Sea & Sand Inn

Room was cozy with a great view of the ocean. You could hear the seals barking and the waves crashing. Nice seating areas overlooking the ocean.

The room didnt have a way to control the temperature. We like to sleep in a cooler room while opening the window helped you couldnt have privacy . When the shade was pulled it blocked the breeze.

The location and relaxing grounds and kind staff have led us to stay for several days each December for many years.

This trip was marred by a large renovation project that created noise (one day starting at 6:45 am!), dust and not being able to sit outside for our entire stay. Lack of communication exacerbated the inconvenience and frustration. They could have given us a room further away which would have allowed naps and resolved the dust issues. But no. They could have given advance warning of certain noisy tasks so we could plan to be elsewhere. But no. One day they requested access for a dog to sniff for bugs. Only one towel per person. Tiny room. Poor quality food. Management has changed. Guests are just there to pay money - our comfort was irrelevant. The final insult? We went to check out at 9:00 am and were told that the only person who could check us out was on mandatory break and we would have to stand around and wait 15 minutes until her break was over. Mind you, she was there, but wouldn’t check anyone out or communicate. No checkouts between 9 and 9:15 am on a Saturday! Luckily, we didn’t have a plane to catch. For $300/night? Never again.

The location, view, and patios really make this a fantastic stay. It was close enough to downtown to walk in 20-30 minutes. We used this as a spot to stay for family weekend at UCSC. The evening wine by the fire pit was nice.

The only thing that is maybe slightly less desirable is the parking or size of the room but it really didn't matter

We enjoyed are time here and will definitely come back.

We loved the location, and the complementary breakfast and cookies.

Can't think of anything.

Location, view, outdoor seating, breakfasts, proximity to beach

Would have liked soap next to sink, and drinking glasses (even paper cups) in room.

It was less like a hotel and more like a bed and breakfast. Front desk staff knew me by name. Small enough to have a very personalized experience. Beautiful weather, exceptional views and fell asleep to ocean crashing waves and local seals barking in distance. Very pleased.

The parking was challenging at first. When I arrived to check in, didn’t know I should just park in any vacant spot.

The view was beautiful, and the breakfast offered was nice.

Noise from guests at the fire pit continued until 1:30 a.m. (staff could see them from the front office, so it’s unclear why it wasn’t handled). Loud stomping in the room above lasted until almost 3 a.m., making it impossible to sleep and ruining our next day. Rooms are quite small, and the service at the front desk (especially from “Gabby”) felt performative rather than genuine. We visit Santa Cruz multiple times a year, and unfortunately, we recommend choosing a different hotel.