Hotels near Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz County

We stayed at the Seacliff Inn when it was a Best Western. I made my reservations last spring before it was a Hilton but was curious to see what changes were made as a result. As I did not make my reservations through Hilton and it was made quite clear to me my Hilton Honors standing had no meaning here, not even the usual welcome bottle of water and it took several tries for my no-cost internet connection; it kept prompting me to pay for internet or join Hilton Honors. Had I made reservations through the Hilton Honors website, things may have been different. The exterior is being painted from a deep brown with blue trim to a grayish color with blue trim. The restaurant has changed its name and the interior decor is now very sp**** and severe. The outdoor dining is still very nice. The gardens are well kept and the outdoor dining area is next to a lovely pond and waterfall. I ate at the restaurant once for dinner and once for lunch, service and food were very good. I honestly do not remember the front desk area before but it is very nicely appointed with some seating, the desk staff have all been helpful and pleasant during my stay. They removed the laundry facilities but do not offer clothes cleaning services. The amenities are mixed, no shower cap or body wash and only one bar of soap for both the tub and sink, but good Starbucks coffee for the in-room coffee maker, a little refrigerator, and a large TV. Internet has gone out several times during my stay, which unfortunately wipes out the Television as well. It may just be my provider, but cell coverage is little to none so when the internet goes out I cannot even use my phone as a hotspot. There were no elevators when it was a Best Western and there still are no elevators to the second floor rooms, not sure if that is in the plans for updating the property but there are 6 separate buildings so that may not be in the immediate plans. The corridors and doors can be loud, on a busy weekend night that can be disruptive as people are more likely to boisterously wander the halls at all hours. Again, not sure if some mitigation for noise is in the works for future plans. As if making a war on comfort, they removed the comfortable chairs from the rooms and put in a stool and an extremely uncomfortable chair at the desk. The furnishings were replaced and look very utilitarian but are quite functional. I don’t think they replaced the beds, there are two in the room and both very firm. The bedding is nice and up to the usual Hilton standards. I was surprised to find out that they are charging for parking, although it is completely unsecured. I was told I could get cleaning every 4 days, but only if I called to schedule it. I have been catching cleaners in the hallway to exchange towels and refill supplies and the front desk has been helpful too. The heating/cooling system is still the old motel style wall unit. It had signage that the unit was controlled by the wall thermostat. It wasn’t, I needed

First, I want to say I have stayed here at least 10 times in the last 4 years. The new manager is much more polite than the previous one. A light bulb was burnt out when I arrived. The manager was very polite about it, the next business day it was replaced. When you read the other reviews, remember your paying close to half the price of the famous named hotels. Yes, the breakfast is basic but honestly do you think you would get a full meal for this price plus a room? Take your family out for a nice meal then look at the price for just food? Chances are your paying more for that meal than a stay here. Also you get a microwave and refrigerator. Around this area you are not promised a refrigerator and microwave or even internet access for free. The area has its pros and cons. The pros is that it is so far from stores and other hotels that your less likely to get drifters looking at your car etc. The con is you do need to drive to places to shop or eat dinner. I would suggest to try it and say hi or good morning to the staff. They are human too.

Standard American breakfast, free parking, gas station next to it, convenient for eating and shopping. It was nice to stop with the kids.

We found this hotel last minute and could not have enjoyed it more! The facility was extremely ‘cool’ and service was outstanding. The kids enjoyed the pool area, especially at night…. Absolutely recommend to anyone!

Very disappointed in this property and it's staff. Was assured a specific room when made reservation (confirmed 2 times.) Was told room was occupied when went to check in. Offered lesser room at same price (no discount for room without balcony), settled for similar layout suite with balcony next to restaurant instead of downgrade. Told had to wait for room to be cleaned...would let us know when ready...as we sat right in front of the check in area for all clerks to see us. After an hour, asked if room was available yet reminding them we had changed rooms cuz ours was occupied even though promised that room specifically, and they said (in a curt voice) yes, it had been ready for some time, and that our original room was NOT occupied, but had some ”mechanical” problem. So which was it? Occupied or mechanical issue? And why had none of the clerks told us it was ready before I had to ask after waiting an hour? The room we were given in it's place was indeed the same floor plan, but dark and dingy. Carpet stained and looked old and worn and dirty. For a room that was costing us $640/night, it was a HUGE disappointment. Also, no Valet to help with luggage, skimpy amenities in room, no shower cap. Room was noisy, but tolerable. At that price, I expected it to be posh and upscale and the staff to bend over backwards to make our experience exceptional. Bed was sagging on the side closest to the bathroom. Would NOT recommend this hotel.

Everything was good except the floor was not so clean, needed to wear shoes.

I stayed from March 31-April 2. The room is reserved to accommodate two adults. When I checked in the front desk I was given door hanger that if I wanted to re-use the towels that there is a points credit to do so. First thing I notice - I was not offered any drinks/snack but instead I got my welcome amenity in points. When I enter the room the first thing I noticed was the chipped tub (really big ones) . The room was clean overall. On April 1, after a long work day, I returned to my room (around 9:30pm) and found the bed was not made up and the towels were not replaced. I called the front desk (Shery - white female) and she told me that since I get the points for not getting the towels wash that I will not get my new towels. I said I did not hang the green door hangar because I want new towels I also asked why the bed is not made up. She said I must have put the do not disturb sign. I told her I did not put any sign at the doors at all and when we left that morning , the cleaners are right outside. I asked her what I need to do to get new towels (trying to overlook the non made up bed). Disdainfully, she said I will not get any towels since I receive points (the points I received btw are for the amenity - not the towel re-use). I told her take away the points she said she can’t and that I will not get any more towels —- I asked for the manager and she said she is the only one there. Instead of trying to be a good host to customer, she refuse to acknowledge my request for a long time before she finally gave in and told me to come down the front desk and pickup the towel (not even ordered to deliver them). This is the worst service I received from Holiday Inn Express that is considered as 4 stars accommodation). I have always stayed with Holiday Inn on business trips but I have not been treated this bad from a front desk manager. I had the choice to go to Hampton inn in the area but I chose to stay at Holiday Inn and now I fully regret choosing Holiday Inn at Watsonville. I am hoping this is just one bad front desk manager and not the norm on how paying customers are to treated. Very very disappointed. I strongly NOT recommend going to this Holiday Inn in Watsonville. I often not give any bad review and try to understand the situation but this one i just cannot ignore. - Brigitte

When you stay at Capitola Venetian Hotel in Capitola, you'll be on the beach, a 1-minute drive from Capitola Beach and 9 minutes from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This beach hotel is 7.1 mi (11.4 km) from Monterey Bay and 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from Mystery Spot.Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless internet access and a vending machine.The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 20 guestrooms, featuring kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops. Flat-screen televisions with cable programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Conveniences include phones, as well as microwaves and coffee/tea makers.

Located in Los Gatos, Los Gatos Garden Inn Hotel is in the entertainment district, within a 15-minute drive of Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House. This hotel is 10 mi (16.2 km) from SAP Center at San Jose and 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from Santa Clara University.Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. Additional amenities at this hotel include a picnic area and a vending machine.Grab a bite from the snack bar/deli serving guests of Los Gatos Garden Inn Hotel.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.Make yourself at home in one of the 28 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as desks and microwaves.

Located in Aptos, Seascape Beach Resort is by the ocean, a 4-minute drive from Seascape Golf Club and 6 minutes from Beer Can Beach. This upscale hotel is 11.5 mi (18.4 km) from Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Capitola Beach.Dip into one of the 3 outdoor swimming pools or 3 spa tubs and enjoy other recreational amenities, which include outdoor tennis courts. Additional amenities at this hotel include concierge services, wedding services, and a fireplace in the lobby. Getting to the surf and sand is a breeze with the complimentary beach shuttle.Satisfy your appetite with American cuisine at Sanderling's Restaurant, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge and an ocean view.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Aptos? This hotel has 6000 square feet (557 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and 10 meeting rooms.Treat yourself to a stay in one of the 185 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring fireplaces and flat-screen televisions. Premium TV channels and DVD players are provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.