Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
•
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1352 reviews)
130 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us

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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

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 1352 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
L
luis • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

The costumer service was good the breakfast was good and the view 🪟

Cons:

No complain s

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
K
Karen • family_with_children • us
6
2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
R
Robbie • solo_traveller • us
4
not the best
Pros:

Location was close to the beach.

Cons:

The room smelled and was small. Sheets weren't warm enough.

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee
G
Guillermina • solo_traveller • us
1
The worst hotel I've been in.
Pros:

I couldn't believe how runed down the room was. I stayed in room 205 and paid $835 for two days from June12th - 14th of 2026. I rented this room for daughter's college graduation and since I was going with other family members I wanted to get a really nice place to stay. I assumed since it was by Wyndham (which I am a member of) and they're hotels are extremely nice and clean that the same would be this for this one.
I got two Queen beds because there was four of us and the beds were smaller like full size beds, they were hard, the pillows were lumpy and the comforter was old and thin.
The microwave was old, tarnished yellow and had a dial like a kitchen time instead of digital.
On the counter of the dresser below the TV they're we coffee stains beneath a glass placed there. The dresser was lopsided and instead of fixing it the put a piece of wood below both front legs which weren't stable.
It stated breakfast was included but it was a continental breakfast which was very misleading. They had a waffle maker which took 3 minutes to make one waffle so the line was long so it was useless to wait. They had mini muffins as pastries, the oatmeal didn't taste good and the bread in the glass case was partially stale and was there for at least the day before because I saw it.
The sink in the bathroom was cracked and had beige paint over part of it as an attempt to cover it.
As I was about to use the blow dryer in the bathroom I was extremely lucky that I didn't use it because I could of gotten injured and it could of started a fire because the cable of the blow dryer was damaged and instead of replacing it they just tried to fix it and a sticky rubber substance was placed and when I touched it the rubber substance got on my hand.
As I was disconnecting my phone charger adapter from the light stand I got an electric shock on my hand and it burned out my adapter and the connection on the lamp.

Cons:

I expect this issue to be resolved immediately and given a full refund and shouldn't have had to go through being electrocuted and my adapter being damaged or for any of my family members gone through this terrible experience. I have photos of all of the things I reported. If this is not resolved I will take further action with the Better Buiness Bureau.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • couple • us
8
Older hotel, but taken care of. Convenient location.
Pros:

The location of this hotel is convenient for the Boardwalk.

Cons:

Parking was tight.

2026-06-29 • via Nuitee
C
Cassandra • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

Price and location

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle • family_with_children • us
8
Great location, nice office staff, and maids.
Pros:

Proximity to the pier, and warf, it is a very short walk, less than 2min. Close to bus lines, and good location to downtown. Maids were awesome, cleaned the room nicely. Nice to have breakfast on site, but it is very small continental style, do not expect eggs and bacon, only hot waffles that you can make. Location is everything!

Cons:

It was a little old, found mold around the bathtub. Parking is hard, lot is small. Not enough variety at breakfast, and even with that, it can get crowded. It was hot and the beginning of summer season, and the spa was not open!

2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
S
Susan • solo_traveller • us
3
I paid too much money for the type of hotel it was. Run down, dirty, no elevator.
Pros:

Close to the beach and activities.

Cons:

When I got there to check in, there was no one at the front desk. When she did appear, I asked if I could use a restroom. Since I had just driven 3 hours to get there. She told me I would have to go down to the beach and use one. I had 45 minutes for the 3 O'clock check in. So, I ran down to the Pier. Back to check in and once again no person was in the office. It's3 O'clock, the lobby is small and cramped with other people wanting to check in.

2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
Z
ZYGADLO • extended_group • us
8
Pros:

Amazing location!

Cons:

Location, clean rooms!

2026-06-25 • via Nuitee
J
jean-jacques • couple • fr
5
Décevant
Pros:

Proximité de la plage

Cons:

Chambres petites.
Vieillot et un peu tristounet....
Salle du petit déjeuner sombre et pas accueillante, petit déjeuner très moyen, pas de plats chauds, pain industriel.....
Spa ne fonctionnait pas, effort de propreté à faire !

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
M
Mitzi Rose • family_with_children • us
10
I like staying here the staffs are really nice
Pros:

It is always clean, its our second time here in a different room but still its very clean. Breakfast is good too with choices for the kids.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee
B
Berenice • extended_group • us
8
Pros:

Excellent location. Walking distance to the beach and other restaurants

Cons:

Limited parking

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
J
Jennifer • family_with_children • us
10
2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
H
Hunter • family_with_children • us
8
Ty for your friendliness
Pros:

Location, staff, clean.

Cons:

Price

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
E
Evelyn • solo_traveller • us
8
Great location,.
Pros:

The location, the staff, the waffle option for breakfast

Cons:

No elevator, no hot eggs or protein for breakfast

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
H
Huiru • solo_traveller • us
6
2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
A
Antonio • couple • us
5
Pleasant stay, overpriced
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Too expensive for this type of hotel, even with its closeness to the beach and the wharf.

2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
S
Star Sem • solo_traveller • us
9
Pros:

Facilities were clean. Employees friendly. Lots of useful amenities and items for sale.

Cons:

Walls are thin. The lights were too bright so if someone turned on a lamp in the middle of the night out woke everyone up.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
E
Elke • couple • at
8
Einfache nicht modern aber bequemes Zimmer
Pros:

Herzlicher Empfang und ohne Aufpreis Zimmer mit Balkon und Meerblick bekommen.
Nicht die modernste Einrichtung aber sauber und Bett sehr bequem.

Cons:

Beim Frühstück alles mit Plastik Geschirr essen und trinken zu müssen.

2026-06-20 • via Nuitee
S
Sebastian • family_with_children • fr
9
great place
Pros:

great place, close to the wharf, beach and boarwalk. secured parking, good breakfast and hot tub

2026-06-19 • via Nuitee