Sea & Sand Inn

Hotels
8.9 (277 reviews)
201 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Terrace
Family rooms
Safety deposit box
Non-smoking throughout
Outdoor furniture
Invoice provided
Smoke alarms
CCTV outside property
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Beautiful views
Friendly staff
Cons:
Noise issues
Renovation disturbances
Limited amenities

Categories

Cleanliness
8.43
The large renovation created dust which affected the stay.
Service
9.4
Staff were kind, but the checkout process was frustrating.
Location
9.94
Great views and proximity to attractions.
Room Quality
7.89
Rooms were small and lacked temperature control.
Amenities
9.42
The complementary breakfast, cookies, and evening wine were enjoyable.
Value for Money
7.38
Overpriced for the experience, especially with recent issues.
Food and Beverage
8.93
Breakfast was appreciated, but some guests felt it was lacking.
Overall Experience
9.8
Despite some setbacks, many enjoyed their stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 05:23

Property Description

Oceanfront Rooms with Free Wi-Fi
Experience the perfect beach getaway at Sea & Sand Inn, just steps away from Santa Cruz Wharf and Boardwalk. Each room offers stunning sea views and comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a DVD player.

Complimentary Breakfast and Parking
Start your day right with a delicious continental breakfast featuring fresh baked goods, boiled eggs, and more. Take advantage of our free guest parking and explore nearby attractions like Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center.

Convenient Amenities and Nearby Attractions
Relax in our comfortable rooms with a seating area and en suite bathroom. With a 24-hour reception, you'll always have support during your stay. Don't miss the chance to visit the University of California Santa Cruz just 2 miles away. Book your stay at Sea & Sand Inn now for a memorable coastal experience.

Important information:

Please note: Parking is limited to 1 space per room booked.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

Property Policies

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

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

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Groups

    No special conditions apply for groups.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.9
Based on 277 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.43
Service: 9.4
Location: 9.94
Room Quality: 7.89
Amenities: 9.42
Value for Money: 7.38
Food and Beverage: 8.93
Overall Experience: 9.8
S
Sandy • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

Great location overlooking the water

Cons:

Nothing I didnt like, nice room but maybe a picture or two would make the roo.m a little cozy

2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
T
Taniah • solo_traveller • um
7
2026-04-16 • via Nuitee
J
Jason • couple • us
10
Perfect spot!
Pros:

I liked the view of the ocean and the multiple patio spots to sit and relax while viewing the ocean. I liked the Cookies and lemonade in the afternoon, the wine and cheese in the late afternoon and the breakfast. I liked sharing stories with Nayeli at the front desk. I liked the short walk to the beach. I liked the heater in the room. I liked the clean room and bathroom. I liked sitting by the fire pit at night. I liked how quiet it was.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-04-12 • via Nuitee
M
Morvie • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-04-08 • via Nuitee
R
roya • couple • us
10
2026-03-30 • via Nuitee
O
Oleg • family_with_children • us
10
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this hotel! Everything was perfect — the rooms were clean and comfortable, the st
2026-03-29 • via Nuitee
B
Bethany • family_with_children • us
8
We loved this hotel and would absolutely stay there again.
Pros:

The room was clean and comfortable. The staff made us feel very welcome. Breakfasts, afternoon cookies, evening cheese and wine, and firepits in the evening helped us relax during our stay. The patio literally overlooks the beach, pier, and ocean.

Cons:

Like much of the country that is still adjusting to climate change, many coastal places do not have air conditioning, and this hotel was no exception. They did supply the room with a small fan, but due to a heat wave at the time of our visit, the room was almost always warm to hot. At night, temps were cooler and you could open a window, but the privacy curtain is heavy and blocked a lot of the ocean breeze. If you leave that curtain open, other guests can easily see into your room as they walk by.

2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • us
10
2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
R
Rene • solo_traveller • us
9
It was a neat spot
Pros:

Great location. Great views. Breakfast was good.

Cons:

It was strange being in a access room

2026-03-19 • via Nuitee
A
Alyanna • family_with_children • us
10
Perfect stay, want to come back already
Pros:

The view was amazing, the yard is so well kept and clean. I love the little apartment style rooms as well and that its all locked in, feels safe.

Cons:

Honestly nothing

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
W
Wayne • extended_group • us
9
2026-02-28 • via Nuitee
L
Leslie • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-02-23 • via Nuitee
K
Kyle • extended_group • us
10
2026-02-22 • via Nuitee
E
Edward • couple • us
8
2026-02-11 • via Nuitee
N
nicola • extended_group • gb
10
Lovely place to stay with best view
Pros:

Lovely view! Wine and cheese invite in the evening was a lovely gesture !

Cons:

Lovely hotel! Sadly the grass was being “replaced” so we arrived to a huge mountain of earth in front of our bedroom window ! There were 1st floor rooms that were not occupied so we questioned why we were no A) informed and B) Given and alternative room

2026-02-01 • via Nuitee
M
Miranda • couple • us
10
2026-01-31 • via Nuitee
E
Emily • couple • us
8
Pros:

Location!!

2026-01-23 • via Nuitee
C
Carolyn • extended_group • us
9
Pros:

The hotel is right on the beach just down the street from the boardwalk and pier. We didn’t choose to have housekeeping because we were only there 4 days. The shower had great water pressure. The breakfast was nice, had protein, and looked like it was cooked on site.

Cons:

it was pricey even though we booked it months in advance.

2026-01-22 • via Nuitee
G
Galina • solo_traveller • us
4
Pros:

The only thing I liked is they provided somewhere for the clients to sit to enjoy the beach.

Cons:

I was OK with everything until one of the staff charge me for an extra bottle of wine which I understand people make mistakes. I’m pretty forgiven person. The experience of the two managers handled this very small problem was very poorly unprofessional. The first manager tall have set dude, I have showed him the receipt, to let himI got charged for a second bottle of wine that I did not purchase. I asked for a refund. His response was very unprofessional. He said he’s gonna have to check the cameras to see what happened and talk to the manager. I was pretty shocked of his response for $20. I don’t believe he handled it very professionally his second response was there’s no manager here and he’s going to check up with the manager tomorrow. I told him OK. I will be here tomorrow. Came the next day in the morning nine he was not there. No one reached out to Me. I talked to one of the girl in the front desk. She told me the manager won’t be here till 10 o’clock in the morning I said OK I’ll be back at 10 came back at 10. She was not there. She was about 30 to 45 minutes late. I’ve given my receipt to her and shoulder that I got overcharged for a bottle, her response was did you buy one bottle or two bottles? I told her manager she look Hispanic black long hair. I said to her and the first manager I’m not here to steal. I’ve explained to her that I came yesterday. Evidently, I was talking to the manager yesterday which he lied to me that he was not the manager. Her response was he’s a manager to another property. How is that my problem? I didn’t want to go much details with her, I just wanted to get a refund.
I understand they meet all sorts of tourist but for them to lie to me they’re dishonest and have me running around for $20. This made me feel so uncomfortably. That’s ridiculous and so unprofessional for $20. This could’ve been handled differently, they could’ve said we are so sorry we messed up, we will fix it immediately. I will never recommend this place.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
M
Margo • couple • us
10
Excellent views and great service.
Pros:

View was exceptional! Breakfast, cookies and cheese/wine were great. Location was near everything we needed.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee