Name: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwk
Address: 130 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 95060, US

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2026

Joanna

We loved the cute little bungalows! It was so awesome to have a full size refrigerator! That was really a nice surprise! The wonderfully amazing girl at check in on Friday the 31st was super friendly and helpful! The breakfast room had everything I wanted!!!!! It was only a few minute walk to the beach boardwalk. Perfect for a family of 6. The icing on the cake was the private patio w your own table and chairs!!!! This place was a 10/10 for our family. I found the price to be lower than expected for something so close to the boardwalk! We’ve tried all the other hotels within walking distance of the boardwalk and this one is by far our family’s favorite! We do an annual family trip every year and we will never stay anywhere else!!!!!!!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2026

Shannon

Staff was great. Room was clean

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jul 2026

nachet

Location and friendly staff were the best parts. Perfect short walk to beach and boardwalk. The hotel is a good 2 star. Not fancy but still great. Celeste and her staff were so friendly!

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2026

Leticia

Very close to the walk

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Yoyo

View was amazing!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Jody

Love this place

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

15 Jul 2026

Jennifer

The staff was great from the beginning, accommodating, and helpful with information. The room catered to what we needed for our large family. The breakfast was a true continental, nothing special but got the kids fed enough. The hot tub area was very big and spacious, but also a safety risk. One of the rails leading to the tub was detached, the tiles are very slippery, and rusty. Only half of the jets worked, but regardless after a long day of walking, it was nice to relax.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Zouaze

I wish there was more breakfast options but other then that the staff was very nice and friendly, it was clean and quiet. I like that it was a short walk to the boardwalk.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2026

Patricia

This place was clean convenient to local boardwalk attraction and beach. All walkable. Our room had 3 beds separate room had 2 beds and one by itself. Staff was very helpful.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

Remi

Old property but in good conditions. Very convenient location. Breakfast is basic (typical motel) but fine and it's nice to have it included whether you want to use it or not. The A/C in the room was very loud and we ended up open the window instead (nights are cool). However, the room faced the parking, so it was a bit noisy. Overall, you get what you pay for.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2026

Wade

Staff was courteous and helpful, and the room was clean. This motel definitely shows it's age, looks to be built in the 70s with 90s styling. The tub, while clean, was well worn from years of use. Location was good, just a 5 minute walk from the pier. Parking lot is awful, bring your smallest car if you want to maneuver around into and out of some of the spaces (seemed to us that these were the only ones left if you arrive later in the evening)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2026

Christian

Great check in experience, great location. Cozy Lil hot tub. Walls are a wee bit thin.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2026

Heidi

The best thing about this motel was how close it is to the warf and the downtown. It took about 5 minutes to walk to the warf and about 15 minutes to walk to the downtown.
The room was decent, but was very disappointed that the roller blinds would not stay open considering I paid a little extra for an “ocean view” room. The maintenance man did spend some time trying to fix them but was unable.
The shower was nice but water pressure was low.
The beds were firm.
The hot tub was nice. It was a little weird that we had to remove the pool tarp ourselves.
The main reason I won’t stay here rain is because we were right on the busy road which made it very loud doe to traffic and sirens, even with the windows closed.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2026

Natasha

Pros: Great location! Great views from our room/balcony. Hot tub was nice after a long day of walking (although the safety rail was loose and seemed dangerous). Friendly front desk staff.
Cons: Bed was very hard and uncomfortable. Shower water pressure was horrible and the shower head is very short. Towels were very small. Wi-fi was spotty and we had to go to the lobby to connect.
Overall: love the location but we will not stay here again due to the uncomfortable bed.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jun 2026

Jacquelyn

Room was very clean when we arrived. Loved the ocean view from the second floor. No elevator, I have limited mobility so 18 stairs were hard to do. Smoke alarm went off at 5 am as batteries were low. All in all a good stay, not great but good.

Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2026

Jeremy

I think you could improve on your breakfast It was not all that great Didn't eat it the second day

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Jeannette

Everyone and everything was great! We stay there yearly . Clean convenient and nice general breakfast!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2026

Ana

. I booked this hotel specifically for the breakfast and due to my early schedule was never able to partake. Would be helpful if breakfast started at least by 7 am.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Tricia

The staff was very kind. The room was clean. Breakfast was good. I would come back again.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2026

Stephanie

Staff was friendly room and bathroom were dated and could use some updating to be comfortable. Not what I expected for the price per night

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

Steve

Nice ocean view, breakfast was ok, huge hot tub was very nice

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

Evelyn

Breakfast was ok, we didn’t use the hot tub

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Sarah

Breakfast was good. Clean rooms and well kept

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Jose A

Super friendly staff

Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Mark

The location was close to the boardwalk and pier, a 7 minute walk. A plus so you don't need to pay $25 for parking. The staff were friendly. The lobby to check in seems to have cats because I can smell them and was getting an allergy attack. We had a room with a view of the ocean/pier with a balcony. That was nice. The room itself was dated, especially the bathrooms. Breakfast consisted of oatmeal packets, basic bread for toast, a tray of boiled eggs, yogurt, a waffle machine and drinks (coffee, orange juice, etc.). Not very healthy or what I expected/desired. Overall, a great location with a dated interior and subpar breakfast. I would not stay again only because of the smell of cats in the lobby.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2026

Maxine

Room
Clean

2/10

Poor

03 Apr 2026

Monica

Worst experience ever. There were insects on the wall , roof death and alive. I went to the front desk to let them know. And the girl just handed me a card to write the manager. The floor was sticky like they obviously didn’t clean the floor. And a death spider was kill and left behind, housekeeper didn’t took the time to clean it. Honestly was horrible experience for my daughter. She couldn’t sleep at all.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

31 Mar 2026

Martha

Room was too small, felt cramped and stuffy. Very efe óptions for breakfast.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

24 Mar 2026

Deborah

Very old. Need to be updated

Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2026

Kelsie

Hot tub wasn’t working, they said it would be fixed the day after we got there and it was never fixed. Breakfast had a couple of good things. You need a remote for the AC that they don’t tell you about until you ask why your AC doesn’t work. Good location tho.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2026

Bonnie

Clean room

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Janine

Great location near wharf. Within walking distance of many local sights of interest.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Lisa

Enjoyed another stay! Celeste & staff are always friendly & welcoming, clean room, very nice complementary breakfast, we always enjoy our relaxing stay here and look forward to our next stay!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2026

Ed

The staff was awesome! Celeste was very accommodating and ensured we were happy with everything :-) The room was really nice. The heater was a little noisy, but it kept us warm from the wet and cold weather we were having during our stay. Small little perks like happy phrases and winning some silicon jewelry to getting roses for our stay was a cool touch :-)

Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Feb 2026

Benson

We rented 2 rooms. In one room, the tv and phone did not work, and we couldn't access the wifi. I've told the issues to the front desk, but no one has followed through. We've paid for the hotel and expected to have the access to the equipments and services, needless to say it was unfair. The management has dropped the ball on this.

The location is the best part. The breakfast is ok, we didn't expect a continental hot bacon and eggs level. Hot waffle was good.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Larry

The room was clean, and the staff was wonderful. It was within walking distance to the pier, the boardwalk, and the markets. I would recommend to anyone this is really a great place to stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Ramandeep

Clean and in a great location!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Gena

The room was amazing staff was more than accommodating and nice

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

20 Jan 2026

Hansang

a lot of dust in the room as much as you can feel with your bare foot.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2026

Sandra

Room was spacious and clean. Breakfast good with waffles. Covered spa area was enjoyable.

8/10

Excellent

30 Dec 2025

Sarah

Solid breakfast, enjoyed the hot tub, friendly staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2025

Yvette

The staff is super nice. I live staying here

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2025

Alexander

great place for the family of 6
right by the beach
breakfast was great but the hot tub was cold!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

24 Nov 2025

Dichie

Room was clean

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Nov 2025

Cindy

Courteous staff, comfortable bed.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Nov 2025

Rick

Clean room. Easy access to wharf and pier.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2025

Gloria

Clean room, friendly service y safe area.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2025

Catrina

Great location for walking to red d

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2025

Jonathan

Would stay here again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Oct 2025

Tim

We had a great stay and enjoyed the hot tub and other amenities. Very friendly staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Oct 2025

Mila

Very nice stay

6/10

Pleasant

01 Oct 2025

John

Great people just the rooms are getting run down from just being old. Great view maybe up date the rooms with the great views

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2025

Julie

Loved the balcony and view! Nice check in gal and such an easy walk to the Pier and beach ⛱️
We will be back!

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

24 Sep 2025

Terry

The hot tub was covered and padlocked closed
Internet didn’t work most of the time
Parking lot was being resurfaced so we have to find alternate parking, but we were lucky to find a spot on the premises.
The bed was a little too firm for me
It was a little loud due to street traffic.

The room was clean and the balcony and ocean view was really nice!
The breakfast selection was good!
The staff was nice and apologetic about the inconvenience

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2025

Yvette

Nice and clean room. Close to the beach.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Sep 2025

Carol

My sister and I have stayed there two other times, she more than that. I had requested an Accessible room and we did not get it. There was only 1 in the hotel and it does not face the bay. Our room should have had a grab/safety bar to hold onto in the bathtub. The bathtub was slippery as there was no non-slip mat in the tub. We put a towel/bath mat inside the tub so I wouldn't slip.
Breakfast could have provided some more protein like peanut butter. Otherwise, it was good.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Sep 2025

Richard

Friendly staff

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

01 Sep 2025

esai

My daughter suffers from severe eczema and allergies and she breaks out and gets hot and itchy when exposed to hot conditions, being that the hotel room was bolstering hot upon arrival and the amana heat pump in the room did not work made the day and night very uncomfortable through out that day especially at peak temperatures of 94 degrees during the day. I was expecting a far more comfortable stay at the hotel but unfortunately was not able to comfortably relax and rest.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

Juan

No swimming pool but it's okay.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

LINDA

Very happy with our overall stay. Hotel staff friendly and helpful.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2025

Heather

Will definitely stay here in the future

2/10

Poor

12 Aug 2025

Tara

Falsely advertised. This place is not clean, there were little hairs in the bed & on the towels. Absolutely disgusting. Never staying in a Howard Johnson brand again after this.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Aug 2025

Jana

Staff and room are great . Area and breakfast are not

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2025

Cristina

Walked to pier and boardwalk

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2025

lena

Screen was broken on patio door could not leave door open

Leisure Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

24 Jul 2025

Laura

The girl that initially checked us in was Kai ( I hope that’s right) and she was excellent. But the room was not as described at all. Then the manager did not come in to address the problem. The guy at the front desk was super high and avoided me. It was terrible.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Jul 2025

Linda

Liked breakfast included.

2/10

Poor

16 Jul 2025

Matthew

I will never do business with this shady company again.

2/10

Poor

13 Jul 2025

Verified traveler

Never again

A lot of noise from the street and we were in one of the rooms off the hallway leading to the hot tub. People were talking loudly and singing in the hot tub after 11PM and it sounded like they were just outside the door. The phone had no dial tone to call the office and complain, and the TV had no antenna signal. The bathroom walls and tub had been poorly patched. There was hair on one of the towels.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2025

melissa

perfect little spot

The location was perfect! Free parking and walking distance to the Wharf

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2025

dennis

Place was older but seem clean

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2025

Earl

Beautiful location! Great breakfast.
Good hotel service.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

Steve

This Hotel is perfectly suited to walk down to pier or to the boardwalk. It is situated just above the main strip that gets heavy traffic but you are away from it and there is a private drive and stairway to get down to Pacific and Beach streets

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2025

RoiAne

Great place for the price
Amazing staff. Huge hot tub. If you want a balcony.... request the top floor, I don't really consider a patio a balcony... but it was still worth it!

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2025

Wade

Great place to stay. The young lady behind the desk was incredible. Very accommodating and friendly. Will definitely book another stay there again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Jun 2025

Amanda

It was located very close to everything, I was able to walk with my kids to boardwalk and beach. It was the basic needs and a decent price. My son was cold and when I asked for an extra blanket, they said they didn’t have any extra blankets or pillows. I thought that was a little weird. The blankets were basically just sheets, so if you get cold easily bring an extra blanket other than that, everyone was very nice and liked we could walk to what we needed in about 10 minutes.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2025

Nicole

Great Location

Stayed one night with my daughters to do some hiking and hang out at the boardwalk

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2025

Raymond

The place is a little old but is very clean and the location of the Inn is within walking distance to all the attractions

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2025

Joan

So close to boardwalk and restaurants! Very nice manager, checked in early, parked early

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

04 Jun 2025

Gina

Quiet, next to Boardwalk but away from the crowds. Ice machine was broken and only half of the hot tub worked.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

23 May 2025

Susan

Adequate

Old. Cluttered. Room was clean, very comfortable bedding. Very helpful staff.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2025

Luis

Nice view of the beach

Leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

28 Apr 2025

Mark

Disappointed in the breakfast. All Wyndhams we have stayed at offer some type of protein with breakfast. There was no eggs, bacon or sausage. They had waffles and a few mini muffins, cereal and yogurt.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2025

Kelli

Decent Place to Stay

It was a decent hotel for a couple nights with the kids. The hot tub wasnt really hot, test it before you in. It was nice to have the breakfast every morning. Hotel staff was nice. Close enough to the boardwalk to walk.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

17 Apr 2025

Jacob

Beds are a little on the uncomfortable side but overall good location and nice stay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2025

Maria

My stay was great!

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2025

Judy

Great value for being walking distance to Main Beach and West Cliff drive. The rooms were fine, a little small but the price was great for a weekday overnite stay. Breakfast was continental with not much variety... better to eat elsewhere. But again, price was good for the rooms and location so I don't mind eating elsewhere.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2025

Tim

Good stay. Gave us just what we needed

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2025

Desirae

We will be back!

We had a wonderful stay, the room was comfortable and clean and the staff was so friendly!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2025

Angela

Decent, clean hotel. Good for families.

We stay here when we do college visits for our many teens. We have a big family so the option of 3 beds is right up our alley. We also love having a patio and free breakfast.

Our room was clean and a few updates were done over the past year. Staff is super friendly. The biggest issue was the ice machine was empty on the day we left and a spider found it's way into our room but that can't be avoided.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Enrique

Quick easy check in. Right next to everything. Basic hotel good hotel

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2025

IRENE

Had a good stay:)
Some feedback: the door lets in some cold air at night, so had to sleep with heat on And could use a few more breakfast options*

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2025

Greg

Location close to Boardwalk

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2025

Bonnie

The lady at the front desk when we came in was just delightful and then the next day. I talked to 2 ladies, the same lady as the day before and another lady and they were wonderful too. The room was clean.Just I was very pleased

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2024

Deborah

Super easy check in
Hot tub area was clean
Short walk to the beach and restaurants
This our go to place when staying in this area

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Nov 2024

Russell

In a good location but the property is very old and in need of serious repairs and updating. Seems more like a place collage kids would hangout at on spring break.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2024

Emily

All the staff were amazing!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Oct 2024

Richard Schwarz

The Manager, Celeste, was exceptional! She took our many requests, and went above and beyond to help us. She was always kind, polite, and extra nice to the kids, even giving them little notebooks and pens.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2024

Tiffany

We really enjoyed our stay here!

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

11 Sep 2024

Alison

The girl at check in was very pleasant and friendly
The place itself and rooms are a little outdated but still very clean and location is great
Water pressure is horrible
Woman at check out was not as friendly as check in lady

Business_and_leisure Partner