BAY FRONT INN | Cheap Hotel in Santa Cruz | Book & Save

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Key details

About the Hotel

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Near the beach

Very good

7.2

7.0

/10

2.3

2.7

Loved by Bay Front Inn guests

Comfy beds
Spacious rooms
Hot shower
Good location

"The pool was open even with the cold weather."

Brennan from United States

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"Very clean. Quite spacious for one room ."

Judy from United States

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"Walking distance to the Boardwalk, pier, and many places to eat."

Tlizt from United States

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Location

Bay Front Inn is located steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the iconic Santa Cruz Wharf. The hotel provides convenient access to nearby natural attractions such as Natural Bridges State Beach, renowned for its coastal beauty. Visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area, featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all within walking distance.

Rooms

The hotel offers 50 well-appointed guest rooms, each equipped with a refrigerator and microwave for added convenience. Some rooms feature private balconies with views of the Monterey Bay, enhancing the coastal experience. Spacious accommodations allow families and groups to enjoy their stay comfortably.

Dining

Bay Front Inn does not have an on-site restaurant; however, guests can benefit from the close proximity to numerous dining options in the area. Just a short walk away, guests can find a variety of local eateries, seafood markets, and cafes. The hotel also offers complimentary coffee in the lobby for a quick refreshment.

Wellness

The hotel features an outdoor pool, providing a refreshing escape for guests looking to relax and unwind. Sun loungers are available around the pool area for those who wish to soak up the sun. A seasonal hot tub complements the pool, creating a space for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Parking

Bay Front Inn provides free parking for guests, allowing easy access to their vehicles for exploring Santa Cruz. The hotel has limited on-site parking but offers additional options nearby for larger vehicles. This convenience alleviates the stress of parking in a busy beach area.

Highlights

Location: Steps from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Rooms: 50 well-appointed guest rooms

Dining: Committed to local eateries

Wellness: Outdoor pool & seasonal hot tub

“For travelers seeking affordability without sacrificing location, this could be a smart pick, situated within walking distance of the wharf and boardwalk. The rooms impress with their cleanliness and comfortable beds, though some may find the parking limited. I noted a recurring concern about responsiveness, potentially due to staffing constraints.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Great

8.6/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningPesto Bagel!

The open-air coffee shop is steps away. Their pesto bagel and the bacon avocado sandwich are delicious.

Karalyn H. from Canada

Review on

Sports & FitnessClean Pool

The swimming pool was very clean and refreshing after a long day at the Boardwalk.

Melissa L. from United States

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Room FeaturesHuge tub!

It has a big TV, a microwave, a small refrigerator and a king-size bed. The bathroom has a huge tub.

Abbie G. from United Kingdom

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Parking was easy. I parked right in front of my room. Pet friendly with a small fee.

Jessica M. from Australia

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

King Room

2 persons

295 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Queen Room Two Queen Beds

2 persons

295 sq. feet

2 King Size Beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard Family Room

2 persons

575 sq. feet

3 Double beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior Studio

2 persons

605 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Very good

7.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Dining

Picnic area/ Tables

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Seasonal outdoor pool
Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Room decor

Parquet floor

Bay Front Inn Location

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

Map view

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States, 95060

City landmarks

Mall

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2900 ft

Harbour

Santa Cruz Wharf

2900 ft

Museum

Museum of Art and History

2800 ft

Landmark

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

2900 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

1.2 mi

Landmark

Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse

3600 ft

Park

Neary Lagoon Park

3600 ft

Museum

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

1.3 mi

Shopping Area

Pacific Garden Mall

2800 ft

Landmark

Pacific Avenue

2800 ft

Beach

Natural Bridges State Beach

2.0 mi

Landmark

Nickelodeon Theatre

2800 ft

Landmark

Sky Glider

2900 ft

Amusement Park

Laurel Park

2800 ft

Landmark

San Lorenzo Park Plaza Shopping Center

3100 ft

Landmark

Lighthouse Field State Beach

1.3 mi

Spa Centre

Tea House Spa

2000 ft

Store

Cowell Beach

2900 ft

Landmark

Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conf

2500 ft

Spa Centre

Well Within Spa

2800 ft

Landmark

Giant Dipper

2900 ft

Beach

Seabright State Beach

1.2 mi

Landmark

To Honor Surfing Monument

1.3 mi

Landmark

Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

1.2 mi

Landmark

L H Selman Ltd Glass Gallery

1.2 mi

Nearby

Store

Cowell's Beach Surf Shop

900 ft

Depot Park Freight Building

600 ft

Carmelita Cottages

700 ft

Before Now sculpture

700 ft

Kol Tefillah

700 ft

Restaurants

Las Palmas Taco Bar

900 ft

55 Front St

Yan Flower

1200 ft

617 Pacific Ave

Firefly Coffee House

1100 ft

131 Front St # A # A

Fosters Freeze

1800 ft

229 Laurel St

Fire Fly Cafe

1600 ft

131 Front St # A # A

De La Hacienda Taqueria

2000 ft

354 Washington St

Falafel Hut

2300 ft

309 Beach St

Snap Taco

1700 ft

1108 Pacific Ave

Coaster's Bar and Grill

2400 ft

115 Cliff St

El Hermoso Mar

2500 ft

313 Beach St

Loard's Ice Cream

2300 ft

307 Beach St

Bagelry

1400 ft

320 Cedar St Ste A

Explore Santa Cruz

Local Highlights

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

11 minutes' walk

Famed amusement park with rides, arcade games, and beachfront vibes ideal for families and thrill-seekers.

Santa Cruz Wharf

11 minutes' walk

Iconic wharf featuring shops, restaurants, and stunning views of marine life and coastal scenery.

Museum of Art and History

11 minutes' walk

Cultural hub displaying local art and history, with rotating exhibits and engaging collections.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

11 minutes' walk

Educational center focused on marine conservation, offering interactive exhibits and breathtaking ocean views.

Surfing at Cowell's Beach

5 minutes' walk

Thrilling surfing opportunities for all levels; rentals and lessons available nearby for a perfect day on the waves.

Walking the San Lorenzo River Parkway Trestle Trail

7 minutes' walk

Scenic trail ideal for a leisurely stroll or cycle along the river, providing a relaxing escape amidst nature.

Las Palmas Taco Bar

4 minutes' walk

Casual eatery famed for its authentic tacos and vibrant atmosphere; perfect for quick bites or family meals.

Firefly Coffee House

4 minutes' walk

Charming café offering organic coffee, fresh pastries, and a cozy spot for breakfast or brunch in Santa Cruz.

Nickelodeon Theatre

11 minutes' walk

Historic venue showcasing indie films and classic movies; a great spot for film enthusiasts wanting unique cinematic experiences.

Pacific Garden Mall

11 minutes' walk

Lively outdoor shopping district filled with boutiques, eateries, and seasonal events; suitable for all ages.

Getting around town

City Centre

Santa Cruz10 min · 2700 ft

Airports

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)81 min · 33.6 mi

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)102 min · 42.2 mi

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Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2010

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 750 verified reviews

6.7/10

Nice

56%

Recommend

Breakfast

2.5/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Comfort

7.6/10

Facilities

7.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.9/10

Location

8.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.6/10

Staff

7.8/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Pros

Clean room

Comfortable bed

Close to beach

Easy walk

Cons

Closed office

Limited parking

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FAQs

About Bay Front Inn

What are the check-in and check-out times at Bay Front Inn?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

How far is Bay Front Inn from the nearest airport?

The hotel is located 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.

How close is Bay Front Inn to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

The hotel is just a 2-minute drive from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

What dining options are nearby Bay Front Inn?

Nearby restaurants include Ideal Bar & Grill, Asti Cafe, The Picnic Basket, Casablanca Bistro, Saturn Cafe, Surf Dog Santa Cruz, and Fosters Freeze, all within 0.5 km.

What room amenities are available at Bay Front Inn?

Rooms include air conditioning, a coffee machine, refrigerator, TV with satellite channels, and complimentary toiletries.

Is there a pool at Bay Front Inn?

Yes, the hotel features a seasonal outdoor pool for guests to enjoy.

What recreational activities can be enjoyed at Bay Front Inn?

Guests can hire bikes to explore the surrounding area and take advantage of the outdoor pool.