Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Ripped off. Charged for parking. We were told only valet parking would be charged. We self parked across the street. Nice place I'll never stay again.

Beach front is plus and heater pool

Beach front property! Views are amazing! Staff is wonderful! Beautiful place to stay!

I came for a class reunion that included a reception at the pool lounge and buffet banquet. Food and service were excellent. There is a heated pool as well as access to the beach. My room had a balcony that faced the bay, and the sound of waves breaking on the beach was very relaxing. Walks East and West Cliff Drive and to the Wharf were very accessible and scenic. The area is also very bikable.

Simply incredible! The Dream Inn offered our family a wonderful gathering point from which to enjoy Santa Cruz. Our family reunion weekend was peaceful and full of relaxing quality time at the pool and beach. We will certainly be back!

We stayed at the Dream Inn for Mother's Day 2026 - it was a great surprise to wake up to "Happy Mother's Day" written in the sand! The staff is always pleasant, the views are amazing and we think it is the best location on the Boardwalk. They also have onsite charging stations.

The rooms were super nice and clean.

On the beach.

I often stay here with my young children as a weekend getaway from the east bay. The pool deck is fun rain or shine, and all of the pool staff are very friendly. Jack O’Neills restaurant on site is great. The valet service is also nice for traveling with kids. Shout out to housekeeping’s Dolores who tracked down my child’s stuffy toy he had left behind after our last visit. We can’t wait to stay again soon!

On the beach. Beautiful view of ocean. Left door open and could hear waves all night. Nice surfer decor. They gave us a great top floor room. Staff was very nice. Love the pool and hot tub.

A fantastic place at a beutuful location.. so blessedly relaxing with incredible property wise ocean views and amenities; beachfront.

I have loved this hotel in the past. It used to feel worth the price and luxerious -- now it feels kinda worn, dangerous (remember that appartment complex in Florida that fell into the ocean?). The carpet had not been vacuumed. The bathroom had chipped paint and large hair in the sink when I arrived. My dinner room service was 2 hours late, and the burger was tasty but lukewarm (they comped me though, so good on them!) and my yogurt and granola breakfast was half the portion size it was back in 2021 and twice the cost. I feel for the staff, times are tight and only going to get tighter. Just, when one pays almost $500 for a room - these things shouldn't happen. Also, Santa Cruz: what is happening to you? Oh yes, the rich are buying up 2-3 lots/old houses and building giant mansions, reducing the #homes and then selling to investment firms...Capitalism, baby. Take good care Dream Inn & Santa Cruz. You were awesome while it lasted. (NO AI USED IN THIS REVIEW)

We booked this stay after specifically calling ahead to confirm that day passes would NOT be sold during spring break through summer. We were reassured they were not, which is the only reason we chose to stay here again.

Unfortunately, that was not the case.

When we arrived, the pool area was extremely overcrowded with what appeared to be a large group of kids doing routines. At one point, about 15 kids were in the pool and then all crowded into the hot tub together. I spoke with another mom who told me they were there on a day pass. When I mentioned what we had been told, she responded, “It’s because of who Jenna is.” That alone made me feel completely disregarded as a paying guest.

I brought this to two employees, and both confirmed that the information I had been given was correct—but that this situation was an exception due to a “request.” That felt incredibly disrespectful and unacceptable.

The behavior in the pool was also unsafe. My 4-year-old was repeatedly knocked into, hit the wall, and dunked under water due to rough play like chicken fights and fast-moving circles. No staff intervened.

The hot tub situation was worse. Kids were undoing each other’s swimsuit tops, leading to inappropriate exposure. I had to step in to help a young girl whose top had come undone after my husband and nephew were exposed. Completely unacceptable.

When I went to the front desk, there was confusion, lack of awareness, and dismissive behavior. When I asked about wristbands (after noticing my sister had them and we didn’t), I was met with an eye roll and handed them with no explanation.

Our room also smelled strongly of paint and was only tolerable with the door open.

This trip was meant to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and the end of my chemo—a weekend that should have been special. Instead, it was frustrating and disappointing.

The only bright spot was the valet/bell staff. They were kind, welcoming, and genuinely cared.

Overall, this experience fell far short, especially given the assurances we were given before booking.

Overpriced and outdated! I was not happy spending as much money as we did for a holiday inn room. Don't get me wrong the staff was great and that made all the difference ! Had it not been for them I would have demanded my money back

We had a wonderful stay, thanks in large part to one standout employee. From the moment we arrived, they were warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful. Isaiah went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect. His professionalism and kindness truly elevated our experience. The hotel is lucky to have him!

Isaiah was incredible! Above and beyond helpful - amazing experience. Thank you Dream Inn!