk. Rooms are nice but could probably use a "refresh", however very clean and functional. No noise, but we travel with a mini Dohm - white noise machine- so we block out most hotel sounds. Service was amazing - all requests taken care of with speed. Coffee shop in lobby was excellent - Verve. Breakfast at Jack's was delicious but slow service. We will be back next year!

2026-04-02 via Tripadvisor