I stay here as often as possible, usually between 6 and 10 times a year. The hotel is clean and safe, the staff is ALWAYS lovely, and the location literally cannot be beat if you're there for the boardwalk. It's SO convenient to get up in the morning, enjoy their continental breakfast, head to the beach to have a nice walk, get your wristband for the day and then just enjoy the place. No worrying about parking or remembering to take everything you need to the beach, then worrying about what to do with it while you're on the rides. They're kind enough to offer parking before and after your checkout. If you get tired and want a nap or just need to use the facilities, the short walk from there back to your room is such a godsend. I go back and forth between the beach and the room all day long while I'm there. I promise I'm not employed by Carousel, they're just that good! Haha. I'll be back in 2 weeks, Carousel! :)

Have stayed here many times. It is located across the street from the amusement park and within walking distance of the wharf.
Prices are reasonable, considering the location.
A free continental breakfast is provided every morning.
Have never had a problem with loud noises or obstreperous guests.

You can't bet the convenience if you are spending the majority of your time at the Boardwalk, beach and Wharf but the price was so high for what you got. The rooms are small and the parking situation is challenging. We took the 2 grandchildren and there just wasn't enough room for 4 and all of our stuff.

We could see Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from our room at this motel.! That was one of the perks for staying at a motel directly across the street from this amusement park. We could sit on our balcony and watch the roller coaster's ups and downs. Yes, it was a little noisy, but not after the rides shut down at 11 p.m., and after a day spent on the beach and on all the thrilling boardwalk rides, sleep came easy in our clean, comfortable room. Complimentary breakfast is included with the room, and there is always fresh coffee in the lobby. The front desk clerks were friendly and accommodating. The only flaw was some backed up brownish, sandy water in the bathroom sink, fortunately not while we were using it. It sounded like a coffee percolator, but it
drained completely. We mentioned this to the manager, and they admitted knowing that they occasionally had problems with sandy water in some sinks. It didn't hamper our stay, and we
wouldn't hesitate to stay at the Carousel the next time we return to Santa Cruz.