Islander Motel Santa Cruz

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Islander Motel Santa Cruz

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

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
522 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
  • Place, Ocean Street
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Main Beach
    ‪16 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 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 clean accommodations 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
  • 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

  • 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. 418 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 377 out of 1000 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 113 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

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leoncio

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant short stay. Room was very small but had all the amenities we needed.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Jaime

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Okay do the reviews seem on par however i would like to add my 2 cents. Yes the rooms are affordable however i would never stay here again. There was a stain on my blanket and the pool closed very early. The couple who runs this place are the rudest people ever! We were so happy to go on this family trip but they charge extra per person which we did not know. It did not ask us how many people were staying and the front desk guy is super rude and sexist! He would not let me get a work in and talked over me. Very condescending towards women but once by husband stepped in it was a different tone. The woman is an instigator and they were speaking badly about us. The beds were not comfortable at all and its in a shady area. Parking lot is small and the rooms looked alot better in the photos than irl. Super disappointed, would not stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sherrie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
It was clean. Staff very friendly. Parking spaces are tough, very small.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Tiffany

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

MARC, TORRANCE

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Small parking lot. Be sure to call ahead with special requests for rooms. They don’t read requests.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

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