National 9 Santa Cruz

Don't judge a book by its cover (exterior/location). Room was spacious, clean, well-appointed and desk clerk (owner?) cordial and accommodating. We actually relocated here from a nearby property - saving $110. Only thing that might have been better was the bed- adequate but not great support. We stayed here during pricey Memorial Day weekend. Excellent value. The hotel is a bit away from downtown/beach area - walkable to the former (20-30 minutes) via Ocean St. is fine (can also easily drive). (Alternatively, I would not recommend using the more scenic riverwalk due to large homeless population. Motel is quite a ways from beach/boardwalk - parking there is $25 except for certain holiday weekend, in which you can leave your car at Government Center and take a free shuttle. You won't go wrong with the National.

I always call hotel/motel a week before coming. I called and instead of identifying as the motel, the man answered with a hello. Asked if this was National 9 Motel he said yeah. Not professional. Asked about my reservation confirmation, he said yes, it was confirmed. I said I didn't give you my name so how can you confirm? He asked who did I booked through. I told him Priceline. He said I had to confirm with them. Obviously, if I booked through Priceline, it is confirmed with them. I was confirming with the motel. Hotels/Motel always have this information. Fast forward to the night I was checking in. Surprise!!! No reservation under my name. He told me it was OK because they had rooms available. Took the room ($10 less then Priceline). Very basic room. There was a microwave and refrigerator (didn't use). Bring your own soap. Soap had no lather. Hot water was good. Asked for 2 face towels and received 2 hand towels. There was a pool that we did not use. The pool was small (One end 3ft, other end 8ft). So be careful! Parking free. Don't have high expectations. Good for a night or two.

Management SUCKS !!!

I showed up with confirmation in hand through Booking.com, they refused to honor it because they only had a couple rooms left and I was paying 1/2 of the rack rate. I am a 58 year local, property owner who only needed to stay while my house was being fumigated a mile away. What if I had been traveling and arrived to find out they would not honor my reservation and the town was sold out, like it was yesterday and the day before? These people are crooks, liars and thieves!

Room was clean but the room next door had the tv on and it was blasting all night like it was in my room. I couldn’t even watch my tv.

Based choice to book here on stellar reviews. Found to be average. Very clean and nice person at window. Dated outside in a not so good neighborhood.

It was amazing

I cannot really speak for the main rooms. When I arrived, I was given a room in a cottage at the back of the property. It was fantastic! It was away from the main drag, so it was very quiet. Lots of room. Grabbed a snack from the "continental breakfast" during checkout... Compared to the reviews I've read of similar Santa Cruz motels, I am VERY happy with my choice.

Let’s face it, finding a decent hotel room in a tourist town for under $150 is hard to find. I paid $130 and felt that since the hotel was clean and the man at reception was friendly it was money well spent for the night. Parking was free but a little tight. I had two beds in my room and a bath/shower. Sheets were clean, air conditioner worked, microwave and fridge worked, bed was a little hard but it’s a Motel 9....I would definitely come here again when I’m trying to save money. Should this place be under $100? For sure, but everything is getting more expensive...

Stayed in Santa Cruz for one night, chose this place because of the price. The room was outdated but besides that it was clean and comfortable. The location is great, right by the highway and close to the ocean. They offer light pastries and coffee in the morning but if you're looking for more, there is a Denny's right across the street. The hotel manager was a darling, Kim, I think her name was. We only stayed one night and it was just right for that. If you're looking for the extras for more money, there other hotels near by. If you're looking for a quick comfy stay without the frills, then this is perfect.