Seaway Inn

I am so happy I found the Seaway Inn for when I visit my banana slug. It is adorable, like an old fashioned summer seaside hotel - check out the wallpaper in the bathrooms. The only downside was that I had to keep curtains over the beautiful picture window overlooking the boardwalk and ocean much of the time for privacy. But at other times I could just open the sliding door and enjoy an indoor/outdoor living experience. The staff were very pleasant and helpful, and there is free parking!! AND it's about a 5 minute walk to the boardwalk, beach, and wharf. I will definitely stay here again.

Well laid out: counter w 2 chairs, fridge, micro, closet, drawers, great shower & toiletries and a nice sitting chair with ottoman. Ventilation was great with good AC as well as windows and a sliding glass front door for sea breezes. Lovely new decor, light and bright. We had a king room 223 upstairs with a partial water view. Only a block down to the beach and wharf, with boardwalk just a few blocks past that. Walking distance out W.Cliff Dr to watch the surfers and visit the Surf museum. Go during the week for reasonable prices. We will be back!

Loved staying here. We stayed for a single night. The week leading up to our stay we received informational texts that allowed us to communicate with the hotel staff. Check in was easy and the front desk associate was delightful. They allowed us to keep our car parked in the parking lot while we went and had a late lunch before check-in time. We stayed in room 100- its in a tucked away little corner and doesn't have a 'view' but the room was awesome. While it was a small room, it was laid out well and decorated adorable. You can tell they have been more recently renovated. The only funky things in the room (did not affect our stay at all) a light switch that didn't turn any lights or devices on or off, the face plate right inside the door was also not flus with the wall and I could fit my finger squarely behind it, and another ceiling face plate next to the smoke detector was not screwed in all the way and was hanging down a tad. Loved that we had a microwave and mini fridge in the room. Downside, we may have been charged for 2 bottles of water at the front desk- we should have asked, but the business card of information we were given at check-in alluded to being able top get ice and water from the front office. Would definitely stay again.

The room is clean and looks nice but very small and quite humid as the air conditioners don’t work super great. Overall would have been a fine stay since the location was good and it was clean but the last night the fire alarm in only our room went off in the middle of the night twice. We tried called the emergency number and no one answered and the voicemail box was full so I hope no one has a real emergency there. For the price we were definitely disappointed and would not stay there again.

What a delightful hidden gem! Beautiful, recently renovated property. The interiors feel luxurious. Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Location is perfect, steps from the beach and boardwalk and a short walk to downtown. Best of all the price is considerably more affordable than the surrounding options. Would absolutely seek out this property the next time I'm in Santa Cruz. Thanks!

Absolutely LOVED my stay here! Great location for beach, pier, walking along the ocean, restaurants, etc. The room was amazing. I've stayed across the street at a fancy hotel and this newly renovated room at the Seaway was even nicer!! So nicely decorated, comfortable, bright, lots of pillows, had all the amenities I like such as fridge, microwave, coffee maker. Really nice shower! I felt like a lot of thought went into the renovation. The upstairs partial ocean view room was nice for watching the sunrise on the shared patio area. It was nice to sit out on the chair & there was a small table to set coffee on. The staff was so nice and everytime I had a question or needed something they happily helped. I will definitely stay here again!

Freshly remodeled room and freshly painted. Everything was clean and cozy. Location is great, walkable to the boardwalk and the beach. Coffee nearby at the bottom of the hill, less than 5min walk. Hotel is dogfriendly! Staff was incredibly helpful and very nice. Great stay, highly recommend. We are family of three with two small dogs.

Clean and stylish rooms, nice bathroom with a huge shower, great location, good views, and decent value, rare combo to find

This was an awesome room for us! We are a family of five and it had two queen beds with a couch that turned into a full queen bed as well. Panoramic view of the entire beach with a beautiful sunset and sunrise! Be sure to ask for room 221 because it is amazing!! The lady in the front was super sweet and we definitely will be back

We had the best time here! we are picky travelers and usually stay across the street at the Dream Inn. We had a small dog with us this visit and found Seaway Inn and will return every time. Clean, comfy, new, quiet, perfect location, gorgeous beach views and i could go on. Front desk staff treated us like friends and went out of their way to accommodate down to the cork screw for our happy hour. Please try them, and ask for rooms 227-230 for the best ocean views. Enjoy!

Positive: Great location. Walked to boardwalk and downtown. Receptionist was nice and welcoming. Check in was easy. Shower had dual shower head. Room for improvement: The rooms could use new materials or updated. Walls seem thin. Could hear guests upstairs and next door.

This place is rad. Right across the street from fancy hotel, but a little more low-key, and nice. I live that each window ids angled just-right to see the carousel wheel, classic view. I'm on my porch with chairs, seeing great view. Super nice staff! Walked to everything! They might consider less bulky furniture for the size of the space, otherwise, everything we needed from location, to no bed bugs, to on-site l, safe parking, pooch-friendly, fridge, coffee, and basic tiny scene coffee breakfast. We moved our chairs around a bit. Couldn't be happier!

Inez is honestly the most sweetest, soft spoken and nicest guest service rep that I have ever had while traveling. This inn is a pretty good location located on a hill. Its walking distance from the pier and the boardwalk its just hard walking back. The room I got was the 6person panoramic view. Its honestly beautiful room not quite a beach scene but still nice. The night guest service rep was sweet to we asked for extra blankets. I sadly didnt ask for her name. Room is good size and the bathroom I wish was a littttle bigger but thats ok. Affordable for fitting that many people. Good experience.

The nicest people at the desk, newly remodeled and beautiful view! We stay here everytime we come to Santa Cruz..Love the proximity to everything! Walking distance to our favorite coffee spot, the pier and boardwalk

It was our first visit to Seaway Inn. Room was small but clean and quiet and comfortable. Staff was friendly and welcoming! We love the location and would definitely come back!

Staff were friendly and helpful. Parking can be tricky being so close to the boardwalk, so they allowed me to leave my car in their lot after I checked out. They also looked up walking directions to the Santa Cruz Warriors stadium. Internet wasn't really working, but it didn't matter since we were so close to all the entertainment and fun at the boardwalk. I would definitely stay here again in the future

Excellent place to stay. Updated rooms and friendly staff. Will stay here every time I come to Santa Cruz.

What a great place to stay! Newly remodeled and excellent staff. Excellent location and a terrific restaurant next-door.

Manager called my 76 year old Mom a LIAR - TERRIBLE Customer Service In a blatant and egregious exchange with the manager Inez, this is my experience: My mom called to cancel 3 hours past the '72 hour' cancellation deadline.She was told by the front office clerk that she would check with the manager about not charging her the 1st night fee. Clerk called back several minutes later and said my mom would NOT be charged. I was on speaker phone and heard this live. The next day, the Seaway manager, INEZ, called my mom to tell her she would be charged. My mom told her what the clerk had said and Inez said there was no record of that conversation - so it didn't happen and my mom was LYING. My mom was charged. I live in Santa Cruz and went to the Seaway in person to talk to Inez. The first time I went, the clerk said she wasn't there and I left my number for her to call me. She NEVER called me. I went in person again and Inez was at the front desk. I sat down and recounted the exchange between my mom and the clerk and asked that my mom be refunded. Inez said no - SEAWAY is a BUSINESS and they have a right to charge for cancellations. This is true, however, hotels survive on CUSTOMER SERVICE and reviews. Inez had the authority to issue a refund, SHE CHOSE NOT TO. She chose a short term gain of $250 rather than a REPEAT CUSTOMER that would have spent $1000 EVERY TIME my mom comes to visit me. THIS IS SHORTSIGHTED and when I pointed this out to Inez the conversation got heated.  INEZ repeated countless times that Seaway is a business. I said the result of that way of running a HOSPITALITY business is TERRIBLE customer service which will be reflected in online reviews and LOST REVENUE FOR YEARS from everyone I would have recommended the hotel to. ADDITIONALLY, this review is based on MORE THAN ONE experience at the Seaway. I have stayed at the Seaway before. The rooms are tiny, the bathroom door did not close all the way, and the sink was very scratched up and clogged and overflowed onto the bathroom floor in the middle of the night. I guess they need every $250 they can get.M

This place is a scam! The view isn't really from the room, you have to go outside in the hallway to see the view which is basically the ocean from far away blocked by another hotel! The service and staff are really unfriendly. The curtains are broken, no soap holders, no new towels & when you go downstairs to ask for new towels they give you an empty bag to pack the old towels & take them down to them! It's very overpriced for what it is! The remote is broken. The king room is tiny. No enough parking. They say that they offer breakfast but it's a tiny mini muffin with bad coffee in a very cluttered room!!! They also charge you extras without disclosing. It was a horrible experience. The worst ever.

I paid for sea view room but the room that we got is just a sliding door that you have to sit in front of the room to look at the beach. Do not pay extra for sea view room. It's not worth it. The room is very tiny and all furniture is very old. The reception is not friendly. Only thing good for this hotel is location that you can walk to the beach.

Cute little inn right next to the beach! (Technically the beach is across the street but that made no difference to us as we walked around everywhere). Stayed there last weekend when there was a break in the rain. Since we stayed during the off season it was cheaper than it probably is during the summer months, but it was a great price for the location! The staff was super friendly, tiny but clean room. Would definitely stay again.

Place is easy to get to and only a short walk to the beach boardwalk. It's an inn, so I expected it to be smaller, but I didn't realize how small. Room itself is big enough for two people and comfortable if you're only there to sleep and move on. Even has patio seats! Downside: biggest gripe was how difficult it was to lock your door. It uses a weird mechanism where you have to make sure the latch is just at the right angle so it clicks to lock. Shower was so tiny my shoulders nearly touched on both sides and nothing inside to place your bath stuff so everything you had to place on shower floor and have bend over to pick up. There was also a small bit of mildew in there. Power to nearly everything in room was unplugged so have to plug everything back in to use. Other than that, bed was comfy, water temp and pressure was great. Oh and more usb outlets than I could possibly use! Just my nightstand had 4 usb outlets!

I had an amazing time there over the weekend! The front desk staff were very nice and extremely helpful whenever I had any questions. The room I got was phenomenal and was pretty modern. I loved how the boardwalk/beach was only a 5 minute walk from the inn. I wish they had a bigger breakfast selection, but other than that everything was great. I would definitely stay there again!

The best thing about this inn is its location and proximity to the beach. We didn't have to use a car and we're able to walk everywhere we needed in Santa Cruz. Staff is very nice. From minuses the room is pretty small, outdated and the carpet feels dirty. Shower is tiny. We paid for the ocean view and while technically you can see the ocean, the view is not that great and it it through a front sliding door that is used as a room entrance and a terrace that is shared with everybody who is staying there. Also no breakfast. To check out one hour later costs $35. Overall I would give 3.5/5. Would consider booking here again as a last minute thing but definitely would not pay extra for the ocean view.

I booked a room a few days in advance and was told I would have a room on the second floor. I called early and confirmed I'd be coming. I arrived and was told there was one room available on the first floor. It was uninhabitable. There were construction materials in front of it about the size of a large truck and a lot of dust. Men were still working right outside the door at 4:45 pm. There was a large dumpster in view. I was never told when I booked that there was construction that would impact my room. Another guest who overheard me complain asked what room I'd gotten and replied "yeesh" when I showed him which one. I've stayed here before and it was great so this was weird.

such a convenient spot near the wharf, boardwalk and some restaurants that wasn't too pricey! I went with my boyfriend and dog - make sure to add the additional pet fee ($50 per night) if you're bringing your pet. The room was clean and everything went well. My boyfriend and I especially liked the dual headed showers haha. We were probably a few mins walk from the boardwalk/wharf and then we walked to the dog beach which was a longer walk (20 mins or so). Would recommend and would go back! :)

Excellent location. The girls were awesome and very sweet. That is a PLUS! Clean hotel quiet and roomy. Would definitely stay again. It was a last-minute trip. Husband's birthday on the 10th. Went to the Warriors game and had dinner. Walking distance to the Pier,boardwalk and downtown Santa Cruz and bowling.

My fiancé and I took a last-minute trip to Santa Cruz for the night, and the Seaway Inn was happy to accommodate us at a great price. The room was clean and comfortable, the AC worked well, and we loved having chairs outside the room. We enjoyed a few drinks we brought while taking in an AMAZING view. You can walk to the park and the pier in minutes. In the morning, we woke up and walked right to the beach. It was quiet and just what we wanted. I would definitely stay here again. The gentleman who checked my fiancé out at the front desk was very kind too. Overall, great vibes and excellent service! No charge for parking is a big plus too!

Location is all that's good about this. Everything else seems pretty low budget. Shower very low flow...fitted with a bit of PVC pipe. Plastic cups for your wine... Made in China toileteries Crappy cable TV...awful resolution. No streaming. They also billed us twice...despite us having pre-paid. Inexperienced employee. They're obviously trying to maximize profit...but sometimes your brand suffers when you do this.

I had the best time with my family. The room was incredibly clean, comfortable and just across the street from the beach. The service was excellent and the price was unbeatable.

Great location! Easy walk to the Boardwalk and W Cliff Drive. Very clean rooms and property. The shower was very large, comfortable beds and easy parking. A few coffee places within walking distance, one just across the street at the other inn. Dog friendly and there is a bag dispenser/outdoor garbage can onsite. Check it ou!

Hotel is located just a brisk walk from the beach and the pier. The rooms were clean and cool. When we arrived in town, we asked to use a restroom since our room wasn't quite ready. The front desk lady informed us they didn't have any available for guests outside of the rooms and advised to walk down to the beach. I was surprised but no problem. When we went to check out, I asked to fill up our water bottles since they have servicing station for breakfast, figured they would have a water line. I was again informed there was no water available but they could give me ice. Just seemed weird that they serve food in the morning, including beverages. It's a nice place and not too expensive but I would opt for somewhere a little more welcoming

Very clean rooms and exterior. Right across the street from the beach. Easy walking distance to Boardwalk. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Clean and sanitized. Comfortable beds good location. Pet fees are a rip off. We were told $50 and we told them two dogs. We had to pay $100. Ruined the first few hours as we blew our fun budget right there. I won't go back for that price.

Absolutely perfect location, room was super clean, staff was very friendly. Felt very safe. We will be staying here again

Best deal in Santa Cruz! Right across from the expensive hotels, the Seaway Inn is super clean and comfortable and half the price. Rooms are very clean and coffee and light breakfast is included . Less than a block from the wharf but away from the huge crowds. Tip: for a quiet coffee with amazing views, head over to Shrine Coffee. Grab a coffee and muffin and head over to the lighthouse to watch the surf.

My stay here was okay, but I wasn't comfortable sleeping due to a mildew smell in the room and stained sheets. While it's conveniently located near everything, I won't choose to stay here again.

NO LONGER A FAN! Went to check into the Seaway Inn yesterday only to find out that my reservation had been mysteriously canceled! My family has stayed at this place annually for 20 years during the Santa Cruz Triathlon. We've even brought other family members with us in the past and recommended the place to other triathletes racing in the event we come for. Then --- boom! --- this reservation canceled! No warning. No explanation. No reason. No apology. It didn't matter that we had an email confirmation or a long history with the place! They didn't even seem to care that they'd left us in the lurch! In a panic, we had to go looking for a new room and because it was last minute on Saturday night, we had to pay through the nose for whatever crummy accommodation was left! I'm sure we won't even hear from the management over it. That's fine because our relationship is essentially over now. The West Cliff Inn has new fans though!

We wanted to stay near the Boardwalk but didn't want to pay an arm and a leg. We found the Seaway Inn, right across the street from Dream Inn.  We were so happy with not only our accommodations but we also had a great view of Beach St. and the beach. Stephanie was very nice, friendly and so accomodating that she offered us her parking spot underneath the sign, where they're larger than the rest of the lot, since we had a large truck. Thanks, Stephanie! Our room was clean, fairly modern and nice; and it was the end unit on the second floor -- the best room situated for the view. We will most definitely be back and request room 230.

Although this place is right at the center of the action with a great view, it's an upgraded beach motel (like most of the properties nearby, honestly) that costs $400 per night in October. It was easy getting a reservation here, but please plan ahead and take advantage of the next door, historic West Cliff Inn, which offers a full breakfast and afternoon wine service for about $275 per night, and is a lot easier on the eye. While I appreciate the Seaway for its availability and mom-and-pop feel, I was put off by not only the cost but the "incidentals deposit" of $100, which was actually a security deposit (why in the world use the word "incidentals"?). I guess they've had their share of partiers trashing the rooms.

Great location! I stayed her with 4 kids, and the room was great with an amazing view (deluxe view room). The breakfast was a little light, so we did get breakfast elsewhere. We could walk to the beach, boardwalk, pier, and restaurants in less than 5 minutes. Perfect location for the kids to get everywhere they wanted to go. Great value for the price.

It looks way better online. Dingy, cramped, not at all accessible (outdoor stairs only, tight bathroom), not close or walkable to the beach, not close to anything. "Ocean view" overlooks a parking lot with the ocean far in the distance. No refunds, but we ended up going elsewhere anyway..

Location is great, no sea view to speak of though. The real problem with this place is the stench of room deodorizer which made me leave early, in the wee hours in the morning. Please please please, get wood or vinyl flooring so you can have a clean smelling room. No doubt the smell is in the old carpeting. I wouldn't stay there again. Also, there is nowhere to leave your key if you leave in the early morning. A slot in the door or a lockbox at the office would be nice.

Best location. Friendly staff. Clean, simple rooms. I'll definitely stay here again.

They have a very nice location..nice rooms..however, covid is over and their traditional breakfast is still not available..additionally, they used to charge $10 per Night for a pet..now it's $50..we stayed in pacific grove this week, and they charged $50 for our entire stay of 4 days..

I went on a spontaneous trip and booked this hotel very last minute. They were very accommodating to my late arrival, which was soo much appreciated after driving up after I got off work. The room was small but cute and worked perfectly for the two of us! It was reasonably priced and a short walk from all the things we wanted to do so we just left the car in the parking lot and walked everywhere. We will definitely be staying here again on our next trip up to Santa Cruz!

Do NOT STAY HERE!!! Room is not clean. The shower needs a deep clean like no other. The Inn tout's an ocean view, but there isn't much of anything, but a distant eye slit of a view. Not worth the money. The parking is lame and unsafe! If you go out for anything there is a chance you will not get parking in their small lot and have to park in the back where it is dark and the lot belongs to another hotel whereas you have to do the legwork to get the parking compensated. We were put in room 107 and had to argue to get another room as it looked as if we were staying in a room meant for someone in witness protection. Finally, we did get into another room, but it wasn't much better for cleanliness. At least it wasn't a carpet that was wee wee'd on by guests that bring dogs and the chairs didn't have any stains that you could see with the naked eye. This one had a very dirty and scuffed hardwood floor. We kept our shoes on the entire time even when we showered. The beds were lumpy and the pillows looked and felt like they were retrieved from a homeless camp near the beach. They were lifeless and flat. They do have a refrigerator and microwave; however, if you are single gals looking out for your safety, then you are trapped there because of the parking situation. In addition, the doors are sliding glass doors with no type of safety latch and extra hard keys are kept in the office for anyone to get to. In the morning while we were still in bed (had not checked out yet) an elderly man who works there came to our door and unlocked it and opened it. My daughter, who is a minor screamed as I was in the bathroom at the time. He quicky closed the door, didn't lock it and left. And, what the other reviewers state, is true...the rooms are tiny. I would attach photos, but pretty much the ones on this already is the crappy place.

A very nice, quaint hotel by the beach. The lady who checked me on was very nice and didn't judge me. I've got tattoos of stars.on my face and the older, stuffier generation doesn't like them. The next morning when asked if we were going to.extend I said yes..I wanted to stay another night. I was rudely informed of how the rates would go up and I'd have to.change rooms. My rate went from 220 to over 500$. I declined her offer and went to pack. I was stormed in on, she opened the curtain all the way and asked how long I'd be. Then she exclaimed, "you have a dog?!" I have a Chihuahua who was not hidden the day prior. They have a small dog run area. The ad said pet friendly. Next I was greeted by 6 Santa Cruz police officers. They were nice, I should add. But really?? Was that necessary? Now I check my bank statement and I've been charged over 400$ for my 1 night stay that began with 200$. A horrible experience in such a beautiful place.

Weekend trip to Santa Cruz landed us here. One of those older hotels that they have cleaned up and made nice, or nicer. Staff super friendly, location a short walk to the Boardwalk and the Wharf. Room was clean but on the small side. Shower had his and hers sides with separate shower heads which was nice. Only negative was a bit on the noisy side, plus limited parking up front, but could park in back about a minute walk away. Overall a nice place. A little pricey at about $300 a night with everything added.

This place is very meh. Other than the location, which is pretty great. It's hard to find a decent hotel in this area and this place mostly falls right in line with all the others. After I messed up on reservations elsewhere I found myself desperate for a room for my kiddo and I and the Seaway had one room left to which I was thankful. I've stayed here before, it was meh then too. This time we got a room with mismatched, very cheap furniture and gross carpet in the corner of the L shape building, so couldn't even hear the ocean at all. Slept fine, beds were comfortable enough. Only the carpet was gross, otherwise things were clean-ish. The staff were outstanding/friendly. And again, the location is good for ocean/beach access, wharf, downtown and the boardwalk... when it opens again. Prob a good place for families, when it's not $300 a night.

Super convenient location, VERY CLEAN, and a friendly staff. Booked this last minute online and had the view room with a King bed up top on floor two which was really pretty. You just can't beat the proximity to the wharf and Boardwalk for half the cost of Dream Inn on Spring Break.

Clean room. Comfortable beds. I didn't realize the doors were sliding glass doors, covered by a blackout curtain and sheer curtain. It was safe, but felt a little exposed. Breakfast was free, but only included packaged muffins, hard-boiled eggs, apples, oranges. Coffee was good.

This place is cute, has an amazing view, and is all about location. To the south is a great taco joint or Sawadee Thai, you have the ocean right across street with the boardwalk down the hill, and a killer coffee place and the surfers point to the north. Its a standard hotel that is clean and maintained with a friendly staff. We enjoyed our two night stay during the week.

We were in Santa Cruz for just one night and looked for something inexpensive. We scored with Seaway Inn/ Great value, didn't feel like a two star at all. Cute property, updated, easy parking and very clean. Did I mention location? Awesome! Close to everything! Would definitely stay again.

My wife and I stayed 2 nights at the Seaway Inn. Jasmine and everybody else that we dealt with there were very friendly and accommodating. It's nothing fancy, but it's got everything we need, and an ideal location. The rooms face the ocean boardwalk that's just like a block away, and it's an easy walk to everything downtown. Wanna go back!

Amazing location you can see the boardwalk and the pier from the hotel. Two minute walk to the beach very clean rooms and great customer service will definitely be coming back highly recommend.