Find Cheap Hotels in Santa Cruz, CA

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

Motel Santa Cruz

Motel Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
5.0 out of 10, (1,000 reviews)
"The hotel was a minimal hotel good for an overnight stay. The management, staff and parking was all great! I'd recommend it for the budget and limited amenities. "
United States
Geneva
Motel Santa Cruz

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
3.0 star property
Boulder Creek
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,028 reviews)
"It was a very relaxing spot and the staff was great"
United States
Tina
The price is ₩125,853
₩145,592 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Drift Inn

Drift Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (95 reviews)
"There were restaurants nearby, easy to get to Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk"
United States
Emere
The price is ₩148,839
₩166,697 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Drift Inn

Seaside Inn & Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (1,073 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly"
United States
Maria
The price is ₩136,550
₩182,825 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Seaside Inn & Suites

Capri Motel

Capri Motel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
6.6 out of 10, (604 reviews)
"Staff was so nice and this was a perfect hotel close to the Boardwalk. We'll be back!"
United States
Eli
The price is ₩135,033
₩162,237 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Capri Motel

Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,008 reviews)
"Perfect location close to a lot of places and staff was very friendly. "
United States
Miguel
The price is ₩174,480
₩215,520 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 22 - Jun 23
Beachview Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
2.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (395 reviews)
"Best in town"
United States
Mike
The price is ₩184,343
₩210,864 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Hitching Post Studios Inn

Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains

Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
2.5 star property
Ben Lomond
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (907 reviews)
"Very nice staff, in a beautiful location."
United States
Ed
The price is ₩158,549
₩184,553 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (968 reviews)
"Great location for families who want to enjoy downtown santa cruz and the boardwalk"
United States
Michael
The price is ₩150,205
₩172,629 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 16 - Jun 17
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
2.5 star property
Scotts Valley
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,021 reviews)
"I really enjoyed our stay"
United States
EVALYNE
The price is ₩205,128
₩233,015 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is Santa Cruz like for travelers on a budget?
Santa Cruz has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this destination is home to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and Pleasure Point Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in Santa Cruz?
Based on our traveler reviews, Ocean Pacific Lodge is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other choices to stay on the cheap include Beachview Inn and Torch Lite Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Santa Cruz?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Santa Cruz, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 63°F, while the coldest months are February and March with an average of 52°F. Average annual precipitation for Santa Cruz is 27 inches.
What is there to see and do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is known for its sporting events and surfing, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Santa Cruz Main Beach and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Ocean Street.
How can I get to Santa Cruz and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Santa Cruz is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 13.4 mi (21.6 km) from the center in Watsonville, CA (WVI-Watsonville Municipal). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 27.6 mi (44.3 km) away. Santa Cruz might not have very many public transit options so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to see the area.