Name: Riverside Inn Suites Santa Cruz
Address: 505 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, 93446, US

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2026

Amber

Thank you!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Aug 2026

Gordon

Clean room, friendly staff, plenty of parking

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2026

Araceli

My family and I stayed in the suite. The small kitchen was perfect. There is a gas range, oven and good size fridge. Perefect if you just want to stay in! The location was a great location! Everything was like 10-12ish min walking distance to the boardwalk and downtown. We didn’t use our car to get around. This was our summer trip before school starts! This will be our place to stay at for now on! Only downside…no pets allowed.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2026

William

Easy to locate a good parking spot. The room was pretty clean (8/10). Some of the chairs look like they've been used too much and could be upgraded... Staff was quick and helpful. I would definitely stay again

8/10

Excellent

31 Jul 2026

Connie

Rooms a little tight and walls a little thin, but close to the Boardwalk and River.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2026

Carrie Ann

We reserved a queen, king with a kitchenette. The queen is has a door to close between it and the king/kitchenette. Big space. Nice bathroom which was in the queen space. We accidentally left something in the freezer, called, and were able to pick it up at the front office later that evening. Staff were helpful. Great value for the price!

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Jenni

Room was older but excellent for our overnight stay, and within walking distance to Boardwalk. We left several items behind in the room when we checks out. They called right away to let us know so we could come back and get them. I was very grateful for that. Especially since one of those items was my Autistic son’s favorite pillow.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jul 2026

Shane

Second time staying. Excellent budget property. Very quiet at night. Parking inside the courtyard seems very secure. Excellent service. Comfortable beds. Will stay again!

8/10

Excellent

28 Jul 2026

Sandy

The room was tiny but fine. Very easily walkable to the Santa Cruz boardwalk (like 7-10min). The first thing I noticed was the ear plugs next to the bed which had me worried but I honestly didn’t need them or even hear road noise. Places to grab a bite nearby including a yummy taco truck about a 2 minute walk. Easy to park as well as check in and out. Good value for the price. Nearby big name hotels would be 3 times as much. I liked that the parking lot was very well lit up at night which was a great deterrent to anyone thinking about breaking into cars. I would return. A bit outdated and could use some touch ups as well as updates.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jul 2026

Raul

Perfect location. We were a 10 min walk from the boardwalk and walking distance to downtown

2/10

Poor

24 Jul 2026

Josue

The staff is so rude when i check in bad actitud

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Cecil

Clean runs, helpful staff and great location.

2/10

Poor

18 Jul 2026

Eliza

Stinky room. Smelled of stale smoke and mold. Opening windows did no good. Rat droppings spotted in one corner. Leaky windows. I’m glad we were only there from 2 am til 10 am.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2026

Casey

Nice place to stay and close to the beach

6/10

Pleasant

17 Jul 2026

Andrea

Very low key basic.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2026

niall

Good motel. Easy walk to board walk and downtown. Bed a little hard for me. But that’s just me I like softer. But good handy place to stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jul 2026

Joyce

Staff was super kind

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2026

Don

The woman working at the front desk had a wonderful personality. She was also very kind.

Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Jul 2026

Joanna

The layout of our room was perfect and the staff and service were extremely efficient and friendly. The cleanliness was good overall but the floors were dirty - we had to keep shoes on. Also the ice machine was out of order which was inconvenient. We will definitely return despite these minor issues as it was a great stay overall.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Jul 2026

Destiny

Overall very great experience especially for us coming in so last minute. Only minor complaints we had was how bright the outside lights were that bled into the room. I had to close it with some hair clips. And the inside of our microwave was most likely not the safest to use. Probably should be replaced. Other than that, staff was great, our rooms were very clean and smelt that way too. Will come back again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

Estefany

Very good

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

13 Jul 2026

Yelena

Very old building. Smells moldy.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Jul 2026

Nancy

It was a perfect little hotel for one night. Easy walk to the boardwalk. Only issue we had was the ice machine didn’t work, but no major issues at all. Enjoyed our stay. Would definitely return.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2026

Eric

For a Santa Cruz motel, no complaints. Overall 3.5 to 4 stars.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Alanna

2nd night was much better and front desk was very accommodating with deposit for the room again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Alanna

Front desk was accommodating

2/10

Poor

07 Jul 2026

Gabriel

Booked a room for my son. He got there after 10. Called the front office to let them know. When he arrived the management turned him away after midnight because they did not think he had enough ID. He was robbed recently. Hotel room was paid for but management (man) sent him out into the streets and my money is not being refunded. Very upset with whole inhumane treatment.

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2026

Douglas

A very nice, clean, well-kept property. The young man at the desk was friendly and helpful. They allowed me to park my car that morning before checking in that evening. Saved me the hassle of finding parking in the Boardwalk area. I loved the location; close enough to walk to the Boardwalk but away from the traffic congested area. The room was very clean and made up nicely. Will gladly stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

03 Jul 2026

Tamara

great locationX nice staff, very clean but wasn’t helpful when all power sockets and phone weren’t working.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Edward

Our go-to place for short stays in Santa Cruz. Good value for the cost. No noise issues, bed is comfy, all the basics are there, room was in good shape.

Partner

2/10

Poor

02 Jul 2026

Amy

DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS HOTEL.

It was filthy, the industrial carpet turned our feet black. There were mushrooms growing in the closet.

We booked a room with a kitchenette, but upon arrival, when we complained that there were absolutely ZERO supplies in the kitchen, they told us they sent an email that we would need to bring our own pots and pans. There were ZERO utensils, cups, plates, bowls, not even basic supplies to make coffee. After complaining, they sent some pots/bowls/etc to the room, but we were only able to use the stove one time before in the middle of the night the pilot lights all started trying to ignite themselves.

The only way we could get it to stop was to unplug the stove altogether. Right before the igniters started we changed the HVAC setting from hot to cold, so there appeared to be a connection between the HVAC power and the stove power, though of course I am not an electrician. When I spoke to the manager the next day about the igniters and the complete loss of the stove, he just started at me.

We asked for a partial refund for the stay for the difference between a room with a kitchen and the rate for a room elsewhere without a kitchen, plus the cost of supplies and meals out. They ignored us.

Because they made us pay for the entire stay before we even saw the room, neither the booking agent or my credit card company can do anything to reimburse us. So we are SOL and they are free to keep advertising for an amenity they do not functionally provide.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

Nichole

Our room was amazing and staff was soooo friendly had great coffee and shampoo things great parking will definitely stay there again thank u 😊

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2026

Bryan

Initially, meeting the staff

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Aubrey

Very clean and comfortable rooms. Staff was incredibly nice and helpful!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Mayra

Staff was super super sweet and helpful! Our bathroom door was locked when we arrived and they were super fast to help us and were super friendly!

Partner

2/10

Poor

01 Jul 2026

Haifeng

This is a Motel not a hotel. But the price is a 3 star's hotel. We arrived at the motel late after 10:00 pm. The front was closed. We found the bedsheet smelled like cat's pee. But too late to change the room. We couldn't sleep at all. The next morning we told the front, one Indian American guy came in our room and lied about the smell. But the lady was really honest. She said sorry to us and promised to give us $50 refund. But the guy was still denying the smell and said he can only give us 10% of the room price as refund. He is really unfriendly.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Nicole

The facility had all of the usual amenities plus left a pair of earplugs at every nightstand. The coffee station in the room was well stocked with a variety of items, the kitchenette was clean and useful. The layout of our suite was comfortable. The staff was outstanding. It is definitely an older property, but it is very clean inside each room and we enjoyed our stay. They were gracious in letting us park there for free before we checked into our room, saving us a big parking fee at the boardwalk. I would recommend and return.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

Yvonne

I had a very nice stay The room is small but is fine… the room for two days I thought a bit over priced. The staff were very nice but no breakfast.

Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

Chester

Nice and clean go back again. Rooms were clean. Showers were great. Everything was good.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

Deborah

Dry clean, comfortable beds and pillows. Carpet was very clean. Bathrooms were good. I liked the dispensaries for the shampoo the lotion and body wash plenty of towels. Nice to have two bedrooms. I think they should have another TV in the second bedroom. Air conditioner worked really well quite comfortable smelled very clean.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jun 2026

Frank

Beds need to be replaced. Mine was sinking on one side. The room wasn't cleaned all the way.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Celeste

Great staff! Very friendly easy beach walk!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Johnny

Every single things is perfect

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

25 Jun 2026

Clela

So, to help anyone going to this hotel I want to make it clear that the property manager was helpful and kind, allowing us early check in however; I had a medicine (pill) box stolen off my nightstand by the cleaners there.
I felt bad for the managers, but in all my years of traveling I have NEVER experienced theft anywhere I have stayed. This was my medicine!!! Mine!

So, take your chances or be safe and don’t leave anything in your room you don’t want taken if it’s medicine for sure!! :(

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Tracy

The hotel clerk is very friendly and welcoming. It is an older hotel, but very clean. We had a room with two beds and what is nice is the rooms are separated by the bathroom which gives privacy for each room. Parking was safe and saves you parking at the boardwalk. It's a 10 min walk to the boardwalk. The beds were comfortable and shower was nice. I would definitely stay there again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

William

Loved everything
Close to all

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

William

Clean, comfy and convenient
Close to everything

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2026

Hugo

OK, but Heads up they charge $10 per person per night for every extra guest

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Thomas

-

Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jun 2026

Jiehone

The staff were enthusiastic and the room cleanliness was decent, but the facilities were outdated and the kitchen stove was unusable.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jun 2026

Mary Ellen

Pros: spacious with two rooms, bathroom in the middle separating them. Easy access to the boardwalk, quiet.

Cons: needs major updates, furniture, bed and carpet all worn. Bathroom paint was bubbling in spots, dust on paneling and the air conditioning units are ancient.

With updates, could be a great spot, but I’d rather stay a bit farther from Boardwalk for a comfortable bed and amenities.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Isabel

It was perfect size for perfect price

Friends

2/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

Liza

Although the staff was very freindly helpful (the only positive) with the issues I brought to their attention, my overall experience was very not worth the money. The room was not very clean, the bed was made with stained and dirty sheets, the fridge was and broken, the floor was bumpy and hollow, bathroom was moldy and smelled, toilet was soooo loud, kitchen had mold, air conditioner was full of dust and debris. For some reason there were earplugs by all the beds!? The room was just not upkept well at all. Unfortunatly I would not return.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jun 2026

Olivier

Rooms facing the street can be noisy. Ear plugs are provided in the room.
My room smelled like feet and cleaning chemicals :(. I think the carpet can use an update. Was ok with air running full time.
Otherwise all clean and nice.
TV didn't work, wasn't important to me, but I mention it.

Self

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Lynne

This is not a glitze 5 star place with a lot of bells and whistles. But, check in was with a warm and gracious clerk. The room (they put us in a unit with two rooms and a kitchen) was clean and comfortable. We would stay there again.

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Nicholas

Close enough to walk to the boardwalk and great restaurants nearby. Be mindful there are homeless in the city, especially across the bridge near the shops and restaurants.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Michael

Nice stay close to everything

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Anna

Check in was a pleasure with the wonderful lady working around 6pm on 25th May - she needs a pay rise and an extra holiday day she was so pleasant and friendly and asset to the place. The room was comfortable and clean, parking in the courtyard was easy and the position of our room meant it was very quiet. Would stay again. Many thanks

Partner

4/10

Poor

25 May 2026

Luis

Not really clean and they do extra charge for more than two people and they don’t tell you till you there ready to check inn

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Yulia

Staff, parking, air conditioning

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Robert

Nice room but small. Good value

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2026

Esther Tabitha

Really big rooms! I was in the end suite.. about three blocks maybe four to the boardwalk/roller coaster area.. but in the master bedroom, the walls are thin and so all night long. I could hear the couple in the other room….
So yes, the rooms are great clean and very spacious and I couldn’t figure out why the office had laid out earplugs in both of the bedrooms of our suite now I know why!!!!
Very thin walls! So where are the air plugs‼️‼️‼️

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Matthew

We had a great experience. The amenities were wonderful and being close the boardwalk was very convenient.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Eli

For the price, an excellent deal. Room was clean and bathroom was spacious. Best aspect of the motel is its location. Very easy walk not only to the boardwalk and beach but also to the downtown across the river. I was in Santa Cruz to attend a conference which had multiple locations in disparate areas of town. I was able to comfortably walk to all of them, as well as to tourist destinations. The only difficult part of town to access was the University, but I get the sense that essentially no hotels are accessible to that campus anyway. Staff was courteous. Very pleasant stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 May 2026

Michael

Great location for families who want to enjoy downtown santa cruz and the boardwalk

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

10 May 2026

Lorenza

It was quiet and convenient for walking to the boardwalk, check in was quick and easy. The room was not too great, the hair dryer did not work, the coffee maker did not work, the seat looked filthy with stains. But the stay was satisfactory for our needs.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 May 2026

Harry

Parking was tight

Self

4/10

Poor

04 May 2026

Rebecca

Room carpet is so dirty its sticky. Walking around with socks or barefoot turned the bottom of our feet black. We had some people next door who seemed to be living long term in their room, and were playing music past quiet hours. We had to call front desk to ask them to stop playing music so loud.

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Fahad

Good price and a nice unit. We had a two room suite which was also priced reasonably. Beds were comfortable and rooms were clean. Surprisingly quiet for being near the road, an a nice short walk to the boardwalk. If you get a unit with a kitchenette make sure to bring your own stuff. They have a stove, microwave, and fridge but no pots, pans, utensils, oil, salt, etc. (we borrowed some from a friend). was great to make our own breakfast each morning and having a place to stash and warm up leftovers though.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Daniel

Second stay here great place close to the boardwalk!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Calista

Clean and comfortable, very accommodating staff and great location!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2026

stephanie

Easy parking

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2026

Peter

The family suite we stayed in (3 queen beds in two rooms + kitchenette) wasn’t anything extravagant but everything was clean and functional and the pricing was great. Check in was easy, parking was available, room and bathroom look to have been renovated fairly recently. Really no complaints at all. We all felt safe and comfortable. If we’re in SC for a short stay again I wouldn’t hesitate to book here.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Cheryl

We had a group of 6 so the room we had fit us wonderfully with everyone having a comfortable bed to sleep in. We were impressed with the friendliness and service from the front desk; she was very helpful and kind. The only issue we had was lack of parking after being out late. We had to park in a place that was not actually a space because there was nothing left, but everything went well since we had our sticker in the window as a guest. We also appreciated having walking distance to the boardwalk. We shall return.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2026

Kimberly

Friendly staff. Clean room. Free parking. We were able to walk to the boardwalk. Would stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Kathi

The parking was secure and easy, right by our door. The AC worked well and was a pleasant sounding fan. It was a very restful stay.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2026

Benjamin

Clean, friendly, central location, fast WiFi, great value.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Steve

Easy parking and nice room. Would recommend

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Laury

We stayed in the family suite, which had three beds, a kitchen, and a nice bathroom. We had 4 pillows on each bed and plenty of towels for our 3-night stay. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The location of this property cannot be beat! We were 4 minutes away from everything. We would definitely stay here again.

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2026

Marco

You get what you pay for:)

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Yulia

Parking was easy. Ac working good.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Shane

Clean, comfortable bed. Very quiet at night. Walking distance to downtown.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Rama

The deluxe suite with two queens was amazing, two separate rooms with one bed in each room. Everything was great, we were so happy to find this place!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Eric

Great staff, easy parking, clean, AC and heat.
Our room was for 3 people and was a kitchenette suite. Easy walk to downtown.
Keurig type coffee maker with pods in the room.
Multiple pairs of ear plugs included in the room?
Who does this ? Super thoughtful of management. No traffic noise or neighbor noise.
Early morning dumpster pick up was the only noise but they have to be picked up sometime. No fault of the motel. We really enjoyed our stay and they earned their high rating. We will be back.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Karen

Parking was convenient and close to front entrance
Very clean building and rooms
Room temperatures were pleasant

Partner

4/10

Poor

08 Apr 2026

James

While the front desk staff was very accommodating, the room itself was very disappointing, esp. for the price. Extremely basic, with a very small and old-fashioned bathroom, hard to share with 3 people (in a ‘deluxe queen’). There were no outlets for computers for ex.! The only redeeming factor is that we could walk to the Boardwalk. Would probably not choose to stay here again. It was definitely overpriced for what it was.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Joseph

Very friendly staff

Business

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Vicente

Good place just parking little tigt was up graded to a king bed stove didn't work 😴 😪 ice machine works with quarter that u can get from front desk when open

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Misty

Great room, could use a deep clean of chairs and bed skirts. Definitely don't take a black light

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

Zhijing

clean room. friendly staff. would highly recommend.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Duncan

Seemed to have plenty of parking, not too far a walk from things. Lady at the desk upgraded my room for me which was a pleasant surprise. Nothing to complain about.

Two small notes, only place I’ve seen that has ever charged for ice, but I think it was like $0.25 or something. Also I didn’t notice any noise at all but the hotel room came with ear plugs, last time I saw that was Boston lol

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Darrel

The place was good, staff was friendly, and I can't complain about the price. We'll do it again

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

01 Apr 2026

Susan

Parking was satisfactory. Carpets filthy. staff in ofc unfriendly.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2026

Rosemary

Parking was easy, room was clean

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Brad

Clean comfortable easy parking great location for walking to the beach or downtown

Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

Katarina

Great location for reasonably priced hotel. Clean room and nice staff.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Pamela H

Easy parking, clean rooms, great shower, big thick towels and nice toilet paper. Comfortable bed, area can be loud at night but just until 10pm on a Friday night of our stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Lizeth

10/10, will be booking here next time in Santa Cruz.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Mar 2026

James

The room was clean and with the basic amenities.

Staff was friendly.

Parking was easy and safe.

Air conditioning worked well in the room.