Seaway Inn

2-star hotel Great 176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Seaway Inn

About Seaway Inn

A short walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf in California, the Seaway Inn offers easy beach access and comfortably furnished rooms with free WiFi. Featuring cable TV with extended channels, each room at the Seaway Inn is equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and microwave. All air-conditioned rooms boast beach inspired décor. Steamer Lane, a popular surfing location, is 1.5 miles from this hotel. Mystery Spot is 14 minutes’ drive away.

Amenities

  • Meeting space
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Concierge
  • Luggage storage
  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Smoke-free property
  • In-room safe

Reviews

4.1 / 5
Great 270 reviews

The hotel's location is its strongest asset, being close to the boardwalk and wharf, making it a popular choice for tourists. However, the condition of the rooms is a common complaint, with guests citing issues such as stained towels, small size, and lack of amenities. The price is also a frequent concern, with many guests feeling it is too high for the quality of the rooms.

What guests liked
  • Great location close to the boardwalk and wharf
  • Friendly and helpful staff
What could be better
  • Rooms are small, outdated, and sometimes dirty
  • Price is high for the quality of the rooms
  • Kenneth Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    I loved this little hotel. Very walkable area. Really cute small rooms. Shower was big. Staff was helpful and kind. Would definitely stay here again.

  • Cody Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Perfect, little hotel within a quick walking distance to the Boardwalk, Pier, and beaches. Room was spacious and everything appeared updated. Would stay here again!

  • Gonzalo Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    100% recomendado👍👍

  • Tim Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Clean, friendly and really convenient location with a nice view.

  • Jessica Jun 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Recently updated, super cute, modern beach theme! And they had REAL keys, which was a fun quirk! Fridge and microwave in the room, AC worked great, large walk in shower! Only thing that would have been nice is blackout curtains…the outside lights and the early morning sun were BRIGHT!

  • Terri Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Updated and Very Clean. Attentive and friendly staff.

  • Eugene Jun 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Very beautiful and great price for our room I would stay there again!

  • Jeniffer Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Check in was later than I would have liked it.

  • Troy Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Great location and very nice view. Staff were all great, friendly, helpful. Very clean. Recently updated. Will definitely stay again. The only thing was I wish the in room coffee was maintained better. Great coffee in the lobby though.

  • C Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Very dog friendly. We could easily walk to the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, and wharf.

  • Claudia Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    We had a wonderful time here in this charming, small hotel. Quiet with free parking and wifi and a quick walk down a short hill to the beach.

  • Alicia Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great location, clean and friendly staff

  • Susan May 2026 · via priceline
    4/5

    Room nicely furnished, bed comfortable and lots of pillows, large shower. Location good-up the hill from the boardwalk in quieter area, easy walk to restaurants/beach, close to parks and sidewalk to north. Would be nice to have continental breakfast, but had seating area with tea, coffee and utensils/napkins if you had your own food. Was glad they sold bottled water too at a reasonable prices. Staff very helpful. Would have been better if the office was open later. Had noisy neighbors next door at midnight. Called the office and they were closed and no staff on sight.

  • Daniel May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Clean room, kind staff, ocean view, great location. I'd stay there again.

  • Suzanne May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The beds, and pillows are very comfortable. The rooms are spacious, and very quiet. You don’t really hear the street noise but can hear the waves from the ocean. Our king room offered a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee. The staff are friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Thank you for another wonderful visit.

  • Gabrielle May 2026 · via priceline
    0.5/5

    My beloved pet got fleas from staying in this room and it ended up being very terrible stay especially with the balcony that was presented online as if we had our own balcony outside of the room which actually was a communal space with no safe area for my pet and overall nightmare … couldn’t leave the window or door open safely at night and even enjoy the ocean air.

  • Erica May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    I had a beautiful room with a gorgeous beach view. Staff was very friendly and helpful and it is close to the beach. I highly recommend

  • Victoria May 2026 · via expedia
    2/5

    Where they placed us, we were by people yelling all night even though we were told it's quiet hours after 10pm. They didn't clear out our refrigerator after the previous guest. My mom's room didn't have a deadlock. So it felt very unsafe. Overall would most likely never stay here again. When we expressed this to the staff they said they could offer us a late check in (we were already leaving) and free parking for the rest of the day. The parking was already free. Just overall disappointing considering I took my mom here for her birthday so she could relax and she didn't get to.

  • Lamar May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Adorable hotel! The room was so cute. Close to the pier and boardwalk. Great price!

  • Lorena May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    😄

  • David May 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    What hot tub???

  • Shelly May 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    I have wanted to stay at this property for awhile and when I finally found a good deal, I booked it. Overall, I had a great experience. Check-in was ok but took a bit. Room was on the small size but totally functional. Loved the spacious shower. The room was bright and clean. The bed was just ok, a little too firm for me. Parking was on the tighter side but ok. Great location in terms of closeness to the boardwalk and wharf. Only downside heard a lot of road noise from the street but overall pretty quiet. I would recommend.

  • Etienne May 2026 · via priceline
    4/5

    Location

  • Abigail May 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Really loved the staff, super walkable. Only complaint is that its very easy to hear the other guests entering and exiting their rooms.

  • Grady May 2026 · via priceline
    4/5

    Location is great Parking can be a bit tight

  • Priti Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Excellent staff, clean and really beautifully decorated room. Close to the beach.

  • Miguel Apr 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    The rooms are always clean and the staff is very friendly. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like.

  • Michele Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great location. Free parking. Clean room and friendly staff.

  • Chad Apr 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Great location Nothing

  • Rosa Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great find! Excellent location. Super service minded staff and spotless hotel. Would stay again!

  • Deja Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Very customer focused and a beautiful place to stay!

  • Linda Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Rooms were spacious and clean. The close proximity to the beach made for a very relaxing place to spend a couple of days. I would stay there again.

  • Ronald Apr 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Good location, nice rooms. Check in staff was courteous and helpful. Thought there was breakfast but only coffee. Check in at 4:00 is on the late side, 3:00 is the norm.

  • Liz Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    Location was great. Right across the street from the beach. Downsize, there is no pool. Lights in the room did not work properly so we relied on the bathroom light along with one lamp in the room. Lighting in the rooms look like they were in the middle of getting updated. Curtains to the main sliding door entrance were falling apart. I will say the room seemed clean. When we got there to check in at 4pm we had to wait another hour because cleaning staff had just began cleaning even though we had keys in hand and lugged all of our luggage up the stairs- only to find out there that we would need to wait.

  • Jeffrey Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Had an amazing time staying at the Seaway Inn. The room was clean and beautiful

  • Stephen Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Location, location…

  • Joharrah Apr 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    The property is clean and closer to tourist spots ? Nothing

  • Teresa Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Easy parking, easy walk to Boardwalk and the pier

  • Dustin Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    It’s such a perfect location to walk to everything we like when we visit Santa Cruz. The Seaway Inn also accommodates our dog which is awesome. Of course we will be staying there again. The ONLY ONLY ONLY small negative is that the beds would be more comfortable if the were flipped over for firmness or replaced.

  • William Mar 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Clean and comparable Everything was fine

  • Miguel Mar 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    We always appreciate the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the rooms.

  • Patti Mar 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    The location is awesome! The remodeling is super nice! It’s wonderful so what’s not to like?

  • Kristin Mar 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Easy check in/out. Basic room but clean. Very close to the Boardwalk. Less than 10 minute walk.

  • Andrea Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Amazing place

  • Laura Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    great location, recently remodeled, new furnishings, professional and polite staff.

  • Patrick Mar 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Good location. Room small but very clean. Did not like the idea of an additional fee to check in before 4 pm.

  • Kristin Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Cute and clean

  • Renae Mar 2026 · via priceline
    3.5/5

    Parking, locked lot next door. Broken lamp shade, damaged blind, dirty curtain, damaged rug, damaged shower knob. No thermostat instructions, cold in a.m. Over-priced for what it was.

  • Freddy Mar 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Close to Boardwalk easy parking

  • George Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    The hotel is in an amazing location. The room was clean and comfortable. We were able to see the ocean from the shared balcony. Tyler at the front desk, made us feel welcomed and safe upon arrival, he was great!!!!! Perfect location for any plans, the boardwalk, restaurants and shopping! The price was way better than expected given the location. I will definitely be staying here again, sooner rather than later. 😊

  • Maria Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Staff friendly and professional

  • Janet Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    This little gem is perfectly located right at the boardwalk. It has been renovated with modern finishes and comfortable beds. Easy motel style parking right outside your door.

  • Nickcole Feb 2026 · via priceline
    5/5

    Amazing views close proximity Everything was great N/A

  • Michael Jan 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Nice newly remodeled large rooms and large tile showers

  • L Jan 2026 · via priceline
    2/5

    The room is incredibly small. The "door" is a sliding minimal security door.

  • Joseph Jan 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Very clean and great location. Will definitely stay here again.

  • Aaron Jan 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Staff was very nice and responsive! Great location and good view of ocean. Would definitely stay again.

  • Nasreen Jan 2026 · via priceline
    4.5/5

    Wonderful stay. Clean, adorably remodeled, perfect location, very kind and friendly staff. Stayed on the bottom floor and you could hear all of the movement above.

  • SARAH Jan 2026 · via priceline
    3.5/5

    The tv in our room didn’t work it was stuck on one channel.

  • Heidi Jan 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    The staff were fantastic! We appreciate your hospitality and would definitely stay again.

  • Gale Jan 2026 · via priceline
    4.5/5

    Location No complaints.

  • Anthony Dec 2025 · via priceline
    5/5

    Great location friendly & understanding staff I wanted to stay longer!! ???? Thank you!

  • Robert Dec 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Friendly staff, great location, and nice rooms.

  • Amy Dec 2025 · via priceline
    4.5/5

    No carpet and great since we had our dog. A parking lot next door to walk your dog When I went to booking.com it didn’t say that having a pet would cost $50 dollars extra. It would have been better to know this prior to booking. Once you’re book you’re stuck and the guy at the front desk told us after we checked in. Not cool. Only reason why I didn’t give it a 10

  • Pamela Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The room was very clean and well stocked with towels and shampoo, soap, etc. and since it is dog friendly, a good supply of poop bags and an outside trash can. (A small area of grass would be helpful, tho, since there’s not a good place to take dogs to pee.)

  • Maisie Dec 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Clean room and quiet.

  • Serene Dec 2025 · via priceline
    2/5

    Location. Room was not cleaned. No Christmas lights nor decorations when it was holiday season. So basic. Couches in room did not feel clean.

  • Mark Dec 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    Arrived

  • Carol Dec 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We have stayed here multiple times- right across the street from the ocean, but not in the crazy hectic area with the parties . The property is recently updated and the rooms are so clean, modern and comfortable. Very easy walk to the lighthouse to watch the sun set, and the wharf is just a block away. We love this hotel!

  • Miguel Dec 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The staff are always friendly and helpful. Our room was very clean and comfortable.

  • Nicholas Nov 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great location and very clean room.

  • Gunda Nov 2025 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    The newly remodeled inn was unlike (many) visits from the past, with no view for a queen room (we did in the past), no bedside lights for reading, mirror hanging was very crooked (could not adjust), new pillows are needed, and the guests in the room next door were too loud causing trouble sleeping. Thank you...

  • Scott Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    great!

  • Joseph Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location

  • Nancy Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Room was clean and thoughtfully decorated in a modern beach aesthetic. Comfy bed. Loved the full windows that gave a glimpse of the shore. Close enough to take a nice walk along the wharf. Front desk staff were lovely. Would have liked a more accessible ice and water refill station and using the physical key was a little finnicky - card would have been faster and easier but maybe they can't do that with the sliding door entry. Overall would recommend!

  • Beatrix Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    It was okay. Small room but clean and renovated.

  • Stephanie Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Amazing

  • Ann Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    We still enjoyed our stay.

  • Elizabeth Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great place. Will definitely stay again. Staff was awesome! They kept in contact with me the whole time to make sure someone would be there so we can check in since we were arriving late.

  • Ashley Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Guy at the front desk was super friendly and helpful. Easy access to wharf and boardwalk. Good price.

  • Vipe Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    1/5

    The smoke alarm went off twice! The first night when the heater came on at 1AM! The 2nd day it went off at 5:30 due to hot shower. Both days threw off this business trip.

  • Natalie Sep 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    This hotel is very nice very close to the beach and the wharf for the front office person was very nice and finally. I would definitely return to rent a room from them again.

  • Chris Sep 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Nicely decorated. Helpful and friendly staff

  • Kathleen Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Walk to the boardwalk and lots of food options

  • Michael Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I had a very good stay! Recommended!

  • shane Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location, nice quaint Property and the staff was very friendly

  • Cynthia Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is a cute hotel with comfortable beds and a large shower. It would be nice if there was a bottled water/soda machine, as well as an ice machine that wasn’t only accessed by front desk staff. For those with mobility issues, it is located up a somewhat steep hill, so walking back from the pier was a bit difficult.

  • Johannes Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Fantastic location, great staff and comfortable rooms

  • Elizangela Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    “I had such a wonderful stay at Seaway inn hotel in Santa Cruz! The room was recently renovated and super cute, very comfortable and welcoming. The staff were incredibly kind, attentive, and thoughtful, always making sure we had everything we needed. They also gave us great recommendations for dining options around the area, which we really appreciated. Thank you for such a lovely experience – I’d definitely come back!”

  • Shelly Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    It was a quick stop over the hotel was nice and we had a little hiccup when checking in, the lady at the front desk was wonderful in helping us out and making it all work out. Friendly staff and great location

  • Kevin Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Will return again.

  • Jeffrey Aug 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Seaway is a great spot. It’s a clean and comfortable hang and the staff were very attentive

  • Jose Aug 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    They initially claimed it had a partial ocean view, but then I received a message offering a better room for an extra $25. I agreed, but it seems that meant no ocean view at all, which was disappointing. I suspect this is a tactic to lure customers.ars they had a better room for me so i said ok but i guess that meant no view of the ocean kinda dissappointed i imagine its a wY to lur clients

  • Melinda Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    All aspects of this property were better than I had hoped for when booking this location...I will book here next time I crave a beach day

  • Leonard Aug 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Air conditioner in Room 223 didn’t work on a very warm night. Good location, mattress and linens was tired. Won’t be back.

  • Carolyn Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The staff made our late check in easy and were very accommodating/communicative during our arrival. The suite was perfect for our short stay, and location is only a short walk or drive to the boardwalk. Everything was great!

  • Raymond Aug 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Good location nice staff.

  • lisa Aug 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Every member at the front desk were soooo nice and helpful. We had surf gear in an open bed truck and they let us store luggage and other items without any hassle. Accomodations were very nice and the location is spectacular. We will make this a regular stay on our surf trips.

  • Evan Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great cute little spot right by the boardwalk. Really well renovated with a nice bed and an amazing shower. We will be staying here again!

  • Lisa Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Simple but decorative rooms , great staff and lived our stay there. Reasonable price and close to both Boardwalk and Pacific Ave restaurants and shops about a twenty minute pleasant walk away and couple minute drive.

  • DONALD Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Close to warf

  • Aleksandra Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We had a wonderful stay! The location is perfect — just steps from the beach and the boardwalk. The room was clean, quiet, and comfortable. Staff were friendly and check-in was smooth. Parking was easy, and we felt safe the whole time. We’d definitely stay here again!

  • Tom Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Nice location, nice staff, Room was fine, a little small… And shower not great

  • CHRIS Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Perfect area - walking distance to the Boardwalk and Pier.

  • Deborah Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Very nice hotel and close to the pier.

  • Tia Jul 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Great location walkable to Boardwalk.

  • Danielle Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Amazing find. Beautiful rooms. Comfortable bed. Great location. Walkable to the boardwalk. Will return.

  • Natalie Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Peaceful stay

  • Cristobal Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location

  • Claudia Jul 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Friendly front staff and comfortable, clean rooms. Really cute renovation/design. Could not have asked for a better place to stop one night in Santa Cruz. It’s walking distance to the pier - far enough to avoid crowds and loud noise but close enough for a nice stroll to the water and festivities. Would consider staying again.

  • ANDI Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    A

  • Kristi Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Location

  • Ruben Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    They allowed dogs and you can hear dogs barking in the middle of the night kind of annoying.They were right next door

  • ZACHARY Jun 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Great place just broken toilet seat and broken blinds were a letdown.

  • Hunter Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Absolutely love the staff. It was a perfect stay will be staying there again.

  • Suzanne Jun 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Tried to check in early per a text that I received offering it however once I arrived it I wasn’t able to which was disappointing. Only negative was they were going to put me in a room where the air conditioner isn’t working properly;staying cold and I was told the heater in room would off set the cold. Hotel wasn’t sold out and with a small child with me I said it wasn’t acceptable. They immediately offered to change the room for me. I’m sorry but that room should be last one offered to any customer.

  • Vuong Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Walking distance from the beach.

  • Knight Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    If you want a CLEAN hotel room, this is your place. It was absolutely spotless. The bed was comfortable, and the room is really nice. The walk in shower was a plus. I will stay there again.

  • Wendy Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The young girl working at the front desk was exceptional.

  • Lisa Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Me and my grandkids stayed at your hotel for four days and had a wonderful experience! Your hotel was very clean. Your staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The beds are super comfy and the shower was amazing. Thank you for accommodating me and my grandkids for a fun summer getaway..

  • MARIA Jun 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Great location

  • Michael May 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Always friendly service and comfortable rooms. The big showers are wonderful

  • Crystal Apr 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    I've waited almost a week to leave this review to make sure I was being objective. Overall, our stay was ok. There were small annoyances like a missing TV remote, very cramped parking lot, and really bright lighting coming in the bedroom all night long. My daughter found hair in her bed, which isn’t unheard of in a hotel room, but not enjoyable to find. My disappointment really came when we were on our way home and received a text that we were being charged $20 for a stained towel. No one in my family knows anything about a stained towel, but also it seems very petty when we just spent barely shy of $800 for 2 nights at a very old motel with no amenities (no pool, spa, laundry, gym, breakfast). Admittedly we were paying spring break inflated prices, but still very expensive for what you get. Personally, I think it wasn't a wise business decision to charge for the towel because it just left a poor taste in our mouths about the accommodations in general, we weren't being nit picky until they were nit picking a towel. I'll also add, the towels are far from anything special, small and scratchy, I could've replaced it for maybe $8.

  • Leticia Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The property is very clean and the staff are amazing!!! Would definitely stay again.

  • Denise Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Nice view.

  • Katrina Apr 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Very nice modern room and great shower. Bed was very comfy. Walls were thin though, you could hear everything. Close to the water and shops.

  • Isabel Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Super great!

  • Ashley Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Night and Day office people were the best! And bed was comfy!

  • Michael Apr 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Always enjoy staying there

  • Eric Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Clean, friendly staff, close to everything.

  • Chantielle Mar 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Awesome little place, literally a 5min walk from the boardwalk!! Free parking, great customer service and a beautiful litlle room, super clean!! We will definitely stay here on our next trip to the boardwalk

Frequently asked questions about Seaway Inn

Does Seaway Inn have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Seaway Inn offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does Seaway Inn offer parking?
Yes, Seaway Inn offers free parking on-site.
Does Seaway Inn have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
Yes. Seaway Inn offers meeting spaces for business and group use.
Does Seaway Inn have a fitness center?
Seaway Inn does not list an on-site fitness center. Some properties partner with nearby gyms — check directly with the hotel.
Where is Seaway Inn located, and how walkable is the area?
Seaway Inn is located at 176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. With a Walk Score of 84, the area is rated Very Walkable. Most errands can be completed on foot, with public transit and rideshare easily accessible.

House rules

Check in 4:00 PM
Check out 11:00 AM
Cancellation Not available
Children Not available

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