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Dream Inn Description

Santa Cruz is sadly infamous for a string of truly awful motels in the area close to the boardwalk. One of the rare exceptions is the Dream Inn, newly opened by the hip Joie de Vivre group of boutique hotels. Don't be put off by the West Cliff drive address; while it may look far by car, a handy footbridge connects the handful of hotels on this waterfront road with the boardwalk area across the water. Not only is it a lovely walk over the water looking down at the boats, but at night the lights of the Ferris wheel and other rides glittering across the harbour making for an enticing and romantic view. And since it takes five minutes or less, you can head back to the motel for a quick mid-day swim, then return to the boardwalk for the evening thrills. Be sure to check out our other Santa Cruz vacation ideas.

Planning Notes

Look for deals. Standard rates for the Dream Inn are quite pricey, but package deals like the Kid VIP program bring these elegant rooms within reach of even budget travelers. And if you factor in what you'd pay for the long list of amenities offered, from free valet parking to the huge heated pool to complimentary yoga classes on the deck overlooking the harbor, it starts to seem like a pretty good deal.

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