⭐ Top 10 Hotels Near University of California 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 hotel room with a bed, a desk, and a chair. There is a television on the wall and a painting above the desk.

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

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

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Paul

S$149

includes taxes & fees

21 Oct - 22 Oct

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

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

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

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

2. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Ingrid

S$169

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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 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.

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

3. Mission Inn

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Erin

S$146

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

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

A pool area with a clear sky, a building with a tiled roof, and outdoor furniture.

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

4. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

William

S$199

includes taxes & fees

8 Oct - 9 Oct

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 spacious living area with wicker furniture, a teal carpet, and large windows with blinds.

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

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

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Nathan

S$194

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

A residential building with a paved pathway, wooden benches, and lush greenery.

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

6. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

9.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Steven

S$144

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

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

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

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.

7. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

13.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Michael

S$157

includes taxes & fees

15 Oct - 16 Oct

A bar area with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, a wine display, and bar stools.

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

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

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

4.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Grester

S$183

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A large ceramic pot with a rustic finish, placed on a circular stone base surrounded by small pebbles.

A lobby with wicker furniture, a fireplace, and a painting.

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a TV, and a kitchen area with a sink and counter.

A hotel with a tiled roof, a parking lot, and a view of the surrounding area.

9. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

13.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Rich

S$159

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

A spacious lobby with a wooden reception desk, a large wall mural, and a modern chandelier.

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.

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

4.7 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Frank

S$206

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

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

A desk with a telephone and a lamp, a chair, and a window with a view of a bridge and a body of water.

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.

11. Marea Sol Hotel

4.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Sherlyn

S$163

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

A spacious lobby with a stone accent wall, a reception desk, a seating area with a coffee table, and a staircase.

A stone fireplace with a TV mounted above it, a stone wall, a seating area with a sofa and chairs, and a view of trees through large windows.

A stone building with a turret, a covered entrance, and a parking area with handicapped accessibility.

A modern reception area with a counter, refrigerated beverage dispensers, snack shelves, and decorative wall art.

12. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

5.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Christopher

S$168

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

A resort with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a building with multiple balconies.

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

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

13. Seascape Beach Resort

16.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Haleh

S$475

includes taxes & fees

13 Oct - 14 Oct

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 wooden pergola with climbing plants, a central fountain, and a paved walkway leading to a building entrance.

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

3.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Bertha

S$142

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

A red popcorn machine with a large container of popcorn, a pot, and a phone receiver.

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

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

15. Carousel Beach Inn

5 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Nova

S$125

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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

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

A dining room with a fireplace, wooden chairs, a chandelier, and a view of trees through large windows.

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

16. Inn at Depot Hill

9.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Joseph

S$475

includes taxes & fees

7 Oct - 8 Oct

The Ocean Pacific Lodge building with a clear blue sky.

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a bathroom visible through an open door.

17. Ocean Pacific Lodge

4.4 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

James

S$126

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

A room with a large bed, a mirror, and a view of the sea.

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

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

18. Monarch Cove Inn

10.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Matthew

S$278

includes taxes & fees

12 Oct - 13 Oct

A spacious living area with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a TV. There is a desk with a computer and a lamp. Large windows offer a view of trees and a building outside.

A hotel room with a large bed, a TV, a desk, and a mirror.

A spacious living area with a long counter, multiple seating options, and large windows providing natural light.

A Best Western Plus Inn with a modern design, including a covered entrance and a landscaped area in front.

19. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Robin

S$153

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

An outdoor patio with round tables and chairs, a stone fireplace, and a railing.

A self-service beverage and snack vending area with various brands and types of products.

A hotel reception area with two reception desks, a digital check-in kiosk, a wall with a 'Less Monday More Summer' sign, and a blue decorative wall.

A modern hotel lobby with a long reception desk, bar seating, and artwork on the walls.

20. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

4.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Natalya

S$175

includes taxes & fees

26 Oct - 27 Oct

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Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Inn At Pasatiempo	8.8 Excellent 1,005 reviews	View
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West, CA	9.0 Wonderful 714 reviews	View
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,005 reviews	View
Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola	9.4 Exceptional 1,000 reviews	View
Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-sea Inn & Suites	9.2 Wonderful 1,002 reviews	View

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

8/10 Good

"The rooms are very nice remodeled rooms the bathroom door locked on us which was a down fall idk how the bathroom door locks like that. Parking is the worse the parking spaces are super small dont drive a truck or suv their nearly impossible to park and get out of your car. Not sure who designed the parking. Didn't get to use the pool or gym this time around but pool was decent size just lots of ppl there Breakfeast was delicious just get there early food runs out and you'll have to wait"

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

8/10 Good

"."

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

8/10 Good

"The property is close enough to the Boardwalk to walk. The staff were pleasant and helpful. The room was clean but dated, but if you need a kitchen, you have one although no utensils of any kind. So if you plan to cook, you'll need to bring your own pots, pans, utensils, etc. I took a griddle and food that could be microwaved as we had three children with us. Most other hotels I looked at, we would have needed to reserve two rooms to accomodate all of us. We had two bedrooms but only one TV, would have been better to have one in each room."

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

8/10 Good

"Didn’t like the gap in the bottom of the entry door. Otherwise everything good."

Ocean Pacific Lodge

10/10 Excellent

"Awesome place! Enjoyed the stay great location."

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Great place !"

Casablanca On The Beach

8/10 Good

"It was not a bad place to stay. Just do not stay in room 204 if someone is above you. First night was the absolute worst I have ever experienced listening to people until 4am. Calling office and complaining. Second night was great! Owen was very helpful and reassured us that nobody was in that room our second night. I would stay again just mindful of the room location. Maybe a top floor"

Mission Inn

10/10 Excellent

"This property is beautifully landscaped with very nice, clean rooms. It offers a free breakfast with many choices. If you have mobility issues, be aware there is no elevator and the breakfast room is on the second floor. It is not extremely close to the wharf or boardwalk, so plan to drive or Uber there unless you’re an avid walker. Staff was very friendly & responsive."

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"I was very pleased with my stay it was very clean and it’s at a great location"

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 visit to Mission Santa Cruz. You can seek out the surfing spots and cycling 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 search for that perfect souvenir 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 cycling 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 cycling 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 cycling 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 visit 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 travellers 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 place 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 traveller 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 should I expect to find close to University of California, Santa Cruz?

Expedia has 431 hotels and other accommodation options 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! You'll find that most hotel room reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If you booked a non-refundable reservation, it may still be possible to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view the best deals available 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

Check prices for these dates

Filter by

Star rating

Guest rating

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

6. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

7. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

8. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

9. Rio Sands Vacation Rentals

10. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

11. Marea Sol Hotel

12. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

13. Seascape Beach Resort

14. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

15. Carousel Beach Inn

16. Inn at Depot Hill

17. Ocean Pacific Lodge

18. Monarch Cove Inn

19. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

20. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz, CA

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Riverside Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Ocean Pacific Lodge

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Casablanca On The Beach

Mission Inn

Marea Sol Hotel

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