A colorful coastal town with a sandy beach and a calm sea.

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Check availability on Santa Cruz Cheap Hotels

This weekend
Nov 6 - Nov 8
Next weekend
Nov 13 - Nov 15

Our top choices for Santa Cruz cheap hotels

A wooden interior with large windows overlooking a beach.

1. La Bahia Hotel and Spa

La Bahia Hotel and Spa
4.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (592 reviews)
"amazing stay"
United States
Devin
The price is ₩325,651
₩440,068 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
La Bahia Hotel and Spa
A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

2. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,363 reviews)
"Always a great stay! Our second time staying here on our yearly Santa Cruz trip and it was great as always!"
United States
Rosio
The price is ₩158,744
₩183,706 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
A beach with palm trees, waves, and a distant shoreline with buildings.

3. Seaway Inn

Seaway Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (326 reviews)
"Great location, clean perfect stay"
United States
Myla
The price is ₩154,875
₩179,366 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Seaway Inn
A covered outdoor seating area with stone pillars, a metal fence, and a table with chairs.

4. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (724 reviews)
"Overall it was nice but I was in the street side and it was very loud, had to use white noise to sleep. Otherwise it was a nice room."
United States
Nicole
The price is ₩132,402
₩154,199 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA
A hotel room with a large bed, a fireplace, a television, and a view of the city.

5. West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn

West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
3.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,000 reviews)
"This place is an absolute gem. Terrific location, charming and with so much attention to the guest’s experience. If I could rate higher than 10 I would."
United States
Molly
The price is ₩227,415
₩260,356 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.

6. Carousel Beach Inn

Carousel Beach Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (199 reviews)
"Great place to stay !"
United States
Deina
The price is ₩101,791
₩120,577 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Carousel Beach Inn
A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

7. Mission Inn

Mission Inn
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,004 reviews)
"I will stay there again"
United States
Judy
The price is ₩122,273
₩152,127 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Mission Inn
Terrace/patio

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,006 reviews)
"Room was clean and the breakfast was great!"
United States
Alissa
The price is ₩178,753
₩206,155 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Hyatt Place Santa Cruz
A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.

9. Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,644 reviews)
"The view was great and our stay was great."
United States
Jacqueline
The price is ₩142,869
₩165,893 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Marea Sol Hotel
A wooden bench and a small table in a courtyard with potted plants and a building in the background.

10. Pacific Blue Inn

Pacific Blue Inn
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (960 reviews)
"We arrived after hours and self-checkin was super easy. The Inn was lovely and was a great location near downtown."
United States
Sharon
The price is ₩118,724
₩142,015 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Pacific Blue Inn
The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

11. Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,555 reviews)
"Lovely, spacious , well appointed, clean rooms, professional friendly staff, nice pool and hot tubs, and fantastic location; will definitely be back!"
United States
Tasia
The price is ₩98,776
₩130,190 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Ocean Pacific Lodge
An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

12. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
4.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,362 reviews)
"a great find when visiting Santa Cruz!"
United States
cindy
The price is ₩164,080
₩189,693 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
A spacious living area with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and a view of the outdoors.

13. Inn At Pasatiempo

Inn At Pasatiempo
2.5 star property
Santa Cruz
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,004 reviews)
"Great location"
United States
AMY
The price is ₩172,083
₩197,469 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Inn At Pasatiempo
A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,357 reviews)
"This hotel was clean, well maintained and staff was great! Location was a bit challenging, however we will happily stay again, definitely recommend!"
United States
Bobbi
The price is ₩116,270
₩134,852 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

15. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
2.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,300 reviews)
"Would stay again. Amazing staff."
United States
Sarika
The price is ₩168,081
₩194,181 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
A Courtyard by Marriott hotel with outdoor seating, a fire pit, and potted plants.

16. Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,185 reviews)
"Great location."
United States
Anita
The price is ₩163,279
₩188,794 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz
A street view with a building featuring a pink fence, a tree, and parked cars.

17. Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
2.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Great location !! , friendly staff clean room"
United States
Christine
The price is ₩90,710
₩105,530 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
A landscaped garden with palm trees, flowering shrubs, and a gravel path.

18. Hitching Post Studios Inn

Hitching Post Studios Inn
2.0 star property
Eastside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (493 reviews)
"Rooms clean, easy parking, and it’s 10 minutes from downtown. Perfect little spot"
United States
vincent
The price is ₩102,049
₩118,230 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Hitching Post Studios Inn
An outdoor patio area with seating, potted plants, and a clear view of the surrounding buildings.

19. Casablanca On The Beach

Casablanca On The Beach
3.5 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,291 reviews)
"Good place to stay right next to the beach and food!!"
United States
Harjeet
The price is ₩142,869
₩217,905 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Casablanca On The Beach
A modern bedroom with a four-poster bed, a walk-in shower, and a large mirror.

20. Rio Vista Suites

Rio Vista Suites
3.0 star property
Westside Santa Cruz
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,001 reviews)
"Fun funky place would ask for attic room if you go and don’t mind stairs."
United States
Shawna
The price is ₩112,254
₩151,044 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Rio Vista Suites
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.
View all properties

Top Santa Cruz Hotel Reviews

Mission Inn

Mission Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Great place, great location and good value."
Ana 4-night trip
Posted 10 hours ago
Mission Inn

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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, 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 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Monterey Bay, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. Enjoy the outdoors at Santa Cruz Main Beach and Cowell's Beach, 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.