Resorts,
Hotels,
B&B’s &
Spas in Santa Cruz County
Chaminade Resort and Spa
Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz 831-475-5600, chaminade.com This divine Spanish mission-style building is one the county’s finest vacation spots. Some of the most fascinating views of Monterey Bay can be found here. Guestrooms have full amenities and room service, plus, there are conference, wedding and small group packages available. The meals here are downright memorable. Other perks include a lovely spa, complete with everything from massage to aroma therapy as well as a steam room, sauna and whirlpool, and more. Take note of the hiking trails here, too. Beyond that, you really can’t beat the friendly service and this ideal location.
Costanoa Coastal Lodge and Camp
2001 Rossi Road, Pescadero 650-879-1100, costanoa.com It’s just a half hour north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 and it was created for people who prefer a gentler kind of camping. The cool thing here is that there are furnished canvas cabins with heaters, down comforters and tent service. You can also stay in the 40-room lodge in real style, or in one of the Douglas Fir cabins with shared “comfort station” facilities. Spa treatments include massage, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Activities include: Weekend yoga retreats, guided nature hikes with resident naturalist, Trek 6500 mountain bikes for rent, horseback riding on private trails, conference facilities, catered events, tidepooling and other ocean adventures. You can say you went camping and still enjoy a bottle of wine and poached seabass from the on-site restaurant.
The Hilton Scotts Valley
6001 La Madrona Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-440-1000 This local standout wins points for great service and doing what only Hilton can do best—spoil you. Located just a short drive’s away from Santa Cruz, this is one of the area’s finest hotels, complete with top-notch service, generously sized guestrooms and many amenities. Cafe Max is the hotel’s standout restaurant. Its great proximity to Felton and Ben Lomond are a plus.
Seascape Resort
One Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, 831-688-6800 The area’s premier four-diamond resort is also a certified green gem. This eco-friendly resort is perched on some of the most beautiful landscape along the Central Coast. Its villa-like rooms are intimate, its spa services impressive and Golf Club truly one-of-a-kind. That, in addition to fine dining service in Sanderlings or Palapas, make this excursion memorable. Take note: You can also book weddings and conferences here.
Hotels & B&B’s
Apple Lane Inn
6265 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-475-6868, applelaneinn.com A Victorian farmhouse on two acres of sunny Aptos hillside property in close proximity to beaches, restaurants and Aptos, Soquel and Capitola villages. Beautiful gardens, farm animals, barn, orchards and serene outdoor sitting areas. The property has a casual feel and kids and pets are welcome most of the time. Decor is Victorian country, with period antiques and claw foot tubs. Five guest rooms in the four-stories, with meadow and garden views are featured. Full breakfast is served.
Babbling Brook Bed & Breakfast Inn
1025 Laurel St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2437, babblingbrookinn.com This B&B is on one of the few redwood acres of land in downtown Santa Cruz. Modern rooms in separate chalet-style buildings have private entrances, some with jet tubs, fireplaces and decks overlooking a historic waterwheel, shade gardens and waterfalls. Thirteen rooms, full breakfast and wine and cheese are served in the parlor. Five minutes to the beach, Boardwalk, and downtown. If you’re a die-hard exercise fanatic, the Santa Cruz High School pool and tennis courts are across the street. The place rests in the perfect location—a truly memorable stay.
Bayview Hotel Bed & Breakfast
8041 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831-688-6854, bayviewhotel.com The most beautiful building in Aptos village for the last 125 years, the Bayview Hotel’s façade brings you back to the days of horse-drawn carriages, skirts with bustles and a flourishing logging industry. Restored to the original grandeur of hotel builder Jose Arano, the 11 guest rooms each have their own private bath and modern amenities, including TVs, phones and modem hook-ups, offset by Victorian antiques, fluffy beds and fine linens. Extended continental breakfast is served on the veranda.
Best Capitola-By-The-Sea & Inn Suites
1435 41st Ave., Capitola, 477-0607 This charming inn is perfectly located in Capitola, near the great mall, close to the beach and the shopping district. Easy access to most everything and some of the best customer service.
Best Western Rose Garden Inn
740 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, 831-724-3367 Fine decor is one thing, but there’s something about the overall vibe in this Inn that makes it stand out. Uniquely located in Watsonville, near Moss Landing and a short drive away from the Santa Cruz hub. Check out the interesting array of shops and restaurants in Downtown Watsonville, too.
Best Western Seacliff
7500 Old Dominion Court, Aptos, 831-688-7300, reservations: 800-367-2003, seacliffinn.com A short walk from the Seacliff State Beach, this 149-room award-winning lodge features a bar and grill, pool, fitness center, meeting spaces for up to 150 people, and the Best Western seal. Severino’s Grill, a locally owned restaurant inside the Seacliff Inn, hosts a happy hour with complimentary appetizers Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and live entertainment many nights a week.
Cliff Crest Bed & Breakfast Inn
407 Cliff St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-2609, cliffcrestinn.com From the exquisite garden area, shrieks of delight can be heard from the Big Dipper roller coaster at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The 1887 Queen Anne Victorian estate overlooks the ocean and Loma Prieta Mountains. Black and white vintage photos of historic Santa Cruz and the original owners grace the walls. A cluster of redwoods, lilacs, rockroses, bamboo and jasmine surround the original carriage house. Full breakfast, including fresh fruit, homemade muffins, eggs to order and mint tea from the garden is served in the sunny solarium. It’s a short walk to the Wharf, Boardwalk, beaches and downtown. Each of the five rooms has its own bath, some with original claw foot tubs and ocean views.
Continental Inn
414 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-429-1221 It’s hard to beat the location. Situated just walking distance from the Boardwalk and Main Beach, this Inn caters to travelers looking both for great deals and great location.
Darling House Bed & Breakfast Inn by the Sea
314 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 831-458-1958, darlinghouse.com Location, location, location. This 1910 cliffside beauty designed by William Weeks overlooks the surf break at Cowell Beach and the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Stroll or bike along the path on West Cliff Drive in front of the inn, or relax on the lawn or patio with a book. Established gardens, a citrus orchard, vine arbor and palms surround the stunning property. Some rooms come with views and private baths.
Dream Inn
175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Reservations: 866-774-7735; dreaminnsantacruz.com A landmark in Santa Cruz and now a lovely remodeled hotel by Joi de Vivre Hotels. Down the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and overlooking Cowell Beach, this centrally located hotel was renovated in 2008. All 165 rooms feature modern furniture design, views of the water from private balconies and patios, as well as iPod docks, flat screen TVs and wireless Internet access. For businesses, Dream Inn has conferences rooms available. Aquarius, the hotel’s restaurant has a striking view of the bay and wins points for its diverse menu—and fresh fish, of course.
Fairview Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn
245 Fairview Ave, Ben Lomond, 831-336-3355, fairviewmanor.com On the banks of the San Lorenzo River, this country home on three acres is ideal for getting away from it all for a weekend holiday, or a quiet mid-week retreat. It features expansive lawns, a deck and a common room for lounging and afternoon wine and appetizers. Five guest rooms are decorated in “country eclectic” decor, all with private baths. Full breakfast, plus it is close to miles of hiking trails through redwood forests and a quick drive to Big Basin and Henry Cowell Redwoods state parks, Roaring Camp Railroads and quaint restaurants.
Inn at Depot Hill
250 Monterey Ave., Capitola, 831-462-3376, 800-572-2632, innatdepothill.com The Inn at Depot Hill was once the site of the original railroad depot built in 1881 to connect Capitola, the new Mediterranean-style resort, with the main California rail line. Each of the 12 rooms is decorated to bring different parts of the world to your bedroom: Portofino, Costa del Sol, St. Tropez, Paris, Valencia. All rooms have fireplaces, stereo systems, modems, phones, featherbeds, TVVCR and robes, and most have private hot tubs on their patios. On-site chef prepares gourmet full breakfasts, hot hors d’oeuvres for the complimentary evening wine pouring, and an assortment of after-dinner desserts. The inn is a short walk to quaint restaurants, cafes and beaches.Named as one of the Top 10 inns in the country.
Pacific Blue Inn
636 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831-600-8880, pacificblueinn.com Located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, the Pacific Blue Inn is the newest bed and breakfast in town—and perhaps the greenest. The Inn’s nine rooms were built using recycled and reclaimed construction materials. The hardwood floors are bamboo and the toilets are dual flush. Complimentary breakfasts are prepared with locally grown produce.
Pleasure Point Inn
2-3665 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-475-4657, pleasurepointinn.com You won’t find lace curtains at this modern, upscale B&B on the cliffs above Pleasure Point in Santa Cruz. It has minimalist, eclectic, nautical decor with sleek hardwood floors. Huge new rooftop deck, complete with gas heaters, eight-person hot tub and chaise longues for enjoying up the sun and bay view. Innkeeper Tom Perry hosts an expanded continental breakfast each morning and is available to visit and suggest daily activities for guests. Two-and-a-half miles from Capitola Village is a nice walk along the Coastal Trail. Rooms have gas fireplaces, ocean views, private patios and digital cable. On-location spa services are available. A surf package, including two-night stay and surf lessons for two, is a specialty.
Redwood Croft Bed & Breakfast
275 Northwest Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-458-1939, redwoodcroft.com “European style with an artist’s eye and a grandmother’s heart,” is the way owner Sitah Cummings describes her inn. This cedar home with wrap-around veranda and rural country Bonny Doon setting is a place where pets and children are welcome. All three rooms are plush and clean, each with fireplace, antiques, leather couches and quality linens. It is located two country blocks from Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, with miles of trails for hiking nearby. Breakfast is prepared from all organic ingredients and fruit and vegetables from the property. (Try buttermilk biscuits, sticky buns, polenta with grilled veggies, or fresh eggs from hens down the street.)
Redwood Reflections Bed & Breakfast
4600 Smith Grade, Santa Cruz, 831-423-7221 The inn is found in a serene and private destination on 10 redwood-filled acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It features three country-style rooms (Bridal Suite, Bear’s Den and Barn room) with decks and woodstove fireplaces. Additional features include a vintage recreation room with soda fountain, piano and merry-go-round. Swimming pool, evening bonfire pit and trail walks on the property. Full breakfast—strawberry waffles with whipped cream is a favorite. It’s just a short walk to a nature reserve and Bonny Doon Vineyards’ tasting room.
Seaway Inn
176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831-471-9004 Stellar views and the overall charm of this by-the-sea Inn make it one of the best spots to stay in Santa Cruz. Perched marvelously on scenic West Cliff Drive, you’ll appreciate the great location—just walking distance from the Boardwalk and not too far from Downtown Santa Cruz.
University Inn
611 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, 831-426-7100, ucscinn.com Both a conference center and a reasonably priced hotel, The University Inn is situated near downtown Santa Cruz. Not bad for wedding receptions or company parties either. Great staff. Friendly service.
Contact the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (CABBI) at 831-462-9191 or visit cabbi.com for more information.
Day Spas
Caress Day Spa
911 Capitola Ave., Capitola 831-462-4422, caressdayspa.com Capitola’s historic Carriage House is surrounded by sprawling magnolia trees and the courtyard has outdoor tables where guests of the adjacent Bloomsbury Tea Room can partake in afternoon tea. Here, you can be pampered with a number of treatments—sports massage, an aromatherapy massage, airbrush tanning treatment (natural and lasts eight to 10 days), aromatherapy facial and microdermabrasion. Everything about this full-service day sparetreat says luxury. Better still, it’s top-notch.
The Spa at Chaminade
1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 831-475-5600, chaminade.com It’s not just a resort. Chaminade is also a divine day retreat for the day and can satisfy a number of spa needs. See R&R section for more information..
Pacific Skin Care
879 41st Ave. (Near Portola), Santa Cruz, 831-476-1060, pacificskin.com If you’re looking for some rejuvenation and a treat for yourself or loved one, this is the spot. From facials, waxing, mineral makeup, diamond microdermabrasion and massage, you will feel like a new person. By appointment only. Great attitude and service make for a great zen experience.
Serene Skin & Body
108 Magnolia St., Santa Cruz, 831-427-1912, sereneskincare.com Prepare to be pampered. This one is a winner. Professional service combined with a wide selection of treatments stand here. Serene offers a wide variety of facials, massages, nail treatments and much more. Take note of several speciality services too and cosmetic highlight. A stellar full-service day spa.
Scotts Valley Spa & Boutique
4301 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley, 831-439-9900,scottsvalleyspa.com Each service this spa offers is designed to be flexible so that it can effectively adapt to the client’s needs. There’s a fine choice of treatments to choose from: relaxing massage, skin-softening body therapy, rejuvenating facial or one of our incredible nail services. Great ambiance and expertise.
Tea House Spa
112 Elm St., Santa Cruz 831-426-9700, teahousespa.com Go Zen. You can’t miss doing that here. Redwood decks, private ozone-purified hot tubs with jets, cedar-lined saunas and shoji windows that open into a 1940s Japanese bamboo garden—divine. The Tea House is known for its fine array of teas in either green, 
black or herbal offerings. It offers massage in a variety of impressive techniquess. It even has a frequent tubber discount. Not bad. Dive in.
Well Within Spa
417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz , 831-458-9355, wellwithinspa.com Voted Best Day Spa in numerous GT Readers’ Poll, this downtown Santa Cruz enclave offers private tub and sauna rooms (some with outdoor tubs), which overlook Japanese gardens with waterfalls, bamboo, maple, blossoming cherry trees and floating water plants. In your massage room on a warm day, your therapist may open the shoji screens, so you can relax to the sounds of falling water. Indulge in a 70-minute Warm Stone Massage, or Monarch Body Wrap. A full line of organic Well Within bodycare products formulated by a California herbalist are available for sale. One of the best spots for a “Wellness Retreat.”
See also Good Times readers votes for the Best of Santa Cruz
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