Dream Inn Santa Cruz

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Room & Suite (679)
Videos (2)
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#4 of 57 hotels in Santa Cruz
Location
4.9
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.5
Value
4.1
Travelers' Choice
Dream Inn Santa Cruz is the only beachfront resort offering oceanside dining with panoramic views of the famous Cowell Beach.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Yoga classes
Bar / lounge
Beach
Archery
Children's television networks
Paid private parking on-site
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Vending machine
Poolside bar
Bicycle rental
Bicycles available
Boating
Canoeing
Diving
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mini golf
Water sport equipment rentals
Bicycle tours
Bowling offsite
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Patio
Car hire
Taxi service
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
Convenience store
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
ATM on site
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Fireplace
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Separate living room
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
iPod docking station
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Ocean view
Pool view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Bay View
Harbor View
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
4342Reviews32Q+A100Room tips
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Popular mentions
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Most Recent
SharonHillRealEstate wrote a review Aug 6
Atwater, California1 contribution
I highly recommend the Dream Inn. We’ve been staying here for years. The hotel very conveniently located. It is on the beach, and near the Boardwalk and pier. The pool tacos are great, as are the drinks by the pool. The staff are amazing!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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livsmom5131 wrote a review May 2023
Esko, Minnesota43 contributions8 helpful votes
Hotel's Favorite
Stayed here for the last couple nights of our family vacation based on Trip Advisor reviews. We were very pleased with our stay and hope to come back someday. All of the staff were so friendly and professional (even when there was an unnecessarily rude guest at the front desk-they handled it so well). Loved the beach retro vibe of the hotel. The only thing that wasn’t perfect was that our rooms were not ready until 4:15. We ended up arriving to the hotel early and were hoping to get into the rooms as soon as possible after a long drive. Staff were super accommodating and were able to give us a key to the pool area so we didn’t have to wait in the car. This was such a small inconvenience though and we forgot all about it once we got to our rooms and seen the view. We could see staff were busy trying to accommodate guests and knew the cleaning staff were doing the same. Room - clean, spacious, absolutely great view of the beach, wharf, and boardwalk. We sat on the balcony for hours watching the surfers and the people. Hearing the waves all night was so relaxing. Bed was comfy as well! Location - perfect location for just about everything. You are literally on the beach where you can swim, surf, play volleyball, etc. the wharf with food and shopping are a 3-5 minute walk from the hotel. Although we didn’t venture down to the boardwalk too far, we did eat near there and it was only about a 5 minute walk. Pool-pool was great. Having the ability to order food and drinks is so convenient. The pool was heated which was a nice touch! We lounged around the pool for hours as well. Cannot wait to return to Santa Cruz and will definitely be staying at the Dream Inn!
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dream Team , Sales at Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Responded May 19, 2023
Dear livsmoms5131, Thank you for staying at the Dream Inn Santa Cruz and for sharing your stellar feedback! Reading “Cannot wait to return to Santa Cruz and will definitely be staying at the Dream Inn!” is truly a highlight. I'm so happy that we were able to exceed your expectations in experience and comfort. We are delighted that you were able to enjoy the amenities we provide along with the outstanding service by our team. Thank you again for your time and thoughtful comments. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next getaway! Sincerely, Dream Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
keisling9 wrote a review Aug 4
Napa Valley, California1 contribution
Dream Inn is the perfect hotel for a weekend getaway! The staff is extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the Santa Cruz area. Everyone there, from reservations, Valet, front desk, house, cleaning, the restaurant, will go the extra mile to make your stay is perfect!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Paula S wrote a review Aug 4
1 contribution
Our room was wonderful. Private balcony overlooking the beach/ocean. Our beds and pillows were comfy. We ate at the restaurant on site and it was fantastic! Purchased a hat in the new gift shop area in the lobby. Valet parking was a dream :) I took my son to the Dream Inn 20 years ago. Just me an my son again 20 years later. Private access to the beach. Wonderful pool activities, Happy Hour. Can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Pools gets crowded, get there early
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Erica wrote a review Aug 3
3 contributions1 helpful vote
Back for a second time this year to take our teens somewhere fun. Rooms are clean and comfortable, poolside is great with fantastic taco bar and it's so close to Boardwalk and the pier. The hotel restaurant is super convenient and delicious with lots of choices and great service.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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surfinggoofy wrote a review Aug 3
Granite Bay, California8 contributions11 helpful votes
We love the Dream Inn and stay there a few times a year - Best location clean friendly - We know Santa Cruz well as we lived there for a few years when we come back we only stay at the Dream inn many other hotels nearby are run down. If traveling with a large family (a few kids) you can get connecting rooms for more space.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dream Team , Sales at Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Responded 5 days ago
Dear surfinggoofy, Thank you for being such a loyal customer and sharing your thoughtful comments about the Dream Inn! Reading "We love the Dream Inn and stay there a few times a year - Best location clean friendly,” is truly a highlight. We love that you continue to give us the opportunity to serve you for a relaxing getaway in Santa Cruz. Thank you again for your time and feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Sincerely, Dream Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rochellelynnv wrote a review Aug 2
Santa Clara, California1 contribution
This place has the most wonderful staff, phenomenal- superb customer service-fantastic food, amenities, amazing rooms plus a wonderful view! This was the most amazing hotel I’ve ever been to. I only had one issue at the front desk with a blond lady before leaving, but the manager promptly apologized and rectified it. I will be back next year! When you call reservations, ask for Danny Alex or Jennifer. They are the best!!!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Dream Team , Sales at Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Responded 5 days ago
Dear rochellelynnv, Thank you so much for sharing thoughtful comments regarding your recent visit to the Dream Inn Santa Cruz! We are delighted that you enjoyed the amenities we provide along with the outstanding service by our staff. I am so proud of the team we have here as they remain dedicated to our service culture and we will make sure to thank Danny, Alex and Jennifer for demonstrating wonderful hospitality to our guests. Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. We are thrilled that you had an authentic and memorable experience at the Dream Inn. We look forward to welcoming you back! Sincerely, Dream Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sannewallace wrote a review Aug 2
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1 contribution
It must have been a great place 60 years ago, but feels like it lost its glory now. The Jack O’Neills restaurant serves very good food, but the bar food is very bad. So make sure to book a table. The pool and hotel is just very crowded and would say 3 star rather than 4. If you’re visiting Santa Cruz it’s a good place to stay but we wouldn’t go back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Beth B wrote a review Aug 1
2 contributions
They had me at hello... We were greeted by the most lovely human at check in. Jenn was a delight. Our room was beautiful! We were on the 10th floor and had the most stunning view of the ocean. One of my favorite parts was listening to the sound of the ocean. We love the patio, VERY COMFORTABLE BED, great decor, and overall great vibe. I especially loved the many ways they were avoiding single use plastic with their free refillable aluminum bottles, to the no tiny shampoo bottles and the eco friendly cups and straws. Another AWESOME thing was the beach access! We enjoyed the pool with our nice complimentary towels. We are not usually the high cost hotel people but again and again we were reminded that the extra cost was well worth it. One more shout out to the gal that we booked with as she was also a delight. We would have loved a mini fridge, free coffee and a bigger garbage can but those are just small things that were not super important.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Phil M wrote a review Jul 2023
Daytona Beach, Florida1 contribution
This hotel sits right on the beach next door to the Santa Cruz Warf! The decor is fabulous … Retro vibe meets California surfer! Our room was very cute, clean and well laid out! The staff was very helpful and friendly! The rates are a little on the high side, but worth it in my opinion. If I ever get to Santa Cruz again, I will definitely stay at the Dream Inn!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Share
Response from Dream Team , Sales at Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Responded 5 days ago
Dear Phil M, Thank you for staying at the Dream Inn Santa Cruz and for sharing your detailed feedback. Reading “Our room was very cute, clean and well laid out! The staff was very helpful and friendly!” is truly a highlight. We have a wonderful team of hospitality and service professionals working here, and I am so glad we were able to exceed your expectations in experience and comfort. Thank you again for your time and thoughtful comments. We look forward to welcoming you back to our beach front property! Best Regards, Dream Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
€248 - €575 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
dream inn, a joie de vivre hotel hotel santa cruz, dream hotel santa cruz, coast santa cruz hotel
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Cruz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
165
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DREAM INN SANTA CRUZ - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (CA)

Frequently Asked Questions about Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Which popular attractions are close to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Nearby attractions include West Cliff Drive (0.2 miles), Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center (0.1 miles), and Boardwalk Bowl (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Yes, paid private parking on-site, paid public parking nearby, and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Conveniently located restaurants include Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge, The Picnic Basket, and Ideal Bar & Grill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and yoga classes during their stay.
Is Dream Inn Santa Cruz located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.9 miles away from the center of Santa Cruz.
Are any cleaning services offered at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Dream Inn Santa Cruz offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Dream Inn Santa Cruz?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.