Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel with free breakfast, 9-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Photo gallery for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View
Property amenity
Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View
Lobby
Exterior

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Laundry
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$200
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
130 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking (2nd Floor)

7.4 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Business Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Business Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Shower/bath combination
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
  • 33 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Studio Suite, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Business Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Partial Ocean View

7.0 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Desk
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Business Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View (Partial)

7.8 out of 10
Good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Desk
  • Partial ocean view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Ocean View

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Microwave
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the area

Santa Cruz

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz puts you in the centre of Santa Cruz, 0.8 km (0.5 mi) from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 1.8 km (1.1 mi) from Monterey Bay. Highlights at this motel include free continental breakfast, free self-parking and Access to hot tub. .This business-friendly motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a business centre and a corner/local shop. Added amenities include laundry facilities, dry cleaning/laundry services and a banquet hall. Each morning free breakfast is served. There's also the convenience of limited parking. .In the area of this Westside Santa Cruz motel, you'll find Capitola Beach.

What's nearby

  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 7 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Las Palmas Taco Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ideal Bar & Grill - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Cruzin’ Crepes - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Picnic Basket - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Motel with free breakfast, 9-minute walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A computer station is on site, and both WiFi and wired Internet are free in public spaces. There's an onsite business centre. Free breakfast is served daily. A hot tub, a vending machine, and laundry facilities are also featured at the business-friendly Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

  • 27 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 4 buildings
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Corner/local shop
  • No smoking on site
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers 27 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided.

This Santa Cruz motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access, with a speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices). Business-friendly amenities include desks along with free local calls (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and free toiletries. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Hot tub

Family friendly

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Grocery/convenience store
  • Laundry facilities
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (once per stay)

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • 4 buildings
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

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

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 45
Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open Monday - Sunday (8:00 AM - 11:00 PM)
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in fee: USD 45 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit 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
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham)
Masks are required at the property for guests who have not received COVID-19 vaccination
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. Masks are required in public areas for unvaccinated guests. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Count on Us (Wyndham) guidelines.

Property is also known as

Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Inn Fisherman`s Wharf Santa Cruz Hotel Santa Cruz
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Howard Johnson Wyndham Boardwalk
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Motel
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

As of 18 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz on 4 Jan 2026 start from NZ$199.86, 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 parking available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Yep, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Yep, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz is a short 4-minute walk from Main Beach. Fun beach activities include snorkelling, waterskiing and windsurfing.

Does Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary continental breakfast is offered daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

No, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 230 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 349 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 225 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 102 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 94 out of 1000 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carol, Atwater

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My sister and I have stayed there two other times, she more than that. I had requested an Accessible room and we did not get it. There was only 1 in the hotel and it does not face the bay. Our room should have had a grab/safety bar to hold onto in the bathtub. The bathtub was slippery as there was no non-slip mat in the tub. We put a towel/bath mat inside the tub so I wouldn't slip. Breakfast could have provided some more protein like peanut butter. Otherwise, it was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

esai

Travelled with family and small children
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My daughter suffers from severe eczema and allergies and she breaks out and gets hot and itchy when exposed to hot conditions, being that the hotel room was bolstering hot upon arrival and the amana heat pump in the room did not work made the day and night very uncomfortable through out that day especially at peak temperatures of 94 degrees during the day. I was expecting a far more comfortable stay at the hotel but unfortunately was not able to comfortably relax and rest.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

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

10/10 Excellent

Juan, Winters

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
No swimming pool but it's okay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

LINDA, Berkeley

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very happy with our overall stay. Hotel staff friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

William

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jose

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

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

elgin

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather, Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Will definitely stay here in the future
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tara

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Falsely advertised. This place is not clean, there were little hairs in the bed & on the towels. Absolutely disgusting. Never staying in a Howard Johnson brand again after this.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

William

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Jana

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff and room are great . Area and breakfast are not
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

adora

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Cristina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walked to pier and boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

lena

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Screen was broken on patio door could not leave door open
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Laura, Modesto

Travelled with family
The girl that initially checked us in was Kai ( I hope that’s right) and she was excellent. But the room was not as described at all. Then the manager did not come in to address the problem. The guy at the front desk was super high and avoided me. It was terrible.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Liked breakfast included.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Keily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Overnight anniversary trip

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Matthew

Disliked: Staff & service
I will never do business with this shady company again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Never again

A lot of noise from the street and we were in one of the rooms off the hallway leading to the hot tub. People were talking loudly and singing in the hot tub after 11PM and it sounded like they were just outside the door. The phone had no dial tone to call the office and complain, and the TV had no antenna signal. The bathroom walls and tub had been poorly patched. There was hair on one of the towels.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025