Top 10 Hotels Near University of California in for 2026

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Our top choices for University of California, Santa Cruz hotels

A spacious living area with a fireplace, comfortable seating, and a view of the outdoors.

A cozy lounge area with a stone fireplace, comfortable seating, and a bar area with a neon sign.

A lobby with a wooden ceiling, a reception desk, and a fireplace.

A bar area with wooden chairs, a counter with a display, and shelves with bottles.

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Paul

P6,326

P7,305 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 19 - Oct 20

A covered outdoor seating area with stone pillars, a metal fence, and a table with chairs.

A hotel with a flat facade, multiple windows, and a sign that reads "Champs Ely."

A snack and beverage section with refrigerated display cases and shelves stocked with snacks and drinks.

A reception desk with a "Welcome to the Golden State" sign, a "Treats" sign, and two refrigerated display cases.

2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Linda

P7,642

P8,836 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 5 - Oct 6

A building with a yellow facade, a covered outdoor area with a palm tree, and a large flowering bush.

A hot tub with two people, a wooden deck, and a lattice wall with hanging flower baskets.

A residential building with a tiled roof, a covered patio area, and a palm tree.

A hotel room with a bed, a bedside table with a phone, a vase of flowers, a nightstand with a lamp, a mirror, and a painting of a beach scene.

3. Mission Inn

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Erin

P5,733

P7,133 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, seating area, and large windows offering views of the night sky.

A modern lounge area with a fireplace, blue armchairs, a beige sofa, and a small table.

A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

A two-story building with a covered entrance, arched windows, and a tiled roof.

4. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

William

P8,453

P9,730 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

A lakeside hotel with a dining area, a bridge, and a pond.

A pond with rocks, a waterfall, and various plants.

An outdoor dining area with tables set for guests, surrounded by a garden with a pond and various plants.

A spacious restaurant with a long wooden table, multiple chairs, hanging pendant lights, and a bar area with shelves of bottles.

5. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

13.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Michael

P6,653

P7,727 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 22 - Oct 23

A modern dining area with red chairs and a wooden table, a kitchen with red cabinets, and a fireplace.

A hotel room with a large window, a desk with a computer, a chair, a small table, and a decorative branch on the wall.

A hotel room with a bed, desk, chair, TV, and a small kitchenette.

6. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

9.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Steven

P6,119

P7,059 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 29 - Oct 30

A spacious living area with a stone fireplace, green walls, and a large window.

A spacious dining area with wooden tables and chairs, a mural of tropical plants on the wall, and large windows offering a view of the outdoors.

A hotel room with a large bed, a night sky mural, a wall-mounted heater, and a nightstand with a lamp.

An outdoor patio with a wooden table and chairs, green umbrellas, and potted plants.

7. Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Nathan

P8,347

P9,611 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 6 - Oct 7

A bedroom with a large bed, a desk, a dresser, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding door.

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and outdoor seating areas.

A kitchen counter with a stainless steel container, a white appliance, and wicker baskets.

A modern kitchen with a dining table, chairs, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

8. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

6.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Andrea

P6,254

P11,070 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A wicker chair with a brown cushion, overlooking a balcony with a white railing, palm trees, and a view of the ocean.

A landscaped pathway with a view of the sea, surrounded by trees and a lamp post.

A table with a wine bottle, a glass, and a vase with a flower.

A room with a window overlooking the sea, a decorative peacock, and a birdcage.

9. Monarch Cove Inn

10.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Deborah

P11,940

P13,580 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A Hyatt Place hotel entrance with a covered walkway, a clear sky, and a well-lit facade.

A modern lounge area with sofas, a coffee table, surfboards on the wall, and a fireplace.

A modern kitchen with a large island, bar seating, and built-in appliances.

10. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

4.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Grester

P8,434

P9,725 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 7 - Oct 8

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

A hot tub with a metal ladder, surrounded by greenery and a concrete deck.

A reception area with two sofas, a plant, a map display, and a view of the outside.

A building with a blue and yellow facade, a sign indicating no vacancies, and the name "Ocean Pacific Lodge".

11. Ocean Pacific Lodge

4.4 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Anthony

P4,631

P6,160 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a small table.

A reception desk with a modern design, a large window offering a view of the street, and a decorative mural on the wall.

A Pepsi vending machine with various drink options.

A balcony with a view of a parking lot, a building with multiple floors, and palm trees.

12. Seaside Inn & Suites

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Justin

P3,706

P5,345 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 1 - Oct 2

A balcony with two chairs, a small table with a vase of flowers, and a view of a parking lot and amusement park.

A roller coaster at a seaside amusement park with a beach and pier in the background.

A restaurant with a wooden dining table, chairs, and a vase of flowers.

A hotel room with two beds, a balcony, and large colorful wall art.

13. Carousel Beach Inn

5 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Edwin

P5,641

P6,625 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A beach view with a sign for Marea Sol Hotel, palm trees, and a pier with boats.

A modern living room with a grey sectional sofa, a round coffee table, and a blue ottoman. There is a desk with a chair, a framed picture on the wall, and a large window with curtains.

A balcony with a table and chairs, overlooking a beach and pier with palm trees.

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a painting on the wall.

14. Marea Sol Hotel

4.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Donna

P6,858

P7,957 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 26 - Oct 27

A spacious living area with leather sofas, a central coffee table, and a kitchen in the background.

A bar area with a long counter, stools, and a TV screen.

An outdoor lounge area with wicker furniture, large umbrellas, and a tiled floor.

A living room with leather sofas, a central coffee table, a fireplace, and two flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls.

15. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

7.4 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Fabian

P6,880

P7,863 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

A beach setting with a fire pit, two white chairs, and a table with a vase and bottles.

A spacious lobby with a large seating area, a staircase, and large windows.

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sitting area with a chair, a kitchen with a sink, and a fireplace.

A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a dining table, and a view of a green landscape through large glass doors.

16. Seascape Beach Resort

16.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Haleh

P15,347

P22,212 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A library with bookshelves, a chandelier, and a fireplace.

A room with a fireplace, a sofa, a chair, and a table with books.

A brick building with a sign reading "The Inn at Depot Hill."

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, wooden beams, a traditional Japanese sliding door, and a small table with chairs.

17. Inn at Depot Hill

9.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Joseph

P17,393

P23,246 total

includes taxes & fees

Sep 30 - Oct 1

A hotel room with a large bed, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a wooden floor.

A hotel room with a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a chair, a lamp, and a window with curtains.

A bathroom with a large mirror, a bathtub, two yellow chairs, and a television on a cabinet.

A reception area with a receptionist desk, a large potted plant, a sofa with a colorful cushion, and a view through the glass doors.

18. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

3.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Bertha

P5,822

P6,738 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 20 - Oct 21

A modern hotel room with a kitchenette, a bed, a desk, and a view of the outdoors.

A modern living room with a blue sofa, a floor lamp, a large window with a view of trees, and a radiator.

A modern hotel room with a blue sofa, a painting, a floor lamp, a wooden cabinet, and a built-in sink.

A modern hotel room with a wooden desk, a yellow chair, a flat-screen TV, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.

19. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

3.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Steve

P7,943

P9,174 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

A modern lobby with a wooden floor, seating area, large windows, and a plant.

A hotel room with two beds, a stone wall, a mural of a pier, and a window.

A modern reception area with a wooden log wall, a beverage refrigerator, and a view of the sea.

A modern hotel lobby with a round table, yellow chairs, a large potted plant, and a patterned carpet.

20. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4.7 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Frank

P8,453

P9,746 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 4 - Oct 5

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Inn At Pasatiempo	8.8 Excellent 1,015 reviews	View
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA	9.0 Wonderful 712 reviews	View
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,018 reviews	View
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola	9.4 Exceptional 1,005 reviews	View
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton	8.6 Excellent 1,187 reviews	View

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Sweet one night stay! Staff very kind and a great view! Slept with door open to hear waves ;)"

Mission Inn

10/10 Excellent

"Clean, quiet, comfortable. Finally an Accommodation Room that is set up efficiently and safely. I usually travel with a motion detecting nightlight but one was installed already. Alas, the small breakfast room is up a flight of stairs (!) and offers no proteins. (Did not attempt). Did not try the hot tub. Parking is easy. Close to what you'd look for in Santa Cruz."

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful"

National 9 Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Clean rooms."

Casablanca On The Beach

10/10 Excellent

"customer service"

Surf City Inn and Suites

8/10 Good

"The kitchenette was"

Seaside Inn & Suites

10/10 Excellent

"Property was walkable to Downtown. Easy access to PCH. Near very good restaurants. Short drive to the boardwalk."

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

10/10 Excellent

"Staff was friendly and welcoming. Loved the pool and the beds were really comfortable."

Other attractions near University of California, Santa Cruz

A church with a wooden door and a bell tower.

Mission Santa Cruz

8.2/10 (121 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Santa Cruz with a trip to Mission Santa Cruz. You can seek out the surfing spots and biking trails in this walkable area.

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A historic half-timbered building with a stone facade, surrounded by trees and a red brick sidewalk.

Ocean Street

8.6/10 (1,332 reviews)

During your visit to Santa Cruz, you can enjoy retail therapy at Ocean Street. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

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Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center

Enjoy an outing to Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center during your stay in Santa Cruz. Experience the entertainment choices or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

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University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

8.4/10 (103 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

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Pasatiempo Golf Course

7.4/10 (99 reviews)

Play a round of golf in Santa Cruz at Pasatiempo Golf Course, and enjoy other activities such as surfing. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

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Scandinavian Cultural Center

Enjoy an outing to Scandinavian Cultural Center during your stay in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.

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Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

7.0/10 (6 reviews)

Explore the lovely green spaces of Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park and enjoy the surfing in Santa Cruz. Stroll along the seaside in this romantic area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

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Town Clock

6.8/10 (5 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Santa Cruz when you take a trip to Town Clock. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the surfing spots.

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Frequently asked questions

What's the area like around University of California, Santa Cruz?

University of California, Santa Cruz is located in an area that travelers like for its sporting events. You'll find 431 hotels and other accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.

What's the best hotel to stay near University of California, Santa Cruz?

La Bahia Hotel and Spa is one of the top choices for your stay based on our traveler data, and this hotel offers a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. It's located 3 mi (4.8 km) from University of California, Santa Cruz. Other good choices within 5 miles include Seaside Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG.

How many hotels will I be able to find close to University of California, Santa Cruz?

Expedia has 431 hotels and other accommodations a few miles from University of California, Santa Cruz.

If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near University of California, Santa Cruz, will I receive a refund?

Yes! Most room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to still cancel and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Add dates, click "Search", then you can filter by "fully refundable" to view the best deals near University of California, Santa Cruz.

What can I see and do near University of California, Santa Cruz?

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory, and Lighthouse Point Park feature a variety of fascinating exhibits to see while you're in town. Sights like Roaring Camp Railroads, Williams-Reynolds House, and Felton Covered Bridge Park are must-sees while exploring the area. Spend some time wandering around University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum, University Terrace Dog Park, and Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park.

Hotels near University of California

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

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Our top choices for University of California, Santa Cruz hotels

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

3. Mission Inn

4. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

5. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

6. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

7. Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites

8. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

9. Monarch Cove Inn

10. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

11. Ocean Pacific Lodge

12. Seaside Inn & Suites

13. Carousel Beach Inn

14. Marea Sol Hotel

15. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

16. Seascape Beach Resort

17. Inn at Depot Hill

18. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

19. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

20. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Marea Sol Hotel

Mission Inn

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

National 9 Santa Cruz

Casablanca On The Beach

Surf City Inn and Suites

Seaside Inn & Suites

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Other attractions near University of California, Santa Cruz

Mission Santa Cruz

Ocean Street

Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center

University of California Santa Cruz Arboretum

Pasatiempo Golf Course

Scandinavian Cultural Center

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

Town Clock

Frequently asked questions