Best Boutique Hotels in Santa Cruz and Vicinity
This guide to the best luxury, boutique, and design-forward hotels in Santa Cruz and Vicinity is manually curated by our editorial team based on first-hand research, verified guest reviews, location analysis, and overall service quality. Each hotel is selected to meet high standards of comfort, authenticity, and guest experience.
This beachfront hotel is located next to Santa Cruz’s famous boardwalk and steps from the center of the city, making it an ideal destination for a weekend escape, corporate event, family vacation or romantic getaway. The Dream Inn features a natural, laid back atmosphere inspired by the ocean. All guest rooms and suites include private balconies or patios with spectacular views of Monterey Bay. Enjoy the memorable sunsets, watch the surfers and let the ocean waves lull you to sleep. The hotel's spacious deck features a pool and hot tub. With a great location and luxurious amenities, the Dream is a great choice for business or pleasure.
Guest Reviews:
- "Great location. The room was spacious." - "View of beach, Wharf & Boardwalk was great!!!" - "The view was amazing! Breathtaking! The staff was exceptional during our stay in every way- My husband is on Hospice and a trip to the Beach was just what we needed. From making the reservation to checking out , the staff went above and beyond to make our stay a memorable one." - "Loved the retro surf theme! Embraced the mid century modern of the building and CA surf theme. Great branding and fun too!"
Fabulous
948 reviews
Featuring an outdoor pool with cabanas available, Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection offers fire-pits for guest use. A restaurant and bar is on site. The modern rooms feature free WiFi. All rooms are soundproofed and bathrobes are provided for each guest. A seating area, an electronics charging station, a TV with cable channels, and a coffee machine are featured in each spacious room. Solaire Restaurant and Bar is onsite and features local wine and beer. Guests can enjoy farm to table ingredients and a seasonal menu. A fitness center is on site. A concierge service is provided for the hotel to assist guests with dinner reservations and area attractions. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Capital Village is 8.8 miles away, and Pacific Avenue with boutique shops and stores is just 15 minutes’ walk from the property.
Guest Reviews:
- "The hotel receptionist was excellent. The room was clean and comfortable. The decor in the lobby/bar/dining room was amazing. The pool and hot tub were comfortable and inviting." - "We loved its central location—close to tons of restaurants, bars, and a quick ride or walk to downtown / Abbott Square. The pool was great, food and drinks at the bar were great, and we had a great time relaxing." - "The hotel itself was nice booking.com never ever use this service You sold me one room then booking.com switched it I have evidence and will contact attorney unless booking.com gets back yo me. Again this is my 3rd attempt communication"
Very Good
535 reviews
Set in the Santa Cruz mountain range of Northern California, the Chaminade Resort & Spa is 3.1 mi from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The resort has a year-round outdoor pool and BBQ, and guests can enjoy a meal at 2 different on-site restaurants. Every room at this resort is air-conditioned and features a flat-screen LCD TV. Each room comes with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. Extras include bath robes and free toiletries. Chaminade Resort & Spa features free WiFi throughout the property. There is a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine, a shared lounge and gift shop at the property. Free private parking is also available on site. Car hire is available at this resort and the area is popular for golfing. Monterey Bay is a 45 minutes’ drive away. Museum of History & Art at the McPherson Center is 3.1 mi from Chaminade Resort & Spa, while Pacific Avenue is 3.1 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Mineta San Jose International Airport, 25 mi from Chaminade Resort & Spa.
Guest Reviews:
- "Loved the rooms and proximity of pool and restaurant" - "The grounds of the hotel are beautiful. The guided hike was excellent. Our guide gave us so much information about the area and showed us a banana slug!" - "Loved how its location was away from the hustle and bustle of the town." - "Surrounded by beautiful vistas. Lots of activities; hiking, gym, spa treatments, tennis, pools, and fire pits. Disc golf" - "Location of room, quiet and comfortable"
Good
275 reviews
