See all properties

Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

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

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, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Mystery Spot
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪47 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
(18 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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 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

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
Seaside Inn & Suites
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, 884 reviews
Seaside Inn & Suites

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 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.

Our customers tell us 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 WiFi (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 helpful staff and the clean accommodations
  • 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

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 5 years old or younger stays free, per registered adult, when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (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-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
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 May 15 and close October 31.
  • One child 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. 403 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 392 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

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

6/10 Okay

Sofie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were clean and no bed bugs, the restrooms were nice. Only issue was customer service my hotel room was under my name but my husband was going to pay. The manger said no and then said he was charging a 100 dollar refundable deposit which i understand but the way he spoke to us was a little rude. Other than that everything else was very great!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Katy

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Eh!

Room I stayed in could definitely use a new paint job. Window was left open in room and room stunk when I checked in. It’s in an ok location. Pretty noisy with all the cars going by. People outside my room were noisy at like 1 am. Management def was not willing to listen to suggestions. Make sure you take your license plate number or else they won’t give you a room key! Will not be returning due to the management!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Biswadeep

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and comfortable room
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was located conveniently in the middle of Santa Cruz and around some wonderful restaurants and businesses. The owner was very polite and went out of her way to help us and bring us fresh towels. I also enjoyed chatting with her. The space was clean and there is a small swimming pool in the front of the complex. We had a relaxing and joyful time there.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Benita, Modesto

Travelled with family
The staff was very helpful when we realized that it was not pet friendly ; that Expedia claimed. They still allowed us to stay and were very pleasant.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
just a cute no hassle surf hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was comfortable. I liked that they looked out for our vehicles in their lot.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Heather

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Eusebio

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

sherrie

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Sonia

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Howard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
our stay was great. Even though it is on a major through street, it was quiet at night
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Esmeralda

Disliked: Staff & service
Overall room was clean. However front staff specifically Moe provided terrible customer service. Upon checking in, he couldn't confirm my booking and my credit card was charged twice.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very clean. Simple and comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025