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Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Point of interest
Reception
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk, iron/ironing board
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping

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.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

  • 18 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Roll-in Shower, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
(19 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
3.9 out of 5, Good, 1,001 reviews
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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 1.3 mi (2 km) from Main Beach and 2.2 mi (3.5 km) from Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.
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
  • Main Beach - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Santa Cruz Wharf - 20 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 42 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Woodstock's Pizza Santa Cruz - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪四姐 Special Noodle - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Cat Cloud Companion - ‬10 min walk

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel with free parking, near Mission 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: 1:00 AM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 19

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 3:00 PM 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

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 410 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 383 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 115 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1000 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Dena

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Is was nice and close to tge beach, a little over priced.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a pleasant stay. Room nice and clean. Staff friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were in walking distance of Front street and lots of food options.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Edgar J

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
The room smelled bad
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. You can walk downtown if you like. We had a car so it didn’t really matter. Great service. It’s an older motel but comfortable beds, very clean. It felt as advertised.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

DARPAN

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nice and good host
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stay here every time we visit family in Santa Cruz
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

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

10/10 Excellent

F. Jay

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Comfortable, clean room. Like having 4 pillows on the bed, 2 more puffy, 2 less puffy. Very comfortable bed. Staff friendly and attentive. Only coffee for breakfast but rather go out for breakfast anyway. Staff gave good recommendations on morning and evening dining. Could not recommend any more highly. Perhaps a bit of highway noise early in the evening that became neglible later.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ron

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

8/10 Good

DANIEL, South Lake Tahoe

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Abdel

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Langley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Islander Santa Cruz

Good, clean, no frills hotel. With the cost of rooms in the Santa Cruz area this was a great deal. Definitely would stay there again. Pool could use a cleaning
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

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

8/10 Good

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One night stay and perfect location for us. Clean, comfortable and quiet as we had a 2nd story room away from the busy street(223)!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Fredrick

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
When I went to check in, the man at the front desk was kind of a jerk. The rooms were nice, easy parking, and close to pretty much everything, but again the desk man was overall not pleasant
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Janine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant motel in great location. On a busy street but not that loud in the room. Convenient to downtown and walkable to the Boardwalk
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Dale

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

Reasonable lodging for the Summer

Good experience overall. Good location. Management was responsive to requests.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved how comfortable the beds were. Everything was clean and neat, and there were plenty of amenities in the room to have a comfortable stay. Although we drove somewhere else for dinner, there are plenty of places to eat close by.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Laura

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice budget option for one night in Santa Cruz for Wharf to Wharf. The room had everything we needed, including a microwave and mini fridge for some heat n eat meals and race day breakfast, and check in and out were quick and easy. Other guests were a bit noisy, but I can’t fault the motel for that. My husband did find someone else’s undies in a drawer as he was double-checking before we left, yuck! Other than that, no issues with the cleanliness of the room, the bed was comfortable and the larger pillows were appreciated, and this was a convenient place to stay with easy access to grocery stores and the freeway. Thanks for hosting us!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Kirsten

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025