Santa Cruz Dream Inn

This place is noticeably worse than many of the surrounding hotels. The 2 queen rooms don't have a microwave, so don't keep any leftovers from your dinner. The bathrooms all have pocket doors, so hopefully you can hold that shut with a foot if you have kids. The bathrooms have a small tub. Parking is $30 a day. In contrast, the Beach Street Inn is just across the street. The rooms are similarly priced. The bathrooms are renovated, you can warm up leftovers, free parking. The beds are bricks. If you have a significant other, the two of you can fit in the shower. If I'm paying a premium to get a beach front room, I expect quality. I know this is just a 3 star hotel, but they could do more to earn your business. Other neighboring hotels put in that extra effort. Don't waste your money. I'm 3 hours into my vacation here and I won't be back. The experience elsewhere is better for the money.

Wow!! This is one of the nicest hotels I’ve stayed in on a business trip. I am visiting from Austin, Texas, so I certainly appreciate a beach view (not something we have in Central Texas, of course). The staff here are extremely friendly – I arrived a little before check-in, and they gave me a card key to use the restrooms, go to the pool, and just get around the hotel in general. The room is exceptional! Typically, when I travel for work, I try to stay at nicer hotels, but you can still tell it’s a hotel. This room honestly feels a lot like home, which I appreciate. The bedding is definitely higher quality than average. The views of course are what make this place so magical. The photos attached to my review are from room 927 on the ninth floor. I have the air conditioner off and the door open, enjoying the nice cool air. I’m writing this review as I am in the room, and on the phone with my boyfriend booking a trip here this summer.

My overall experience could have been positive if the front desk managers were professional and if the room didn't smell like marijuana. Upon entering room 826, the smell was unmistakable, even Adam, the valet, confirming it was unacceptable. Despite having already switched rooms once to get queen beds, we decided to stay thinking it would get better if we leave the door open, but it didn't! We also didn't want to inconvenience Adam because he was friendly and helpful already. However, when we informed Ben at check-out about the smell and gave him feedback about the smell of the room, he rudely dismissed us with, "What do you expect? This is California!" We were shocked with such comment! We left right away with confusion of such inappropriate comment! The later, I discovered an extra $100 charge on my bill, we called right away with another manager named Andrew. He was similarly unhelpful and rude, saying, "This is America!" It's shocking that managers would speak to customers like this. Both times!!! Also, how can he not able to tell me why my bill was overcharged, simply no explanation at all?? I even had the receipt. When I told him I would write a review about my experience, Andrew said, "Go for it!" ...as if he didn't care about his customers' feelings! This level of rudeness is unacceptable, especially in a supposedly nice hotel. I've stayed in many hotels worldwide and never experienced such treatment. I expect an apology and will dispute the charge. The hotel should have refunded us given the rudeness and smell. The smell made me feel unwell for two days. Charging something extra on my credit card without consent is not legal, and their dismissive response is unacceptable. I suggest checking your credit card if you stay there, as apparently they think they can charge without consent just because it's California. I hope the owner provides an explanation. It's unacceptable to treat customers this way, and I don't recommend this hotel to anyone. This was my first time staying there and my friend spoke highly of this place because of its views! But I would rather stay somewhere with friendly, understanding, and compassionate managers who care about the well being of their customers! Ben and Andrew's behavior was appalling; they shouldn't be working at the front desk if they can't treat customers with respect. I don't feel safe going back there again, with such rudeness and illegal charges!!

Stay here!! We can't wait to come back. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating — they went above and beyond, making us feel special and taken care of. Clean rooms with fun retro chic decor. Balconies are a great size. Valet is really convenient and easy. Room service food is good -- gluten free options available. Very wheelchair accessible.

Great location with a view of boardwalk, the beach, and pier. It is within walking distance of boardwalk and the beach. Parking lot is across the street from the hotel. Check-in was very smooth and staff were friendly and helpful. We were put on the 9th floor, thanks to the amazing staff to make our stay more memorable. The pool and hot tub are clean and not too crowded, granted we went towards the end of summer/beginning of fall. Room is not the most modern/high-tech but it is clean and comfortable. Location, views, and great service are what you’re paying for. There was an issue with the AC unit upon entering the room but it was resolved very quickly.