Rate based on Check-in: May 27, 2013 Check-out: May 28, 2013

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 stars
175 West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
4.0
out of 5
79 reviews
Ocean view romantic getaway

My husband and I decided to visit Santa Cruz to celebrate his birthday. He went to the university... See full review

  • ChidS
  • Feb 24, 2013
AWESOME

Been here twice before. Rooms are clean. Beds are super comfortable. Staff is courteous. Always... See full review

  • Wishing I was Surfin'
  • Feb 18, 2013
Retro chic beachfront surf city resort on the sand

Only in Santa Cruz is retro so cool. Instead of tearing down this 1960s relic, hoteliers embraced and retrofitted the 10-story property fronting Cowell's longboard wave as a chic boutique hotel in 2008. The only beachfront pool in Santa Cruz, fresh seafood and a flashy drink menu capture the free-spirited personality of this beach town while making it one of the coolest places to sleep on the northern Cali coast. All rooms view Monterey Bay. A set of binoculars comes in each room to help guests spot sea lions. Walk to the pier and Beach Boardwalk. 

Highlights

  • The only four-star luxury hotel in Santa Cruz
  • Beachfront deck has a heated pool, hot tub, kids wading pool, deck chairs, bar and fire pits
  • 100 percent non-smoking
  • Aquarius Restaurant serves sustainable seafood in unbeatable oceanfront setting
  • Free Wi-Fi 

Rooms

Santa Cruz Dream Inn is built so that all 165 rooms have ocean views from private balconies. Swanky, surfer-cool decor is sparse and bright with rich greens and deep browns calling to mind redwood forests. High-tech amenities include free W-Fi Internet access, iPod docs and flat-screen HDTVs. In-room safes fit laptops. Bathrooms have rainwater showerheads, plush robes and Lush bath products. Extras such as refrigerators, bathtubs and poolside patios can be requested. 

Features

From the street, the big-box Dream Inn is an understated white building. From the water, it's a different story. Occupying prime beachfront, the swimming pool deck has the makings of a modern beach party with a full service bar, fire pits and deck chairs. Inside, surfboards line the bar ceiling like light fixtures casting a glow on soul surfer patrons. The water's edge view at Aquarius restaurant impresses all kinds of water lovers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner might feature local farmers market veggies, Tomales Bay oysters and halibut ceviche, always within the guidelines of environmentally-sound seafood harvesting programs. Room service and children's menus are available. 

Transportation

  • Santa Cruz Metro Center/Greyhound bus station (0.8 mi/1.3 km)
  • San Jose International Airport (35.2 mi/56.6 km)

Attractions

  • Beach Boardwalk (Adjacent)
  • Downtown/Pacific Street (1 mi/1.6 km)
  • University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) (4.1 mi/6.6 km)
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (10.5 mi/16.9 km)
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium (45.2 mi/72.8 km)

Business

  • Business center
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Meeting space for up to 250
  • Catering

Policies and fees

  • Must be over 21 and have a major credit card to check in.
  • Parking is available for $20 USD per vehicle, per night plus tax.
  • Pets are not permitted at this hotel.
  • The hotel is currently upgrading the children’s wading pool. On certain occasions, as necessitated by the construction, the large swimming pool may be closed.  The front desk team will inform guests of the closing schedule on a day to day basis. The construction will take place during daytime, Mondays to Fridays.

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Dream Inn Santa Cruz Rooms

Deluxe
Deluxe King - Deluxe King with one king bed and a private balcony. View of Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A/C. Hairdryer. Free wireless internet. TV w/cable. Refrigerators. Safe. Iron/board and Rainwater showers.
Deluxe
Deluxe Queen Queen - Two queen beds with private balcony view of Monterey Bay -The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Includes. A/C. Hairdryer. Free wireless internet .TV. iPod docking stations. In-room safe. Rainwater showers.
Executive
Executive Queen Queen-With private balcony. View of Monterey Bay the Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Includes AC. Hairdryer. Free WiFi. TV. iPod docking stations. Bath robes. Refrigerators. In-room safe and Rainwater showers.
Standard
Cloud King - Highrise One king bed with a private balcony. Views of the Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Includes binoculars. Turndown service. A/C. TV w/cable. iPod docking station and additional amenities included.
Standard
Poolside Queen Queen -Direct access to the pool deck and a private deck. Views of the Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Includes- A/C. Hairdryer. Free wireless internet. TV w/cable. . Full stocked mini bar.
Standard
Description not provided
Suite
Tower Suite - Has a bedroom with king-size bed along with a separate sitting room with a sleeper sofa and a private balcony. Enjoy your view of the Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. A/C. and Free wireless internet.
Suite
Cloud Suite-has a bedroom w/ king-size bed along with a separate sitting room and private balcony. Enjoy your view of the Monterey Bay. The Santa Cruz wharf and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Binoculars. Turndown service. A/C. Free wireless internet.

Amenities

  • High-speed internet
  • Heated pool
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
General
Air conditioned
No smoking rooms/facilities
Elevators
Executive level
Activities
Heated pool
Exercise gym
Jacuzzi
Children's activities
Golf
Jogging track
Fishing
Dining
Bar/Lounge
Restaurant
Coffee maker in room
Lounge
24 hour room service
Room service
Family plan
Services
24 hour front desk
Business center
Maid service
Laundry service
Express checkout
Concierge desk
Laundry/Valet services
Security
Safe deposit box
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Audio visual equipment
Internet
High-speed internet
Parking
Parking
Valet parking
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities
Room
Television with cable
Radio
Safe
AM/FM alarm clock
Mini bar
Free newspaper
Hairdryer in room
Fire alarm with light
Cribs available
In room movies
Electronic door locks
Iron
Ironing board
Smoke detectors
Sprinklers in rooms
Bath tub

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Reviewer score 4.0 out of 5
Reviewer score 3.8 out of 5

Hotel Map

36.9616 -122.0254
Nearby airports
San Jose Intl Airport, (SJC), 13.00, MI, S; San Francisco Intl Airport, (SFO), 61.00, MI, S; Monterrey, (MOY), 26.70, MI, N;
Area description
City Center

Dining

Aquarius Restaurant
Aquarius offers the best in oceanfront dining and is locally renowned as one of top dining destinations. Located just off the beach the restaurant is truly a window box on the sea allowing guests to experience views of the surf below. The cool and breezy

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
04:00 PM
Check-out:
11:00 AM

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (79)

Ratings and reviews for Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Overall score

4 / 5
79 out of 79
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4.5
Hotel staff:
4.4
Room comfort:
4.3
Location:
4.9
Value:
3.6

90% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Jbhfinancial
California
May 20, 2013

What a great place!

Love this hotel have stayed many times over the years. One suggestion never forget the customer is the reason you have a job...

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
3
Entertainment tip: Short walk from hotel

Enjoy the boardwalk

Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Sascha single traveler
Hermosa Beach, CA
Mar 25, 2013

Great stay in Santa Cruz!

The Dream Inn is in an ideal location on the Santa Cruz oceanfront. The view from my room was spectacular. The bed was very comfortable and the staff accommodating. I walked out of the hotel to an ocean front path that took me on scenic walk long the ocean bluffs. The restaurant on site was beautiful, had great views, and delicious food. All in all a wonderful trip!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Sightseeing tip: Short walk from hotel

Take a walk along the bluffs overlooking the ocean.

Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

5
ChidS
Castro Valley, CA
Feb 24, 2013

Ocean view romantic getaway

My husband and I decided to visit Santa Cruz to celebrate his birthday. He went to the university there many years ago. I boiled us a room at the Dream Inn which boasts ocean views and balconies in every room. The Dream Inn was everything we would have hoped for in a weekend getaway. We left our sliding glass door open all night and enjoyed the lovely melody of the ocean. We had delicious room service in the morning which met our high expectations. We were sad to leave and plan on coming again soon!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Entertainment tip: Short walk from hotel

Boardwalk

Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

5
Wishing I was Surfin'
New York City
Feb 18, 2013

AWESOME

Been here twice before. Rooms are clean. Beds are super comfortable. Staff is courteous. Always asked if we needed help with directions. Saw the redwoods and Natural Bridge. Headed north up to surfer's paradise after watching Chasing Mavericks. Simply stunning to see the big rollers. The natural beauty of the CA coastline is hard to beat!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short drive from hotel

Get to Lillian's Italian Kitchen EARLY. Total locals place with the line to match. Run do not walk to Lillian's!

Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Ocean Loving Traveler
Moraga, CA
Feb 11, 2013

Great Beach Hotel

Really enjoyed staying right on the beach and listening to the waves. Room was very nice with balcony and incredible view of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Pier and Ocean. We would stay again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Viaggio 1
San Francisco
Jan 17, 2013

Excellent family vacation spot

The rooms are bright and comfortable with balcony overlooking the beach and pool/spa area. The restaurant was pleasant with scenic views and warm atmosphere plus high level and interesting food. Our New Year's Eve dinner was excellent. One caveat: if you are not there with young children, stay away from rooms near the pool area which was very noisy with the shouts of exuberant children.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
geoquadder
Chico, CA
Jan 13, 2013

Santa Cruz Getaway

This was a very nice getaway to the fun city of Santa Cruz. The location is great for easy access to the wharf and downtown.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Samiel
Piedmont
Nov 21, 2012

Clean, funky and convenient

The overall experience was pleasant. The food at the restaurant was really good but service on Sunday night was average. We waited for a while until someone showed to have us seated. The atmosphere is not kid friendly.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

4
Brhorvath
Monterey, California
Nov 19, 2012

Best Location in town

Walking distance to Santa Cruz Boardwalk, downtown Santa Cruz and Steamer's Lane. Cool retro update to the hotel. Outstanding view from the lounge restaurant. No little amenities. No gym, expensive business center computers. I would stay here again, I would take my family, I would book for more days.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Dining tip: Short walk from hotel

Check the local paper before you head out to diner. The daily deals are up to 50% off and some include drinks. We ate at Cafe Mare a neat mom and pop Italian restaurant. It was the local paper's daily deal.

Review of Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Reviewer score

3
Naomi Leisure Traveler
Walnut Creek, CA
Oct 1, 2012

Good enough for the area, but not first-class

Best part about Dream Inn is the location. It is within walkable distance from Boardwalk, and situated on the beach. There is a heated pool and a jacuzzi, which is perfect for the chilly Santa Cruz weather. We got the pool ocean view room and it was literally steps away from the pool area, which was convenient. Everything else is simply average. The room is fairly small. We had two rooms, and one of the rooms had the vent right next to the bed. It is simply hard to sleep when air is blowing directly at you throughout the night. We paid $450/room/night, and the quality of the hotel definitely does not match the cost. We didn't stay anywhere else in the area, so maybe this is the best in the area. But compared to other high-quality hotels, we were not impressed.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
2
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