Hotel Paradox
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4005
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About
#13 of 57 hotels in Santa Cruz
Location
4.1
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.3
Value
3.9
GreenLeaders GreenPartner
Striking the perfect balance between natural beauty and urban design, Hotel Paradox challenges the typical Santa Cruz hotel experience with a bold blend of contradictions. A paradox invites open discussion and investigation, challenging you to look beyond the obvious, and our Autograph Collection Hotel does just that. Here, you'll discover a different side of Santa Cruz, where rugged mountains, majestic redwoods, and vibrant communities hide in plain sight.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking on-site
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Restaurant
Bowling offsite
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Car hire
Parking
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Fence around pool
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Photo copier / fax In business center
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Gift shop
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Bath / shower
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Iron
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
On-demand movies
Radio
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
City view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Green
Boutique
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish, Portuguese
Hotel links
Special Offer:Earn Marriott Bonvoy bonus points on each stay
Location
73Somewhat walkable
Grade: 73 out of 100
35Restaurantswithin 0.3 miles
11Attractionswithin 0.3 miles
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4005
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841Reviews21Q+A100Room tips
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I had tried for hours to get a hold of some ear plugs. I was told no less than 3 times that they would bring some to my room. After I went down the last time a wonderful host, Jay Grass took care of me. He fixed the problem and got us what we needed right away even though they were exceptionally busy due to the Ironman race. Cameron is the one that eventually was able to bring us the ear plugs, a simple item yes, however can make or break a night of sleep when you need to get your sleep for a race and forgot to bring them. Again above and beyond in my book for showing care. Joe
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Date of stay: September 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.
Helpful
mrbertnl wrote a review Aug 2023
Capelle aan den IJssel, The Netherlands216 contributions70 helpful votes
A realy nice hotel with a great friendly staff. The atmosfere is good and it smells like fresh wood which we loved. Superb breskfast. Both the man at the service desk and the woman who served the breakfast. Thank you for the hospitality we recommend
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Date of stay: August 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.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded 5 weeks ago
mrbertnl, Thank you for your review! Thrilled you had a memorable stay with us! Hope you'll be back our way soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The entitled restaurant manager.... I CANNOT EVEN! TOTALLY RUDE. Entire staff does not give CARE about their guest. Hello people, we are paying a lot of money to stay. WE ARE CUSTOMERS! Remember CUSTOMERS- GUESTS are your bread and butter. I hope you "special" folks I am writing about totally get your KARMA. TRUST me you will. It is starting with the horrible reviews in this feed. A great hotel DOES NOT get BAD customer service. WHAT A JOKE
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Date of stay: July 2023
Rooms
Location
Service
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
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded 5 weeks ago
anniepB1966TR, we apologize that your stay was not enjoyable. We will review the situation during your stay and focus on how we can better support our team and better provide an exceptional experience to our guests. We are here to create a magical stay. Unfortunately we did not. We hope you do continue to visit Santa Cruz!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The hotel is flat out not worth the money nor is it a four star stay in any way. We could tell it was trying to be, w the toiletries and newer construction. For the same amount we could have stayed somewhere much much nicer (and did for the rest of our trip). Issues: - desk staff was rude upon check in, not friendly and seemed disdainful of guests. We were here to celebrate a birthday, so that was not a great entry and disappointing. - the birthday Prosecco I arranged for ahead of time was not in the room when we got there, but apparently put in there afterward, which was anticlimactic and missed the point. - lighting was terrible throughout the property, everything felt dingy and old even the newer additions - the construction was terrible and lent a feeling of being torn up throughout - the barn style doors for the bathroom are not conducive to actually using it if traveling with anyone. - parking lot view was awful - truly felt like we were staying in a 1 or max 2 star — and could have for 1/3 the cost. I am a member of Marriott Bonvoy and this property made me reconsider becoming loyal to the brand at all. Truly disappointing all around.…
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Don’t stay here. For the same price you can do much better!
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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.
Helpful
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded 5 weeks ago
Kristin, we are disappointed that we did not provide you with a magical and relaxing stay. Your review provides us the opportunity to review procedures, policies and expectations with our team. We apologize that it was necessary for you to alter your plans. We hope disappointment did not follow you. We aim to continue to train and motivate our team. Next visit to Santa Cruz we encourage you to give us another try to witness how we implement change. Creating new memories is important to us. Thank you Kristin.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was willing to overlook the huge construction zone and long, strange walk from our room to the lobby for an otherwise decent stay, however my entire experience has soured because I left my wallet on the room at checkout and it was never found. I spoke with two front desk agents who confirmed no one stayed in the room the night we left, and one agent told me she “wouldn’t entertain” the thought of one of their staff members taking the wallet. Both of these agents promised to call me back after investigating further, however neither did. I sent messages to the front office manager, the guest services contact provided on the website and for the assistant general manager, and no one has responded. It seems clear that a guest’s stolen wallet doesn’t merit any attention from the staff and it’s not like I expect to see it again, but a little attention and consideration would have gone a long way. Therefore maybe can help someone else avoid this issue by choosing a different hotel.…
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Date of stay: June 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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
+1
Point blank, this stay was that of an EXTREMELY overpriced motel. Marriott’s Autograph Collection hotels are supposed to be “upscale to luxury hotels that are beautifully curated”…this was the furthest thing from that. There was no mention at all on the website, of the entire lobby/restaurant/common spaces being under construction and walled off. There was no through access to the rooms, and patrons are required to walk around the entire property and through the parking lot for access. The “mini fridge” in the room was an old repurposed mini bar that didn’t get cold at all and had exposed cords inside. There were broken shampoo/soap fixtures in the shower, peeling wall paper, and the room we were placed in was supposed to be an ADA room…yet the shower was not wheelchair accessible but still had a shower head at chest height. None of it made any sense. The ultimate cherry on top of our stay was the wood nail sticking out of the wall above our bed. When my husband sat up to watch tv he was stabbed in the back of his head. We have stayed at this property before and at that time felt it was worth the couple hundred bucks back when the common areas were spacious and beautiful, the rooms were well kept, and there were bikes you could use…but this time none of that was the same. I feel completely ripped off and am suspicious that they have upped their price to help cover the construction costs…the quality of the rooms and property over all has gone down significantly. There needs to be a disclaimer that there is property wide construction and most of it is inaccessible and unusable. It can’t be a coincidence that SO MANY customers of this hotel are feeling the same way and saying similar things. I’m extremely disappointed and decided to file a formal complaint with Marriott…come to find out it needs to be the manager on site who addresses these issues. Well, let me tell you, Jason Williams, the manager here will not return my calls OR emails. No response what so ever. Thanks Jason! :)…
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Service
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.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded Jul 5, 2023
MKChang, we apologize that we did not provide you with the exceptional experience and individual care that we strive for. We are extremely disappointed that your stay was riddled with errors and mishaps. With your feedback our Housekeeping and Maintenance Leaders will review expectation with their teams and focus on the areas you pointed out. We also do apologize that our Manager was unavailable thus unable to respond back to you. Do know that we are all equipped and empowered to assist Guests. We hope our team was at the ready to assist you. While we completely understand how you would prefer to visit other Hotels in the area, we hope you choose us again. In doing so you'll witness how we implement change thus create new memories with you.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DO NOT STAY HERE. First off, the map they give you to find your way around the building is insane - there are a couple shapes, some shaded in, with no reference points or words to describe what anything is. We literally had to ask the front desk what we were looking at and how we know where we are on the map. We were instructed to drive clockwise around the building but due to the full parking we ended back in the same spot we started and walked over. Here’s where it gets good… We arrived later in the evening and they assigned us a room with sleeping people already in it . These poor people were sleeping in this room with their baby. They are likely not getting back to sleep tonight with the lack of security in this place… I wouldn’t! This hotel is not bottom of the barrel, and for $500+ per night this is completely unacceptable. We hold a platinum elite status with Marriott and this still happens. Had we been those people in the room, I would’ve sued. To further the frustration The front desk circus act didn’t apologize and responded “ this has never happened before”… thanks for the reassurance and I WOULD HOPE NOT. I’d ask for the manager but fear one of them were unfortunately it. We felt so unsafe we decided to drive home instead of stay in the area on what was supposed to be a little romantic staycation. …
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
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.
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded Jun 27, 2023
Brittany, we are reviewing procedures, expectations and policies with our Front Desk Staff. The safety & security of our guests is extremely important to us. We apologize that your staycation plans were marred. Do know that we strive to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. We apologize that your experience was below our expectations and abilities. We understand your not considering us again. We do hope Santa Cruz remains on your list of places to visit again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have stayed here many times over the last few years. The rooms are nice and clean. The staff is friendly and helpful. The pool/hot tub area is fantastic and spacious with bar/food service(normally). It is conveniently located near downtown area and not far from beaches. What you should know right now is that the lobby and restaurant are under renovation while the hotel is still open. The have turned the ballroom into a make-shift eating area. You need to go outside the lobby and walk through the driveways to get to the rooms. It's pretty inconvenient and even feels unsafe walking where cars are driving. There are no signs, showing how to get to the rooms. There is make-shift bar/food service at the pool 'on the weekend', but hours are not posted. The renovation has been going on for at least a few months. We were not notified of the renovation ahead of our stay and were charged a very high rate for UCSC graduation weekend. That was pretty disappointing. I'm not sure what is going on, but it is pretty disappointing to see a place we loved staying at in such a compromised state. I hope they finish the renovation soon. I'm not sure I would stay there again in the current state.…
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Date of stay: June 2023
Location
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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Long wait at check-in, only one person at counter. Get to room, toilet seat is dangerously loose - how did housekeeping miss this? Tried calling front desk to get fixed, been on hold over 10 min as I write this. This in not what I expect from a Marriott property. Very disappointing, recommend staying elsewhere.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
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
Response from Melissa Begin, Owner at Hotel Paradox
Responded Jun 13, 2023
Gobeav1234, Thank you for your feedback. We strive to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. With your feedback our Maintenance Team will focus on that issue and our Housekeeping Manager will review expectations to their team. We apologize for that oversight. Unfortunately during your stay our Front Desk team was experiencing a busy moment and a shortage in staffing. Do know that our guests are important to us and being there for you all is high on our priorities. We hope you enjoyed exploring Santa Cruz and will continue to visit! When you do, fortunately there are numerous Marriotts to choose from. We would be thrilled if you chose to take in the results of our renovation!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The pool is very nice and I generally like the hotel. Jason makes this hotel extra special though - they are amazing and always go above and beyond to make sure I have a nice business trip. Give them a raise!
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
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
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PRICE RANGE
$172 - $295 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Hotel Paradox
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSanta Cruz
NUMBER OF ROOMS
170
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Paradox
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel Paradox?
Nearby attractions include Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (0.3 miles), Bookshop Santa Cruz (0.3 miles), and Abbott Square (0.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Hotel Paradox?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Hotel Paradox?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and blackout curtains.
What food & drink options are available at Hotel Paradox?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, breakfast, and complimentary tea during their stay.
Is parking available at Hotel Paradox?
Yes, paid public parking on-site is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Hotel Paradox?
Conveniently located restaurants include Laili Restaurant, Verve Coffee Roasters, and Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Hotel Paradox?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Is Hotel Paradox located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.6 miles away from the center of Santa Cruz.
Are pets allowed at Hotel Paradox?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Hotel Paradox 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 Hotel Paradox?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Portuguese.