Reserve directly with us
Up to 10% cheaper
than with Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From222US$ /night
Check-in
21Aug2025Select date
Check-out
22Aug2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Oceanfront Rooms & Suites

Dream Inn Santa Cruz offers 165 air-conditioned guest rooms with private balconies overlooking Monterey Bay. Each room includes high-speed Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and laptop-sized safes. Select suites feature king beds, queen sleeper sofas, fireplaces, and sunken tubs. ADA-accessible rooms have roll-in showers and furnished patios.

Local Coastal Dining

Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge serves locally sourced seafood, including Dungeness crab cakes and Pacific catch tacos. Breakfast features dishes like banana French toast and huevos rancheros. The poolside menu offers signature cocktails like the Dreamarita. In-room dining includes options such as smoked salmon and farmstead ricotta flapjacks.

Beachside Activities

Guests can surf at Steamer Lane, bike along West Cliff Drive, or join whale-watching tours from Santa Cruz Wharf. The hotel provides complimentary beach cruisers and access to a heated saltwater pool. Nearby, Big Basin State Park offers hiking among redwoods, while the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk features arcades and a historic carousel.

Central Santa Cruz Location

The hotel is steps from Cowell Beach and the Santa Cruz Wharf. It's a 5-minute walk to the Beach Boardwalk and 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport. Pacific Avenue, lined with antique shops and coffee stops, is a 10-minute walk away.

Event & Guest Services

The Dream Ballroom hosts weddings and meetings for up to 200 guests with ocean views. Services include valet parking, in-room yoga mats, and Sunday morning yoga sessions (May-October). Complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi, beach cruisers, and Tesla charging stations.

View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Ocean View Deluxe Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Check Prices
Ocean View Cloud Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Check Prices
Ocean View Executive Two Queen
Max:
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
Bed options:
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Balcony
Check Prices
Show all roomsLess

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Getting around

All Transportation Options at a Glance

City Centre
Santa Cruz4000 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 34.0 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 42.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop400 ft

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Coffee shop
  • Vending machines
  • Fireplace
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock
Show more

Location

175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Map view
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060
Nearby
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
800 ft
35 Pacific Ave
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
900 ft
Lighthouse Point West Cliff Drive
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
1900 ft
Store
Cowell Beach
800 ft
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
1200 ft
Restaurants
Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
700 ft
175 West Cliff Drive
Ideal Bar & Grill
900 ft
106 Beach St
The Picnic Basket
1100 ft
125 Beach St
Sawasdee By The Sea
1300 ft
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Casablanca Bistro
1600 ft
101 Main St
FireFish Grill
2200 ft
25 Municipal Wharf
South Beach Pizza Company
1700 ft
303 Beach St
Riva Fish House
2200 ft
31 Municipal Wharf
Gilberts On The Wharf
2100 ft
460 Municipal Wharf
Splash
2800 ft
49A Municipal Wharf
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
3800 ft
Municipal Wharf

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 7 reviews
4.5/5 based on 3752 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 840 reviews
#5 of 55 hotels in Santa Cruz based on Tripadvisor
Frank
United Kingdom, May  2024
8.4/10

I couldn't ask for a better experience at this hotel! The oceanfront view and friendly service made my stay unforgettable. However, the squeaky pullout couch was a bit of a downside.

Rooms
8.0
Waking up to the oceanfront view was breathtaking, and the room was cozy despite the squeaky pullout couch.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, even fulfilling our special requests promptly.
Location
9.0
Being right in front of the beach was a dream come true! The hilltop location added a touch of serenity to the stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining options were satisfactory, with delicious hamburgers on the menu. However, a wider selection would have been appreciated.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel facilities were top-notch, offering everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Ed
United States, March  2024
8.8/10

Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight! The rooms offered stunning views with private balconies and 180-degree views, and the air conditioning was a blessing in the summer heat. The service was incredibly warm and welcoming, meeting all our needs with a smile. The location was unbeatable, right on the beach next to the Boardwalk. However, the dining options were limited, which was a slight drawback. The facilities were top-notch, making our stay even more enjoyable.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious and offered amazing views from the private balcony.
Service
9.0
The service was exceptional, with staff going above and beyond to accommodate our special requests.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location was perfect, right on the beach next to the Boardwalk, offering easy access to all the beachfront activities.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was satisfactory, but I wished there were more traditional bread options available.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were impressive, providing everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Jimmy
United Kingdom, September  2023
8.4/10

My stay at the hotel was wonderful! The rooms were cozy with an amazing view, equipped with all the amenities one could need inside, and even had a balcony to enjoy. The service was exceptional, with staff who met all our needs and special requests warmly and welcomingly. The location was unbeatable, right on the beach with a beautiful view. The dining experience offered fresh meats which was a delight. Overall, a great place to stay with just a few minor downsides.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were cozy with an amazing view and all necessary amenities.
Service
9.0
The service was top-notch, with staff who were warm, welcoming, and attentive to our needs.
Location
10.0
The hotel is situated right on the beach, offering a beautiful and relaxing view.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was good, offering fresh meats for a satisfying meal.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were well-maintained and added to the overall comfort of the stay.
Rick
United States, August  2023
8.6/10

My stay at this hotel was a delightful experience. The rooms offered a beautiful view of the ocean from a private balcony, creating a serene atmosphere. The service was exceptional, with staff who were warm, welcoming, and attentive to all our needs. The location, set over the ocean, was simply stunning, adding a touch of magic to our vacation. However, the dining options, though not included, could have been more varied.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were on the ceiling above, with a great oceanfront view from a private balcony.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, and the maids were excellent.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location set over the ocean was a true gem, offering a unique and picturesque setting for a relaxing stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience, although not included, was satisfactory, with home-made pies and jams adding a homey touch.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities provided all we needed for a comfortable stay, making our vacation truly enjoyable.
Michael
United Kingdom, August  2023
8.6/10

The hotel's location by the ocean is stunning, offering beautiful views even from the first level rooms. The service was exceptional, meeting all our needs and special requests with warmth. The proximity to various attractions makes it a convenient choice. However, the dining options were not included, slightly affecting the overall experience.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms provide amazing views of the water, even on the first level.
Service
9.0
The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating, although a softer mattress would have enhanced the comfort. The maids provided excellent service.
Location
10.0
The hotel is conveniently located near many attractions and right on the beach, making it a perfect choice for easy access to the Boardwalk and the pier.
Dining
7.0
Dining was not included, which was a downside.
Facilities
8.0
The hotel provides all necessary facilities for a comfortable stay.
William
United Kingdom, June  2023
8.2/10

The hotel offers a great view with a squeaky pullout couch, but the ceiling above may need attention. The service was very nice, although a softer mattress would have been appreciated. The location is directly on the beach, which is amazing, but the lack of wireless cellphone towers in the beautiful forest area nearby might affect connectivity. The dining experience featured Italian products. The facilities were convenient and modern.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms provide a great view and amenities, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit bothersome.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, and the maids were excellent in meeting all our needs. However, a softer mattress would have enhanced the comfort level.
Location
9.0
The hotel is literally on the beach, offering an unparalleled seaside experience. However, the absence of wireless cellphone towers in the nearby forest area might pose a challenge for connectivity.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience included delightful Italian products.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities are modern and convenient, providing a comfortable stay.
Great view
Squeaky couch
Carol
United States, May  2023
7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms had a beautiful view, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit annoying. The service was very nice, although I wished the mattress was softer. The location was perfect, right on the beach, but it was a bit too busy for my liking. The dining options were not included but were satisfactory. The facilities provided were decent for a comfortable stay.

Rooms
7.0
The room had a beautiful view, but the squeaky pullout couch was a bit bothersome.
Service
8.0
The service was very nice, but I would have preferred a softer mattress.
Location
9.0
The location was perfect, right on the beach, although it was a bit too busy for my preference.
Dining
7.0
The dining was not included, but the options available were satisfactory.
Facilities
The facilities provided were decent for a comfortable stay.
Show more
Unlock Early-Bird Deals
Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly
Check Rates

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
21Aug2025Select date
Check-out
22Aug2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room