Dream Inn

Santa Cruz, California Coast

Coffee Cart
Ocean View Suite
Hotel Lobby
Ocean View Cathedral Executive
Ocean View Cathedral Executive
Coffee Cart
Ocean View Suite
Hotel Lobby
Ocean View Cathedral Executive
Ocean View Cathedral Executive

The hotel

The only beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz, the Dream Inn really lives up to its name! Every room features views of the ocean, which you can admire from your own private balcony or patio, marvelling at the surfers perhaps or the most tremendous sunsets with a cocktail in hand. The boardwalk is just steps away as is the centre of this archetypal Californian town, home to a variety of exciting attractions. Monterey Bay is also conveniently close by as is the Seymour Marine Discovery Centre and the Roaring Camp Railroad which takes you through incredible redwoods all the way to the beach. Grab a book from the library and head down to the beachfront swimming pool for a good laze in the sun. There’s also a hot tub to soothe limbs tired from sightseeing! There are plenty of restaurants and diners close by too but don’t miss the hotel’s own Aquarius Restaurant, also on the beachfront and serving sustainable and delicious seafood dishes in a cool and breezy atmosphere – the perfect place to chill after a busy day!

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Swimming Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Families
  • Children's Pool
  • Room Service
  • Valet parking
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Laundry Service
  • Internet Access
  • Beachfront location
  • Restaurant

Where is it

On Cowell’s Beach, adjacent to the wharf and historic beach boardwalk.

Hotel information

165 rooms. All with air-conditioning, patio or balcony with ocean views, satellite TV with pay-per-view movies, telephone, complimentary WiFi, iPod docking station, mini-bar*, tea/coffee maker, safe, bathrobes, hairdryer, iron and board. Deluxe Rooms with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Aquarius Restaurant, pool bar (seasonal). Heated beachfront swimming pool, hot tub. Luggage, surfboard and bike storage. Board games. Library. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Concierge service. Limited room service*. Business centre. Complimentary WiFi. Self-parking and valet parking are $24 plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change).

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Atmosphere Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Food Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (141)
  • Very good (131)
  • Average (48)
  • Poor (18)
  • Terrible (19)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating NICCOLO gets an OUTSTANDING SERVER gold star!

Dec 27, 2018 Nance U

Four of us ate at Aquarius and were served by NICCOLO, a young man new to Aquarius. His service was exceptional. He was friendly and helpful and offered excellent suggestions. His pleasant personality, combined with his excellent serving skills made our evening even more enjoyable. I ordered the Bouillabaisse and it was the best I have ever… Read more
Four of us ate at Aquarius and were served by NICCOLO, a young man new to Aquarius. His service was exceptional. He was friendly and helpful and offered excellent suggestions. His pleasant personality, combined with his excellent serving skills made our evening even more enjoyable. I ordered the Bouillabaisse and it was the best I have ever tasted...ever... Seriously, The seafood was fresh and not over-cooked and the sauce was perfectly seasoned. I have lived in Santa Cruz for many years and this was my first time at this restaurant and will not be my last! Bon Appetit and I hope Niccolo is your server!!! Thank you! Nance Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Restaurant with a View

Dec 21, 2018 elizabeth s Calistoga, California

The food is very good when you get around to eating it as the view will captivate first. Take it slow and enjoy good food and California beach, sky and sun.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Well prepared food.

Nov 24, 2018 60795HappyCamper16 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I experienced both breakfast and dinner at the Aquarius during my 3 day stay at the Dream Inn. The crab Benedict with potatoes was heavenly. For dinner I split the evening special steak for 2 with a relative. The steak was superb as was the risotto side. It's a high end menu and a bit pricey but I was there to have a good time with family and… Read more
I experienced both breakfast and dinner at the Aquarius during my 3 day stay at the Dream Inn. The crab Benedict with potatoes was heavenly. For dinner I split the evening special steak for 2 with a relative. The steak was superb as was the risotto side. It's a high end menu and a bit pricey but I was there to have a good time with family and friends while in Santa Cruz for a wedding so I didn't mind springing a bit for those meals. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A big loss

Nov 4, 2018 Trek57351932020

The main attraction in the lounge was the quality live music. I am afraid that I no longer have a real reason to go there. I hope the management will re-consider.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our favorite gathering place for family and friends

Oct 16, 2018 Susan O

Although we live on the other coast, we are in CA – especially the Santa Cruz area – several times a year to visit family and friends. And whenever we are there, we take my 101-year-old mother-in-law and gather friends and relatives who are around for brunch or dinner at Aquarius. The food is excellent, the views are spectacular, and it is quiet… Read more
Although we live on the other coast, we are in CA – especially the Santa Cruz area – several times a year to visit family and friends. And whenever we are there, we take my 101-year-old mother-in-law and gather friends and relatives who are around for brunch or dinner at Aquarius. The food is excellent, the views are spectacular, and it is quiet enough for us older folks to hear each other (this is a big deal!). The restaurant staff is wonderful – so accommodating, cheerful, and helpful - as is the parking staff. And it is easy to manage wheel chairs and walkers. On our most recent visit, Kamelia and Tracey looked after us and we had another great experience. We all look forward to seeing you again in December! Read less