Hotel Review: Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Last updated on February 11th, 2024 at 09:47 pm
Situated on the central coast of California, Santa Cruz is a charming seaside town like no other. Known for its iconic beach boardwalk, laidback surf culture, and natural beauty – it’s easy to see why Santa Cruz is the perfect weekend destination for locals and tourists alike.
Recently, I had the luxury of staying at Dream Inn Santa Cruz for an amazing weekend staycation. Keep reading to learn more about why you can’t skip this coastal town on your next trip to California!
Keep in mind that this was a gifted stay but all opinions are my own. I only provide honest reviews and do not let compensation impact my ability to make recommendations about anything related to travel.
Location
As the ONLY beachfront property in Santa Cruz, Dream Inn could not be in a more ideal location. The wharf is steps outside of the property and both the boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz are within an easy 15-minute walk! The property also connects directly to Cowell Beach so you don’t have to travel far to put your toes in the sand!
If you prefer to see a different part of town, Dream Inn is only a short drive away from popular landmarks like Natural Bridges State Park, Big Basin, and Nisene Marks. Also a short drive away are more restaurants, shops, and over 75 wineries that lie in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Pool Deck & Shorebreak Bar
With the direct access to Cowell Beach, the newly renovated pool deck & bar is the perfect place to enjoy the California sunshine alongside family or friends. The pool area is always filled with friendly guests in the heated pool and hot tub. Grab a signature dreamarita (classic margarita) from the Shorebreak Pool Bar and settle in on the spacious cabana beds or one of the MANY chaise loungers.
My favorite type of hotel is the one where you don’t ever need to leave the property. Dream Inn is no different. In fact, you should dedicate an entire day to spending at the pool. With a DAILY morning mimosa bar, afternoon taco truck, and sunset tequila happy hour, there’s absolutely no reason to spend your day anywhere else.
Please note the mimosa bar and taco truck aren’t available until after Memorial Day.
Click here to book your stay at Dream Inn for your next trip to Santa Cruz!
Rooms
Oceanfront views. Retro chic decor. King bed. Private balcony. Need I say more?
There’s nothing better than coming back from a long day at the beach to a quiet, clean, and spacious room. Although I was only here for one night, I made sure to soak up every inch of luxury I could, starting from the long rainfall showers to falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves crashing nearby.
Digital nomad? No problem. Each room has a Keurig coffeemaker and dedicated workspace so you can work remotely from the comfort of your room while sipping on a well balanced cup of joe.
Food & Drink
Between the Jack O’Neill Restaurant, poolside dining, and in-room dining – it’s likely that you’ll never go hungry during your stay!
The Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge pays homage to the original founder of the wetsuit and the pioneer of surf culture in Santa Cruz. Today, the restaurant offers panoramic coastal views and live music on the weekends while serving fresh-caught seafood and deliciously crafted cocktails. Along with seafood directly from Monterey Bay, they also source all produce locally from area farmers in Santa Cruz.
Reserve a table at Jack O’Neill Restaurant today!
Visitors receive complimentary self or valet parking with restaurant validation.
Additional Amenities
As if the long list of amenities wasn’t already enough, here are some more ways that Dream Inn goes ABOVE AND BEYOND to ensure their guests have a wonderful and memorable stay in Santa Cruz:
🚲 Free bikes to rent on a first come first serve basis
☕️ Lobby café serves fresh pastries & Verve coffee
😊 Staff is always reachable (even by text) and ready to help
🌹 Silk petal rose turndown service for special occasions (for a small fee)
Click here to book your stay at Dream Inn for your next trip to Santa Cruz!
Is Dream Inn Santa Cruz on your radar for 2022? Let me know in the comments below!
Traveling to other parts of California? Check out my other travel guides here.
Traveling outside of the US? Check out my international travel guides here.
Last updated on February 11th, 2024 at 09:47 pm
Situated on the central coast of California, Santa Cruz is a charming seaside town like no other. Known for its iconic beach boardwalk, laidback surf culture, and natural beauty – it’s easy to see why Santa Cruz is the perfect weekend destination for locals and tourists alike.
Recently, I had the luxury of staying at Dream Inn Santa Cruz for an amazing weekend staycation. Keep reading to learn more about why you can’t skip this coastal town on your next trip to California!
Keep in mind that this was a gifted stay but all opinions are my own. I only provide honest reviews and do not let compensation impact my ability to make recommendations about anything related to travel.
Location
As the ONLY beachfront property in Santa Cruz, Dream Inn could not be in a more ideal location. The wharf is steps outside of the property and both the boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz are within an easy 15-minute walk! The property also connects directly to Cowell Beach so you don’t have to travel far to put your toes in the sand!
If you prefer to see a different part of town, Dream Inn is only a short drive away from popular landmarks like Natural Bridges State Park, Big Basin, and Nisene Marks. Also a short drive away are more restaurants, shops, and over 75 wineries that lie in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Pool Deck & Shorebreak Bar
With the direct access to Cowell Beach, the newly renovated pool deck & bar is the perfect place to enjoy the California sunshine alongside family or friends. The pool area is always filled with friendly guests in the heated pool and hot tub. Grab a signature dreamarita (classic margarita) from the Shorebreak Pool Bar and settle in on the spacious cabana beds or one of the MANY chaise loungers.
My favorite type of hotel is the one where you don’t ever need to leave the property. Dream Inn is no different. In fact, you should dedicate an entire day to spending at the pool. With a DAILY morning mimosa bar, afternoon taco truck, and sunset tequila happy hour, there’s absolutely no reason to spend your day anywhere else.
Please note the mimosa bar and taco truck aren’t available until after Memorial Day.
Click here to book your stay at Dream Inn for your next trip to Santa Cruz!
Rooms
Oceanfront views. Retro chic decor. King bed. Private balcony. Need I say more?
There’s nothing better than coming back from a long day at the beach to a quiet, clean, and spacious room. Although I was only here for one night, I made sure to soak up every inch of luxury I could, starting from the long rainfall showers to falling asleep to the sound of the ocean waves crashing nearby.
Digital nomad? No problem. Each room has a Keurig coffeemaker and dedicated workspace so you can work remotely from the comfort of your room while sipping on a well balanced cup of joe.
Food & Drink
Between the Jack O’Neill Restaurant, poolside dining, and in-room dining – it’s likely that you’ll never go hungry during your stay!
The Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Lounge pays homage to the original founder of the wetsuit and the pioneer of surf culture in Santa Cruz. Today, the restaurant offers panoramic coastal views and live music on the weekends while serving fresh-caught seafood and deliciously crafted cocktails. Along with seafood directly from Monterey Bay, they also source all produce locally from area farmers in Santa Cruz.
Reserve a table at Jack O’Neill Restaurant today!
Visitors receive complimentary self or valet parking with restaurant validation.
Additional Amenities
As if the long list of amenities wasn’t already enough, here are some more ways that Dream Inn goes ABOVE AND BEYOND to ensure their guests have a wonderful and memorable stay in Santa Cruz:
🚲 Free bikes to rent on a first come first serve basis
☕️ Lobby café serves fresh pastries & Verve coffee
😊 Staff is always reachable (even by text) and ready to help
🌹 Silk petal rose turndown service for special occasions (for a small fee)
Click here to book your stay at Dream Inn for your next trip to Santa Cruz!
Is Dream Inn Santa Cruz on your radar for 2022? Let me know in the comments below!
Traveling to other parts of California? Check out my other travel guides here.
Traveling outside of the US? Check out my international travel guides here.
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Hey! I use wordpress bluehost for my blog 🙂