Harbor Inn
Location: 645 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, us
Star Rating: 2 Stars
Property Type: Inns
About this Property
Charming Accommodations with Free WiFi
Located just minutes away from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Pleasure Point, Harbor Inn offers charming accommodations with free WiFi. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and features antique furnishings, creating a quaint and cozy atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Backyard Garden and Sun Terrace
Guests can relax and unwind in the backyard garden surrounded by trees or soak up the sun on the sun terrace at Inn Harbor. These outdoor spaces provide a peaceful retreat for guests to enjoy during their stay.
Convenient Location
With kayaking, boating, fishing opportunities nearby and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History just a short drive away, Harbor Inn offers a convenient location for guests to explore the attractions of Santa Cruz. Book your stay now and experience the charm of Harbor Inn firsthand.
Important Information
This property does not accept American Express cards.
Check in on Sundays is from 14:00 until 17:00.
The Basic Single Room with Shared Bathroom can accommodate 2 guests maximum.
One parking space is included per room booked.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Policies
Check-in: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Express check-in/check-out
- Outdoor furniture
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Smoke alarms
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Japanese garden
- Secured parking
Rooms Available
-
One-Bedroom Suite
The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
-
Standard Queen Room
The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (1 Adults)
-
Standard King Room
The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
-
Single Room with Shared Bathroom
The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (1 Adults)
-
Deluxe Queen Room
The unit offers 2 beds.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
-
Deluxe King Room
The unit offers 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
-
Queen Room with Private Bath
Offering free WiFi, this room includes a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine and a cable TV.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Seating Area
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Tile/marble floor
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
-
Basic Room, One Bed, No Bathroom
The shared bath rooms do not have a bathroom attached to the room. The stand alone bathrooms are located outside the rooms. One bathroom is downstairs and 1 is upstairs. The bathrooms do not adjoin any rooms. Amenities such as a fridge, a microwave, a coffee machine, a cable TV and free WiFi are featured.
Please note: There is 1 bed per room. These rooms are cannot sleep more than 2 people.
Please note: Guests bringing extra people will be upgraded to an appropriate room or referred to another motel
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Fan
- Microwave
- Heating
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
-
One-Bedroom Suite with Private Bath
Offering free WiFi, this room has a 2-story open floor plan room with 2 queen beds upstairs and a futon that pulls our to a queen size bed downstairs. The downstairs consists of a small living area, a cable TV, a fridge, a microwave and coffee machine.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
-
Deluxe King Room with Private Bath
Offering free WiFi, this room has a comfortable king size bed, a cable TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee machine and a private bath.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Radio
- Refrigerator
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Alarm clock
- Wardrobe or closet
- Coffee machine
- Linen
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Body soap
Guest Reviews
- brandi (1/5): I would not recommend to anyone or come back myself as the mold smell was absolutely horrendous and unsafe. - It was in a decent location, safe and guests were quiet. Mold! The entire place reeked of mold and I was told the owners were aware given how old the property was. This is unacceptable given how toxic mold is, and nobody should be presented with that as their option of stay. I had to keep windows open all weekend and was brought a room heater (also stated the place had heating and it was not accurate, I had to call and ask for directions on heating and was brought a tiny space heater) but given that combo, I was met with constant headaches the entire trip. I would genuinely not recommend this stay to anyone as it poses some health concerns
- Pamela (10/5): - It was clean super amazing bed set up was wonderful. Walking distance to harbors
- Sally (10/5): - Nice space and very helpful staff. Everything is close by and easy to get to. The space is comfortable and clean and secure.
- Eve (10/5): - Nice, big room.
- Dale (8/5): Pleasant experience - Our stay at the Harbor Inn was a pleasant experience. Our original room was very comfortable, king bed, great size room and on the first floor. Unfortunately, we had a toilet malfunction which caused us to move to another room. The room we were provided was much smaller, no A/C and queen size bed. Since the owner couldn't fix the toilet, he credited my card one night, for the inconvenience. We made the best of it, the room was good enough and they provided a large fan to cool off at night. The location of the inn was perfect for beach access, close to the boardwalk and wharf. We love coming to Santa Cruz. We enjoyed our stay at the Harbor Inn, friendly and helpful staff. The place is older style villa which we loved, all amenities was available by request. We would come back as long as we can stay in the king size bed room per our original request.
- Kathy (10/5): Would stay here again, very charming! - We spent 4 nights here! We chose this hotel for its charm and location. The hotel is older, that’s part of the charm. Our rooms were clean. We had a two story and although no air conditioner on the upper floor, the provided fan worked great! We felt safe and the location to the beach, restaurants and shopping made this an ideal stay.
The front desk manager was so kind.We were there for the Ironman. We needed our room early so we could store my grand daughter’s bike. He had the room ready and we were allowed to check in early. He was very accommodating. He wrote down suggestions for us to eat out. We went to all of his suggestions and all the food was great!
This hotel is charming. Low key. Peaceful. Comfortable beds. All that we wanted and we would stay here again!
- LESLEY (6/5): - It was very warm in our upstairs room even with the windows open for the night so it was uncomfortable to sleep. The place is reasonably priced but the carpets need to be cleaned and it's very dated in a funky thrift sort of way. The check in person was very nice and friendly. The bed was comfortable.
- Susanne (8/5): - Great for the price.
- Mollie (7/5): It was a nice eccentric little place that could be improved if we had a private bathroom and a larger bed (granted we ha - Small and the location by the harbor was fantastic, not the typical touristy area Having to share a bathroom.
- Sara (8/5): -
- ivelisse (10/5): - My first time ever going and stay in Santa Cruz and this location was perfect, staff was friendly and so helpful with accommodating my check in time. the share bathroom/ shower was not bad at all everyone was respectful sharing rooms in the house, will for sure being going back soon during winter :)
- Sean Erroll MacDonald (9/5): - Great little spot! Comfortable bed and quiet neighborhood. A short jaunt to the harbor cafe! Got a free upgrade too! We'd definitely come back. Small bathroom and lack of hooks to hang things like towels.
- Karen (8/5): - Definitely a 2-star property, but clean & comfortable. We were missing a cup for morning coffee, but they replenished for the next morning when we mentioned it. And even showed us where the supplies were...
- Michael (2/5): Overpriced Motel - very overpriced for what you get
- Cheryl (6/5): - Old but did the job for this trip.
- Elizabeth (10/5): Exceptional -
- Anne (9/5): Superb -
- Nicolaus (8/5): - Quiet and not crowded
- Jed (8/5): - This is a "no frills" place, but its perfect for a weekend in SC. We stayed in the two story loft room and it was perfect for multiple kids upstairs and two adults downstairs. For the price and not spending a lot of time in the room, its exactly what we needed. We would definitely stay here again and had a great time. Why spend $500+ per night for a luxury room you're not going to spend much time in anyway? It was clean, quiet, close to Twin Lakes State Beach and close enough to plenty of coffee shops and restaurants. We highly recommend it!
- Larry (9/5): We appreciated the Inn for the quiet and the quaint! - The furnishings are beautiful antiques. Decor was very charming. Locations was fantastic. The bed was not real comfortable.
- Andrew (10/5): Comfortable and convenient. - Close to the marina and beach.
- Juan (10/5): - Clean and convenient acess to beach.
- Doug (10/5): - Nice place.
- Shelby (6/5): Pleasant -
- Devonna (10/5): Clean, comfortable, quiet and quaint! - The property was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Such a nice hidden gem!! The only thing I didn’t like about the property was that I couldn’t stay longer!
- Alex (10/5): - The Harbor Inn definitely captures Santa Cruz in decor. It is bare bones. You get a clean bedroom and towels and that's it. It is excellent for a stay of a day or two and the Santa Cruz beach front is easily walkable from the Inn and eating options are nearby, including grocery stores.
- Green (8/5): Pleasant place to stay - Convince of location and parking It was all good . No problems
- Xiaolan (8/5): Very good -
- Joscelyn (8/5): - Location is excellent. Unfortunately the TV didn’t work, but internet was fine
- Verified traveler (10/5): - My only compliant is that the mattress is sooo hign that it is difficult to get into bed. But once in bed it was wonderful.
- Larry (10/5): Exceptional -
- Peter (10/5): - Loved the Harbor Inn, comfy bed, definitely better experience than a Main Stream Hotel…!
- Veronica (8/5): Very good -
- Javier (10/5): - Nice and quiet!
- Natalie (10/5): - The check in process was easy, the bed was pretty comfortable and soft, and the room was a nice size. Would recommend staying here, it was very nice!
- Tammy (2/5): - The staff was friendly and accommodating. The two story room was extremely small abd cramped. The beds were hard and uncomfortable and we kept hitting our head on the wall trying to get in and out of bed !!! For the price it was horrible !!!!
- Rachel (8/5): - This place is simple, clean, and reasonably priced for the location. Good bed, firm but not hard. I like the old-fashioned aesthetic. We checked in and out without face-to-face contact with staff, which was fine. We had all we needed. Downsides, minor: The shower dial was missing so it was a bit hard to adjust the temp (cold, very hot, small area of happy medium, no place to run in tiny shower stall!) Lights just outside windows are very bright. Blinds on both windows, curtain on one took care of most of that. Brought earplugs, didn't need them thanks to conscientious other guests (thanks folks!). We had a pleasant stay and will likely be back.
- Suzanne (6/5): - The room was cold and the small space heater didn’t work. The room smelled musty. The bed was very comfortable. It was well located near my daughter and the harbor.
- Steven (8/5): - Odors of mildew and mold outside going in and even seeping into our sleeping quarters.
Great for location. Very clean but needs freshening up- carpet, paint, shower stall needs help before more serious repairs needed... panels coming undone from the walls.
- Bette (10/5): - As always, it was wonderful. The only drawbacks Are that there is only a portable heater in the room and if you don’t know, it’s there it can get a bit chilly. Also, there is no Housekeeping service, but that’s not really a problem. Extra towels, etc. are available if you need them. Overall, it’s a wonderful place to say, and quite cozy and comfy.
- Alicia (8/5): - A little dated, but definitely clean, roomy, and comfortable. Accommodating staff as well. I would stay again.
- Chris (10/5): This is our favorite place to stay - We have stayed here 3 times and it was excellent every time, we won’t stay anywhere else, we come to spend time with the grandkids, my son has lived in Santa Cruz for many years he has is own business Santa Cruz custom silk screening, thank you for a great place to stay, the Johnsons Clean quiet and close to everything, not your typical hotel, very quaint!
- Lorin (8/5): - A very charming and quaint propeetyasort of a classic New England Inn.
Clean and well-maintained, but old—which was part of the charm.
- DOWL (10/5): - perfect
- Elizabeth (5/5): Good value for the price - Loved having a tub to soak in Refrigerator malfunctioned and the heating system was loud.
- Sophia (7/5): Basic stay. Not terrible, Not great. - The location and outside area Smelled Old. Not updated, especially for the price.
- Keli (9/5): Superb - Wonderful, safe location. Nice and clean. Nostalgic. Flowers in December.
- Sanford (8/5): Convenient and great value - Clean, comfortable
- Francesca (10/5): Will be coming back again! - This inn is so charming! Exactly as pictured. You can’t adjust the A/C. But there is a heater. If you get hot flashes, sleeping with the windows open this time of year suffices. Not sure if they have fans. Walking distance to the beach. Pillows and bed were surprisingly comfortable. I have back and neck issues and slept like a baby. Most other motels I’ve stayed at you have to let the water run for forever to heat. But not here! Also, amazing water pressure. Mini fridge with freezer. Microwave and mini coffee maker. Extra towels in the hallway armoire- super convenient. Close to the mall (and target/cvs/Walgreens).
- Natalie (10/5): Perfect Central Santa Cruz Motel. - This is a very well kept motel. It is apparent that the owners and staff take great care in thinking of their guests. My room was comfortable and very clean. The entire motel was clean and well cared for as were the small grounds. I will stay there again and recommend to friends. Very affordable.
- Jamie (6/5): Pleasant -
- Kevin (8/5): - Cozy and within 15-20 min walking distance to beaches and harbor.
- Kristina (10/5): - comfortable stay. Limited amenities.
- Natalia (8/5): Nice - It’s a nice place, well located, super clean and perfect for our surf trip.
- Julie (10/5): Don’t pass this place up - Great stay very clean cute and neat
Will book again soon
Loved self check in
- Hogben (7/5): The location was great and in a nice area. It was conveniently located near the beach. - The size of the room was great and the place is really clean. The bed wasn’t very comfortable.
- Andrew (8/5): - I liked that the furniture and room contents were rustic and gently worn like the city of Santa Cruz.
- sebastian (10/5): - I liked everything.
- Steven (10/5): - Great little hotel. Great location.
- Amy (4/5): - The bed was incredibly uncomfortable. The service was non existent
- Rezianne (10/5): - I definitely would stay here again and recommend this quiet little place to my family and friends. It’s near everything! I will just comment on the lack of lighting on the “Harbour Inn” sign. I wish it was brighter so it’s easier to find. Other than that, I really liked the accommodations
- Rachel (8/5): - This was a comfortable place to stay and was close to many attractions. It was a bit dated and could use a good deep clean. Overall it was a good value, and I would stay here again.
- Stephanie (3/5): Poor - Lication Building is tired and run-down. Decor leaves alot to be desired. Room was dark as not all lights had working fittings. Furniture is dated, does not match and un-kempt. Room smelt of damp and the bed was very uncomfortable.
- Simona (8/5): - It was quiet, 10 min walk from the harbor and the beach.
Sheets and towels smelled like fresh clean laundry.
Responded promptly to my call.
Easy check in and check out.
Good value
- Elaine (6/5): - This is not your traditional motel room. It was clean and adequate, with interesting old bits of furniture. but amenities were sparse. The dispenser for shampoo and shower gel barely delivered a drop. Internet connection rarely worked. A noisy business next door was not very pleasant. I would look further next time in town.
- Christina (10/5): Definitely would stay here again - Room was a cute little beachy type place with an old school feel. Clean and comfortable. Parking was convenient - right out front. Would definitely stay here again!
- Verified traveler (8/5): Good location with free parking - Very good location, free parking, comfy beds, good coffee for the coffee maker. Noise from the next unit and the road were a bit louder than expected. The blinds were missing slots and the lights from the outside were bright. If you are used to sleeping with lights on and can sleep through noises, this is a good place for you.
- Sheldon (10/5): - People that work there particularly check in person
Nice grounds
Room was good with view of roses
Classy place very reasonable on weekdays
I like the area
- Katherine (10/5): - It was very cozy & loved that it was walking distance to the beach
- Sally (8/5): - It was a nice room and clean. The staff were friendly and helpful. It was a little noisy from the traffic outside but that seemed to ease up as the hour got later. I would definitely stay here again.
- mike (8/5): - Convenient location walking distance to the Harbor Cafe (great breakfast!) and close to Boardwalk and Capitola Village. Motel itself is older but clean and comfortable, with plenty of parking.
- Erika (10/5): Hidden gem! - This place is a hidden gem. Off the beaten path and in a quieter residential neighborhood but close enough to walk to breakfast at the Harbor Cafe ( 1 block away) and to the harbor and beach (about 4 blocks away). The room was so quaint it was like being in a cottage and it had everything we needed including a fridge, coffee maker, and microwave. Bed was very comfortable. I appreciated that we didnt need to check in or out with anyone, all the details about where to pick up keys were provided via email before we got there. No "frills" here as there is no pool, jacuzzi, continental breakfast, etc. but I would 100% recommend staying here over a noisy chain hotel.
- A. Ray (10/5): - Attentive staff, quiet and convenient
- Verified traveler (10/5): - This was the second time I stayed at Harbor Inn. Again I found it very convenient and comfortable and quiet. Although there are covid restrictions, they have found a way that is very workable for no contact check in. I will plan to stay there again.
- Jessica (10/5): Comfortable Stay at Harbor Inn - Had a very relaxing and comfortable stay at Harbor Inn! My room was cozy but had enough room for me to work (thank you for the desk corner), the bed was comfortable, contact-less check in was very easy and convenient.
- Jennifer (8/5): - Would have preferred a room away from the lobby and street.
- Luisa (8/5): - everything was pretty much as we expected, and that was fine. I have only 2 issues, one very slight, the other not so slight. The noise of the other occupants was a small distraction trying to sleep and one which the hotel can do little about. That said, the bed matress was EXTREMELY soft. This may not be a problem for most guests that sleep on their backs, but I sleep on my stomach and a soft means a fairly sleepless night.
- Jeffrey (4/5): - The place had a musty smell. Water from heavy rain leaked in thru closed window in the bathroom.
- Leigh (10/5): - It was a beautiful, clean, conveniently located property. We would definitely stay there agian.
- Oxana (6/5): - Small hotel with clean rooms and very nice staff. However, the hotel faces a very noisy street with lots of traffic on one side and a noisy PG&E station on the other side. Close to the beach and downtown. Earplugs and a cover mask to block street light are essential for a good night sleep.
- L0ve2travle (6/5): Small hotel facing a noisy street - This is a quaint boutique hotel, with small rooms and a feel of a farm house with apple trees in the back yard. I don’t like chain establishments and usually stay in smaller hotels. Eric (staff/owner) let me check in after 2pm, which was nice, and offered an available room when I mentioned that my room faced a noisy street. And this is the reason for 3 stars. When booking a hotel, one relies on other reviews and pure luck. Unfortunately, the hotel location was not great, facing 7th Ave on one side and a PG&E station with lots of traffic on the other side. If you’re a light sleeper like me, bring ear plugs and eye mask because the window blinds don’t block street lights.
On the positive, the room was small but clean, with own bathroom and small kitchen. Harbor cafe was closed for a staff appreciation week, so I brought my food. Only a 10 min walk to the beach and a 10 min drive to downtown.
Suggestion to management for better customer experience:
* install noise/light blocking curtains
*provide plastic plates/utensils
* replace a heavy frame picture above the bad with a light one, to avoid injuries during an earthquake
- Chad (10/5): - It was nice
- Rebecca (8/5): Vintage, cute, clean, a little quirky - We liked our room, but it wouldn’t be for everyone. It was charming, in a quirky, vintage sort of way. But the mattress was comfortable, and bedding was cute, towels were nice (the bathroom was tiny). Make sure you read your room details, no AC, space heater ( we didn’t need either), etc. The rooms are inexpensive, so set your expectations accordingly. There’s a great cafe for breakfast Just a block away, and the beach and harbor are just under a mile away. We would stay again.
- Graham (10/5): - Confortable bed
- Kari (10/5): - I loved the quaint, quirkiness of the Inn!
- Albert (2/5): - Carpet was filthy
- Angela (10/5): - My favorite part was the price for the location! Quiet neighborhood near the harbor, Twin Lakes Beach, Crow's Nest! Mini fridge that got super cold and a microwave that worked well. Strong wifi. While I knew the location had not been renovated, I do suggest that in the family unit/loft the futon be replaced with a couch. Overall, good function, great price, and centrally located. Good spot for people who just plan to sleep at their rooms!
- Autumn (10/5): - Such a cute little place!
- Takeshi (8/5): Little cozy place to stay in Santa Cruz - Overall it was very pleasant stay. If I can mention about very small couple of minus points, 1) shampoo and soap was almost empty, 2) only one hunger was offered. The room was very clean and comfortable, but I wish the shower room has little more space. But it’s not a complaint because hot water was hot enough and strong enough.
The hotel is located very convenient area for harbor, beach, and many trails to walk and run. And quiet and feel safe. There is a unique small glass work shop in front of the hotel. A very popular breakfast cafe is located less than a minute walk distance.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Property was clean but aged.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Great location
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Central location and relatively quiet
- Verified traveler (10/5): - A few leisurely blocks from Twin Lakes Beach
- Verified traveler (6/5): - Clean, inviting and in an amazing area. However, WIFI is only available on paper, since signal is too weak to connect to rooms. Also, rooms don't have heater, so they provide you with a 30 dollar heater device that doesn't do much.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Perfect room for anyone who likes everything in one room. Compact but not cramped.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Nice cozy little area.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location since I wanted to be close to friends renting a house by twin lakes beach. Perfect for what we needed, very clean, easy to communicate with staff on phone about check in process.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Very quaint and cozy. The shower was a little small but still overall very nice place. Prices seemed high to me, but it was a holiday weekend and post pandemic, lots of hotels are filled. Would recommend to anyone. Also a great breakfast place within walking distance.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Tucked away in the quiet area of the north Harbor.
Room is clean, fridge and microwave work great, perfectly comfortable bed, short walk to Harbor Cafe, hottest breakfast spot in SCruz. All in all 10 out of 10.
- Verified traveler (6/5): - To be honest, I chose this because it was much cheaper than area hotels, and for the price it was so-so. TV didn't work and no air-conditioning. Sorta dumpy! But walk to the beach! And close to restaurants and all the fun things to do in santa Cruz.
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