Comfort Inn Beach/Boardwalk Area

A value property from the Comfort Inn chain, this low-key hotel offers clean and inviting contemporary interiors in a convenient location that attracts leisure and business travelers. The ochre-colored two-story building is motel-style, with exterior hallways wrapping around the parking lot and outdoor pool area. Inside, decor is typically chainlike, but modern and pleasant. The lobby, which also functions as the breakfast room, is clad in gray and brown tones and includes two armchairs in front of a fireplace, as well as a collection of small round dining tables and chairs next to a rack of tourist brochures. Overall, it's a solid choice in a walkable location, though travelers seeking more features might want to look elsewhere. 

The hotel is situated a two-minute walk from the San Lorenzo riverside and the Santa Cruz Riverwalk that runs along it. There are a couple of motels in the immediate area, and several dining options line the beachfront Beach Street, a three-minute walk away. The beach and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a family-friendly destination full of amusement rides, games, and a haunted house are within a five-minute walk of the hotel, as is the Santa Cruz Big Trees & Pacific Railway-Boardwalk Station. Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz, which is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, is about a 10- to 15-minute walk.

The Santa Cruz Wharf, a pier with food, shops, boat tours, and sea lions, is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Other area attractions include Natural Bridges State Beach (10-minute drive), Wilder Ranch State Park (12-minute walk), the Mystery Spot (13-minute drive), and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (13-minute drive). San Jose International Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. Monterey Regional Airport is an hour away. San Francisco International Airport can be reached in a bit over an hour.

Rooms here are clean and decked out in contemporary chainlike style dominated by brown and beige colors. Sleek, blond wood furniture includes nightstands and desks or tables, while large headboards feature leather padding. Brown and beige bedspreads top white linens, and framed black-and-white photos of area attractions like the boardwalk amusement rides adorn the walls. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Larger rooms add couches, and some rooms have fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs. Bathrooms are clean and feature external sink/vanity areas, and separate rooms with toilets and shower/tub combos. Wall-mounted hairdryers and some toiletries are provided. Most rooms overlook exterior hallways and the parking lot. 

This modest hotel offers a handful of features that add value to a stay. A free breakfast is served in the lobby, which doubles as a dining area, and includes a make-your-own waffle station as well as other hot items, fresh fruit, cereals, juices, and tea/coffee. Free coffee is available here throughout the day. Other freebies include Wi-Fi throughout the property and weekday newspapers. On-site parking is also free, but it's a bit tight and some past guests have complained of having to leave car keys at reception in case cars need to be moved. The hotel also has an outdoor pool (open seasonally), but it's small and located in the parking lot, which isn't a particularly scenic setting for a swim.