Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
A coastal retreat just steps from Main Beach where the staff's local knowledge and genuine hospitality create a welcoming base for Santa Cruz adventures

Choose dates to view prices

The Islander Motel Santa Cruz captures the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Monterey Bay while providing essential comforts. Travelers can take a refreshing dip in the seasonal pool, stay connected with in-room WiFi, and appreciate the convenience of free self-parking.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$123
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

Family Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Microwave
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
Flat-screen TV
2 bedrooms
Egyptian cotton bed sheets
Premium bedding
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed
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About the area

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, a neighbourhood in Santa Cruz, Islander Motel Santa Cruz is near a metro station and near the beach. Mission Santa Cruz and Mystery Spot are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Main Beach and Monterey Bay. Don't miss out on a visit to University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum. Take some time off to enjoy the hot springs and health/beauty spas in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like mountain biking nearby. Visit our Santa Cruz travel guide
View more Motels in Santa Cruz
Map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

What's nearby

  • EN5XP1 Street scene in autumn with shops art galleries on Ocean Avenue Carmel Monterey County California
    Ocean Street
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • CWFJJA USA California CA Santa Cruz clock tower and trolley on Pacific Avenue
    Pacific Avenue
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • 0_101070739
    Main Beach
    16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Famous surfing beach town! California
    Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Pier at Santa Cruz, California
    Santa Cruz Wharf
    20 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    42 min drive

Restaurants

  • Taqueria Los Pericos
    11 min walk
  • Jack in the Box
    4 min walk
  • Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz
    9 min walk
  • Pacific Cookie Company
    9 min walk
  • 四姐 Special Noodle
    3 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel near Main Beach
Located close to Mission Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Islander Motel Santa Cruz has plenty to offer. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • A seasonal outdoor pool
  • Free self-parking
  • Access to a nearby health club, a vending machine and smoke-free property
  • A 24-hour front desk
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at Islander Motel Santa Cruz feature comforts, such as premium bedding and air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi. Guest reviews highly rate the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and baths or showers
  • 32-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels
  • Mini fridges, microwaves and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking

Things to do

  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Fenced pool
  • In-room microwave
  • Mini-fridge
  • Seasonal outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Grab bar near toilet (84 centimetre high)
  • No lift
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Built in 1963
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Egyptian cotton sheets

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Microwave
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 1:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 50.00

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 3:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child per adult, up to the age of 5 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Early check-in fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay and Apple Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
The seasonal pool will be open from 15 May to 31 October
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Alcohol is not served at this property
Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, and guests under 5 years old are only allowed in the swimming pool with adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz
The Islander Motel
The Islander Motel Santa Cruz
Islander Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Islander Motel Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

Does Islander Motel Santa Cruz have a pool?

Yes, this property has a seasonal outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

As of 2 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Islander Motel Santa Cruz on 10 Feb 2026 start from NZ$123.37, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Islander Motel Santa Cruz pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 1:00 AM. Early check-in is available for a fee of USD 25 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Islander Motel Santa Cruz?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for USD 50.00 (subject to availability).

Where is Islander Motel Santa Cruz located?

Located in Westside Santa Cruz, this motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mission Santa Cruz and Main Beach. Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and Monterey Bay are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

8.2

Very good

8.8

Cleanliness

8.0

Location

8.2

Staff & service

8.4

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 420 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 377 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1000 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy parking, friendly, helpful person at check-in, close proximity to the downtown. Good value for the price. Have stayed here before and will stay here next time I’m in Santa Cruz
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was really nice, and gave great recommendations for great food near by. The room and very clear. The hotel is perfectly located within 5 minute walking distanced to main street area. 10/10 would stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were in walking distance of Front street and lots of food options.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Biswadeep

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and comfortable room
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a pleasant stay. Room nice and clean. Staff friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cru

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cruz. Staff is warm and welcoming. Location is very central to downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Rooms itself were clean. the entire facility, however was tires. Just needs a refresh.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was clean. Staff very friendly. Parking spaces are tough, very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always an enjoyable time here. Staff is super welcoming and professional. Will be booking again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant motel in great location. On a busy street but not that loud in the room. Convenient to downtown and walkable to the Boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved how comfortable the beds were. Everything was clean and neat, and there were plenty of amenities in the room to have a comfortable stay. Although we drove somewhere else for dinner, there are plenty of places to eat close by.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
our stay was great. Even though it is on a major through street, it was quiet at night
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Dale

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Reasonable lodging for the Summer

Good experience overall. Good location. Management was responsive to requests.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. You can walk downtown if you like. We had a car so it didn’t really matter. Great service. It’s an older motel but comfortable beds, very clean. It felt as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay and lovely staff!!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The motel's in a good location, staff are friendly, and the rooms are clean and tidy, however the beds are very hard and uncomfortable - did not get a good night's sleep either night. There are also very bright lights along the outside walkways and the curtains don't fully block them so there was very bright strip of light in the room all night long (didn't bother me but kept my wife awake the first night).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location, excellent staff, comfortable bed. Older property, however very clean and well kept. Only note is no in room coffee option. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice overnight stay

Clean property, good location, nice staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent motel. All around nice and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was kind and helpful
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and knowledgeable office staff.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pleasantness of staff.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was comfortable. I liked that they looked out for our vehicles in their lot.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremey

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is very friendly had great interactions they really care about your comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024