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Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking
Reception
Free self-parking
Reception
Seasonal outdoor pool

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Pacific Avenue
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪58 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board

Family Room

  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(29 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Similar properties

Exterior
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz
Westside Santa Cruz
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 943 reviews
The price is NZ$142
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

About the area

Santa Cruz

A stay at Islander Motel Santa Cruz places you in the heart of Santa Cruz, within a 5-minute drive of Mission Santa Cruz and University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum. .This motel is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and 2.4 mi (3.9 km) from Monterey Bay.
View more Motels in Santa CruzOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Ocean Street - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Pacific Avenue - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Santa Cruz Main Beach - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 2 min drive - 2.2 km

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 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
  • ‪The Buttery - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 25+ Mbps). Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

Children under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool without adult supervision. Guests under 5 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 22 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and irons/ironing boards, as well as phones with free local calls.
Take advantage of recreation opportunities such as a seasonal outdoor pool, or other amenities including complimentary wireless internet access and a vending machine.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a vending machine. Free self parking is available onsite.

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: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 21

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 noon 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
Cribs (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-authorize 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 elevators
The seasonal pool will be open from May 15 to October 31
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

Islander Motel Santa Cruz Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 446 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 366 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 99 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 53 out of 1000 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

austin

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
The whole place smelt like stinky feet first off!! The lady behind the counter was extremely unprofessional and rude and they ran my debit card on file three different times before even arriving and i had selected to pay in person when I made my reservations online. Thankfully my bank flagged it for suspicious activity! I was there at 3:46 pm check in isn’t even till 3:00pm and because it was Valentine’s Day most places were sold out, so of course so was this place!!! she sold my room out from underneath me for almost double what I booked it for and then she said that it was my fault I had no money and for us to leave. My fiance and I Drove 6 and half hours to just escape for a night at the beach we had money. veryglad we didn’t end up having to stay here. TVs broken air conditioning stunk and barely worked so we went down the street closer to the ocean and stayed at Hotel Santa Cruz!!! highly recommend especially after our horrible experience at the islander…. Don’t stay here
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Had a great stay here at the Islander. The room was clean and smelled good, the staff was friendly and helpful, and check-in and check-out were easy. Great stay!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Alexander

Room was clean, bed was comfortable, one washrag looked questionable and pillows felt a little flat
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Justin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
yes.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

sherrie

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Love this hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Always nice to stay here when we're in Santa Cruz. We love how convenient the location is to downtown. And the staff is so lovely and remember which room we like to stay in.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kiara

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Travelled with partner
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

James

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great room Great staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dustin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great place
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My go to hotel in SC. Clean Safe and the owners are wonderful!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patie, Santa Cruz

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

Kristina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Spotless. Fells like it’s been newly renovated. Excellent shower. Half a mile to the vibrant downtown. The receptionist was friendly and welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Ron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was good
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, comfortable and very accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mindy

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

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
I have stayed at this property 20 plus times. It is not fancy but quite clean and the staff is run by a family and they seem to really care. I stay here because I enjoy the owners (the family). Price is reasonable. Bed is comfortable, however the desk and chair is not great but I overlook this because I love the location and the people who work there.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Philip

Travelled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Jane

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

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very affordable
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable and safe!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025