The Best Hotels Closest to University of California in - 2026 Updated Prices

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

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

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Paul

฿3,988

฿4,585 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 Oct

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

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 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.

2. Mission Inn

4.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Judy

฿3,072

฿3,822 total

includes taxes & fees

19 Oct - 20 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 hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a reception desk.

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

3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

William

฿4,517

฿5,200 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Nov - 3 Nov

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.

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

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

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

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Michael

฿3,810

฿4,407 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A spacious cafe with wooden ceilings, hanging pendant lights, and a mural of musicians.

A building with a sign reading "SEACLIF" and a "BAR + KITCHEN" sign. There are parking signs visible, and the building is surrounded by landscaping.

An outdoor patio with a long table set for dining, surrounded by chairs, under a pergola structure.

A spacious living area with a black sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a wooden sideboard. The room features a large window, a wall adorned with framed artwork, and a mirror.

5. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

13.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

John

฿3,536

฿4,107 total

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

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

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

6. Seascape Beach Resort

16.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Ryan

฿6,287

฿9,725 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Oct - 26 Oct

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

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

7. Inn at Depot Hill

9.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Joseph

฿7,479

฿10,389 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Oct - 23 Oct

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

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

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

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

8. Monarch Cove Inn

10.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Matthew

฿6,381

฿7,257 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

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

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

9. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

9.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Rochelle

฿3,220

฿3,717 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Nov - 11 Nov

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

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

A modern kitchen with a microwave, refrigerator, and wooden cabinets. There is a round dining table with two chairs and a potted plant.

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

10. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

6.8 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Julia

฿2,472

฿4,947 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Nov - 4 Nov

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

A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, balconies, and a sign reading "FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON".

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.

11. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

7.4 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Candace

฿3,665

฿4,189 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Oct - 28 Oct

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

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

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

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.

12. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

5.1 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Brandall

฿3,837

฿4,407 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

A man and a woman standing in a hallway with a patterned floor and a staircase with geometric designs.

13. Chaminade Resort & Spa

6.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

SERGIO

฿4,519

฿6,732 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Oct - 30 Oct

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

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

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

A hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a patterned carpet.

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

3.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Jacob

฿4,178

฿4,828 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Nov - 17 Nov

A balcony with a bench overlooking a waterfront area, featuring buildings and a clear sky.

A coastal scene with buildings along the shore, a sandy beach, and a sunset.

A row of terracotta buildings with balconies, each with a small staircase leading to the entrance.

A modern interior with a living area, kitchen, and large windows overlooking the sea.

15. Capitola Venetian Vacation Rentals

9.5 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Elyse

฿6,904

฿7,886 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

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

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

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

16. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

4.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Grester

฿3,877

฿4,490 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Nov - 10 Nov

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

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.

17. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

8.6 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Robin

฿3,500

฿4,002 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Nov - 12 Nov

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

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

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.

18. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

3.3 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Alan

฿3,182

฿3,680 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Nov - 2 Nov

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a smaller bed, a desk, and a television.

A coffee station with four dispensers labeled 'Hot Water,' 'Decaf Roast,' 'Light Roast,' and 'Dark Roast.' There are cups and a small trash bin on the counter.

An indoor swimming pool with a tiled edge, benches around the perimeter, and a ladder leading into the water.

19. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz

3.2 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

Arturo

฿3,810

฿4,415 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Nov - 13 Nov

An outdoor seating area with round tables and chairs, string lights overhead, and a large tree in the center.

A modern bar area with a marble counter, hanging lights, and green patterned walls.

A modern lobby with a large wooden sculpture, seating area, and a bar.

A building entrance with a large illuminated sign reading "SOLAIR".

20. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

3.9 km from University of California, Santa Cruz

cindy

฿4,412

฿5,090 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Nov - 16 Nov

View all properties

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Inn At Pasatiempo	8.8 Excellent 1,002 reviews	View
Mission Inn	9.0 Wonderful 1,000 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 1,003 reviews	View
Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton	8.6 Excellent 1,184 reviews	View

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room, great spacious parking"

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

10/10 Excellent

"!!!"

Surf City Inn and Suites

10/10 Excellent

"I thought it was going to be ghetto , but its actually worth every dollar."

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Great rooooommmmm, Great food, Great people."

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

10/10 Excellent

"Very nice hotel, would definitely stay here again"

Marea Sol Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"We had amazing family time! Short walk to the beach and many restaurants. Highly recommend!"

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Great hotel ! Great service , and great location !"

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

10/10 Excellent

"a great find when visiting Santa Cruz!"

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

8/10 Good

"When I arrived the guy at the front desk was kind and helpful. The room itself wasn’t clean, walls were gross. I did a wipe down of everything and brought my own bedding. Door didn’t close all the way which was concerning. But it would still lock."

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.

Search Hotels Near University of California,

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Be picky

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Our top choices for University of California, Santa Cruz hotels

1. Inn At Pasatiempo

2. Mission Inn

3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - Capitola

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

5. Seacliff Inn Aptos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

6. Seascape Beach Resort

7. Inn at Depot Hill

8. Monarch Cove Inn

9. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By the Sea

10. Bella Notte, a ZenStay Hotel

11. Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley

12. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

13. Chaminade Resort & Spa

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

15. Capitola Venetian Vacation Rentals

16. Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

17. Best Western Plus Inn Scotts Valley

18. Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

19. Hampton Inn Santa Cruz

20. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Compare popular hotels close to University of California, Santa Cruz

Top University of California Hotel Reviews

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Bahia Hotel and Spa

Surf City Inn and Suites

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

Marea Sol Hotel

The Aqua Pacific Hotel

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Motel 6 Santa Cruz, CA

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