Babbling Brook Inn

My family tried to stay here while visiting in town. The first room they got was covered in fleas, so they moved rooms. Then the second room was also covered in fleas and the heater wouldn’t shut off. They also had issues reaching the front desk to voice their complaints (as other reviews have stated). They ended up moving to the Hyatt on the other side of town as opposed to staying here (highly recommend the Hyatt, they have great security and beautiful rooms). After reading the other reviews, this place NEEDS to be SHUT DOWN. I’m extremely glad my family decided to leave and stay somewhere else. This place seems unsafe.

Stayed there a few years back. Room condition was about as good as the outside condition -- old carpet, scantly decorated, old and unmatched furniture items (not really vintage so much). Bathroom cabinetry falling apart, mirror falling off wall, shower controls falling apart, lightbulbs not working and floor sloping noticeably downhill (it is falling off the hill?). I walked away thinking it could be a nice place if it got some TLC and someone reinvested the money they were collecting by not having to have any innkeeper, cleaning staff, or food/drink offerings. Hopefully that happened

Please read the review by Kodi Media. I'm not going to repeat everything they wrote, except to say I echo their comments: disrepair, safety issues (the smoke alarm was removed from our room leaving a hole in the ceiling with wires), extremely poor outside lighting (we had to use flashlights to access the outdoor ice machine), horrible wifi (couldn't get online 85% of the time), landscaping is a mess, not enough parking, couldn't drain the bath tub, no furniture on the outside decks, old outdated furniture that's garage sale quality, poor service with unprofessional staff dressed in messy gym clothes, hotel clerk arguing quite loudly outside with his girlfriend, and on and on. For $309 a night it's a sad state of affairs. There was one redeeming quality: the bed was very comfortable and the comforter was nice.

As mentioned in other reviews, the service here is downright awful. No one was there to check us in for over an hour so we had to wait outside in the heat. Not ideal in any circumstance but especially when you’re heavily pregnant and had previously sent messages informing the hotel of your condition. There’s also no way to contact anyone as they don’t respond to your calls or messages. When the manager finally showed up, he was extremely unapologetic, rude, and unprofessional. It’s sad to see such a beautiful place going into such a state. The room we stayed in was in slight disrepair but not too bad at least.

We had a pleasant stay. The inn is right off of a main road to downtown. The walk from here to downtown is about 15 min. The rooms have a ton of windows pointing inwards to the brook and a greenery area. Our room had a skylight, which was nice until morning. You can see into your neighbors rooms from certain areas. The tub was nothing special, and we couldn't figure out how to turn ours on, or it was broken. It was very big though. Fit both me and my wife comfortably. The rooms walls were a little thin and we could hear the road all night, and our neighbors. We could also hear the brook so... There was no AC or cooler, but Santa Cruz doesn't usually need it. They did have a couple fans in the closet if you needed it. Last it was contactless check-in. We did need to contact them and it was easy and they were super helpful getting us what we needed.

This was really a very bad experience. I was traveling with my daughter. When we arrived, our room door was open. Not unlocked, open. I checked the room before bringing my daughter in, and discovered that the sliding door for the patio doesn’t lock. Super! We then went down to get our things from the car and we encountered an employee that let us know he knew which room we were in and interacted with my daughter in a way that made me uncomfortable. Literally 10 minutes later, the parking lot was full of police cars with full lights and sirens. Five of them. Half the officers ran up the front stairs, half up the back. A short time later they were removing this employee in handcuffs while discussing for all to hear the circumstances of his arrest. No one from the Inn said a word to any guests or offer any explanation or apologies. I was willing to overlook the obvious state of disrepair that the Inn was in, but this was too much. Open doors, broken locks, sideways stairs, felons for employees. Do yourself a favor and Stay literally anywhere else.

I dont usually write reviews, but in this instance I feel it is necessary.||Clearly something has happened in the last couple of years, possibly a change in ownership during COVID, as this beautiful location has gone seriously downhill.||I visited this hotel back in 2018 and had an absolutely wonderful experience. Check in was very friendly and informative and offered complimentary cookies along with wine and cheese in the evening. The room was beautifuly decorated and clean, bed very comfortable. Impressive complimentary breakfast in the morning. All of this is expected at this high price point.||Now it is barely more than a low-tier Airbnb. Ive had better customer service at cheap motels. Upon arrival there is a lockbox which says to check your email for check in instructions, which I never received. Front desk is practically nonexistent, instead you are supposed to call a number for a random person who I’m guessing is the manager or owner. Our room was very barren with mismatched furniture, broken window blinds, and the wifi name and password on the room card both were wrong. We were texted a blurry picture with the wifi username and password, which worked but was VERY slow.||This hotel has become a scam, riding on its former reputation as one of Santa Cruz’s luxury hotels, with the price unchanged. We were seriously disappointed. I would stay anywhere else.

To the hotel ownership: I recently stayed at your hotel, and while I understand that new ownership can bring challenges, I believe providing constructive feedback can aid in your efforts to elevate the guest experience. As someone with many years of experience in the hospitality field, I hope these insights prove helpful. Areas of Concern: 1. Room Condition: The rooms are in a state of disrepair, with various room components that are outdated and falling apart. A comprehensive renovation is essential to restore the rooms to a condition that meets guest expectations. 2. Inaccurate Photos: The photos on your website do not reflect the current condition of the rooms. Accurate and up-to-date images are crucial for maintaining trust with your guests. 3. Furnishings and Decor: There is a notable lack of quality furnishings and decor, and it appears that recent removals have left the rooms feeling bare. Investing in high-quality, themed furnishings can significantly enhance the guest experience. 4. Amenities: The absence of basic amenities, let alone those expected in a five-star establishment, is evident. Essential amenities such as fridges, microwaves, hair dryers, shelves, and proper luggage storage should be provided. Additionally, ensuring the proper placement of these amenities will improve functionality. 5. Safety and Building Codes: There are apparent building code and potential safety issues that need immediate attention. Ensuring compliance with safety regulations is paramount. 6. Accessibility: Accessible lighting, light switches, and electrical outlets are necessary for guest convenience and safety. Addressing these issues will improve the overall guest experience. 7. Hotel Activities: The lack of hotel-based activities represents a missed opportunity for additional revenue and guest engagement. Introducing activities and recreational facilities will enhance the guest experience and increase profitability. 8. Noise Levels: The noise from on-site staff and their families, particularly late into the night, is disruptive. Implementing quiet hours and ensuring staff accommodations are separate from guest areas will help mitigate this issue. 9. Cleanliness: Ensuring the cleanliness of sheets, walls, curtains, bathrooms, floors, and windows is fundamental. A strict housekeeping protocol needs to be enforced to maintain high standards of cleanliness. 10. Professionalism: The behavior and appearance of the main host and hotel manager were concerning. Instances of unclean clothing, smoking on the premises, and inappropriate attire are unacceptable. Staff training on professionalism and proper dress codes is essential. 11. Housekeeping: There is a lack of daily and thorough room care. Implementing a more rigorous housekeeping schedule will ensure rooms are consistently well-maintained. 12. Property Maintenance: Property maintenance appears to be lacking diligence, with issues such as rusting window bars and general disrepair. Regular maintenance checks and prompt repairs are necessary. 13. **Internet Access:** Reliable and regularly functioning internet is a basic expectation for guests. Ensuring strong and consistent internet service is crucial. Recommendations for Improvement: - Renovations: Undertake a comprehensive renovation of the rooms to address structural and aesthetic issues. - Updated Photos: Update your website with accurate photos of the current state of the rooms and amenities. - **Quality Furnishings:** Invest in high-quality, themed furnishings and decor to create a welcoming atmosphere. - Basic and Advanced Amenities: Provide essential amenities in all rooms and consider adding luxury options to enhance the guest experience. - Safety Compliance: Address all building code and safety issues immediately to ensure compliance and guest safety. - Accessibility: Ensure that all lighting, switches, and outlets are easily accessible. By addressing these areas, your hotel can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and build a strong reputation. I hope this feedback assists you in your efforts.

This was the most lovely little spot to book a get-away. We live in the area and booked this for our wedding night. They left beautiful flowers and made us feel very special! It has an incredibly cozy feel to the room. There was a wonderful balcony that we had breakfast and tea at. The grounds is just beautiful with water and nature surrounding you. The front desk was so kind and really helpful! I strongly recommend this place for a local get away or for people visiting. It is right off of downtown so there are plenty of places in walking distance to shop, eat, and drink. There is a small parking lot out front but we recommend to make sure your car is locked and no valuables are showing because downtown area can be high traffic for folks who are experiencing homelessness. We will absolutely be back here and hope you find it just as enchanting as we did!

We stayed on the weekend of June 9, 2023. It is very romantic, nestled next to a brook. Most rooms look like a cabin, so you hardly see neighbors--lots of stairs. Please make your reservations well ahead, as it is a popular spot. Close to restaurants and parks. The rooms are clean and the staff is willing to help. We appreciated their help when, my wife had a minor accident elsewhere, as the staff packed our stuff and helped us move to a room on the first floor so that she could be more comfortable. They went beyond the call of duty for us and we are very grateful. I am attaching a few photos, which don't do justice to the beauty of the place. It is a hidden jewel in Santa Cruz.

Let me preface by saying that I have not stayed here. I made reservations online 2-months in advance but realized within an hour that I had booked the wrong weekend. I responded to the email confirmation cancelling my booking, but never received a reply confirming the cancellation. I've called every day for nearly two weeks to speak to someone to ensure the cancellation was received to avoid a charge. No one has ever answered. Voicemails and messages left on their website are also ignored. Had the staff any courtesy in responding to inquiries promptly I probably would've made the mistake of booking new dates. But it appears the horrific reviews are accurate; the customer service at this place is non-existent. I've already notified my bank that I will be disputing the charge should this place not honor my cancellation.

I would like to start off by saying I have not stayed here, I booked a room a month prior. I was super excited based on the pictures. It looked super cute and super romantic for my anniversary. But when the day came, my boyfriend, got an email asking if we enjoyed his day showing a wrong date. in a panic, I called the place, where I was sent straight to voicemail, stating that they're unavailable because they are working with a customer. I stayed on the line to leave a message, but their mailbox was full! I contacted the company that booked the room for me and even they weren't able to get a hold of them

Room was not close to what was advertised online. Didn't even resemble the photos. I paid close to $300 for the night in the 'artists retreat' the actual room was probably worth half that. The property was rundown. Woke up at 6am with the sound of animals scratching in the attic. On a positive note, the room was clean, and the staff was helpful.

We really liked the outdoor ambiance, our little balcony, and the jacuzzi tub but it didn't come without a few irritants. There is nobody working the front desk or answering the phones. You're pretty much on your own here and I was hoping to get some local recommendations when we arrived. They should consider putting in a guest book like Airbnbs if they're going to run it as such. The second day of our stay we tried to reach hotel staff because we didn't have any more coffee and bought a bottle of wine and needed a corkscrew. I called 3x before anyone answered and then she hung up on me after saying she was going to check to see if they had a corkscrew. We ended up going out and buying one ourselves. I also noticed some attention to detail that is lacking. There were stains on our blanket, a dead succulent plant in the balcony, a massive crack in the bathroom floor, and the fireplace didn't work. Plus our room look like it had old outdated carpet. Overall, the location is nice and the bed was pretty comfortable. We're not picky people but this was a celebratory stay for us (and not that cheap of a place) I would've liked better customer service.

This place needs to be investigated. Not only do they not respond by phone which is a mobile home park when the recording answers, if they do respond it's by text and they are rude. They will rip you off if they can get away with it. I reported them to the BBB. I am reporting them to every agency I can find. I have read other violations that were reported in other reviews on many sites. All reviewers need to contact the proper agencies to have this place and these people investigated.

This place was cute and cozy and I loved sleeping with the babbling brook sound. I'd go back!

My wife and I stayed at the Babbling Brook Inn several years ago and enjoyed the visit. The breakfast was excellent. We wanted to return so I checked the reviews and was uncomfortable with what I read. I called the posted number to ask about any post Covid changes and to give the owners/staff an opportunity to clarify the negative reviews and with the intent to book a room. I called in the morning and a someone returned my call the following evening. The person returning the call seemed tired, disconnected and unclear as to my original message. Sad to say we will not be returning to this establishment as something has changed to the negative.

Booked this room because the room looked so charming and beautiful. Unfortunately, the pictures advertised of this specific room (Tennyson) are false advertising, and in reality the room is about as charming as a Motel 6. Not one single picture on the wall or decorative item. Just white walls and a very old shabby carpet. When we checked in we had to find a guy roaming the grounds, as the sloppy and dirty office was unattended. He certainly didn't act like he was the property manager, but the next morning he said he was when we complained, i said "well, since you asked how my stay was..." and he interrupted me to clarify that he only asked because he's "supposed to". The pictures here are the reality versus what we saw when we arrived. The website photo is a $330 room, but unfortunately we paid that for a room that was worth about $80.

Babbling Brook is a retro boutique hotel. We have stayed here three times. The rooms are clean, sheets nice, and the whole place is full character. On the downside...The first time, I left my glasses behind. I both spoke to someone on the phone and emailed about the glasses, but no one ever got back to me. Next time we stayed, the water never got hot in the shower, the fireplace heater was flakey, and the Wi-Fi didn't work. Third time, also no Wi-Fi. Front desk person is generally useless when they are around. Lots of road noise from Laurel St traffic, but no noise from other guests.

Shabby. Not as shown. No staff or service onsite. The advertisement said wine and cookies, breakfast- don't believe it. Promised a partial refund and never delivered. So disappointed.

This place has loads of charm and character and with a little TLC could really be something. Our room was spacious and the beds were comfortable. It seems as though like many businesses they have been impacted by post-covid staffing issues. The manager was off site during our visit and the staff covering didnt seem to know much about what they were doing. That said, when we contacted the manager following our stay she more than compensated for our differences and really wanted to make good. Location is an easy walk into town and there is free parking on site.

Here at Santa Cruz celebrating our 16 anniversary found this gem of a place live it very clean sweet!

Will not stay there again!! Was a complete rip off!! Bed was uncomfortable. Not enough plug ins for your phone.

Further update to yesterday's review. The place is run on a zero contact basis. Lock box contains room key. A phone number is provided for needs or questions. To add further evidence of how low The Babbling Brook has gone, calls made to the contact provided have had no response. When you leave a message at that number, the outgoing message says, "Monile home park." Nobody is on site at the property. As a person involved with businesses for decades, I see a failing business looking to file bankruptcy. It's looking pretty bad for the BBInn. Unless it is redone and better managed, avoid this place.

We chose this hotel based on the pictures. It looked so cute and quaint. The pictures are not recent and it was just an all around disappointment. Our room looked nothing like the pictures and it was so cold! The room never really heated up I had to go buy a pair of sweat pants just to have something warmer to sleep in. Our room was right next to a busy street and every car that drove by went over a bump so you just heard thump thump all day and night. Then in the morning when my husband tried to walk around the outside area to check out some scenery, the cleaning lady came over and rudely asked him what he was doing. I will never go back there.

The Babbling Brook Inn is a quaint little getaway that feels very tucked away from everything else even though it isn't. We stayed in the Van Gogh because the desk had advised us that it had the best bathtub- which I quite enjoyed! Not just the tub itself but the open window next to it in the skylight above it made for a very relaxing moment of pampering which is something that I desperately needed. The service was great and the room and property very well maintained considering how the history of it! We were a little bit surprised that there was no air conditioning but again based on the history of the property I guess we should've anticipated this, thankfully there was a fan in the closet and we opened all the windows and the room cooled off pretty quickly. We kept all of the windows open the entire time that we were there because we are accustomed to cooler temperatures. We did not take advantage of the breakfast or the evening reception but they were communicated very clearly to us which we appreciated. Would definitely stay here again.

6/22 Rented the Tennyson Suite, based on photos on their website. Too bad I didn't read the Yelp reviews first. The photos on their website are a ruse, misrepresentation, and false advertising. Most of the furniture was gone but the bed, different nightstands & lamps, couch, and a bare coffee table. All the art and mirrors were stripped from the walls, the walls painted white, and the carpet was stained. We refused to stay and had Expedia cancel our $335 room charge. The staff was nice but very unprofessional and the lobby a rediculous mess which is probably why they want you to retrieve your key from a box. Extremely frustrating and disappointing, to say the least.

Completely misrepresented accomodation. Room was a total disaster and was unable to be moved to another. Completely disappointed on what we were trying to make a special weekend. Not at all pleasant to come back to after days activities and then dinner. No breakfast, 2 coffee pods and paper cups with no stir stick in what was represented online as a B&B. When I inquired was told by text that they weren't charging resort fees and to support local restaurant. Seems like management is using Covid to be unavailable and not deal with misrepresenting property online.

Pay mind to all of the terrible reviews in the last TWO years before reserving. If you are directed to reserve on Agoda.com, that is an oversea's company whith no live customer service representative and likely no cancellations available. You only get an automated chat line.. be smart please. :)

Really great location in Santa Cruz. Felt Safe. While the rooms were small and a little dated the staff were really attentive when we contacted them. I had to do remote work while on a little trip with my wife and the staff gave me full access to the their office so I could work. They even upgraded our room because we had initial problems with wifi access. Super relaxed and nice vibe.

We had the best time ever here on our honeymoon! Careen was AMAZING and went above and beyond to make our stay perfect. The property is beautiful and the rooms are cozy and clean. We loved it here and would highly recommend!

Jodie greeting us as we checked in and gave us a the fun tips about a fun night in Santa Cruz. The cute inn was a magical little setting from a story book. We stayed in the Monet room and I love the bathroom and bathtub!! This place is a true treat!

There's a babbling brook--or more accurately a racing brook with all the rain we've had here. It's a soothing sound from the room. Unfortunately that's the best part. The rooms are very dated and, while clean, are not in great shape. They are sparsely furnished. We had one chair and a tiny table that was half covered with a pod coffee maker. The bathroom is tiny with an old pedestal sink and narrow shelf. There aren't many accessible power outlets in the room--none by the nightstands so charging devices is a pain. I don't think there's a heater in the room other than the electric faux fireplace (so no heat in the bathroom). The dark-color carpet was definitely old and worn (and probably a little scary). It's along a busy road and even with the babbling brook you still hear the road noise. It's over-priced and not recommended.

First of all, the rooms look NOTHING like they do on the website. Ours, the FMRS, had dirty carpeting, no shampoo, a very moldy smell and hair in the corner of the bathroom. I counted the hours until we could leave. While the room was large enough, the furnishings and window coverings were dated and unappealing. I won't be staying here again.

I hated our room!!! I got into a fight with my boyfriend for not asking me before booking this place. The room smells, cold, the carpet has stain all over and it feels dark. It doesn't even have an extra small table to put your stuff. It is hard to move around in the bathroom, not enough counter space to put your toiletries, the shower doesn't have enough pressure and the water doesn't get warm enough for a cold room. We paid $300/night for an outdated, unmanned, cramped and smelly room. OVERPRICED!!! I would honestly stay at Motel 6 before this place. I don't recommend it at all.

I first saw the Babbling Brook Inn years ago when I was a college student in Santa Cruz. I would drive by it and loved the enchanting red-wood setting and envisioned that one day I would stay there. Fast forward many years later, living in Southern CA with a daughter of my own now in college. We decided to stay a few nights at the Babbling Brook Inn on our recent trip to Santa Cruz and what a charming experience. We loved our rustic quaint room with a view of the lush gardens. Careen and her son made wonderful breakfasts each morning... a spread of eggs benedict, fresh baked pastries warm from the oven, on another morning their were fruit parfaits and more fresh baked yummies. I am on a sugar-free diet, so Careen made sure to have an option of sugar free plain yogurt for my parfait. I also talked to Careen on the phone a few times before arrival, and she is just so kind and friendly. The evening wine and h'orderves was also nice as were the cookies, tea and coffee which was available all day. Our room was wonderful and quaint. Big feather bed, garden views, cute furnishings. On my final day, my daughter and I were having breakfast near a table with a lovely woman and her daughter. She overheard us talking about our plans to go to San Francisco later that day, and gave us some great traveling tips... turns out she is the owner of the Babbling Brooke Inn... also so kind and friendly. Everything about our experience was wonderful and charming... the food, people, garden and room. We do a lot of traveling and this is now my daughter's favorite hotel, and I just made another reservation for my next trip to Santa Cruz.

This place is a hidden little gem in Santa Cruz. The staff were all very nice, the complimentary breakfast was incredible and the river sounds were so tranquil. I absolutely loved it! I had an eggs Benedict for breakfast and it was so decadent that I almost asked for another one. The spread they put out with fresh cinnamon rolls, croissants, toast, fruit, etc was amazing. This is my favorite place to stay while in Santa Cruz due to the character, location and overall value.

The location is great, about a 15-minute walk to Front and Pacific for cafes, food, and shopping. The actual room, it was just okay. Maybe it was our room? Perhaps other rooms are nicer, it's hard to say. First thing to note, we could hear cars passing by from the road, all night long. Second, we could hear the neighbors kid humming and yelling throughout the evening. So, if you're looking for peace and quiet, this is not it. If you're looking for an alternative to the Hyatt down the street, maybe an AirBnB is a better option. We stayed in the Toulouse room which had a number of disappointments. First, the room was freezing when we arrived in mid-October. The windows in the room were wide open, and the crank to close one of them was broken. We had to remove the window screen to shut it. There's a portable heater which worked like a charm. And a faux electric fireplace that did absolutely nothing except make a lot of noise, and there wasn't even a faux flame :( The bathroom is absolutely tiny, and really is only for 1-person and even that's a tight squeeze. The bed was full-size, which is fine as my husband and I are petite, however I hadn't slept in such a small bed with another person, in a long time. The room does have its own outdoor patio which is charming, however it's also the only real seating area (the photo of the room has it staged differently than it actually is). Last, it's overpriced for what it is yet we did receive a hefty discount. We had expected to pay $560 for 2-nights, upon arrival that jumped to $660 w/taxes and fees which seems very high at about 20%. However, do to Covid and not offering breakfast, they dropped the total to $480? All in all that's great but the room still isn't worth even $240/night with all of that noise and antiquated everything. And I have no clue what that 20% fee was even for, and like most people, who wants to find another place to stay at 5pm at night in a city with limited lodging - you're stuck. We'd return if there are rooms that are quieter, more modern, and larger.

I can not recommend staying here for several reasons. I had booked the Contessa Room for a trip to celebrate my sister's 60th birthday. Upon arrival, there was no one to greet us or check us into the room and it felt like we were the only people on the premises. Once I retrieved the key and we entered the room, we were immediately taken aback by the musty smell. Not only that, the room was COMPLETELY devoid of any decorations and looked absolutely nothing like it did in the photos. If I had known the room would look completely bare and smell the way it did, I would not have reserved the room. The cost of $280 for the room is in no way is warranted. The bathroom is old and within the 1/2 hour we remained in the room, my sister had to fix a broken chain in the toilet tank twice. Unfortunately, we did not take photos because we were intent on finding another room and leaving as quickly as we could. The only good thing I can report is that our money was refunded with no complaint by the manager. I really wish I could recommend the Inn but unless the other rooms are indeed as they appear on the website, I am unable to do so.

This place is a little gem. You fall back in time. So glad we stayed here. This is a romantic rustic and very comfortable place. We needed rest and that's what we got here. The staff has been amazing! They made us feel at home. They are very hospitable. The breakfast has been amazing and delicious. Such a variety to choose from. The grounds are beautiful even in winter. I would love to come back in the spring! We loved the history and the country ambience this Inn has. Fresh cookies, tea, and coffee are available throughout the day. Breakfast was delicious and fresh. The fruit and cheese trays in the evening are amazing. Can't wait to come back.

The most charming Inn with the nicest staff! The rooms are so cozy with beautiful balconies. We will definitely be back! The location is central to everything in Santa Cruz!

Just when you thought, "this can't get worse".... the people in the room above you come back at 1:30am. Not only can you hear every footstep like thunder, but you can even hear them ordering food. Honestly, I could have taken the order for them, that's how little privacy this building allows. I've tried to stay positive about this experience, but compromising sleep is where I draw the line. Maybe we made a mistake booking this place on Labor Day weekend, and that all of the other reviewer's had great experiences because there weren't any other guests... because that's the only way I could agree with it being peaceful here. The front desk attendant was the best part of this experience, but everything slowly fell apart after he showed us to the room. Also, we are staying in "The Cezanne". Don't be fooled by the 100% staged photo on the website. The quaint breakfast nook is actually where they've placed the bed. The table and chairs sit along a scuffed, paint chipped wall omitted from the website photo.

Absolutely fell in love with this wonderful inn and had the best experience! My boyfriend and I came here for a night and stayed in the degas room. It was raining quite a bit so the babbling brook became more of a rushing river. It truly added to the magic of the place and made for an unforgettable stay. We arrived in the afternoon and checked in with the amazing Sam. He just finished a batch of delicious cookies which he served at the front desk area. The recipe, he said, came from the founder. They were delicious! Also in that area was a beverage station with coffee, tea, water, and hot chocolate. There was perfection in every detail and everything was perfectly immaculate. We were shown to our room and the entire property is a dream. There's beautiful greenery encompassing a steady brook that flows through the courtyard. A bridge leads you to the other side where our room was located upstairs. Once inside we could tell we were in for a treat. A fire was lit and smooth jazz was playing as we walked in which added to the terrific ambiance. Everything was very clean (as was the first thing I checked as I usually do when entering a hotel room). There was a rubber ducky in the tub, chocolates on our bed and robes hanging in the closet- as to better explain how incredibly amazing our room was. Our balcony overlooked the brook in which we could sit outside on the beautiful patio furniture and enjoy the view and a nice glass of champagne. After settling in we made our way back to the lobby for wine and hors d' oeuvres which were provided by Sam and the staff. Everything was delicious. An assortment of snacks were laid out in the most elegant way. Olives, crackers and cheese, vegetables and fresh baked stuffed mushrooms, to name a few. Breakfast the next day was out of this world. From 8am-10am complimentary breakfast is served and it was nothing like the complimentary breakfasts I've previously eaten. A whole buffet was set up which included croissants, fruits, oatmeal and fresh baked coffee cake. There was much more than that but those were my favorites. Sam then brought out eggs in a basket which won my heart. The breakfast was superb and the dining room was cozy with a fire going. Every aspect was perfect. After sleeping like babies, we checked out and couldn't stop talking about our wonderful stay for days to come. This was one of the best (if not the very best) inn I've ever had the pleasure of staying at. We were completely blown away and will absolutely be back in the future. Sam does a terrific job and really brings a wonderful essence to the Babbling Brook. Highly recommend. Couldn't find one thing wrong with this place even if I tried. What a wonderful place. Wow.

This is a wonderful bed and breakfast that is close to downtown Santa Cruz, yet feels like a village of its own. We were greeted by the inn keeper, who treated us with freshly baked cookies during check in. The cookies were available all afternoon and evening as well! Our room, the FMRS Garden, was just steps from the lobby, and one of the only rooms with a king bed (VERY plush). Beautiful music was playing, and amenities were complete with a rubber ducky in the two person tub + chocolates on the pillows. A reception is held in the afternoon (5-7pm) with wine, champagne, cheese & crackers. We enjoyed the quaint foyer with a fireplace and couches, and got to mingle with the other guests. We then explored the foliage around the inn. The water is truly "babbling", and there are many places to sit outside, including a swinging wooden bench. We made complimentary coffee in our room in the evening. Breakfast (8-10am) was AMAZING! We were treated to an "egg in a nest" made to order, and had some of the flakiest croissants ever. We checked out at 11:30 and left feeling so relaxed and satisfied.

Hidden gem in Santa Cruz. Don't have to leave the city life for a relaxing woodsy atmosphere. Quaint rooms with artist inspired themes-- Degas, Monet, etc. the bathroom has her tubs and gas fireplace for heat. The staff was very friendly and Hospitable--service with a smile and warm personalities. They served an awesome complimentary breakfast of orange French toast, bacon, and fresh baked croissant. Their breakfast menu changes daily. Can't wait to return and stay there again.

This in in Santa Cruz is set in a beautiful location. They do have a brook that runs through the property and everything is exceptionally green. The problem was there were a lot of steps and not quite prepared for them. Also we had a shower tub combination and the tub was about 2 1/2 feet tall that you had to step over and into to take a shower. This was a bit challenging. There was no air conditioning but this is an old place so I guess that's to be expected. Under new ownership and the new owner is going to make some changes and she was extremely nice. I love all The fresh flowers in the dining room, a nice touch. There's also coffee in the room and TV. Close to downtown Santa Cruz and all the surrounding areas.

Visiting Santa Cruz again. We thought we could get the same room we had last time. Turned out they gave us The Tennyson room- 114. We paid a good amount of money for this room but were not happy with it. The floor was so uneven. It seems like a lot of tripping hazards waiting for us to fall and knock the teeth out:). Breakfast was ok, loved the apple pie. Coffee was the worst. I don't understand how a fancy, pricy place like this is not doing any research for a good good coffee. No decaf coffee. The staff for the breakfast was very nice, however the staff checking people in was very rude and cocky. Not personable.

My husband and I have stayed here twice. I love the forest feeling and the running water is calming. The rooms are quaint but comfortable. Housekeeping did a good job. Our second stay we got a jacuzzi tub which was really nice. The chef is nice and everyday there were delicious breakfast options. My favorite is the eggs bennedict. My husband was working in San Jose so I sometimes went to the evening hors d'oeuvres while I waited for him to arrive for dinner. They had a simple spread with wine. The hotel is in a great location. I walked downtown and to the boardwalk. My only complaint is the mold on the curtains in the room. I lived in Santa Cruz for five years and I know it can be hard to control mold due to the dampness. There are still ways to treat it and I think the curtains here need to be replaced. Especially for customers with asthma and sensitivity to mold. Overall, a great place to stay and explore Santa Cruz.

I reserved a room with 2 Queen beds for my brother and sister-in-law for 3 nights.. It was important to have 2 beds because of health issues. When they got there, management had rented the 2 bed unity to someone else so they had to take a one bed unit. After a complaint was made they agreed to send an email for one free night to be used at anytime. After multiple requests, they failed to send the email. Don't trust them.

This place is not a bed and breakfast. There was no food available or served during our stay. The reviews and photos are misleading as it is advertised as an "a upscale B&B" with "Free Breakfast". The place needs to be fixed up, even the ice machine didn't work. There aren't even many amenities in the rooms. We booked a room for an anniversary and were disappointed with what we received for the price paid.

The jets in our monet room did not work, which was a bummer since we had paid extra for that room, the jetted bathtub is listed as an additional "perk". No corrective action was taken when it was brought to their attention and no discount or reimbursement had been offered after the fact. Considering the price, I would not say it was worth it.. Another considerable factor is that although the wooden stairs are charming, they are super slippery! I would not recommend any elderly or disabled individuals to book their stay at this establishment pending safety/accommodation concerns. - the room, grounds, service, and breakfast were decent.

We chose this spot since it had a nice property, interesting rooms, and was reasonably priced. We stayed for two nights in February and enjoyed ourselves. My husband & I chose the Monet Room (pictured). The furnishings were antique and quaint, and the room felt clean. The bed was super comfortable and warm! Also the fireplace kept us plenty cozy. However we could hear traffic noise from the room, even w the windows closed. Yet it didn't keep us up or cause an issue. The staff was friendly. The breakfast was good but it was not amazing. I prefer darker coffee as well. Also, it would have been nice to have a breakfast available a little longer, perhaps 7:30-10:30. We made use of the sitting area and liked their fireplace, availability of newspapers. Overall, it was a nice stay!

An adorable hideaway. If you're looking for something unique and fun this is this place. Not only is the location very nice, the quaint and quiet babbling brook inn has an adventurous feel to it. There is a running waterfall, cute gazebo. It is a bit old given its stature but was still and overall enjoyable stay and I'm looking into staying again hopefully soon!

I have been going through a week of aggravation with this hotel. I booked a room on 4/16, and was called from the hotel on 6/5 advising that expedia double-booked my room and they could not honor the reservation. They also told me that no payment was made, although i had verification that my payment was made on 4/16. I am not sure what sort of story the hotel was telling me, but i disputed my charge to my credit card company, and was then contacted by expedia advising that the hotel cancelled my room, not expedia. This was a week before i was to attend my daughters graduation. Extremely frustrating. be cautious when booking a room with this hotel. I wrote a letter on the hotel's website, but it was immediately removed.

We loved this place and how each room was themed after an artist. We enjoyed all the outdoor seating areas, the smell of orchids and butter, with the sound of the babbling brook. We definitely would stay here again. Our breakfast was super delicious too! We had French toast and a lovely spread of fruit and croissants which my daughter loved. Hats off to the cook who was also pleasant to interact with. The only reason for the lack of the star is due to the somewhat strange reception at check-in. The person at the front desk made a couple comments about us bringing our one and three year old kids. He said how he would never bring his kids here since it's not the most kid friendly place. I don't think he was ill intentioned but left us feeling less welcome at first. Honestly our kids LOVED it and they fared well on the deck outside the lobby.

Well, I don't know where to start. First of all the contactless check in was a horrible idea, no way to contact anyone except by text. The rooms are misrepresented from the pictures. The sitting nook shows a table and 2 chairs, there was no table only 1 chair. The coffee pot was on a tiny end table and there was no bottled water to use in it, we had to go buy water. There was supposed to be a blow dryer.......there was no blow dryer. The 2 windows that crank open for ventilation, 1 had a broken screen and the other had no screen. Repairs had been made on the walls and had mis matched blotches of paint. The shower was so low flow it took 15 minutes to get the soap out of my hair. The shades on the lamps were loose, bent and crooked. When we finally got a reply about the table missing in our room, they told us to bring in the metal one from the outside deck and use that. They blamed it all on Covid after that. Never got any response about the blow dryer or the water. Lots of cobwebs. Iv seen better accommodations at the Motel 6. The construction that started at 7am both mornings didn't help matters but we were aware of this before arrival. The 1st morning a house cleaner was knocking on the door at 7:30am ! We will not go back and I don't recommend the Babbling Brook Inn to anyone, especially for what we were paying.

This is such a charming little place. The property is very lush and peaceful. I enjoyed the sound of the brook at night, it was natural white noise for me and very relaxing. The staff was friendly and gave me a little tour of the gorgeous grounds before showing me to my room. Their rooms were cozy and named after various artists. I stayed in the Van Gogh room Breakfast the next morning was made fresh by the staff and was delicious All in all I enjoyed my stay and highly recommend The Babbling Brook Inn to anyone staying in Santa Cruz.