Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotels
•
Howard Johnson
7.7 (1366 reviews)
130 West Cliff Drive , Santa Cruz , us
+1 831-291-3054

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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 1366 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
C
Christine • family_with_children • us
8
Very comfortable and easy access to pier and boardwalk.
Pros:

When I registered the lady was very nice. She accommodated me with what I asked for.

Cons:

Breakfast wasn’t what I expected.

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
A
Amber • solo_traveller • ee
8
Gorgeous coastal views at cozy spot
Pros:

Beautiful views of the beach & neighborhood! Cozy and a lovely little back porch. I picked this room specifically and it was lovely.

Cons:

It was close to the road so it could be noisy but it worked for us!

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Sandy • solo_traveller • us
9
I would stay there again!
Pros:

I loved that it was close enough to the boardwalk to walk there.

Cons:

The spa area could use some updating-maybe get chairs high enough to reach the tables.

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
B
B & Me • solo_traveller • us
9
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
A
Adam • couple • us
8
2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • couple • us
10
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
J
julie • family_with_children • us
7
Pros:

The location was great it was a 6 minute walk to the board walk and beach. The room was clean a little small but I wasn't in it much on account of the beach being so close.

Cons:

Overall my family and I had a great experience at the HoJo, the room was clean the spa was nice. The location was excellent. How ever when we went to eat breakfast the bread box had gnats that flew out. Other than that the experience was amazing.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
A
ALESSANDRA • family_with_children • us
7
Pros:

Very close to the beach

Cons:

I was just trying to call to ask about check in but no one ever answered the phone

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
M
Miroslav • family_with_children • cz
10
2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
A
Aroz • couple • us
9
Would definitely stay here again!
Pros:

AWESOME location!! The room was super clean and the AC worked great. Complimentary breakfast was a plus. Overall would stay here again!

Cons:

I could hear any noise outside by the stairs throughout the night.

2026-07-21 • via Nuitee
E
Edwin • couple • us
9
Overall it is a great hotel
Pros:

It felt very cozy

Cons:

The room wouldn’t not cool down more

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
T
Tara • solo_traveller • us
5
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
S
Sergei • couple • ru
6
Pros:

Расположение очень удобное, .близко к пирсу

Cons:

Завтрак предельно скромный

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
V
Vanessa • family_with_children • us
8
Amazing location but tv options could be a little better.
Pros:

Close to the pier, it was clean and breakfast area was nice and welcoming lots of options.

Cons:

TVs would go to a blue screen and not many channel options

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
H
Hung • family_with_children • us
8
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
P
Pam • couple • us
10
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
C
Chloe • extended_group • gb
5
Was a nice place but very noisy.
Pros:

It’s a good location, friendly staff to an extent, pool and hot tub are lovely and the bed is so comfy! The guys cleaning the pool were lovely to chat too, and we were given late checkout till 12 for free.

Cons:

We were put in a room with an ice machine outside of the door, and could hear it all night. Then woke up at midnight to our fire alarm beeping from low battery and that continued all night. I went to reception to tell them about our experience to his response ‘Okay, I’ll look at it’ wrote it down and did not help further. So I had little to no sleep, and not so little as an apology from the hotel.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • couple • us
7
Pros:

Great location with easy access to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Staff was also nice.

Cons:

Rooms and facilities are a bit dated.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
T
Toni • couple • us
10
2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
S
Svetlana • family_with_children • us
5
Good value, good location, quick breakfast is a plus
Pros:

Location is great

Cons:

Checking out was an issue… office was closed, looked for employees, called the manager ( number was posted on a door) had to wait 30 min till someone finally showed up

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee