Hotels in Santa Cruz You Can Check-In at 18

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North
8.6 (1148)

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz North

2.5-star hotel

110 Plymouth Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Hot Tub
Fitness Center
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Two Comfort Inn locations in Santa Cruz offer straightforward, value-focused stays near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Guests can expect free in-room WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Queen Room - Non-Smoking
151 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guests praise the Boardwalk-adjacent location, clean rooms, soft towels, and friendly staff
  • Free continental breakfast and complimentary in-room WiFi
  • On-site amenities include laundry facilities and a lobby fireplace
  • Some properties offer a seasonal outdoor pool
  • Proximity to the Boardwalk and beach, with easy access to major routes
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Highly Rated
9.2 (1219)

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3-star hotel

550 2nd Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Fitness Center
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Modern, newly built 60-room hotel in Santa Cruz, a short walk from the Beach Boardwalk. It offers air-conditioned rooms with comfortable bedding, an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-Smoking
366 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: $25/day
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  • Guest comments: praise for staff, rooms, location, breakfast, and beds
  • Outdoor pool, free WiFi, and 24-hour fitness center
  • Continental breakfast included; on-site snack bar
  • Air-conditioned, modern rooms with comfortable bedding
  • Central Santa Cruz location near the Boardwalk; on-site garage parking
Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area
7.6 (1005)

Quality Inn Santa Cruz Downtown Area

2.5-star hotel

1101 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Refrigerator
Laundry
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Multiple Quality Inn properties in the Santa Cruz area offer practical, family-friendly stays with essential comforts. Accommodations typically include air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi, with some rooms featuring tea/coffee makers, refrigerators, and TVs.

King Room - Non-Smoking
215 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Free continental breakfast and Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor pool and terrace options
  • Family-friendly rooms with private bathrooms
  • Central locations near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and beaches
Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk
7.8 (1005)

Comfort Inn Beach Boardwalk

2.5-star hotel

314 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Family-friendly hotel located on the beachfront, just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Free WiFi is available in all rooms and there is on-site parking.

Standard King Room
301 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guest comment: The room was clean and recently updated; small but adequate; parking was tight but manageable.
  • Prime beachfront location just steps from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
  • Seasonal outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free parking.
  • Direct beach access with nearby shops and markets within walking distance.
Bay Front Inn
7.2 (1016)

Bay Front Inn

2.5-star hotel

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Set in Westside Santa Cruz, this family?friendly property offers a peaceful retreat with a landscaped garden, welcoming terrace, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Guest rooms provide free WiFi and a simple, comfortable setup, with ongoing updates noted by guests.

King Room
291 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
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  • Guest comments highlight ongoing upgrades (new sink/countertop, flat-screen TV, updated furnishings and toiletries)
  • Peaceful garden and terrace with a seasonal outdoor pool
  • Short drive to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; convenient access to dining and attractions
  • Free WiFi in rooms; pet-friendly property
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG
7.8 (536)

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Santa Cruz by IHG

2.5-star hotel

1410 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Refrigerator
Laundry
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

This Silicon Valley hotel offers free breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi, with oversized guest rooms and wired/wireless connectivity. On-site amenities include a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, coffee machines in rooms, and free parking.

Standard Room
291 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: $10/day
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  • Free breakfast and in-room Wi-Fi
  • Oversized guest rooms and on-site parking
  • Near Levi's Stadium, NASA Ames Research Facility, and Google HQ
  • Fitness center and on-site restaurant
SeaSide Inn & Suites
Great Value
8.6 (862)

SeaSide Inn & Suites

2.5-star hotel

525 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

An older motor-lodge in Santa Cruz with ample parking and secure entrances. It offers free WiFi and free private parking. Located within a short walk of Santa Cruz Beach and overlooking Monterey Bay, it provides a simple base for travelers seeking affordability and a beachside vibe.

King Room
226 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:30 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guest comments highlight a warm welcome, helpful staff, comfortable rooms, convenient location, and coffee.
  • Free WiFi and free private parking.
  • Overlooks Monterey Bay and is within a short walk of the beach.
  • About 1 km from Santa Cruz's vibrant center.
  • Classic motor-lodge style with ample, secure parking.
Drift Inn, LLC
8.4 (39)

Drift Inn, LLC

2.5-star hotel

110 San Lorenzo Boulevard, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Located in central Santa Cruz, this inn is a short walk to the Beach Boardwalk and near Monterey Bay (about 8 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by car).

Queen Room - Non-Smoking
215 sq ft
Check-in: 3:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guest comments highlight spacious, clean rooms and friendly, attentive staff
  • Proximity to the Boardwalk and beach, with easy access to Monterey Bay
  • Free Wi-Fi and cable TV; self parking included
  • Two-story property in a central, convenient location
  • Value-oriented option in Santa Cruz's popular area
Beachview Inn
8.2 (1007)

Beachview Inn

2-star hotel

50 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Perched near Monterey Bay, this coastal inn provides in-room WiFi and free self-parking. Select rooms offer ocean views. It's within a short walk to the Boardwalk and the wharf, keeping guests close to the coast.

Room with a One Double Bed
151 sq ft
Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guests praise value and helpful staff; some note clean rooms and a good shower, while others mention older beds and wear.
  • Close to the Boardwalk and wharf; select rooms offer ocean views.
  • In-room WiFi and free self-parking available.
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium about 1 hour away; San Jose Airport about 45 minutes away.
Seaway Inn
9.4 (113)

Seaway Inn

2.5-star hotel

176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Sitting Area
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Overlooking Monterey Bay from a hillside location, this Santa Cruz hotel blends classic warmth with modern updates. A short stroll takes you to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf, with easy beach access.

Queen Room
140 sq ft
Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guest feedback is mixed, noting small, dated rooms and uneven service, while others praise cleanliness and helpful staff.
  • Refurbished ocean-view property with terrace and in-room WiFi.
  • Short walk to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Municipal Wharf with easy beach access.
  • Coastal hillside setting along Monterey Bay with scenic ocean views.
Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
8.8 (545)

Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages

3.5-star hotel

401 Johans Beach Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Sitting Area
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Located just steps from Sunny Cove Beach on Monterey Bay, this inn and beach cottages offer a modern coastal escape in a private, charming setting.

Sand Dollar Room (14), Standard Queen - No Pets
205 sq ft
Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: Free
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  • Guest comments highlight a quirky, private spot near a hidden beach with a unique water-tower style building
  • Excellent beach access and free parking noted by guests
  • Free continental breakfast, terrace, and garden enhance the stay
  • Individually furnished rooms with iPod docking stations and coffee/tea makers
  • Quiet street setting with close proximity to Sunny Cove Beach
Casablanca Inn on The Beach
8.6 (1168)

Casablanca Inn on The Beach

3.5-star hotel

101 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Historic beachfront property directly opposite Cowell Beach and within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Guests consistently rate the location, staff, and ocean-view rooms highly, with many balconies and sea views.

2 Queen Classic, Street View
355 sq ft
Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: $35/day
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  • Guest comments: Travelers praise the staff, location, rooms, balcony, and ocean view.
  • Beachfront location opposite Cowell Beach, near the Boardwalk.
  • Rooms offer ocean, garden, or estate views, with many balconies.
  • Free WiFi and in-room amenities (TV with cable, coffee maker, fridge).
  • Pet-friendly; easy access to beach, harbor, and dining options.
Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares

2.5-star hotel

600 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Outdoor Pool
Refrigerator
Minimum Check-in Age: 18

Deals for a Santa Cruz, CA hotel are showcased with easy online booking from your phone and 24/7 customer support. Updated photos reflect 2025 visuals, helping guests assess current amenities and layout.

Standard Queen Room with Two Queen Beds
334 sq ft
Check-in: 4:00 pm Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: $10/day
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  • 24/7 customer support
  • Online/mobile booking
  • Updated photos (2025)
  • Deals available

FAQs

1) What is the minimum age to check into a hotel?
The minimum age for hotel check-in varies by location and property. Generally, most hotels require guests to be at least 18 years old to check in. However, most hotels may have a minimum age of 21, particularly in certain areas like Las Vegas or resorts with adult-oriented amenities. This is what we do best, we curate a list of hotels that allow under 21 years or age to check-in.

2) Do I need to show an ID when checking into a hotel at 18?
Yes, hotels typically require guests to present a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) upon check-in to verify age and identity. This ensures the hotel complies with local regulations and verifies the booking details.

3) Can I book a hotel room online at 18?
Yes, you can book a hotel room online at 18, provided the hotel allows check-in for guests under 21. While we do our best to verify this information and only show hotels that allow under 21 to book, the hotels set the policies and they are subject to change, so it's best to verify on their age policies on the booking page.

4) Are there hotels that specifically cater to 18+ guests?
Yes, many hotels are welcoming to guests 18 and older, especially those in major cities, tourist areas, or university towns. These hotels understand the needs of young travelers and typically don’t have age restrictions beyond the minimum check-in age.