Santa Cruz Hotel

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2026

Heather

The lobby and pool area are very nice. The pool was packed with kids, at all hours. Overall, I was disappointed. The room was small, with scuffed floors and looking a little worse for wear. The shower still had hair from the last occupant. There was no microwave and the prices at the bar and for snacks was very high. Common areas (hallways, elevator) were dirty with leaves and debris. I sincerely question the 4 star rating and why I spent so much for the experience I had.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Kathy

I love the Hotel Paradox, great amenities, excellent customer service. My favorite hotel for my travels to Santa Cruz

Business

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Pegah

Checking in was very easy. Staff very polite and helpful. Rooms were clean and neat. Pool area was clean and they had games for kids.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

Bulgankhulan

It’s not Hotel, it’s Motel !!! Overrated!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Christina

Stayed here for my kids tournament games and decided to stay a few days as a mini vacay. Kids loved the jacuzzi and pool. I really like how they offered popcorn & s’mores. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Will stay here next time I come visit.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

carlie

46 and 48 year old couple from the UK: I booked this hotel as part of a trip we are doing down the west coast. Keeping our hotel costs to a minimum we booked to stay here for 1 night with no real expectations.

From our arrival to leaving we have been really impressed from start to finish. Highlights include

Early check in and upgraded room
Complimetary drinks in the evening
Smore kits for in the evening
Hire/borrow beach equipment
Free coffee at breakfast
AMAZING bed. Probably the most comfy bed I have ever slept in
Great breakfast

This place is good for couples and familys

Staff were really helpful

Partner

2/10

Poor

30 May 2026

Anastasia

.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Graciela

Great aesthetic and amenities!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Nour

Everything was perfect 👌

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Jon

Probably the best hotel in Santa Cruz. The staff was welcoming and the room was clean and up to date. It’s a dog friendly hotel so that was a plus. The restaurant is also top notch. We’re definitely rebooking for next year. Very cool hotel.

Pet

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2026

Phil

Nice place. Our room was small but nice.

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Jonathan

The place is great but the staff really makes the place

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Matthew

Comfy hotel for a family trip. We enjoyed the pool and hot tub, both heated and open until 10pm. The lobby also had comfortable places to chill and play games. The room was pretty comfy, but the AC unit could have been more modern. It was hard to keep the room the temp we wanted. We also would have liked an easy way to get hot water on demand for tea and making baby bottles. We had to ask the bar for hot water instead. Overall, we enjoyed this hotel and would come back again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Shawn

Great

6/10

Pleasant

24 May 2026

Patsy

Had no idea from the description and the pictures that there would be so many kids there, in the pool and the lobby. My kids are grown and I was looking for a nice getaway hotel for me and my husband. Didn’t expect the hotel to be so full of children.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Codruta

The staff was very helpful and friendly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Dennis

Fabulous 4-night stay .

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Alicia

Great customer service from all employees I interacted with. Pleasant stay.

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Danieli

Thank you

6/10

Pleasant

16 May 2026

Kathy

Loved the pool and lounge area, that was very nice

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2026

Tracy

More shower

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Viviana

Hotel need more rodent boxes/traps around

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Christina

Room was clean

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Ryan

Staff was super helpful!

Business

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

Michael

Bartenders, front desk, waitstaff are awesome. Rooms are great, pool awesome!

Self

4/10

Poor

04 May 2026

Ricardo

The experience was pretty disappointing overall. While the place advertises a lot of amenities, several of them were not working during my stay, which made it feel misleading.

The room itself was extremely small, honestly felt like the size of a jail cell, and it was not clean. There was a noticeable weird smell that never really went away, which made it hard to relax.

Between the lack of functioning amenities, the cleanliness issues, and the uncomfortable room, it just was not a great stay.

Partner

4/10

Poor

02 May 2026

Juan

Parking fee!! Be aware!

Expedia informed me this would be a $376 stay and I was skeptical when others were saying there is a parking fee they charge and inform you about (they should include this! Being informed of the parking fee upon arrival is ridiculous)

When we arrived to the hotel, the front desk personnel informed us there is a usual parking fee but this time around it’s complementary.

After our stay, we still weren’t told what the price of the parking fee was. Come to find out it was $28/ per night!! We paid a total of $84 for parking!

We definitely won’t be returning to this hotel or any Marriot partners. Price gouging at its finest!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Alexis

Great location, comfy beds and unique atmosphere, we loved our stay!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Michael

Really cool decor. Loved the barn door to the bathroom. But there's no lock on it.

4/10

Poor

01 May 2026

david

Went to the local diner for food. Did not use the pool.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 May 2026

Dan

The room was top notch. We requested a 5th floor room which was very quiet. The restaurant was okay. Heated pool looked nice but we didn't use it.

I didn't expect to have to pay for parking though. There is plenty of area for parking.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Apr 2026

Tara

Room was fine, beds comfy; pool lovely; food surprisingly good. However, we had issues with housekeeping. They didn't come two of our four days (I checked -- housekeeping was supposed to be daily), despite knocking on our door early every morning. The third evening, we returned to our room after a long day out to find our room deadbolted OPEN. My daughter and I were scared, but thankfully no one was in our room and things like her laptop weren't stolen. But it was rather disconcerting and rattling. The room was half-cleaned -- the housekeeper clearly got called away and then forgot to come back, but leaving the room deadbolted open is crazy.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Deborah

Staff was helpful and very friendly. Loved the uniqueness of the property.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Keith

great location, nice restaurant, relaxing pool, very much enjoyed

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2026

Lee

Great heated pool. Happy to have a restaurant on-site and so many more within walking distance.

Pet

4/10

Poor

16 Apr 2026

Leslie

Walls are thin - can hear the guests next door blowing their nose, coughing, flushing the toilet, etc. Said they would waive parking if we signed up for a Marriott account, which we did, and then they charged our card anyway. Still trying to get a refund on it.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

Amber

Pool seating is so comfy and cozy. Hot tub is super warm and has powerful jets!

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

11 Apr 2026

Charles

Upon arrival, the service started off well. The gentleman at the front desk informed me that if I became a member, I would be able to check in early and receive free parking. Based on that, I decided to sign up. I was given a parking pass and we dropped our belongings off in the room before heading out to the board walk. First impression of room wasn’t delightful but we were in a rush.
When we returned later that evening, I was able to examine it more closely—and that’s when things changed. The room did not feel clean at all. There were what appeared to be ketchup or possibly blood stains on the wall, along with noticeable dirt marks. Even worse, we found a gummy bear in the bed, which made it clear that the sheets had not been properly changed. That completely turned me off. I felt uncomfortable the entire night and barely got any sleep. Bracelet in chair.

I brought my concerns to the front desk. Initially, I was offered free parking, which I already had, along with a $40 breakfast credit since I had become a member. Eventually, they refunded half of my stay, which I appreciated. However, I later realized that I was still charged for parking—despite being told it would be free.

The hotel’s entrance and overall appearance are nice, but the cleanliness of the room was unacceptable. It honestly feels like the cleaning service needs to be reevaluated. There needs to be more pride taken in maintaining the rooms.

At this point, I don’t feel like going through the hassle of cal

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 Apr 2026

Allison

Can it be a little cleaner and there a room that is bigger for the same price of the smaller one

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Galiana

Great pool, food, very family friendly

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Megan

The gym was well equipped and the property was kept up nicely

Business Family

4/10

Poor

08 Apr 2026

Daniel V.

Our toilet overflowed the two mornings we stayed there! No effort to apologize.
We were charged for parking which came with our package!

4/10

Poor

02 Apr 2026

Thomas

everything is worn and dirty

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Nicholas

The front desk staff was wonderful and took care of all our needs.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Keith

Rooms were clean pool was fun and bartender Jeff was amazing

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Mar 2026

Erin

The property was okay. Our room had a bathroom sink with cracks, a floor that had soft spots and a broken lamp. The place was packed with children at the pool. Not quite what I expected.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Justin

This property has been completely transformed into a friendly, clean, and amenity heavy favorite of ours in Santa Cruz when we are traveling with our kids. Heads and tails above most of the other area hotels.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Alexis

Clean and quiet.

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Bruce M

Pool was great and plenty of lounge chairs available.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Linda

We arrived later in the evening and could only stay one night. But the property is very nice. The room was very clean and well appointed, appears to have recently been updated. Our room overlooked the pool and it is amazing. Large beautiful pool, hot tub, fire pit area and more. We had breakfast at the restaurant in the morning before leaving and it was excellent. And the service in the restaurant was outstanding. The property called

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

George

Excellent value for the price. Microwaves and a small business center for printing would be great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Diana

The restaurant was convenient and I enjoyed what I ordered.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Mar 2026

Mucio

Great poool area

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2026

Kelly

We always stay here when in the area. Love this hotel and VERY dog friendly. Restaurant and bar are great. Fun games too.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Edward

This is a gem in Santa Cruz, everything about this hotel from the food to the room to the service was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Patricia

Loved the pool, staff and fire pit outside my room!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Mar 2026

Elena

If your assigned room 220 ask for a different room. Very noisy, we couldn’t sleep. Overall the hotel is nice, but the restaurant and bar close a little early.

6/10

Pleasant

03 Mar 2026

Laura

I personally did not go in the pool or pool area, however I'm the view from my room was absolutely stunning. The lights and outdoor bar area made in you feel as if your were staying at a exclusive resort.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2026

Athena

The rooms need a lot of help. The fact that they have pets allowed in the rooms, makes it feel dirty. They try to make it feel current and clean by having laminate floors, which in turn makes it feel old and dirty instead. The rooms are not cozy at all. The bed was comfortable, the staff was nice. The grounds are nice for families.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2026

John

Great place to stay.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Mar 2026

Randy

Great place great vibe

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2026

Marybel

Staff was great! We stayed one night over the holiday weekend and enjoyed our evening at the restaurant/bar.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

ALEX

Amenities and staff

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

23 Feb 2026

Jon

every time I stay here I tell them I am not parking in the lot and they ALWAYS charge me for parking anyway, then I have to take the time to call them, wait on hold and get the charges reversed. So annoying..

6/10

Pleasant

22 Feb 2026

Laurence

Rooms are good and staff too. It was after 10 pm when loud adults making noise throughout the night, very loud. Didn’t sleep well.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Reveca Jonothan

Really nice hotel, would stay again !!

Business Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Anna

Super cute place with clean and modern decor. Bright and cheery room. Cool lounge area. The pool and jacuzzi looked beautiful, but I didn’t have time to use them. Would definitely stay here again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Sandon

Great room

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Feb 2026

JAMES

We have stayed here well over a dozen times. The last few years the hotel has declined in quality. We still prefer this hotel over other places we have stayed over the past 12 years (we come Santa Cruz 3-4 times a year to visit our daughter) but has moved from “excellent” to “very good”. The shower faucet handle kept falling off, light bulbs were burned out, hot tub jets were not working, room frig was not working, other minor defects.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Lucio

Staff were very friendly and accomodating. Beer and wine hour offered. Nice lobby with games.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

Fabienne

The room was clean and updated. TV only had 3 channels. This is an updated motel, not a hotel. Nothing special, for the price I was expecting more.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Barbara

Love the decor, great hot tub, clean and artsy. Convenient location. Friendly staff! Great value.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Feb 2026

candace

lovely staff

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Mireille

Friendly staff. Ample parking

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2026

Sydney

Rooms were great, the staff was awesome and the people staying there are also pretty great! Will definitely stay there again the next time we visit Santa Cruz!

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

Sandy

Amazing! Very relaxing experience ❤️

4/10

Poor

08 Feb 2026

Matthew

Guests were found smoking in the hallway. 30 min after informing the front desk, those guests were still smoking. The pool area smelled of of marijuana. The breakfast had very poor vegetarian options.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2026

Elaine

Yes, spotless

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2026

Les

Room was clean and the beds were comfortable

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Louise

Staff was super nice and amazing! Loved how clean everything was and loved 12:00pm check out

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2026

AmyJune

I'm all good for dog friendly. But I'm not OK when the dogs are in the restaurant and bar.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2026

Aubrey

Cool vibes, nice staff, great pool

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jan 2026

Vicki

Hotel looked fun and has a good vibe. The rooms need help. Floor was all scratch’s up black all over. Shower has rocks in the shower floor. Super hard and felt slimy. Pool area was nice and had a good vibe there too

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jan 2026

Menora

Friendly st

4/10

Poor

25 Jan 2026

Gregory

From the outside and lobby you have high expectations for this hotel but the rooms are not clean. From the first look they seem clean but upon inspection they are dirty, they don’t clean the sheets because there was blood on the comforter and they didn’t smell clean and the floor left my socks dirty. The ac doesn’t work properly and is extremely loud. You are not able to drop the temperature on the ac, it stay at 67 & the room is muggy. There was also a spider crawling on our bed. Would not recommend this hotel, even if it’s just for the night.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

anna

Everything lovely! The heat in my room didn’t work, but I’m not sure if it was human error or what….

Staff extremely sweet and efficient

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2026

Trista

Overall, great spot in Santa Cruz - once inside the hotel was very pleased with the selection. This is the second one of the Autograph hotels we have stayed in and we were happy. The first level has everything you need. Beautiful restaurant, bar and pool area. It was perfect for our friend's party and made for such a lovely gathering before going out for the evening. Thank you for your hospitality!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jan 2026

Malcolm

Excellent hotel

2/10

Poor

23 Jan 2026

Justin

The room was not available!

8/10

Excellent

23 Jan 2026

Susan

Unique

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2026

Richard

yes

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jan 2026

José

I did not book an oceanview room when I made the reservation.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

Jerry

Very cool property with comfortable beds, great lobby and pool area.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2026

Stephanie

The staff was extremely helpful & friendly! The room was perfect.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2026

Jeremy

Great staff

2/10

Poor

11 Jan 2026

Lee

I chose this property specifically for a quiet, calm stay. Unfortunately, it delivered the exact opposite.

First, the room keys failed for two separate rooms, requiring maintenance just to gain access. Not a great start when you are simply trying to settle in.

Second, the atmosphere is nothing like what is advertised. The property is dominated by loud, wealthy party-focused young guests. Skateboards, noise, and constant social activity made it feel more like a daily party venue than a place for rest. Even on a Sunday night, it was anything but peaceful.

If you are looking for energy, nightlife, and a social scene, this may be your place. If you are looking for quiet, professionalism, or adult calm, this is not it.

I should have trusted the skateboards.

Disappointing experience overall.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jan 2026

Michelle

Love staying here

Business_and_leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

07 Jan 2026

Alexandra

Service at breakfast was not good. There were a lot of staff idle and not attentive

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jan 2026

Lorena

I truly enjoyed my stay! The front desk team was incredibly helpful, the flow water in the lobby was a great touch, and the hot sauna was very relaxing. I would definitely stay again.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2026

Rosie

The staff was great. The dryers were out so the staff was trying to accomedate as best they could. The ATM was also out so we couldnt tip housekeeping. Overall, the stay was great. They were working through unforseen circumstances.

Leisure Family_with_children