ISLANDER MOTEL SANTA CRUZ CA, Santa Cruz – A Smart Stay in the City
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Key details
About the Hotel
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, 95060,
-
Near the beach
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.3
3.9
/5
Loved by Islander Motel Santa Cruz Ca guests
Clean rooms
Cute staff
Comfortable beds
Good location
"The Islander was far enough away that I was able to get the motel sans traffic, but close enough that I walked to the boardwalk in 15 min."
Sarah B from United States
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"Cozy rooms. Well maintained. Safer neigborhood. Small family run facility. Nice little pool and plenty of parking, including some in the shade!"
Gina from United States
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"Comfortable, clean room. Like having 4 pillows on the bed, 2 more puffy, 2 less puffy."
F. Jay
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Rooms & Amenities
The Islander Motel offers air-conditioned guest rooms with 40-inch flat-screen HDTVs, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. Choose from a One King Bed room, Two Queen Beds, or a spacious Two-Room option with one King and one Queen bed, accommodating up to four adults. Each room includes a microwave, refrigerator, and ironing facilities.
Outdoor Pool
A seasonal outdoor pool provides a spot to cool off on warm Santa Cruz days. The pool area is fenced and accessible, with a self-operating ADA lift available for guests with mobility needs.
Nearby Attractions
The motel is three blocks from Pacific Garden Mall, where guests find restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Nearby landmarks include the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Natural Bridges State Beach, and the Museum of Art and History. Downtown Santa Cruz, with cafes and ice cream parlors, is a short walk away.
Accessibility Features
The Islander Motel meets ADA standards with wheelchair-accessible rooms, 32-inch-wide doorways, and Braille signage. Accessible parking, pool entry, and trained staff ensure a comfortable stay for guests with disabilities. Hallways and walkways are free of obstructions for low-vision visitors.
Guest Services
A 24-hour front desk assists with local recommendations and photocopying services. Free parking and high-speed Wi-Fi are included. Housekeeping follows strict hygiene protocols, and accessible rooms are held for guests with disabilities until check-in.
Must-do experiences
Stroll along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for classic fun.
Visit Natural Bridges State Beach for tide pools and stunning views.
Taste the garlic fries at the Crow's Nest for a local favorite.
Explore the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History for local culture.
Check out the farmers market on Wednesdays for fresh local produce.
Choose the Room
From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
King Bed
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
2 Queen Bed
2 persons
14 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
1 King Bed & 1 Full Bed
2 persons
14 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Check Dates & Room Rates
See what's available for your travel dates
September 2026 - September 2027
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Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Amenities
Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at .
Services
Housekeeping
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Seasonal outdoor pool
Shallow end
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
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Islander Motel Santa Cruz Ca Location
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, 95060,
Explore Santa Cruz
Local Attractions and Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
25 minutes' walk
Famed for its amusement park, the Boardwalk features iconic rides, games, and beachfront dining options.
Santa Cruz Wharf
25 minutes' walk
A lively pier with dining, shopping, and sea lions, offering stunning ocean views and local seafood.
Museum of Art and History
17 minutes' walk
Showcases local history and art with rotating exhibits and a relaxed atmosphere; free admission on Sundays.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
20 minutes' walk
Dedicated to the region's natural history, features interactive exhibits and scenic hiking trails nearby.
Kiva Retreat House
10 minutes' walk
Offers yoga and wellness classes for relaxation amid beautiful surroundings; reservations recommended.
Twin Lakes State Beach
20 minutes' walk
Ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding nearby.
San Lorenzo River Parkway Trestle Trail
14 minutes' walk
A scenic trail perfect for walking and biking with beautiful views of the river and local wildlife.
Taqueria Jalapenos y Pupuseria
5 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for authentic pupusas and tacos, offering vegetarian options and a vibrant atmosphere.
Samba Rock
4 minutes' walk
A funky café featuring Brazilian-inspired dishes, known for smoothies and a lively vibe; great for breakfast.
Pizza My Heart
10 minutes' walk
A local favorite for delicious, casual pizza with unique toppings and a family-friendly environment.
Rio Theatre
13 minutes' walk
Historic theater showcasing indie films, concerts, and community events in a charming setting.
Nickelodeon Theatre
17 minutes' walk
A beloved venue featuring independent films and special screenings, perfect for a laid-back evening.
Pacific Garden Mall
17 minutes' walk
Open-air mall with shopping, dining, and live entertainment events; family-friendly atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
Santa Cruz 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 79 min · 32.7 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 102 min · 42.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 10:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at .
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Guest Ratings & Reviews
Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 232 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free WiFi
8.4/10
Location
8.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Clean room
Convenient location
Friendly check-in
Parking spots
Cons
Rude staff
Overly directive owners
Guest reviews
based on 261 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Islander Motel Santa Cruz Ca
Is there an elevator available in the building?
15 November 2024
Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building.
Is the deposit I need to pay refundable?
20 September 2024
Yes, the deposit is refundable.
Is the pool currently heated?
10 December 2024
Yes, the pool is heated.
How reliable is the Wi-Fi for guests?
5 January 2025
The Wi-Fi connection is very good for guests.
What are the pool hours? Is it open at night?
12 February 2025
The pool is closed at sunset.
Is the pool accessible for guests, and is it cheaper to pay online?
10 March 2025
The pool is open, and payment is collected upon check-in. Online payments may not offer a discount.
Does each room have a bathtub, or are there only showers?
18 April 2025
Yes, there are bathtubs available in the rooms.
Can I use a debit card for my deposit instead of a credit card?
22 May 2024
Yes, a debit card can be used for the deposit.
Can I check in earlier than the standard time?
28 June 2025
Check-in at 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM is possible; just ring the doorbell.
Are air-conditioned rooms available at the motel?
30 July 2024
Yes, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning.
Is there an additional charge for children once I reserve my room?
11 August 2024
Extra charges may apply depending on the type of room reserved.
Are pets permitted on the property?
17 September 2024
No pets are allowed on the premises, except for ADA-defined service animals.
What is the distance from the motel to UCSC?
24 October 2024
The distance is approximately 4 kilometers.
Is there sufficient parking space available for all guests?
25 November 2024
There is adequate parking, allowing one car per room.
Is the motel within walking distance to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
5 December 2024
The motel is about 1.6 kilometers from the boardwalk, approximately a 20-minute walk.