Santa Cruz Inn Riverside

4/10

Poor

02 Nov 2025

Seleste

I booked a room with two beds and was given a room with one bed. The receptionist stated Expedia gave the okay for this change without consulting me prior. I was not given any notification the room had changed until I was on site checking in. This was unacceptable. I had to pay for a second room which was very frustrating.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

02 Nov 2025

David

Was nice ,not alot of parking had to park outside, and staff was a lil mean and there was no hot water to shower

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Sep 2025

Carol

Beautiful little cottage in the best location!

2/10

Poor

10 Jun 2025

Rodolfo

Wrong room

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2025

Karla

I stayed for one night but it was perfect. The room was clean and I loved the property’s architecture. Such an easy walk from downtown and right in front of a CVS for convenience

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2025

Rhi

Good size of the room, basic set up. Staff is kind. Convenient to get access to convention center, restaurants in walk distance. No luggage storage.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2025

Cassandra

We were looking for a clean place to sleep with no frills and this is what we got. Staff was friendly, check in easy and no other issues. Our room was clean, and minimal. Everything worked as needed for our stay. Will stay again for my next visit to Riverside.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

17 Jan 2025

Patrick

It lives up to its billing as a 2 star hotel.

2/10

Poor

18 Oct 2024

Ernestina

The hotel is older and dated but that wasn’t a problem. The room was clean but we were put in the third floor room which had a balcony with lights that were left on all night. The glass door to the balcony had thin, flimsy blinds, and there was no way to block the light. The room is brightly illuminated the entire night, making it very difficult to sleep. There was no way to turn it off or darken the room at all. It was like sleeping with the lights on and it was HORRIBLE. I got so little sleep, I’ll never stay there again.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Oct 2024

Ulises

Nice

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2024

Michael

Ample hot water

Just enough parking spots. Nice reception. Shower hot enough with amount, and duration ok. Garden type setting pretty at night. Some traffic noise, but not extreme. Fairly safe area, lots of different people in area. Bed, bath and T.V. ok. I would go back again.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Sep 2024

John

While checking in, a different rate was quoted than the total rate that was finalized thru Expedia.

Business Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2024

Brooklyn

Really cute property, pretty loud because it's right on the major street but that makes it very convenient and walkable. Management gave us a bit of a problem because of false information on their site. We also booked a room with 1 queen bed but they insisted it was 2--not complaining though, the views were great

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2024

Ronald

Felt like I was in a cozy Mexican villa.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2024

Courtonie

i liked the atmosphere

6/10

Pleasant

15 Mar 2024

Laura

It will do for

The rooms are in much need of a refurbishing but it was clean. My bed didn’t have a fitted sheet, just a flat sheet laid over a plastic cover. The tv played only CNN. I tried to call the front desk several times but no one answered. It was ok for two nights and was a short 6-7 min walk to the convention center.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2023

Marcella

Local Charm

Cute, and showing it's age in little ways. The place has character, in a good way. Room was clean, location was great, I enjoyed my stay.

Business

8/10

Excellent

04 Dec 2023

Denisa

Staff are friendly and accommodating. Good location for Festival of Lights in downtown riverside and has free parking . Good value for the price .

Leisure

2/10

Poor

31 Oct 2023

elizabeth

The manager there is rude both in person and over the phone. She cuts you off when you are talking, doesn't answer the phone in a friendly way whatsoever. She needs to take a class on how to provide better customer service. Never staying here again. Save yourself the time and money and don't stay here.

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2022

Bill

Spent two minutes in the room. Gathered our stuff and left immediately. Dirty, smelly, horrible room. Went to the Marriott.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2022

Janet

It was okay. An older building that needed some repairs. Check in and out required ringing a bell and waiting for someone to come to the window.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

22 Nov 2021

David

Room was disgusting. Sheets were paper thin with holes in them, hairs all over the sink, bathroom inside the sheets. You could tell someone had just finished using the bathroom because the toilet paper roll was jaggedly ripped and mostly gone.

We left…abandoned the room and booked another room somewhere else. So disappointed.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

03 Mar 2020

Jose

This place is a nightmare the property is in very poor condition the service is horrible we had the worst experience ever we where the literally for 13 minutes we check in go to our room I was going to take a nap while my wife showered when I pull out the sheets there was 5 different hairs on the white sheet and the pillow covers then I pull out the rest of the blanket and there is make up on the sheets spoke to the \"Manager \" she tells me I can leave the property when in reality I was going to do that I'd be crazy to stay there the worst place to stay DO NOT STAY HERE?

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Jan 2020

Laura

Shabby outside, fresh inside

The room was fine, the outdoor upkeep up the hotel was degraded. Need new paint, paving, re-landscaping. Looks like a novel outside, but it’s deceiving my run down looking. The room was absolutely refurbished, clean and modern.

Self

2/10

Poor

02 Jan 2020

Jacqueline

Manager was rude and wanted to make a scene at five in the morning when no noise was made on our end. The no visitors rule is awful

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

06 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Probably Not

Pretty worn down, dirty and scary environment. Not a place for a woman traveling alone

Business

10/10

Exceptional

29 Aug 2019

Edward

Nice, affordable, convenient.

The place is super convenient to downtown Riverside, well maintained and very affordable. I really enjoyed the hotel's architecture. Having a door onto a balcony, though tiny, was nice in that I could open up the door to let enjoy the evening breeze. WiFi was excellent (there are plenty of hot spots throughout the property).

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

It is a classic property that has been renovated and is unique to the area. There was no breakfast included, but the courtyard area and property grounds are very inviting.

8/10

Excellent

27 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

The place is beautiful and historic. However, it needs to be renovated. The owners should bite the bullet and spend the money and then charge accordingly. Get rid of the week rentals and make it a mini Mission Inn.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2019

john

Very comfortable

I first was impressed by the age and charm of the structures, and then I was surprised by how clean my room was, and that it had recently been remodeled inside. I enjoyed it. The Wifi was “iffy” though

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2019

Verified traveler

Poorly repaired OLD property. Only comfortable to sleep, not sit and chat or read or relax.

Business_and_leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

26 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Good

Hotel is a bit older but well kept. The room and bathroom were very clean. Location is near downtown, I was there for a concert and ended up walking to the venue since it was only two blocks away. While reading the other reviews no one mentions anything about a deposit, but I was charged a $40 deposit which was later reimbursed.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Mar 2019

Kim

Beautiful old hotel

If you like kitchsy old hotels, this one’s for you. A little run down but that’s it’s charm. On the national historic register. Historic district and convention center very close

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Feb 2019

Rodney

Great room

Great room

Family

8/10

Excellent

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Will stay again, no question

The Santa Cruz Inn was very clean. It definitely looked like efforts are being made to update rooms. The ice machine was down, but the manager still managed to get me ice, which is a necessity for me. I was there by myself and felt safe and slept well. I would absolutely stay there again.

6/10

Pleasant

17 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Pretty basic if charmingly old motel. Front office staff was pleasant. Good if small flat screen tv. Bed was just adequate. Room lighting not good. No amenities. Located in downtown Riverside a short walk from many dining choices and the Mission Inn. We stayed there for the Festival of Lights at about one-third the cost of a night at the Mission Inn. Parking was a problem, they don't have enough for all the rooms and we had to park overnight on a side street, which was free.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Oct 2018

Angelica

It's an old/unique property. The staff was very good. The room was clean with plenty of room. The only thing I didn't like was we needed quarters for the ice machine.
Overall a good, old spanish flair to this Motel

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2018

Courtney

I liked it.

I would definitely stay here again. The room was clean and the hotel was super cute. Also pretty close to downtown.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

The staff was very hard working and put so much effort into the acomidations, every time I had a question the front desk was extremely helpful in helping me find and getting me what I needed.

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2018

Monica

Alt location

Good alternative to more expensive Mission Inn or Marriott. Quaint but comfortable.

8/10

Excellent

26 Mar 2018

Michael

Comfortable historic hotel near downtown Riverside. Did not have the greatest amenities, but good value for the money.

2/10

Poor

07 Mar 2018

Jill

Rude staff and wouldn't allow me to stay

Was told there was no reservation in my name and when I showed the guy at the counter my confirmation he agreed that yes there was a reservation in my name, but after discussion, he did not want to give me the room so I had to go find accommodations elsewhere

4/10

Poor

31 Jan 2018

Cynthia

Internet pictures are deceiving

Just parked and ready to get my bag out and I noticed a car in the lot and a couple arguing. The man kept yelling at the woman driver to leave and get out. A little alarmed I waited until the car sped away and then went in to check in. The clerk was licked behind a door and window which again made me feel a bit apprehensive. I asked if this was a safe place and she assured me it was. I asked to first see the room but still feeling a little unsure I made several calls to nearby hotels for room availability and they were all full. I checked in but was a bit disappointed with the room. Although I knew the hotel was old, and the room \"appeared\" clean, just did not have a good vibe. Although I had reserved two nights I quickly called Expedia and changed my reservation to one night and found another acceptable place for the second night. I will not stay there again. I'd rather pay the extra $30 -$50 dollars a night for peace of mind.

2/10

Poor

23 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Bait n switch

It was convenient as our event was at convention center across the street. Looking at the pictures posted on expedia I was like cool little place would be ok. Well pictures are outdated, the area is not well kept, and was very sketchy. The room was small, bathroom smaller, if u leaned up the wrong way off toilet you would hit your head on sink. Door only had a turn lock not like most hotels that have the security lock, and door jam had been forced open before. Bed was overused, not comfortable, no springs left for support. The drapes were hold and worn had holes in them. We debated over leaving for 30 minutes but decided to give it a chance. It was a sleepless night as tossing and turning and we put a chair in front of the door to hopefully prevent anyone from coming in. Not worth the value on it

4/10

Poor

17 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Never again

Loud outside noise from street, could hear door slamming until 11:00 pm. The front desk called us to ask if we were the ones slamming the door...could not understand his heavy accent at first. The hotel is small, they could have walked down the short hallway to see where all the noise was coming from. At least two other rooms had young, ignorant kids having a sleepover as it appeared.

4/10

Poor

11 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Not A Goodnight Sleep Stay

The hotel’s location was perfect. We came for the Riverside The Festival Of Lights, and it was 2 blocks away frim the event. The hotels condition was okay. We got a room all the way to the top floor. No other room was there other than ours. The windows were open when we got to our room. The room has a musty weird smell. The carpet was old, dirt stains, and sticky feeling if you tried to walk bare feet. We were close to the street, and it was very loud even when the windows were closed. I had to wear ear plugs, and even that didn’t help. I’m glad that we only booked it for 1 day. There’s other hotels in the area that’s well known. It’ll cost a lot of money to stay there, but I’m sure you’ll get a better rest and comfort. I guess, if your looking for a hotel that’s not too expensive for a day stay, and it’s in a good location.. Santa Cruz Inn Riverside was okay.

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Dec 2017

Leanne

Would definitely stay again

The motel is pretty old, but the room was nicely renovated and so spacious. There were a couple of bleach stains on the carpet, and overall I’m not sure how clean the floor ACTUALLY was lol. But I’m not that picky or easily grossed-out, so I wasn’t bothered. Other than the sound of traffic, it was very quiet, and I didn’t hear anyone around us. Oh, and the location is a short walking distance from the Fox PAC and so many delicious restaurants and beer spots, which is pretty important. If you roll cheap like I do, this is a big bang for your buck.

6/10

Pleasant

19 Nov 2017

Shannon

Disappointing.

Room smelled.
Couldn't find reservation.
Broken door latch.
Smoke detector disabled.
No complaints breakfast.
People nice.

Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

Value is good.

Designed in the \"Spanish\" style, it is a mix of residential and motel units. I stayed in a very large 2-full beds room that included a bar area. A pity that the fireplace no longer functions, and the bathroom was very narrow (and down a small ramp to access). Service was okay, room was decent though obviously needs some minor maintenance and could definitely use some updating. Overall, good value for the price, particularly if you are attending event at the Convention Center.

8/10

Excellent

03 Nov 2017

Verified traveler

But the parking

The location was nice. But the parking was small. I was asked to park in the street. Other then that i liked the location. Will definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2017

Roger

Santa Cruz inn

It was great. We booked it because it was so central and verry close to the Fox performing arts center. The owners were kind and friendly. We arrived a bit early bit early but there was no problem to park the car a few hours before it was time to check in. Our room was cozy.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Sep 2017

Ray

Close to the Riverside Convention Center

Nice hotel that could benefit from a coat of paint and some maintenance.

4/10

Poor

10 Aug 2017

Tony

No body was ever around

Air conditioner was making loud noise all night. Could not sleep trouble. People very ruid

8/10

Excellent

02 Feb 2017

Eiko

The room was comfortable and clean. The guys at the reception were both kind.

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

The room we had was very nice and spacious, did not get any info for WIFI, or TV channels, ice machine did not work , and parking was tight.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2016

Lisa

Luv this place!!!

Enjoyed this motel very much. It was cute and unique. Very clean and interior seemed recently updated and nice. The location was good. I will definitely be a repeat guest!!

Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Dec 2016

Marty

Decent Hotel

I stayed here for two nights and honestly it was quite nice. A friend and I attended an event around the area and so we just needed a place to rest and get ready.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2016

Verified traveler

Santa Cruz Inn

Short stay, very accommodating friendly staff, nice, comfortable and spacious room, great bed; totally clean bathroom.

Family

2/10

Poor

27 Sep 2016

bryce

horrible

Hated it! I was told my I was getting my deposit back and it never came. Everything was horrible!

2/10

Poor

14 Jun 2016

Verified traveler

BAD experience

I stayed for my son graduation in Riverside. But I didn't finish my 3 nights stayed because there is no WIFI, there is no cable TV, There is no elevator. I stayed in 3rd floor, it looks like haunted house. I'm not comfortable. They are selling their benefit but they don't care the clients. Its hard to find parking space. I will not come back there anymore.

Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2016

Verified traveler

It was alright. The parking lot is small.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2015

Verified traveler

We enjoyed the waterfalls and the courtyard. The old room we had was cozy and pleasant and clean but it is small compared to other rooms. We don't mind that.

2/10

Poor

23 Jul 2015

Verified traveler

I don't recommend this hotel

The room smelled funny and had bedbugs and cockroaches.

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2015

alex c.

good for the price

it is in a good spot . this place is nothing spectacular but good for the price . parking absolutely sucks though . but we found a spot around the corner .

Partner

4/10

Poor

19 Jun 2015

David

Cute, but I probably would stay there again.

We stayed at the Santa Cruz Inn for two nights in June. Architecturally, it was very charming. The check-in staff was not friendly. They took our towels, and didn't replace them with new ones. The Wi-Fi didn't work. We encountered a cockroach in our room right before we checked out. Ice is 25c. Our room had a couch, coffee table, fridge, and ample TV channels. There is not enough parking, one night we had to park across the street at the CVS, and the other night we had to park on the street.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jun 2015

Verified traveler

Stay away... unless you're bankrupt.

Unless you're extremely tight and on the brink of bankruptcy, I suggest you spend an extra $20 for the next best hotel. It's not worth being treated like manure, spend the night in a funky smelling room, with \"free\" wifi that is nothing but some kbs shared among everyone in the hotel.

To top it off, the terms are a little shady. Seems like they try to stiff you with $20 charges just for bringing someone over? $20 to be exact, per person...

Tl:DR: Left to Marriott just to get away.

Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Mar 2015

tom

bad place to stay

bed sheets would not fit windows would open with no latches no chair for table no paper work to run t.v. plastic on beds made it hard to sleep

2/10

Poor

08 Mar 2015

Verified traveler

Terrible hotel

Awful service, he was so rude. Terrible rooms that all smelled of smoke.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Feb 2015

Bridge Pro

Good Buy

Great downtown Riverside location. No amenities, but the rooms are clean and it's good value for what you get. Very close to Convention Center and lots of restaurants.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jan 2015

Yuting

Motel

Wifi connection is really bad!

2/10

Poor

10 Dec 2014

Verified traveler

Never Again

Do not recommend if you are looking for clean, quiet or comfortable. Dirty, noisy and smelly is the standard here.

4/10

Poor

14 Nov 2014

Thomas

Left at 4 AM because of the loud street noise.

There is a reason it cost much less than the other hotels.

4/10

Poor

10 Nov 2014

Anonymous

not going back again

Well when I checked in they tried to charge me again after I already prepaid . There was only 10 to 12 parking spaces luckily we got there early enough to get the last one. When we finally got to the room, one of the beds had some nasty looking stains on the comforter. There wasn't really a closet. The sink was too far from the bathroom. The room was clean, no roaches or bed bugs, so I guess that's a plus. We got a non-smoking room so we would go out to the street to smoke and the Hotel attendant would stand there and watch us. It was creepy.

Family

4/10

Poor

12 Sep 2014

Janet Traveler

Business - one night stay

I can see why this is a 2-star motel. No shampoo, no coffee, vending machines empty, tv worked sporadically!

On the flip side, there was a nice patio area where their longer term tenants gathered - nice plants, comfortable benches, etc.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2014

GoGoHH

Great Location, Right Price

Santa Cruz Inn is a quaint little hotel in Riverside. Couldn't beat the price, good AC, clean room and bathroom, slept like a baby.