Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The ocean-front Sea & Sand Inn has always been popular with savvy out-of-towners, but a major renovation in 2009 has added a whole new “wow” factor. Three new luxury king spa rooms with ocean view balconies were added; two spacious family cottages with private hot tubs and three other spa rooms were also upgraded. All 22 rooms have a fantastic ocean front view of sparkling Monterey Bay.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
Powered by AI
Nestled on a scenic cliffside, the Sea & Sand Inn boasts a location that many guests find captivating, with easy access to the beach and local sights. The welcoming staff and special touches, including complimentary cookies and wine, are consistently highlighted, enhancing the overall positive atmosphere.
While opinions on the room sizes and decor vary, the ocean views from the clean, comfortable rooms are a highlight. Despite mixed feelings about the value due to pricing, the unique experiences offered have left many travelers satisfied.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Clean
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
Was this helpful?
Tripadvisor is not responsible for this summary or the opinions in it. For more information, please read the traveler reviews and learn more about how the site works.
We finally made it to this beautiful hotel and we were so glad we did! From the moment we checked in until we checked out we had a wonderful and intimate experience. Gaby at the front desk was simply amazing as we immediately felt welcome and at home as she went through all the amenities the hotel had to offer. The hotel offered iced tea with lemonade and cookies in the after noon, wine with cheese and crackers in the late afternoon, and tea and coffee was available 24 hours, all complimentary of course.We also explored the property and loved the outside seating areas with fire pits and great views. There were spots for a party of 2 or spots for bigger groups for socializing. We loved our intimate suite (302) with a private deck, outdoor seating, a large jacuzzi, and stunning views of the docks, pier, and of the boardwalk.Once again the whole staff was amazing,but Gaby was exceptional as she assisted in making our entire stay a memorable one. We look forward to our next visit!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2024
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.
Wonderful memories were made! My family thoroughly enjoyed our stay! The room (Cottage Suite) was spacious, the bed was comfortable, and the hot tub in the balcony was amazing while relaxing to the sound of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. There's a kitchenette that included necessary dishes and utensils. There's also a hot outdoor shower, perfect for using before and after using the hot tub The location was perfect. It's only a short walk to the beach, pier, and boardwalk. Breakfast was freshly baked/cooked and was delicious! The entire staff was very warm, welcoming, friendly, and helpful. We will definitely be return customers in the future. Thank you!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
Response from Sondra Woods, Owner at Sea & Sand Inn
Responded Jul 30, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of our property. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay, the Cottage Suite, ocean view hot tub, outdoor shower, kitchenette, hot breakfast and warm hospitality. We hope to see you and your loved ones again soon.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveler reviews.
The prices have skyrocketed since Covid. We understand but for over $400, we expect a few things that used to be ordinary like hand soap (or any soap!) at the sink. The bed is badly in need of an upgrade. The toilet was wonky: either it would not flush or ran all night. The toilet paper was translucent. The point of paper is so that I don’t get poop on my hand, isn’t it? The snacks are lovely. It would be nice to have a microwave I. The lounge so that the cold coffee could be heated up there. We were in a newer unit but things are pretty basic. Yes, we come for the incredible location… but at these prices, a few normal amenities would be nice.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: It is all about the location. If you don’t crave the sound of surf 24 hours a day, this place is...
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.
Response from Sondra Woods, Marketing at Sea & Sand Inn
Responded Mar 18, 2024
Thanks for reaching out. We appreciate hearing from our guests when they have a great time as well as when something is of concern to them. We are pleased to hear that the location and snack offerings contributed toward a positive aspect of your visit. We will take your comments into consideration when making future improvements to the Sea & Sand Inn!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I wanted to like this place as dear friends always rave about their visits over the years. My experience was a sad one. Pros - great staff, greeted well , professional and with cheer. The room, though small was clean looking and feeling. The location is fantastic with the sound of the waves in the background all day and night. I imagine a great outdoor experience watching the locals surf when the weather is nice. The bed was very comfortable too.
Cons - the smell of cleaning supplies was not friendly to me, opened a window right away which helped. The biggest challenge for me was I received a first floor room, never the right call for me. I am an early sleeper so drifted off and was awakened by the flushing water or streaming noise from the upstairs room. Very loud not subtle in any way. Then putting in ear buds to cancel that out which didn't work my next door neighbors were chronic coughers, every couple of minutes as the thin walls didn't keep in their malady. The office staff asked if I would like another room but it was just too much to relocate for me. I ended up leaving at 9:00 PM and driving 2 hours back home to the peacefulness of my own bed.
So it cost me a couple hundred bucks to learn that I would not go back.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
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.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would! By far the best Hotel in all of California that I’ve ever stayed in (and there’s been a lot of them)
I arrived and was greeted by the nicest lady at the front desk, she had my accommodations pulled up in no time and made me feel like I was at home. The property was clean, the parking was easy, and they even had fresh cookies from Pacific cookie company that warmed my soul with every bite.
The room itself was much larger than I anticipated, shower pressure was perfect, and I fell deep asleep to the nurturing sounds of the ocean waves. I personally like to crack the window a bit as well to get the sea breeze flowing in. I truly felt in harmony with nature at this location.
I woke up rested, refreshed and rejuvenated. When you stay at a hotel and arrive at night, you never know what you’ll see when you open the door for the first time in the morning, and let me tell you this was the most astonishing moment.. There was beautiful panoramic ocean views from every angle of the room! You can even see the historic roller coasters on the boardwalk and feel the fun and excitement just from the view.
I will definitely be bringing the family here again every chance I get. If you’re looking to stay and see that they have vacancy, do yourself a favor and book immediately!
Life is all about creating memories, so I’d like to say Thank you Sea and Sand Inn for making our stay absolutely perfect, and one we will never forget!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
Response from Sondra Woods, Owner at Sea & Sand Inn
Responded Jul 30, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of our property. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay, the freshly baked cookies, and our warm hospitality. We hope to see you and your loved ones again soon.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thanks to Gabby and her staff (Martha, & Jessica) we had a perfect getaway, in a beautiful room with stunning views. Our room was so clean and comfortable. We both love a good pillow& they were perfect ❤️ Our room also had new dining chairs and two sitting chairs for watching tv, or just relaxing with the doors open to our balcony & watching the ocean. Also new was breakfast . The staff did a great job preparing and keeping food fresh and hot. There was a nice variety of foods and the buffet station was kept clean and well maintained. If you have a cookie lover in your family , you’ll love the variety of cookies each afternoon. If you need more, you are welcome to have wine tasting in the evening and enjoy the beautiful private grounds , overlooking the ocean . All rooms have an ocean view and are nicely appointed. The staff and the hotel is a must add to your list of must do’s, see, and experience the relaxed vibe at the Sea and Sand.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
This hotel has a really great location, on a bluff overlooking the bay, a short walking distance to the pier and the Boardwalk.
But it is way overpriced for what you receive. The room we were in was on the small side. It was advertised as having a king bed, but it actually came with a queen bed. The bathroom cabinets were falling apart and the blinds had seen much better days.
The room came with an iron, but no ironing board?
The hotel has recently started charging a “resort fee”, which the desk clerks struggled to explain to several complaining clients. The “fee” charged was $20.00 per person per day. For that fee you were able to access their extremely small (3 tables) lounge and partake in a limited “continental breakfast” of Safeway style bagels, scones and muffins, hard boiled eggs, instant oatmeal and coffee. But, in the afternoon, between 3:00 and 5:00 you also have access to reheated cookies and from 5:30 to 8:00 two different kinds of cheap wine and your choice of processed Cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack squares .
But the location is great!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Good off street parking.
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.
Response from Sondra Woods, Marketing at Sea & Sand Inn
Responded Jul 8, 2022
Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. Our guests love our continental breakfast, wine and cheese hour, and fresh baked cookies. Ironing boards can be found in every room closet. We apologize for the inconvenience of the resort fee and will be re-valuating the fee on future reservations. Please let us know if you have any questions, and we wish you all the best in your future travels.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What an amazing stay! Let me start off by saying they have the friendliest & most helpful staff I've ever experienced. Jesica was so awesome. This is the 2nd time we've had the pleasure of seeing her. We met her at the edgewater inn across the way. We stayed there previously and enjoyed it as well. The breakfast here was exceptional, as well as the fresh baked cookies and complimentary wine with cheeses. I was blown away by the location on the edge of a cliff and fire pits to enjoy over looking the beach. Josh helped us book our stay and he nailed it. What a great guy. He really knows how to make a stay special. 10 out of 10 recommend this place and the staff. I can't wait to come back here & other properties owned. Will always stay at their places when we come into town. Thank you for 1 of the best stays I've ever had in Santa Cruz! We'll see you soon.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2024Trip 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.
My wife and I have stayed in this hotel on many occasions and the biggest complaint I have is the comfort of the beds which appear to be very outdated along with the furniture. The rooms are clean but the furniture could be updated for the price point of the hotel. The hotel was generous enough to make sure we got on the ground floor do to having mobility problems as seniors but our room (111) bed was terrible and so uncomfortable. The entire bed needs to be replaced. I've experienced this in several other rooms but not all. Everything else in the hotel is great but the ownership needs to be mindful of making sure that all the beds are updated and comfortable for what they are charging. This is probably the most important thing about the rooms other than the view. A good nights sleep is very important. After all the years we've been going to this hotel, I'm not sure I would go back do to the restless sleeping at night.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â The views at this hotel are fantastic. The only complaint I have is the beds are old and need to...
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.
The Sea and Sand Inn is our go to “happy place” to stay in Santa Cruz. All of the rooms have an ocean view but they have 3 large suites each with a spa and a balcony overlooking the ocean, pier and boardwalk.
A continental breakfast is served each morning. The breakfast consists of toast, scones, eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon, fruit and a yogurt parfait. At 3pm they serve an assortment of just baked cookies, tea or lemonade. At 5:30pm wine, apple juice and an assortment of cheese are served.
The manager, Gaby, treats her guests as family.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
Response from Sondra Woods, Owner at Sea & Sand Inn
Responded Aug 12, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of our property. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your oceanview stay, the new hot breakfast, and our warm hospitality. We hope to see you and your loved ones again soon.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The bed was comfy. Didn't think about air conditioning because of the season. Would probably take one of the upper story rooms with a private balcony when I go again.
San Francisco, California100 contributions39 helpful votes
You'll have ask the hotel people your more specific questions. I can say that our room certainly provided ample space for the two of us,. It was clean and pleasingly appointed. The bed was very comfortable. And we both loved the fireplace. It goes without saying that the ocean view was spectacular.
There are not assigned parking spots. However, there are enough parking places, but I think there only as many parking spots as there are rooms. So if you get a visitor they will have to find on street parking near the hotel. We stayed there 4 nights and never had a problem finding a parking spot at the hotel.
There are more places to choose from in the Santa Cruz area.
PRICE RANGE
$238 - $328 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sea and sand hotel santa cruz, hotel sea and sand, sea and sand inn santa cruz
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Cruz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
22
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.