Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

2.0 star property
Motel with free parking, a short walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Photo gallery for Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Exterior
Exterior
Deluxe King & Queen Suite with Kitchenette, Non Smoking
Deluxe Family Suite with 3 Queen Beds & Kitchenette, Non Smoking | Private kitchenette
Exterior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi
The current price is NZ$129
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct

Explore the area

View map
505 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Main Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Wharf
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Airport, Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Family Suite with 3 Queen Beds & Kitchenette, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Full-sized fridge/freezer
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 30 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

Deluxe King & Queen Suite with Kitchenette, Non Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Full-sized fridge/freezer
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
  • 31 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Budget Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(30 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Cable/satellite channels
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Suite 2 Queen Beds, Non-Smoking

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Coffee/tea maker
Cable/satellite channels
  • 32 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
LED TV
2 bedrooms
Hairdryer
Private bathroom
Shower/bath combination
Coffee/tea maker
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Santa Cruz

At Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz you'll be 0.6 km (0.4 mi) from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 2.8 km (1.8 mi) from Monterey Bay. Highlights at this motel include in-room free WiFi and LED TVs. .This motel offers free WiFi in public areas, a garden and express check-out. Added amenities include a vending machine. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this Westside Santa Cruz motel include University of California, Santa Cruz and Mystery Spot.

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 11 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • Monterey, CA (MRY-Monterey Peninsula) - 55 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Bowl - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Viejones - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Sesame Korean Grill - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Los Primos Taqueria - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Motel with free parking, a short walk to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
As a guest of Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz, you'll find a vending machine, a garden, and express check-out. Public spaces have free WiFi. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Santa Cruz motel.

  • 1 floor
  • 25 guestrooms or units
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Garden
  • Smoking in designated areas
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz offers 25 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. 42-inch LED televisions come with premium cable channels.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and free toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site parking (max 1 space per unit)

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 1 floor
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch LED TV with premium cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets
  • Window screens

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

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

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 200.00 per accommodation, per stay
  • A damage deposit of USD 200.00 will be collected before check-in.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (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 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, debit cards, mobile payments and cash
Mobile payment options include: Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, cash, mobile payments, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property is also known as

Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Motel
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Motel Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn Boardwalk Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites-Boardwalk Hotel Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Inn And Suites-Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Boardwalk Santa Cruz
Americas Best Value Boardwalk
Americas Best Value Inn Suites Boardwalk
Riverside Inn Santa Cruz
Riverside Santa Cruz
Riverside & Suites Santa Cruz
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Motel
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Santa Cruz
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Motel Santa Cruz

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Riverside Inn & Suites 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 Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

As of 27 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz on 30 Sept 2025 start from NZ$129.46, 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 Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Yep, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited (max 1 space per unit).

Are there any beaches close to Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

Yep, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz is a short 9-minute walk from Santa Cruz Main Beach.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

No, Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

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

Are pets allowed at Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Reviews

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz Reviews

8.0

Very good

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 346 out of 812 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 236 out of 812 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 134 out of 812 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 52 out of 812 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 44 out of 812 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Mike

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and tidy room. Some rooms face a road, others the central courtyard area. My room faced the courtyard so had a park straight out the door and was quiet. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Isabelle

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stanley

Travelled with family
Perfect rate and location
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

STEVEN

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

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great rates, clean room, quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Our suite has a stove, full refrigerator, microwave, two rooms with comfortable beds and a nice little patio. The staff helped us make a copy of a parking permit for the ucsc graduation ceremony. We stayed two nights.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

delia dolores

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Avi

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was kind, we had a great time, property was clean and maintained.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Victoria, Fairfax Station

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Corey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy walk to everything and good value for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

joanne

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

4/10 Poor

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Good location, easily walkable to the boardwalk and wharf. Small motor inn style room. The decor was dated which doesn’t bother me. The room was clean. I didn’t find the bed to be very comfortable ( I am a bit picky ). The pillows were hard and flat. The bedside lights were a new looking addition and had usb jacks which was nice but they were fluorescent and way too bright. The parking lot which is right out the door is very lit up. They had blackout curtains but light leaked out the top into the room so it was a little too bright in the room. They should put something up at the top of the curtains to fix that. All and all, it was just ok, could have been better with a few minor improvements and you are definitely paying for the location.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pearl

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our room had two queen beds in separate bedrooms, which was surprising and nice for privacy. Check in and check out were easy. The property was clean and quiet. There was a fridge, coffee-maker, and microwave, which I hadn't expected from the amenities list but enjoyed having! The shower temperature could be set to whatever I liked, with hot water available. Very good location, 10 minute walking distance to the Boardwalk or downtown restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite with a kitchen, walking distance to the beach boardwalk, for a very reasonable price. It was mid-week, so we didn't hear street noise. They leave ear plugs by your bed for when it's busier. This is an old style motel, but it's clean and comfortable. It was great to have 2 separate bedrooms with doors. Only thing is- there are no kitchen supplies. I think they should leave paper towels, a small dish soap, some plastic plates, bowls and cutlery. Plus one pot and one pan. You have to bring everything if you want to eat or cook, even though there's a full kitchen stovetop, fridge, sink etc. Otherwise very good deal.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

deborah

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome location and very kind management. Clean & comfortable room.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Jaime

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Quan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Muhammed

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

Long in short, I can stay there again

I stayed there for a couple of nights. It is very close to the beach and personnel were friendly. I may stay there, if I want to spend few days in Santa Cruz.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth

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

We loved this place, great staff, great location

The staff was very friendly. Great value for the money. We loved that we could walk to the boardwalk and to the wharf for dinner and to the yacht harbor for breakfast at Aldos. We didn't drive the car all weekend because we walked everywhere. The river walk was right across the street. We were a little nervous when we got into our room and there were complimentary earplugs on the night stand. We thought "this place must get noisy at night" but we slept great and there was never any noise except for the air conditioner. We will stay here again on our next visit to Santa Cruz. We highly recommend this motel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Damon

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chase

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
👍
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It seemed very clean and it was very close to the boardwalk...even though it was on a busy street we were able to sleep fine...it defiantly quitted down...
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location easy to walk to Santa Cruz Boardwalk about 3 blocks. Nice neighborhood, parking is great. Staff is pleasant and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Ramji

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
They provide kitchen but no utensils and the kitchen hob did not work. We had to fire it each time with lighter
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025