Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Property class: 2

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Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, and a desk.
A parking lot with a swimming pool, a white car, and a building with a balcony.
A natural rock arch formation with a clear view of the ocean and a sunset in the background.
A hotel lobby with a reception desk, a coffee machine, a framed picture, a chair, and a window.
A motel with a swimming pool, a sign indicating vacancy, and amenities like cable TV, HBO, AC in rooms, and free WiFi.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is $98
$85 nightly
$98 total
Total with taxes and fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21

Explore the area

View in a map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room with 1 King and 1 Full Bed

  • 192 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(35 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • 150 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 150 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS NON SMOKING

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE KING SIZE BED

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Santa Cruz

A stay at Islander Motel Santa Cruz places you in the heart of Santa Cruz, within a 5-minute drive of Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. .This motel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Mission Santa Cruz - 13 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pacific Cookie Company - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬20 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision. Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 22 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and irons/ironing boards, as well as phones with free local calls.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and a vending machine.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet (33 inches high)
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1963
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after noon please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child per adult, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
The seasonal pool will be open from May 15 to October 31
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property
Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, and guests under 5 years old are only allowed in the swimming pool with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 490 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 360 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 1022 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 54 out of 1022 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay. The room is a bit cramped but it was clean and the bed was comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Conor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and the room was clean. Would stay there again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, good location, attentive staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff, fairly comfy bed, convienent
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Whenever I come to Santa Cruz, I always stay at this motel. Great staff the room is comfortable always clean. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Check in and check out was both good by a nice Lady, Coffee was really good, room was clean and also a nice comfortable bed . It was definitely worth the price I would say
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Yi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, cozy and close to everything
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Allen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fast check in/checkout. Great rooms. Easy parking. Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had a great stay here at the Islander. The room was clean and smelled good, the staff was friendly and helpful, and check-in and check-out were easy. Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dustin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great place
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

alison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking on site and free. Check in was simple. Staff was super friendly. Nice pool. Very convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always nice to stay here when we're in Santa Cruz. We love how convenient the location is to downtown. And the staff is so lovely and remember which room we like to stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The room was spotless as always. Check in and out was effortless and managers were pleasant and accommodating. We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Keith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Islander is one of the most nicely remodeled and maintained classic motels that I have stayed at in a long time. It's nice to get the vintage vibe while having an otherwise modern experience. Munaf and Rose were awesome and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My go to hotel in SC. Clean Safe and the owners are wonderful!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We have stayed here many times and are always very happy with the staff and amenities. This time however, we were overcharged in our stay. They charged us a hundred more dollars than we were quoted on Hotel.com.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

DANIEL

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Damon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
👍
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent choice for the super low budget motel. Very clean , super comfy bed , room seemed recently updated and close to everything. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

sherrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All good about the property. Continuous noise of passing vehicles though.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The man was very rude..tight parking . Rooms were clean pool was clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Person that I’ve missed
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every time we visit family in Santa Cruz
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025