Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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

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Rooms were described as spacious and comfortable, but some outdated features noted.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
B
Baxay solo_traveller us
10
2026-07-04 via Nuitee
D
Doris couple us
9
Very relaxing stay.
Pros:

Right on the beach, being able to hear and see the ocean from my room.

Cons:

The pool was crowded.

2026-07-03 via Nuitee
0
0ndabeach Family Cupertino, California
10
Amazing service
Pros:

Max was incredible in helping us resolve a reservation issue -- thank you so so much!

2026-07-02 via Tripadvisor
J
Jeffrey family_with_children us
9
Would consider staying here again
Pros:

view

2026-07-02 via Nuitee
3
398vitorhugos Business
10
Large group lodging
Pros:

Dream Inn hosted the UCSC CryoEM Workshop attendees and was responsible for a wonderful and remarkable experience - already making our attendees to look for next year's Workshop and reservations at Dream Inn. Perfect host!

2026-07-01 via Tripadvisor
A
Andrea solo_traveller us
10
2026-07-01 via Nuitee
C
Carrye family_with_children us
10
Amazing and comfortable, staff goes out of their way to help.
Pros:

The location, the room and the staff was amazing. We truly enjoyed our stay. We come for a family trip annually and we always choose to stay here.

Cons:

No complaints.

2026-07-01 via Nuitee
K
Kristina family_with_children us
10
2026-07-01 via Nuitee
T
Travel44110595499 NONE
6
Lovely vibe, needs to kick up the overall cleanliness inside and out. Running down.
Pros:

The cleanliness overall on the pool deck, rooms, patios needs to be paid more attention. The private beach needs to have more regular sweeps of the heavy over saturated sea weed. For the price per night we pay and valet, this should be top tier. That part was very disppointing.

2026-06-30 via Tripadvisor
J
Jean couple us
10
Perfect hotel in a perfect location with perfect weather
Pros:

Location is awesome

Cons:

Hot tub closes too early for a night dip

2026-06-30 via Nuitee
T
terryjeanie NONE
10
Best view in town!!
Pros:

This hotel can’t be beat for the view! There is absolutely nothing between you on your balcony (all rooms!) and the view of the beach and ocean. The pool is kept so clean and the housekeeping staff was very friendly and accommodating.

2026-06-29 via Tripadvisor
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
H
H3050CHcolleenb Couples
6
Expensive cheap motel with a view
Pros:

We paid $675 a night for this hotel. It is a beautiful property with gorgeous views and flowers and terraces to lounge on. The rooms are similar to those in a cheap motel. The night stands were scratched and chipped. You get 2 towels for 2 people and disposable plastic water glasses for the room. The hallway is between you and the ocean. So people are walking in front of your window 24/7. There is no AC which would be fine in this area most of the year, leaving the window open, but not with people walking 4 feet from your bed. The breakfast was equivalent to a Hampton Inn (for $200 a night). We would not sty here again for this price.

2026-06-23 via Tripadvisor
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
F
F5088DWshaunam Couples
10
Wellness Retreat at Dream Inn
Pros:

My boyfriend and I had the chance to attend Dream Inn’s Wellness Weekend. Let me just say- WOW! We started off night one with a 3-course plated dinner and wine tasting where we got to meet the other participants and bond with the facilitators. The next two days were full of a variety of sessions ranging from guided breathwork, traditional Tibetan sound baths, reiki healing, qi gong, yoga nidra, and guided self-care rituals. It was a wonderful weekend spent at the beach, and you just can’t beat the view from our room! Shelby, who coordinated everything, was professional, kind and kept us all on schedule so we could just relax into the experience. The staff was great as well, Ramon, Garrett and Lynn took such good care of us during meals. Overall was an incredible weekend in Santa Cruz. I left feeling restored, empowered and looking forward to the next one!

2026-06-22 via Tripadvisor
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
J
justinec106 Business San Ramon, Tri-Valley, California
10
Pool Bar Rocks
Pros:

Caden at the pool bar was outstanding - his customer service was one of a kind. Rhian was also so welcoming and they made the pool experience :)

2026-06-18 via Tripadvisor