Top Santa Cruz Hotel Deals

Make the Most of Your Santa Cruz Stay

A coastal original with deep roots

Santa Cruz earned its title as Surf City USA through more than marketing—this is where Hawaiian princes first brought surfing to the mainland in 1885. That heritage lives on at Steamer Lane, where you can watch skilled surfers tackle powerful breaks from the clifftop path. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, operating since 1907, remains California's oldest surviving amusement park, its 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster still thrilling riders as a National Historic Landmark. Victorian homes crown Mission Hill, while the countercultural spirit that took root here decades ago continues to shape the city's independent character.

Where sophistication meets the shore

The culinary scene extends well beyond boardwalk fare. David Kinch's Michelin-recognized Mentone brings Riviera-inspired refinement to the region, while downtown's Pacific Avenue offers everything from Laili's Silk Road cuisine to The Penny Ice Creamery's artisanal flavors. The Westside's Swift Street Courtyard has transformed industrial buildings into wineries and breweries that draw locals for tastings. Shadowbrook in adjacent Capitola features a hillside cable car descent to romantic dining rooms. Business travelers will find Downtown Santa Cruz provides concentrated access to quality hotels and meeting facilities, with San Jose International Airport 30 miles away.

Natural beauty within reach

Natural Bridges State Beach showcases dramatic mudstone arches and hosts thousands of migrating monarch butterflies each winter. The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum holds one of the world's largest Australian plant collections. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park's old-growth groves stand minutes from downtown, while day trips to Monterey Bay Aquarium or Big Sur reveal why this stretch of California captivates travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz

Can I book hotels in Santa Cruz on Delta Stays using miles?

Yes, you can use your Delta miles to book your Santa Cruz hotel stay, or you can combine your miles with cash for more flexibility. Simply log in to your SkyMiles® account, where you will also discover Member-only offers at select properties that could enhance your travel experience.

What are the benefits if I use Delta Stays to book my hotel stay in Santa Cruz?

As a SkyMiles Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 spent on completed hotel stays and vacation rentals reserved through Delta Stays. Plus, you will receive access to Member promotions at select properties, along with the option to complete payment using miles, cash, or a combination. To receive your miles, make sure to log in to your SkyMiles account or provide your SkyMiles number during checkout when making a cash payment. Please allow up to 8 weeks after completing a stay for miles to appear in the SkyMiles account provided. Please also note that if you use miles to pay for any portion of your stay, you will not earn miles on that reservation, including any amount paid with cash.

What is the policy to change or cancel my hotel booking made through Delta Stays?

Each property maintains its own cancellation policy. We recommend reviewing the cancellation terms displayed in the property information section before confirming your reservation. Some rates are refundable, while others are non-refundable. Changes and cancellations to your booking may result in a different amount of miles earned and awarded to your account.

Can my Delta SkyMiles® American Express® Card be used for booking?

As a Delta SkyMiles® Gold, Platinum, or Reserve American Express® Cardholder, you enjoy the advantage of earning additional miles alongside numerous valuable benefits, including an annual statement credit of up to $200 applicable toward prepaid accommodations booked through Delta Cars and Stays. Terms apply. For an overview of all advantages associated with your card membership, please visit the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Credit Cards page where you can review complete benefit details.

Can I earn MQDs on Delta Stays hotel bookings?

From time to time, Delta Stays may present special opportunities for SkyMiles Members to earn Medallion® Qualification Dollars on their hotel and vacation rental bookings made through Delta Stays. We recommend accessing the Delta Stays MQD Offer page to view current MQDs promotions and examine their terms and conditions.

In order to book a hotel on Delta Stays, do I need to be a Delta SkyMiles Member?

No, Delta Stays accommodations are accessible to all travelers seeking hotel reservations. Nevertheless, enrollment as a SkyMiles Member provides you with opportunities to accumulate miles and gain access to preferential pricing and promotions available only to Members. As a Member, you will earn 2 miles per $1 you spend on Delta Cars and Stays (excluding taxes and additional charges). Plus joining SkyMiles is free. Visit the delta.com to join today.

Can I book a vacation rental through Delta Stays?

Yes, in addition to traditional hotels, Delta Stays provides an extensive collection of vacation rentals for your vacation. You can explore a variety of homes, condos, and specialty lodging powered by Vrbo by visiting the Vacation Rentals page.

Which hotels have good ratings in Santa Cruz?

You will find 61 hotels in Santa Cruz to choose from when you book on Delta Stays. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley has a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, and features an outdoor pool and a hot tub. Another top-rated hotel is Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection and guests love its outdoor pool. Casablanca On The Beach has a rating of 8.6, including good ratings for the guestroom size. The hotel has wedding services and a terrace.

What area should I consider for my trip to Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is filled with plenty of interesting neighborhoods beloved by travelers and locals alike.

Westside Santa Cruz blends artistic energy with authentic surf culture, where colorful Victorian cottages line streets near legendary Steamer Lane breaks and the Natural Bridges monarch butterfly sanctuary draws nature lovers to dramatic coastal tide pools. Popular places to stay in the area include Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection and Dream Inn Santa Cruz.

What's a good time of year to visit Santa Cruz?

To experience Santa Cruz during great weather, consider a visit in September when temperatures are warmest, skies are clear, and coastal fog has lifted. For off-peak prices and more deals on hotels, consider visiting during winter months when temperatures are cooler with possible rain, fewer crowds, and the lowest accommodation rates.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are located closest to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?

Experience America's classic seaside fun at this historic amusement park, home to the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden coaster. Free boardwalk admission lets you stroll past carnival games. One popular hotel is La Bahia Hotel and Spa which is steps away. Another top hotel is Dream Inn Santa Cruz and it is within a short walk.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are located near Mystery Spot?

Balls roll uphill and visitors appear to change height at this gravity-defying attraction in the redwoods. The 45-minute guided tour challenges your perception at every turn. One popular hotel is Chaminade Resort & Spa which is a short drive away. Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection is another well-reviewed hotel and it is within a short drive.

Which hotels in Santa Cruz are located closest to Natural Bridges State Park?

This coastal sanctuary features a striking natural arch and tide pools rich with marine life. From October to January, thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus grove. Popular hotels include La Bahia Hotel and Spa which is a short drive away. Another top hotel is Dream Inn Santa Cruz and it is within a short drive.

Are there any luxury 4-star and 5-star hotels in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz is home to many luxury hotels. At La Bahia Hotel and Spa, guests love the outdoor pool. Visit the Luxury Stays page to see luxury properties in other destinations.

*Terms and conditions:

Mileage Offer:

SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window on the base hotel rate for a completed hotel stay. Base hotel rate is the cost of the hotel room, before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking or upon checkout. Taxes and fees, gratuities, room service other booking charges, or any bookings which are paid or reduced by miles, redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit. For clarity, if miles are used as a form of payment (whether for all or a portion of the booking), no portion of the booking will be eligible to earn miles under this offer. Except with respect to the Hertz Mileage offer (listed below), SkyMiles Members will earn two (2) miles per eligible US$1 or equivalent foreign currency spent at https://carsandstays.delta.com/Cars on the base car rental rate for a completed car qualifying rental booking (“Qualifying Dollars”). A qualifying rental booking includes rentals at a participating location for one or more days at rates other than travel industry rates or discounts, wholesale of tour package rates or discounts, wholesale tour package rates, insurance/dealer replacement rates, corporate and government rates, group travel discounts, or rentals in conjunction with a frequent flyer car award, or other corporate agreements applicable to the respective car company. Calculation of the applicable standard mileage offer is listed below by car rental company. Qualifying Dollars include the base car rental rate, which is the cost of the car rental before taxes and fees, charged at the time of booking. Taxes, fees, other incidental charges, or other booking charges or any bookings which are paid or reduced by redemption vouchers or discount codes are excluded from mileage credit and are not included in the Qualifying Dollars.

This mileage offer does not apply to stays or car rentals booked through Delta Vacations or any cruises booked through Delta Cruises.

Standard mileage offer for car rentals booked at https://www.delta.com/Opens in a new window or https://carsandstays.delta.com/Opens in a new window:

Hertz Reservations:

• General SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Silver Medallions earn 5 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Gold Medallions earn 6 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Platinum Medallions earn 7 miles per Qualifying Dollar

• Diamond Medallions earn 8 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Dollar and Thrifty Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 4 miles per Qualifying Dollar

Alamo, Enterprise, National, Avis, Budget, Payless and SIXT Reservations:

• All SkyMiles Members earn 2 miles per Qualifying Dollar