Name: Aqua Breeze Inn
Address: 204 Second Street, Santa Cruz, 95060, US

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2026

Vinny

Not bad. Comfortable and spacious room. Happy it had a fridge. Could be better aesthetically but overall solid

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2026

Katie

The location was as good as it gets! There is not a single property that offers better value and is literal steps from the boardwalk! Staff was very accommodating with our request for an early check-in.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2026

Ashley

Everything you would expect.

2/10

Poor

29 Jul 2026

Josue

Stay at your own risk. Only plus is location. Don't have to pay for parking. The bad:

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2026

Trinidad

Very nice spot literally on the board walk for a good price and convienant

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2026

Karen Ann

Room was

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2026

Douglas

Very clean room! Staff was excellent! Would definitely stay here again!!!

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jul 2026

Karen Ann

Can’t beat the location. Room was average for a motel, but the location and fact that it was full of families made it feel “safer”.

Staff was completely rude. Wouldn’t even let us unload our belongings without being told to move at least 2x.

With the small lot, they should give you at least 5 minutes to unload your vehicle.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jul 2026

Jessica

Stayed for one night. The location is good and in walking distance of the board walk but other than the location my stay itself was not the best. The rooms are very close together and you can hear everything that is going on in the room next to you. I didn’t fall asleep until almost 1pm because the people in the room next to me were arguing. For the price they charge per night I would say it is not worth it and your money is better spent elsewhere

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2026

Filiberto

Parking was adequate.

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2026

Natalie

The room was in excellent condition. It was clean and updated. The beds were very comfortable and I had such a good night's sleep. The parking looked like a tight squeeze, but we were fortunate enough to get the best spot, so I can't complain. The reason why I didn't give 5 stars was that the tub was super slippery and dangerous. I had to put the bath mat in the tub in order to shower safely and even with that, my foot slipped a few times. Also, there wasn't any place to hang our clothes and no kleenex either, which I'm very used to having in any motels/hotels. Those things are not deal breakers for me so I would definitely stay there again.

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jul 2026

Angie

3 level motel-great pick to go to the boardwalk. Room above us was very loud—Stomping. No pool. Air conditioning was very loud.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Gabriel

Great location

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Elena

Parking tight but over all good place to stay

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jul 2026

Martha

The rooms were clean. The staff was very helpful. Parking was available but needed so help finding it. Air conditioning was great and windows could be opened to feel the ocean breeze.

Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2026

Celeste

Great stay and great location! thank you!

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

12 Jul 2026

Steven

2 rolls of tp for 7 adults and a child for 3 days

No paper towels in kitchen

No soap in kitchen

No utensils or pots and pans in kitchen

Curtain in one bedroom too small for the window.

Tv in one bedroom but not the other.

Have to walk through one bedroom to access the bathroom.

No hair dryer provided.

Parking lot is small but family suite includes 2 designated parking spaces.

Maintenance is poor - patches with paint over them instead of fixed properly.

Refrigerator is nice.

Coffee maker included.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Debra

Great location and great room!!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Alison

I stayed at this Inn with my sister and 2 children (11 and 16 years old). It is not a luxury Inn however, it provides a comfortable and pleasant stay. All around everything was well: from cleanliness, staff courtesy/professionalism; parking availability and the proximity to the Board Walk. The walk from Inn to board walk is around 4 mins. We were able to walk back from the Board Walk ate, children had a changed of clothes without missing too much time from activities. One thing I would do on my next visit is take some towels and wash clothes (there are white towels and washcloths at the Inn).
I would definitely return, also I would recommend this Inn. My rating is 10/10, thank you very much
P.S. please make sure to take a sweater because temp in Santa Cruz is cooler than most places.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2026

Tamie

Close to everything

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

William

Really nice place to stay

Pet

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2026

Jennifer

Location: 5 stars
Staff: 5 stars
Cleanliness: 5 stars
Quality of room: 2-3 stars (outdated/old motel, but it’s definitely worth it if you’re wanting to be right by the boardwalk)

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

Valerie

Very close to the boardwalk

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2026

Robert

We had a good stay at the Aqua Breeze Inn. It is RIGHT opposite the boardwalk and about a 2 minute walk across the parking lot to get to all the action. This was the best part about the hotel. Our room had a view of the rides so it was like being at a disney resort. We booked a 3-bed, 2-bedroom room which I had never seen before. IT was quite unique. If you have a baby or a couple that needs their space this 2-bedroom variant titled \"triple room\" is a very good option. the overall stay was good/fine as you would expect. The price we paid was lower than normal so it was also good in that regard. There was a microwave and fridge. I dont recall seeing anything else for example there was no iron or hair dryer. There are lots of stairs so if you have kids or a seniors it can be a problem. Their parking is limited but they have some exclusive parking behind the hotel so it was fine. The only reason the final day, left a bad taste in our mouth was that I went to the checkout and requested an additional 45 mins to park behind their building as I had small kids and a 3 hr drive home ahead of me. I wanted to ask if I could get lunch and then head out. They said No. I thought this was very weird considering their parking was empty and I would have been out of there by noon. They were in the right about this being after checkout, but that little understanding would have gone a long way. I had 2 kids under 7 and 2 senior citizens, so being a little less rigid would have been nice.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Sarah

This was the perfect motel to stay at for our trip to Santa Cruz. It was clean, the beds were comfortable and it was so close to all the amenities, The staff was wonderful too.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jun 2026

Nikki

The property’s location was the reason we booked. Traveling with a 10 month old and wanted quick and easy access to in and out of our room for naps. The family room was perfect for us with the separate bed area for the baby. Parking was tough but luckily once we parked we could walk everywhere so we didn’t have to worry about it once we found a spot.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Kathleen

The gentleman who was at the front desk this Wednesday afternoon was extremely pleasant and professional. I was impressed at how gently he treated the guest before me. He did his job quickly and made my check-in experience wonderful.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

26 Jun 2026

Rachel

2.5 overall for a no-frills motel. Proximity to boardwalk and downtown is the main attraction. Check in and check out smooth, water pressure and temperature excellent, beds comfortable, plenty of parking, staff polite. Booked a three-bed room: one double with two queens on ground floor, pet friendly. Floor was filthy, sink had a ring of mold/mildew under the rim, rooms extremely dark as we were tucked away in a corner past the coin-operated laundry. Dorm-sized refrigerator in-room that fluctuated a bit (was set on coldest setting when we arrived, but items in freezer melted and items in refrigerator felt warm to the touch). Very outdated overall; popcorn ceiling and old light fixtures, hallway light off center, bathroom light positioned on wall and mirror (looked very strange), back bedroom with unstable ceiling fan that made consistent noise with each rotation. Single serve unplugged coffee maker provided, though coffee supplies were not stored in the room but in the office (open from 8am to 10pm), and we were not advised at check in that they were available. Extremely threadbare towels (thin, rough and pilling) in the bathroom with a laminated charge sheet stating how much you would pay if you took one home. Had the feeling the motel could care a bit more: room guide? better towels? extra sheets? coffee supplies in room? even brighter/lighter paint? Motel had a bit more potential, but price was sensible for what you get, and location was the main advantage.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

ivan

Great location

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2026

Jeannie

In terms of accommodating two families it was great two bedrooms full kitchen big frig walkable to boardwalk however not enough towel washcloths for all of us no soap in shower dispenser would have liked a small lute breakfast but only coffee parking very limited for most but staff accommodated us nicely

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Ruth

Comfortable and clean room.

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jun 2026

Michelle

The room was clean, the view was perfect, and staff was helpful. My only true complaint is that, the water ran like warm and we couldn't shower for the whole trip. It was just too cold. Thank God it was only two days

Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Griselda

.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2026

Tiffiny

This is the second time we have stayed here. The family suite is very comfortable, location is fantastic, and staff were all very friendly. We enjoy this place and will stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Rosanne

It was just what our family needed. We had a wonderful view of the boardwalk. The kitchen helped save our fun money. Everything was in working distance. The staff was super nice. We will definitely be back the next time we do a Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk trip

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

09 Jun 2026

Lauren

This place was not as advertised. There were holes in the wall, floor boards missing. It smelled like natural gas. The pictures showed two beds in one room and one in the adjoining room and that was not accurate. Lighting was barely attached to wall. We found bugs in the room. This is at most a two star. The only good thing about this place is the location. I would not book again.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

maria

Had a great stay, loved the fact that there was 3 beds since I have older kids who do not like to share a bed. Location was great, will definitely book again.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Cristina

Great space for the price.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2026

Hayley

We stayed here for the location. It was so close to the beach and boardwalk. The room has a nice fridge/freezer and microwave. Free parking was nice! Beds were ok. It was nice to have the second bedroom. But the bathroom is pretty small. No counter space. It’s older and could use some updating.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Daisy

It was nice. Will stay again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Jose

Clean and Spacious

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Joe

It was as advertised. The staff was kind and helpful. There is a small deck that has some tables that really helps for hanging out or eating. Parking was convenient. Room was in good condition. Location is very good. Overall good stay.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Bernard

This is the perfect place to stay when visiting Santa Cruz and the boardwalk. You can walk to the boardwalk, beach and pier in minutes. The place is clean and well maintained! Best of all... they are pet friendly! I would recommend this place to all my friends and family!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Florentina

Great service

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Paul

Great location
Responsive staff
Very holiday busy

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2026

Peter

Super close to the boardwalk, we only had to cross a parking lot to get there. The room was clean, the staff was nice.
Exceptionally convenient location.

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Lisa

We appreciated the convenient location walking distance to the boardwalk, very clean large size rooms, great price, and especially friendly and accommodating staff. We would stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2026

Lilian

The floor in the room were dirty. We could tell the floors have not been properly mopped. The bedding was decent and clean. Great location but we would not stay here again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2026

Katherine

Easy access to boardwalk, restaurants, and nightlife. Thin walls- noisy neighbors with loud children!!

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2026

Michelle

Great location. Floors were gross. I would stay again but bring my own swiffer and a better sheet to block the light coming in the window.

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

Sebastian

Parking is a bit confusing, since the same property looks like 2 totally different properties.. they only show the colorful painted animal side in the pictures, but we got the other plain brown side of the motel.. We got there at 230 pm knowing that check in time was 3... so not a problem, but had to wait until 3:05... not a big deal. For the Price, I would stay again and recommend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Ramona

Great clean

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Jessica C Garcia

Updated rooms close proximity to Boardwalk

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2026

Kristil

It was quiet, which was nice for sleeping. There was a coffee maker but no coffee. I never saw an ice maker but there was an ice bucket. The floor in the room needs attention. Otherwise, the room was perfect for whay I needed, which was sleeping and showering. It was a pleasant stay and I would stay there again on a return visit. The location was perfect for my desired visit. The staff was pleasant. The parking was good. I didnt use the air conditioner as there was no need while I was there. Overall I enjoyed my stay at Aqua Breeze and will recommend it to friends in the future.

Self

2/10

Poor

07 May 2026

sandra

Limited parking, not enough spaces for each room, rooms definitely need an upgrade

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Juan

Great Location

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Kelli

Perfect little location for kids or adults

Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2026

Diosel

My 6 year old son complained that the towels stink. Good thing I had a clean beach towel to use. Parking was super limited. I didn’t want to drive anywhere else or I’ll lose my parking. Other than that, you’re just paying for the location and how close it is to the boardwalk.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Andrea

Overall great hotel stay. It would’ve been nice to have coffee. Parking was a plus, the only downside was the sunlight that came into the room in the morning, not enough window coverings to block out the sun. I’ll definitely be back though.

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Guillermo

Muy bien

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2026

Joseph

Good

6/10

Pleasant

29 Apr 2026

Patricia

Old property with some rooms updated. Not very clean, no hair dryer. There was a fridge, which was nice. Cost, for the area, was pretty good. Staff was ok. Another case of getting what you pay for. The location was great, though.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

nathan

Easy check-in and the staff members were so nice and helpful. Walls a bit thin but most guests were pretty quiet. It was really nice to look out the window and see the rides at the boardwalk right there and be so close to the beach. Theres coffee packets in the lobby to grab but hot cups and coffee packs in rooms would be a big bonus. Overall a good stay and will probably keep staying here any time were in the area! Easy and just the right price.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2026

Rhonda

You couldn’t ask for a closer spot to the Boardwalk! The blue building has a lot of character, very vintage beach vibes. Parking in front of the property is tight; there is limited additional parking in the back. Expedia lists an elevator in the Accessibility section. This is incorrect. Book on the first floor only if you have limited mobility. That said, if you can walk a short distance & climb 3 steps, booking on the 2nd floor & parking in the back is the way to go. The door in the back opens onto the 2nd floor & has 3 steps. We couldn’t get the wifi to connect at all. The beds made my back and hips hurt (but I could also just be old).

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2026

Timothy

Small parking lot. Room doesn't block out outside noises well. Close to the Boardwalk and was a pretty good price for the visit.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

choua

Amazing spot to stay in front deck guy was so nice

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2026

Mary

Pet friendly

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2026

Amanda

It’s my second stay here. Staff is nice and rooms are clean.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Nicholas

Incredibly convenient location for visiting the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Small room (we had a triple suite) with very little closet/storage space, but beds are comfortable and linens are clean. Quiet given the location. Towels were very old and scratchy. In short, a convenient spot for the SC boardwalk but don't expect much in the way of creature comforts while in the room.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Megan

Clean room, amazing staff, super accessible. Will stay again.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Lindsey

Clean room. Helpful and friendly staff. Dog friendly

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2026

Eloise

You can feel the sea breeze through your window. A fair amount of activity sounds from the boardwalk, you are in the center of it all. There was an earthquake one night and the place shook but stood strong! Staff are awesome!

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2026

Victoria

Room was clean, staff was nice, able to check in early for a fee but not too bad. Great if you’re going over to the boardwalk. You’re able to walk to and from the boardwalk in about 5 minutes. Would stay here again

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Karina

very good as always

Family

2/10

Poor

06 Apr 2026

Cynthia

Horrible Stay.
Not for the weak or for families.
People having parties, smoking weed, making loud noises in rooms til 4am. Never ever staying here again. Staff was nice but just not the place to stay.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

Anisah

Very clean and kind staff

Family

2/10

Poor

01 Apr 2026

Ashley

I had the worst motel experience of my life staying at Aqua Breeze Inn in Santa Cruz from March 25–28.

I was traveling with another adult female and three children, including a toddler in a stroller. We were placed on the third floor with no elevator and given no prior notice. Carrying everything upstairs with kids was extremely difficult. When I politely asked about a lower-level room, I was told no.

Upstairs, a cleaning cart blocked the walkway, so I moved it slightly to get through. Shortly after, a large male staff member came to my room while I was unloading and began yelling at me, calling me disrespectful and accusing me of being aggressive. He then threatened to kick us out without a refund, leaving two women and three children without accommodations. I tried to de-escalate, but it was intimidating and unprofessional.

Later, he aggressively confronted a visiting friend about parking and continued to question her, saying he would be watching cameras. That same night, I received two back-to-back calls from the front desk around 9:40 PM, which felt intrusive.

At checkout, they kept my deposit over a smoking rule that was never clearly communicated—no signs or paperwork.

The treatment felt targeted and uncomfortable. Overall, the staff was hostile and unprofessional. I would not stay here again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

01 Apr 2026

Marisa

Room was clean, bed was hard, plenty of parking, walking distance to restaurants, grocery store and boardwalk.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2026

Francesca

Great location. Friendly staff. Pet friendly!!

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

Thomas

Very convenient location, just walk across the street to the Boardwalk. Don't have to worry about the expensive parking at the Boardwalk.

8/10

Excellent

28 Mar 2026

Kris

The location is amazing. Parking is easy and convenient. AC was nice and cold and the bed was really comfortable. Unbeatable price!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

Jaden

Parking gets full fast if they’re sold out

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Charlene

All the staff was very friendly and helpful. The location is outstanding, right across from the Boardwalk. The management made parking easy and accessible. Room was clean and fresh. We had no issues with exchanging used towels and the housekeepers were all very pleasant and hardworking. It would have been nice to have coffee in the room without having to get it from the office. Not an issue after we figured out we had to get it from the office. 😁

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2026

Kaitlin

Great access to the boardwalk. A little run down. But nice rooms overall

10/10

Exceptional

22 Mar 2026

Sophal

awesome staffing and clean room… walking distance to store and to the board walk…

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Mar 2026

Hanzel

Great staff, close to boardwalk, safe and clean environment

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Lynn

The location was great!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Everardo

Didn't have to drive everything was walking distance.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

14 Mar 2026

Sherry

I didn’t feel safe with my little girl so we didnt end up staying. The door didn’t have a deadbolt or physical lock. And the door faced the street. The place was clean. If you are looking for the very basic and don’t mind noise as people walk past your window and door non stop it’s a good fit.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Scott P

This is a great little hotel in a wonderful location. The staff is great and the rooms are clean and well appointed

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

Jose

Na

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2026

Graham

Great location to beach that comes with parking. Rooms accomodate family of 5 is a plus!

6/10

Pleasant

10 Mar 2026

Jane

Walls are very thin, so noise was an issue. They also closed the patio for cleaning from Saturday afternoon until we left early Monday morning. I was able to squeeze the last drop out of the bath wash container but my daughter had to use shampoo since the office was closed at the time. Location was good and staff very nice. Beds are very comfortable and everything was clean.

Family

2/10

Poor

08 Mar 2026

ADALBERTO H.

The cheap $25 micriwave from walmart was broken and the property manager charged me $50. How long do they expect their cheap appliances to work? Then they charge double what it is worth? I should have know this was a sketchy place. When i checked in, the man at the desk said next time i have to check in before i park my car in a parking space. I said “i have to park somewhere to get off and check in.” he said you can just park your car in the middle of the driveway and block the cars, it wont be long.“ the only good thing about this run down place, is it is located across from the boardwalk.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2026

John

For a budget friendly location. I can't complain. It was within walking distance of everything you need. And only steps from the boardwalk. The property is definitely a little older but the rooms were clean and adequate for what I paid. Although I may look for something different on our next stay. I would consider staying here again in the future.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Mar 2026

Amy

This place is really sweet for how affordable it is. I stayed in a room in the corner (room 203) and it was very quiet + has a window that opens to a side yard area = felt more like a bedroom at home. Plus the free parking + bein per friendly + super sweet and accommodating staff. Would totally stay here again.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

Scott P

The staff was great! A nice,big and clean room in a great location

Self

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2026

shyann

staff was very rude

10/10