Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Hotels
9 (1322 reviews)
175 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

listing image 1
Show all photos
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Restaurant
Room service
Heating
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Rooms were described as spacious and comfortable, but some outdated features noted.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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 1322 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
S
Sabrina • couple • us
10
2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
P
Philip • couple • gb
5
We would have left it if we could.
Pros:

Ocean view

Cons:

Bar area was requiring a clean up, couldn’t find a sitting area that was not covered in food

2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
L
Laticia and Brandon Mantzouranis • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

The view of the room was spectacular. Beds were comfortable.

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • family_with_children • us
9
Pros:

Staff was exceptional great location, good value

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
P
Peggy • couple • us
10
Pros:

Our view was spectacular, all employees were very friendly and helpful

Cons:

Both night stand tables, the drawers would open on their own. Push it in and minutes later they were wide open, I hit my arm and leg multiple times getting out of bed, nothing serious just painful in the moment. On the 19th we got room service breakfast before we checked out. I ordered poached eggs and there was no runny yolk, I was very disappointed because I like to eat the ham and hash browns in the yolk, the ham was very very dry. The other breakfast’s that were ordered were perfect. Other than that, everything was great but when you pay over $600 a night you expect everything to be perfect.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
R
Rich • couple • us
10
2026-06-19 • via Nuitee
A
Allison • couple • us
10
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
J
Jacob • couple • us
10
Excellent place to stay in Santa Cruz
Pros:

The location and views were perfect. Pool and food by pool were top notch.

Cons:

Front desk people were a bit curt.

2026-06-13 • via Nuitee
J
Janine • couple • us
2
Pros:

View

Cons:

No hot water for a day. Did not fix AC despite repeated complaints.

2026-06-13 • via Nuitee
A
Amanda • family_with_children • us
9
2026-06-12 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • extended_group • us
9
2026-06-12 • via Nuitee
A
allie • family_with_children • us
10
Pros:

Gorgeous views, perfect room, even with a 2 year old. Thanks for the beautiful stay.

2026-06-07 • via Nuitee
M
Manfred • extended_group • de
8
2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
G
Greg • solo_traveller • us
7
2026-06-05 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • fr
8
Nice hotel, location, room... let down by some small details.
Pros:

Had a room on 10th floor so view was awesome. Hotel is in good location right beside the main beach and pier in Santa Cruz. Room was well sized, had a table and some seating which was a nice addition to a standard hotel room.

Cons:

Room doors didn't seem to shut properly by themselves so the tension on the auto-close was dialed up to the MAX... you spend your night/morning hearing doors on surrounding rooms slamming shut as a result.

Sliding doors to balcony were of very poor quality so any/all noise from outside was audible. Sea is loud but this is bearable (maybe even pleasant for some) but noise from machinery working on the beach and the other guests enjoying the hotel made this quite unpleasant.

It was end of school term and the hotel seemed to have some large groups having parties (not sure they stayed at hotel), net result was 30 screaming kids in the hot tub sized for 16 ppl from 4pm til 10pm. In combo with sliding door situation this was an irritation.

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • family_with_children • us
10
Perfect. Wish we could come back every year!
Pros:

Ocean right there…very well kept. Pool right there…decorated and looking all fancy with plenty of boujee chairs. Also! They have a MaryAnne’s ice cream in the pool area!!!! Amazing. Lovely walking path along the Ocean/WestCliff (all the way to Natural Bridges!). Perfect for Sunset! Easy walk to the downtown area of Santa Cruz…even easier walk to the Wharf and Boardwalk!

Cons:

Parking was fine for us, but I imagine that could become an issue as the season kicks up.

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
T
Tricia • couple • us
9
Great location and the hotel has great amenities
Pros:

Location was the best

Cons:

Having to take steps down to Beach

2026-06-04 • via Nuitee
T
TRISTA • couple • us
10
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
E
Eduatdo • couple • us
8
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee
D
Debora • couple • us
10
2026-06-02 • via Nuitee