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7.9

480 reviews

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, 95060, California, United States

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Free toiletries

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Welcome to The Islander Motel Santa Cruz, your cheerful retreat just a short drive from the bustling charm of Santa Clara! Priced from a wallet-friendly $65, this delightful 2-star motel is the perfect base for your Californian adventures. Tucked away at 522 Ocean Street, it's just enough off the beaten path to feel like a hidden gem, while still keeping you close to the city’s vibrant attractions.

Dive into relaxation with the sparkling outdoor swimming pool, where you can soak up the California sun or take a refreshing dip after a day of exploring! Enjoy the conveniences of free Wi-Fi to share your beach selfies or research your next adventure. With non-smoking rooms, free toiletries, and wheelchair accessibility, your comfort is our priority. Plus, if you're bringing your own wheels, on-site parking is available for an extra charge, making it easy to explore the beautiful Santa Cruz area!

With over 480 reviews singing praises for their stay, guests rave about the charming atmosphere and friendly service. Whether you're soaking up the sun at a nearby beach, hiking the lush trails of the region, or just enjoying a cozy night in your air-conditioned room, The Islander Motel Santa Cruz is sure to make your trip one to remember! Don’t miss out on this fabulous stay at an unbeatable price!

As the sun sets and the stars twinkle above, The Islander Motel Santa Cruz transforms into a cozy haven where good times and laughter are always welcome. However you choose to spend your evenings, the inviting outdoor pool is the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're taking a moonlit swim or lounging poolside with a good book, it's the ideal end to a day packed with excitement. And with the pool being open to guests of all ages, everyone can join in on the fun—making it a fantastic spot for families to create lasting memories!

Start your mornings off on the right note by indulging in the local culinary scene just a stone’s throw from your motel. Santa Cruz is renowned for its eclectic food offerings, from fresh seafood to delightful farm-to-table eateries. Explore the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to grab a quick bite or sit down to savor the flavors of California’s best dishes. After you've soaked up all that scrumptious goodness, why not swing by the historic Santa Cruz Wharf for a dreamy stroll? Keep an eye out for playful sea lions basking in the sun—perfect for photo ops and Reddit bragging rights!

And let’s not forget the flexibility that The Islander offers with its variety of room types—no matter your troop size! Choose from snug options like the cozy Queen Room for couples or the spacious King Bed & Queen Bed option for families looking to stay together. Whichever room you choose, expect plush bedding, warm décor, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites relaxation after a long day of Santa Cruz exploration. So, pack your bags, grab your flip-flops, and get ready to create unforgettable adventures at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz, where every stay is an experience waiting to be discovered!

Closest airports

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

27.2mi

Monterey Regional Airport

28.6mi

San Francisco International Airport

48.6mi

Oakland International Airport

53.4mi

Most popular amenities

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Free toiletries

Rooms

2 Queen Bed	 in The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Show 8 photos

Room - 2 Queen

2 Queen Size Beds

150 sqft

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

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Welcome to our cozy and spacious 2 Queen Bed room. With comfortable Queen size beds, a private bathroom, and convenient amenities like a microwave and flat-screen TV, you'll feel right at home during your stay. Perfect for 4 adults, this room is the ideal choice for your next trip.

King Bed	 in The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Show 9 photos

King Room

1 King Size Bed

150 sqft

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Experience the ultimate comfort in our King Bed room, perfect for couples looking for a relaxing getaway. This spacious room features a private bathroom, luxurious king size bed, and modern amenities including a flat-screen TV and microwave. Rest easy knowing smoking is not allowed, and enjoy the convenience of a refrigerator and air conditioning.

Queen Bed	 in The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Show 9 photos

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

150 sqft

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

More details

Relax in comfort with a spacious double room featuring a queen-size bed, private bathroom, and a range of convenient amenities including a microwave, flat-screen TV, and free toiletries. Perfect for a cozy getaway for two adults.

1 King Bed & 1 Queen Bed in The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Show 11 photos

King/Queen Room

1 King Size Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

150 sqft

Private Bathroom

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Show 11 photos

Double, King/Double

1 King Size Bed

1 Double Bed

Microwave

Flat-screen TV

Refrigerator

+

More details

Room Selected at Check in

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Guest reviews

7.9

480 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Mckenna

8.2

July 2023

The bed was huge and very comfortable! The receptionist was very kind and helpful. My friend and I stayed in this motel while seeing a concert in the Catalyst. My friend and I were perfectly comfortable walking around after dark. This hotel was in a perfect location, it isn’t too far from downtown (about a 10 minute walk) or the boardwalk (a 10 minute drive). Most importantly, my friend and I felt safe staying here. We really enjoyed our stay and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quality place to stay.

Their wifi was very slow and we had to use our service instead of the wifi. Also their parking lot is a little small so when the lot started to fill up, parking was a little tedious.

🇺🇸

Janet

9.1

March 2023

Modest but well appointed room. I had been concerned about cleanliness, but it really was clean & sanitized. Bathroom appeared to have been renovated in last decade. Shower had plenty of hot water. Heating/AC unit below window produced enough heat to keep room warm in unusual frost conditions. Small fridge was just right to store snacks & restaurant leftovers. Office staff were friendly and helpful.

I like my towels a little bit fluffier. Because of unusual temperatures down to freezing, an extra blanket would have been nice.

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Heidi

8.2

July 2022

Cleanliness is one of my top concerns, and the facilities & room were very clean and well-maintained, especially considering the building's age. Clean, newer microwave & mini-fridge. Bathroom had been remodelled and the furniture was in good condition. The hosts were friendly and accommodating.

Overall, it was a pleasant place to stay; however, it would have been quieter if the windows had been dual glazed rather than single because it is located on a rather busy street. However, the noise level wasn't such that we had any trouble sleeping. A bathroom fan would be helpful. Some of the pillows might have been a little softer & perhaps an extra couple of pillows might have been provided for sitting up in bed.

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Anita

8.2

June 2023

For the price and the location of only about a 5 min drive to the boardwalk it’s a very great motel. It had a friendly staff and the room itself was very clean. I would definitely come to the Islander again for my next trip to Santa Cruz.

The only complaint I’d say about the motel was unfortunately how thin the walls were, at night it seemed like we heard it when almost every car, motorcycle go by.

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Slayton

9.1

May 2023

The quality of the room was far greater than I expected. The owners and staff were all more than just folks running a motel. I enjoyed my conversations with both owners especially as my visit coincided with their daughter's graduation from college! This is my go-to lodging when in Santa Cruz.

Truly nothing.

🇮🇪

Fiona13

10

July 2022

We had a wonderful stay. The bed was big and comfortable. There was air con available in the room. There was a full-length mirror. The location was outside the busiest part of the city, so our room was lovely and quiet at night. We had a fridge which was convenient to keep water and milk in. It is on a road with a gas station, shop, McDonalds, Starbucks, etc so it is very handy. It is only a 15 minute walk to the boardwalk. There is a swimming pool for guests to use.

Nothing, we had a great stay.

🇺🇸

Dayne

10

March 2023

It's become our favorite place to stay in this area. It's quiet and clean, and the beds are comfortable. My husband had a triple bypass and because of several serious storms we lost power for several days. So we stayed in this safe Motel. It was a blessing for us.

Missing bath tub plug. In only 1 of 4 different rooms we stayed at here.

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Robin

9.1

September 2022

I was very pleased with my whole experience. I received a friendly greeting during check-in and with all encounters at the front desk. My room was very clean and cared for. The location was also good with many choices of restaurants within walking distance.

🇺🇸

Dr

10

April 2022

Everything was nice. We would certainly consider The Islander for a future stay. The Jury Room is just up the way and her honor will pour you a cocktail and maybe let you off with a warning or time served for good behavoir. Plus it's an easy walk to downtown, the boardwalk, and even the pier. You know you want to. Oh and easy parking.

Oh my The Islander is right on a busy street and is very noisy. But isn't that part of why one comes here? The pros outweigh the cons by far.

🇺🇸

Craig

9.1

June 2022

Our room at The Islander Motel last night was quiet, super clean, and had a really nice bed. It may not have everything some of the newer hip hotels have (indoor pool, exercise facility, bar, etc.) but as far as comfort, quality, and attention to detail go it’s as good or better — it just costs quite a bit less.

Parking was a bit cramped and the WiFi, although completely adequate, wasn’t as zippy as I’m used to.

Points of Interest Around The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Attractions

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

0.8mi

Point Pinos Lighthouse

24.1mi

Lovers Point Park

24.9mi

Asilomar State Beach

25.1mi

Monterey Bay Aquarium

25.5mi

The Tech Interactive

25.6mi

Cannery Row

25.9mi

Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf

26.6mi

Custom House Plaza

26.7mi

Dennis the Menace Park

27.1mi

17-Mile Drive

27.4mi

Pebble Beach

28.6mi

Sunset Cultural Center

29.8mi

Carmel Mission

30.4mi

Computer History Museum

30.5mi

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Shallow end

Age restrictions

  • All ages

Availability

  • Seasonal

Amenities of The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Non-smoking rooms

Wheelchair accessible

Free toiletries

Stay rules - The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - The Islander Motel Santa Cruz

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

For The Islander Motel Santa Cruz, you can check in after 04:00 PM and the check-out deadline is 11:00 AM.

Can guests park for free at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Yes, there is parking available at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz. The parking is private and located on site. However, please note that parking charges may apply. Additionally, it is not necessary to make a reservation for parking.

What are the rates at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz has rates that begin from $65. Prices can differ due to room specifications and booking dates. Always add your desired dates for a precise quote.

Which room categories can I book at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers rooms with two queen beds, a king bed, a king bed with a queen bed, and a king bed with a full bed. All rooms have a room size of 151 sqft and do not allow smoking. The rooms can accommodate either 2 adults or 4 adults, and have different bed sizes ranging from queen to king and full.

What is there to do in The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Guests at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz can spend their time enjoying the outdoor swimming pool. This seasonal pool is open to guests of all ages and is located outdoors. It features a shallow end, providing a safe and enjoyable place for both adults and children to cool off and relax. Whether guests want to swim laps, play in the water, or simply lounge by the poolside, the outdoor swimming pool at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers a great way to spend leisure time during their stay.

Is there a swimming pool at The Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz has one pool. The pool is seasonal and located outdoors. There are no age restrictions, and it features a shallow end.

Does The Islander Motel Santa Cruz accept credit cards?

No, The Islander Motel Santa Cruz does not accept cash. However, they do accept credit cards such as Diners Club, JCB, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and UnionPay.