Treat Yourself to a Dreamy Stay in Santa Cruz
Like most 13-year-olds, mine is nuts for amusement parks. Stomach-churning rides, mobs of people and long lines are not my idea of a good time. But I can be coerced into visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk--as long as I get to spend a night or two at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn. Every room at this hip and relaxed beachfront property features a gorgeous view of Monterey Bay. The hotel is also a short walk to the Boardwalk and more tranquil destinations.
Comfort Zone
On our latest visit to the Dream Inn, we stayed in a deluxe room with two queens in the main building. Our room wasn’t huge. But it was bright and inviting, and worked fine for our group of four (my daughter invited a fellow thrill-seeking pal to join her). Cream-colored walls, comfortable beds with simple white coverlets and pillows, and a sleek, rust-colored headboard gave it a fresh, modern look.
Playful retro touches, like curved plastic red chairs and funky light fixtures, along with pops of vibrant color, like the apple-green window shutters, punched up the contemporary décor. I’m a sucker for individual bedside reading lights, and our room had adjustable ones mounted above each side of both beds.
As always when we've stayed at the Dream Inn, the view of the ocean from our sliding glass doors and private balcony stole the show. It, and that soft, seaweed-and-salt laced breeze, along with the sound of the waves, instantly lowered my blood pressure. I started each morning on the balcony, savoring my coffee and the still-quiet beach, watching the first surfers and paddle-boarders head into the glassy ocean. In the evening, I watched the setting sun paint the sky orange, pink and gold. At night, lights from the wharf shimmered and danced on the dark water. And when it was time for bed, the surf lulled us to sleep.
Bath and Beyond
The bathroom was average size, clean and stocked with plenty of towels and Lush bath products. There was enough space around the sink--plus a shelf--to stash toiletries and a lighted magnifying makeup mirror.
Room amenities included a Keurig coffeemaker, mini-fridge and free WI-FI. The closet was small but adequate for a short stay.
Grounds for Approval
On deck - The large, attractive deck had plenty of chaise lounges for relaxing around the lip-shaped pool or gazing out at the beach. There was a tub at one end of the deck and a couple of clusters of outdoor sofas and fire pits at the other. Stairs from the patio provided direct access to Cowell Beach.
Dine & drink – Floor to ceiling glass walls at Aquarius, the on-site restaurant, served up panoramic views of the beach action with our breakfast. Also open for lunch and dinner, Aquarius features fresh local fare. With its surfboard festooned ceilings, the connecting Jack O'Neill Lounge looked like a fun place to have a drink.
Go ride a bike—Gleaming, turquoise-blue beach cruisers were too pretty to pass up for a ride along West Cliff Drive.
Neighborhood
In addition to being close the Boardwalk, the Dream Inn is right next door to the Santa Cruz Wharf. You can surf, swim, kayak or paddle board at Cowell Beach.
The hotel is also adjacent to one of the prettiest places to walk, bike or run on the California coast: the multi-used path on West Cliff Drive. Picnic or just drink in the scenery at Natural Bridges State Beach. Check out the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in a quaint brick lighthouse. If you're up for a longer stroll, head for the shops and restaurants of downtown Santa Cruz or hop in your car and be there in five minutes.
Room to Improve
The old-school air conditioner in our room worked well. But it was loud--there's no way I could have slept if it was running at night.
One cup of coffee in the morning doesn't cut it for this caffeine fiend. I stumbled to the lobby in search of more only to discover the Dream Inn doesn't offer complimentary coffee. I had to schlep across the parking lot and down to the restaurant to buy a cup.
Good to Know
Rooms in the main building overlook the pool, making it convenient for families--and noisy during the day and early evening. If you're craving peace and quiet, request a room in the tower wing north of the pool.
Vitals
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; 165 rooms and suites. Rates start at around $325, but Joie de Vivre offers a variety of packages and discounts throughout the year (we paid about $250 per night on a summer weekend with a limited time offer) so keep an eye on the website or call the hotel (831-426-4330).