Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Seasonal outdoor pool
Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk
1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, desk
Reception
Point of interest

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a 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

Family Room

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

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

  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(19 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 14 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Family Room, 2 Bedrooms, Non Smoking

  • 14 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About this property

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

Motel with free parking, near Mission Santa Cruz
A seasonal outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk and free self-parking are available at this smoke-free motel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a vending machine.
Islander Motel Santa Cruz offers 22 air-conditioned accommodations with a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding. 32-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include baths 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 telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a seasonal outdoor pool.

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

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Islander Motel Santa Cruz. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Ocean Street. Features include free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking, plus a seasonal outdoor pool.
  • Free Wi-Fi (speed: 25+ Mbps)
  • Free self-parking
  • Take a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool
  • Amenities include a vending machine
  • Guests have great things to say about the clean guestrooms and the helpful staff
  • Just a 2-minute drive from Mission Santa Cruz and a few minutes from University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
As a guest of Islander Motel Santa Cruz, you'll find a seasonal outdoor pool and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. Free self parking is available. You'll have access to the health club at a partner property.

This Santa Cruz motel is smoke free.

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

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free per registered adult when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

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 fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out fee: USD 50.00 (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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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-authorise 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
To arrange for check-in, guests must contact the property at least 24 hours prior to arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. Prior to arrival, guests must complete online registration with the property via a secure link. Guests will be asked to provide the property with a copy of their government-issued photo ID before arrival. Guests arriving after 3:00 PM must make advance arrangements by contacting the property using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in information. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. The credit card used when booking the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo ID. 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.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • The seasonal pool will open on 15 May and close on 31 October.
  • One child aged 5 years old or younger stays free per registered adult in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Alcohol isn't served at Islander Motel Santa Cruz.
  • 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. 408 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 387 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 116 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 41 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1003 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

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

10/10 Excellent

MALARIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Velina

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always an enjoyable time here. Staff is super welcoming and professional. Will be booking again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

AmyJune

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

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cru

We love staying here whenever we come to Santa Cruz. Staff is warm and welcoming. Location is very central to downtown.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROSA PALACIOS

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overall, we had a great stay…!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Luis

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Nothing special about the hotel . The owner was not that friendly. His wife was. The room was clean l hope . The area was in a good location, next to a lot of stores and fast food restaurants .
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine, Tustin

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location, excellent staff, comfortable bed. Older property, however very clean and well kept. Only note is no in room coffee option. Would definitely come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025