Carousel Beach Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoCarousel Beach Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photoCarousel Beach Inn Santa Cruz Exterior photo

CAROUSEL BEACH INN, Santa Cruz

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Check rooms and rates
From$109 /night
Check-in
01Aug
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060-
Steps from the beach

Key Highlights

Directly across from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (2-minute walk).

Free private parking for one vehicle per room.

Complimentary continental breakfast with waffles, bagels, fruit, and hot beverages.

Rooms feature private balconies, some with amusement park or partial ocean views.

Guest can purchase discounted Boardwalk wristbands at the front desk.

Free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and 24-hour front desk.

Hotel Details

Location

Just across the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, with free parking and easy access to the beach, wharf, and downtown.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf is less than 3 km away, and the University of California Santa Cruz is 8 km from the property. Shopping and dining in the town centre are a 6-minute drive. Numerous restaurants, including Barbary Coast Restaurant and Beach Street Cafe, are within a 5-minute walk. The property's location is ideal for exploring the boardwalk and beach without needing to drive, though street noise and boardwalk sounds may be heard in rooms.

Accommodation

Rooms offer private balconies, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, microwaves, and free WiFi. Select rooms feature spa baths or views of the amusement park.
Each room includes a private bathroom, hairdryer, alarm clock, and air conditioning. Some units have a Keurig coffee maker and smart TV with YouTube. Connecting rooms are available for families. Two accessible rooms with roll-in showers are located on the ground floor. The property has an elevator and allows bicycles to be stored in rooms. Note that many rooms have metal bed frames that may be squeaky, and soundproofing between rooms is limited. Room condition varies; some units show wear such as scuffed paint or worn carpets.

Dining

A complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, featuring waffles, bagels, cereals, fruit, hard boiled eggs, and beverages.
Breakfast items include muffins, scones, oatmeal, granola bars, yogurt, and hot drinks such as coffee and tea. Free coffee and iced tea are available all day at the front desk, along with afternoon popcorn and seasonal popsicles. The breakfast area is small and can become crowded; arriving early is recommended. There is no restaurant on site, but vending machines offer snacks and drinks. Several dining options are within a short walk, including Barbary Coast Restaurant, Beach Street Cafe, Tacos Moreno, and more.

Wellness and Leisure

The property has no pool, spa, or hot tub, but the beach and boardwalk are steps away.
Guests can purchase discounted Boardwalk wristbands at the front desk. Nearby activities include golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and visiting state parks. The location provides direct access to the beach and amusement park for leisure without needing a car.

Facilities and Services

Free private parking, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, elevator, and daily housekeeping are provided.
Parking is limited to one vehicle per room and is available from 13:00 on arrival day until 13:00 on departure. Security features include key card access, CCTV, and 24-hour security. Two accessible parking spaces and two ADA rooms are available. Laundry facilities are not on site but are available next door. Vending machines offer drinks and snacks. The front desk can assist with invoices and discounted boardwalk wristbands. Luggage storage may be possible upon request but is not guaranteed. The property is non-smoking throughout, and pets are not allowed.
Highly rated by guestsof Carousel Beach Inn
Convenient locationClean roomsHelpful staffGood breakfast
  • Guest Parking

    Stress-Free Parking

    “The gated parking lot made arrival easy. It was so convenient to park and walk right to the boardwalk.”

    Kevin S. from Canada
    Review on
  • Dining

    Breakfast Bliss

    “The free continental breakfast had a waffle machine with lots of toppings and fresh fruit.”

    Maria Rodriguez from Mexico
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Balcony Views

    “I enjoyed having a private balcony. The location across from the boardwalk was unbeatable.”

    Emily C from United Kingdom
    Review on
  • Children's Amenities

    Family-Friendly

    “This place is quiet and family friendly. It was easy to get ride wristbands at a discount in the lobby.”

    David L. from Australia
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Minimum age to book is 21 during May; other times require valid ID and matching card.
  • First night's rate is charged 48 hours before arrival; cash payments require a $100 refundable deposit.
  • Parking: one space per room, available from 13:00 on arrival day until 13:00 on departure.
  • No pets, no smoking anywhere on property, and no cooking in rooms.
  • Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00; late check-out not guaranteed.
  • Luggage storage is not automatically available; confirm in advance.

Most popular facilities

at Carousel Beach Inn
Wi-Fi
Free parking
24-hour services
TV
Lift
No pets allowed

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Book directly with the hotel to request a balcony room facing the boardwalk for better views.

  • 02

    Arrive after 13:00 to access your parking space early; parking is limited to one vehicle per room with no extra spaces.

  • 03

    Request a room away from the elevator and vending machines to minimize noise from late-night gatherings.

  • 04

    Arrive at breakfast early to avoid the crowded small area, especially if you want waffles.

Choose your room type

Carousel Beach Inn — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Standard King Room
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Queen Room Two Queen Beds
    2 persons
    26 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Balcony
    Bathtub
  • King Room
    2 persons
    26 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Balcony
    Bathtub

Hotel Price Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Carousel Beach Inn — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Lift
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Services

  • Housekeeping

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Patio
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
Show more

Carousel Beach Inn Location

110 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060
Explore Santa Cruz
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
13 minutes' walk
This iconic oceanfront amusement park features rides, games, and the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Santa Cruz Wharf
Santa Cruz Wharf
13 minutes' walk
A bustling wharf with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the ocean, perfect for fishing or picnics.
Museum of Art and History
Museum of Art and History
5 minutes' drive
Showcasing local art and history, this museum offers free admission on the first Friday of each month.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
5 minutes' drive
Focuses on the natural environment of the region with engaging exhibits and guided nature walks.
Surfing Lessons
13 minutes' walk
Thrilling surfing lessons available at the nearby beach for all skill levels. Rentals and classes offered.
Biking on West Cliff Drive
5 minutes' drive
Scenic bike paths along the coast with ocean views. Bike rentals are available nearby for your convenience.
Yoga in the Park
15 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions offered at Ocean View Park. Perfect for winding down while enjoying nature.
Surf City Grill
3 minutes' walk
Casual beachside eatery serving burgers, fish tacos, and craft beers with outdoor seating.
El Hermoso Mar
4 minutes' walk
Charming Mexican cuisine featuring fresh ingredients and popular dishes like enchiladas and burritos.
Coaster's Bar and Grill
4 minutes' walk
Laid-back atmosphere with a diverse menu including seafood, burgers, and vegetarian options.
Loard's Ice Cream
4 minutes' walk
Famous for its homemade ice cream, a perfect treat after a day at the beach.
Nickelodeon Theatre
Nickelodeon Theatre
5 minutes' drive
Independent cinema featuring indie and classic films, plus special screenings and events.
Pacific Garden Mall
Pacific Garden Mall
18 minutes' walk
A vibrant shopping street filled with boutiques, cafes, and occasional live entertainment.
Cocoanut Grove
4 minutes' walk
Historic venue hosting live music, dance events, and private parties with an ocean view.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Santa Cruz 14 min  ·  3700 ft
  • Airports
    Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 82 min  ·  33.9 mi
    Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 103 min  ·  42.6 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 3 min  ·  700 ft
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
16
Former name
Carousel Motel

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Carousel Beach Inn
Review score
Based on 780 verified reviews
8.3 /10
Great
85 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.0/10
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free WiFi
8.6/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.9/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Perfect location
Friendly staff
Free parking
Cons
Firm beds
Dirty carpet
Outdated rooms
Guest reviews
based on 1732 reviews
8.5/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Carousel Beach Inn
What is the distance from Carousel Beach Inn to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
Carousel Beach Inn is located just 200 meters from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
What dining options are available near Carousel Beach Inn?
Nearby restaurants include Barbary Coast Restaurant (0.5 km), Beach Street Cafe (0.5 km), and Tacos Moreno (0.5 km).
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Carousel Beach Inn?
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, alarm clock, and private bathrooms.
Is breakfast included during my stay at Carousel Beach Inn?
Yes, Carousel Beach Inn serves a daily continental breakfast.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Carousel Beach Inn?
Check-in at Carousel Beach Inn is after 15:00, and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Carousel Beach Inn?
Free private parking is available on-site at Carousel Beach Inn.
What recreational activities can I engage in near Carousel Beach Inn?
A variety of activities such as golf, water sports, fishing, sailing, and hiking are available nearby.
How far is Carousel Beach Inn from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
Carousel Beach Inn is approximately 55 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What features do select rooms at Carousel Beach Inn offer?
Select rooms at Carousel Beach Inn offer a spa bath for two or views of the amusement park.
What facilities does Carousel Beach Inn provide for guests' convenience?
Carousel Beach Inn features a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and vending machines with snacks and drinks on-site.
What are the nearby attractions to Carousel Beach Inn?
Nearby attractions include Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf (less than 3 km) and the University of Santa Cruz (8 km).

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