Close to restaurants and The Boardwalk/beach etc. Standard independent motel really, it did the job, the pool isn't too private being right on the side of the road. As for road noise, yeah it is fairly noisy, but most motels are situated on the side of main roads, so don't book one and then complain about road noise. And they internet worked perfectly for me.

We booked the 2BR suite and were very happy that the room contains two real beds (not a couch that pulls out into a bed) in two separate areas with a lockable door in between and two TVs. The term "suite" may be a bit misleading -- it's like a typical hotel room, with a bedroom off the back, so there isn't really a living room area, but there was a microwave. It's located about 15-20 minutes away from the boardwalk, which was easily walkable with our kids (ages 5 & 8), and we even did it in the evening and felt safe enough. The included continental breakfast at the hotel wasn't terribly impressive (toast and cereal) but it was enough to get us by until lunch. There's a very nice Italian restaurant right across the street. It's a little noisy in the parking areas in the evening, but nothing that kept us awake. Overall, it's a pretty good value.

We arrived to this motel really late without a reservation and the staff was really helpfull and nice. The rooms are really clean and confortable. There is a complimentary breakfast, the lady at the front desk even waited for us to wake up before closing the breakfast... It has a tiny pool in the parking lot... The only negative point is that the road nearby is noisy... But it is a motel so it is acceptable...

Lets face it, you're either going to love Santa Cruz or hate it same goes for staying in budget motels. This is a reasonably priced hotel in a very highly priced area to stay it is also classic motel: rooms opening on the the parking lot, basic accommodation. I chose here as we were only staying one night to visit Santa Cruz on our way through. I'm glad it wasn't longer. The room was clean but a litle tired. It did have a full bathroom,  a large tv, fridge, and a small table and chairs.  We slept very well despite being so close to the parking. The pool is in one corner of the car park,  in full view of the road and despite perspex walls giving a little modesty I can't imagine using it!  We chose here because the price was so much better than the bloated Santa Cruz prices and as the parking is free and it is on a road that takes you straight to the boardwalk it is a reasonable choice. Watch out, parking at the boardwalk is $12. I didn't love the boardwalk, very English seaside with an Americans-do-it-better twist. However, I wholly recommend The Mystery Spot... $5 per person plus $5 parking. That was great family entertainment, don't miss it!