We've checked-out a few places to suggest, listed here with comments. These range from expensive to moderate price. Several are near or on the water front; many are within/near the ocean boardwalk district of Santa Cruz.

All these places (except Chaminade, Inn at Pasatiempo, and Babbling Brook Inn) are within the boardwalk/beachfront district of Santa Cruz, and are within a 10 or 15 minute walk to each other.

There are lots more Hotels/Motels in and around Santa Cruz, but we actually visited these places, so at least in Jan through April, they were all quite presentable.

Santa Cruz is a resort area, so expect weekend rates to be a bit higher than during the week. We recommend checking for "deal" rates, CAA, AAA, or any other afiliation you may have to keep the prices down.

West Coast Santa Cruz Hotel
175 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz
(831) 426-4330 and 1-800 426-0670

Price is $179 if AAA member. Some suites are available. This is a medium-rise tower on the beach (10 to 12 stories) and on one end of the boardwalk district. Until this year, was known as "Dream Inn". Very nice views, especially high floors overlooking the ocean (some corner rooms available).

Ramada Inn
130 West Cliff Drive
Santa Cruz
(831) 423-7737
Fax (831) 429-6200 and 1 800 2-ramada

Must book Friday, Saturday and Sunday (3 nights only) Must have AAA for rate of $139.50 for ocean view and $125 for non ocean view. This is the motel by the old closed bridge up on the bluff overlooking the boardwalk district.

Nice quiet hill-top. Some rooms with view of ocean and harbour.

Days Inn
325 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz (831) 423- 8564 or 1 800 325 2525

Around corner from Ocean Pacific Lodge, but on slightly busier street. AAA rate of $128 one bed, $165 two beds and $10 for roll-away. This is at the bottom of the hill from Econo lodge. Its ok but not as well maintained as some others.

Ocean Pacific Lodge
120 Washington at Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz.
(831) 457-1234 or 1-800 995-0289

Around corner from Days Inn, but on slightly quieter street. Only have Suites left. 4 suites for 4 people each. King/Queen bed with AAA is $171. plus tax. $10 extra for each child and $10 for a roll away bed. This is next door to the Days Inn above. It is fairly new.

Econo Lodge
550 2nd Street
Santa Cruz
(831) 426-3626 800 553-2666
Fax (831) 458-3603

To get the AAA rate, you have to call the 800 number. Rates start at $76.50 per night during the week and $112.50 on weekends. There is a 24 hour cancellation policy. It is $10 extra per adult and children under 18 are free.

On a slight rise near the beachfront, slight ocean views from some rooms.

Casa Blanca

On the main drag of the boardwalk district. Half the rooms are in the back away from the noise, and along a side street (with partial ocean views) is a bit quiter. Rooms overlooking the main drag will be quite busy until after midnight.

Chaminade

Corporate type hotel on a bluff about 2 miles out of town. High quality, with prices to match.

Inn at Pasatiempo
Hwy 17 & Pasatiempo Dr
Santa Cruz
831-423-5000

Wedding reception is at the Peachwood Restaurant (and Bar) attached to the Inn at Pasatiempo. The motel is currently sold-out, but more rooms may become available at the end of July.

Convenient location, since we're having the wedding reception here, but 4 miles from town along the main hiway (17). You must drive everywhere from here.

Babbling Brook Inn

Quaint inn with brook running through the middle and large water-wheel. A short drive to the boardwalk district, but otherwise in the middle of town.