Name: Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites
Address: 1435 41st Avenue, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America, Santa Cruz, California, US
Price range: $133–$289 per night
Rating: 8.85

What guests think

At Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites, guests consistently praise very clean, spacious rooms, friendly staff, and a convenient location near restaurants and the beach, plus a complimentary breakfast that many find generous and better than typical.

Facilities such as the heated pool and hot tub, free parking with some EV chargers, and lobby coffee machines and cookies are appreciated, though the fitness room and pool temperature receive occasional complaints. Recurring drawbacks include noise from hallways or upstairs rooms, inconsistent housekeeping (service on request), and periodic maintenance or key/check-in issues; a few guests found beds or pillows uncomfortable and shutters let in morning light. Overall, expect a clean, convenient, family-friendly stay with solid amenities; request a quiet room if you’re sensitive to noise.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests like the heated pool and hot tub, free parking (with some EV chargers), and lobby coffee machines and cookies. Feedback on the fitness room varies from limited or under construction to recently refreshed.

Related guest reviews

10

lynne

Aug 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Quick 1 night. Full motor lodge vibe, but great staff, and hit all the upgrade buttons: coffee in room, good toiletries, make up mirror. Free cappuccino machine and cookies in lobby. HEAVY continental breakfast included.

10

Terrel

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had a large handicap accessible room with fridge and microwave. Handicap parking spaces and electric car charging stations. helpful staff. internet available and included. Breakfast included.

10

Samantha

Jun 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great breakfast, warm pool, nice jacuzzi, spacious rooms, and excellent customer service.

10

POLLY

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked this room 15 minutes prior to arriving and were happy with the room and closeness to restaurants which were walkable. The area seemed very safe and the free breakfast was the best we’d had on our trip. It offered both hot items and grab and go and even had a free latte machine in the lobby along with free cookies. Will definitely come back to this hotel when in the area in the future.

10

Nancy

Jan 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

This hotel is clean and very friendly staff. The free breakfast is great. They even have keurig coffee machines. It is very easy to get to and to go to Capitola and Santa Cruz. They have lots of parking and don’t charge to park!

6

Adriana

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was very friendly. Overall the hotel is clean and kept up. We were happy to know breakfast was included each day however the area was always messy, the food mildly warm or they were out of most items. The so called gym was a disappointment, they had an only one working machine (an old treadmill) because the other machines had no cord to plug in.

8

Carol

Jan 2, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice clean hotel. Gym was under construction. Service was good

10

Julie

Apr 4, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There is so much to love about this property. The room and property were clean and well kept. The shower had shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner in bottles on the wall, which were full. This isn't the case in other hotels I have been to. The gym had everything needed for a great workout. The breakfast looked amazing. There wasn't anything missing that would make for a filling breakfast. Sadly, we were unable to eat it due to our plant based diet. Every staff we encountered all had smiles and greeted us as they walked by. I can say from this experience that I will now be on the lookout for using Best Westerns from now on when available.

10

Cynthia

May 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was fresh and new. They have painted and remodeled the gym and eating area. It was good before and even better, now.

10

Elizabeth

Jun 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice decor, clean and comfortable vibe, good temperature in the pool and jacuzzi for my family, nice breakfast and my kids loved the fresh cookies at checkin!

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is a strong point across rooms and common areas. A few report musty hallways, messy breakfast areas, or maintenance/housekeeping lapses (service by request) such as missed trash or clogged sinks.

Related guest reviews

2

Ming

May 6, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Trash was not taken out, the bathroom showerhead was leaking, and the sink drain was clogged. I understand no hotel can be perfect, but when there are so many things gone wrong at the same time, there is a big problem in operation.

8

Maria

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I would have given 5 stars, but was a little disappointed that during our 2 night stay the room was not cleaned, bed made, trash taken out, dirty towels replaced. Otherwise, everything was excellent!

10

Sonya

Aug 14, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean hotel from lobby to room to pool and very charming decor. Very friendly staff.

6

John

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great Location. Hotel does need to be updated. The Room that I stayed in needed maintenance. The walls were scratched and needed repair. The flooring scratched and peeling. The bathroom faucet was hooked up backwards. The hallways smell musty. The breakfast room was not very clean and was unattended most of the time.

8

Teresa

Jun 3, 2024

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Stayed 3 nights

Friendly & helpful staff. Room was comfortable. Rugs were dirty. Floors were sticky. Breakfast was good. Lots of options.

10

Jeffrey

Oct 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room cheerful staff

10

Rose

Dec 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everywhere was clean, the lobby, the hall way, the room, the parking area.

4

Sabine Martha

Aug 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is extremely noisy, heavily decorated with plastic and dark, light switches don't work, and the bathroom is calcified. Breakfast isn't my cup of tea. The smoke detector beeps in the middle of the night (the battery is dead).

8

Wolfgang

Jul 5, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

No housekeeping - although promised twice at check-in ! Concierege completely overwhelmed.

10

Souad

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean hotel.

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Rooms

Rooms are generally spacious and comfortable, often with in-room coffee, fridge, and microwave. Noise can carry from hallways, upstairs, or doors, and some mention firm mattresses, lumpy pillows, or shutters that let in morning light.

Related guest reviews

10

Connie

Nov 13, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We were impressed with the size of our room and the options available for breakfast. The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. We also appreciated having a keurig in our room with good quality coffee. We didn’t get to use the pool amd hot tub, but it looked very nice. The location was also great. Close to many restaurants, shops, and only a 20 minute walk to the water. We would stay here again.

10

Richard

Feb 20, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Everything was great and the room had features that I can really appreciate. For instance, a sink in the bathroom and outside the bathroom door. Even something as thoughtful as having a card dropbox by the door next to the parking The only downside was the mattress. Both nights I woke up with my lower back and hips aching. I know it was the mattress because I could get up and walk around and it didn’t bother me, but when I laid down again, the ache returned. I ended up sleeping on the sofa in the living area with the fireplace on, and it was actually quite nice! but hopefully when we return, there will be new mattresses.

10

Stanley

Apr 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel in every respect.... except for allocation to us of Room 220 which was continually disrupted by noise from the main door from/ to the hotel from the car park - the room is situated DIRECTLY above this door. There was also a continuous throbbing humming noise coming from the corridor. So great hotel, but avoid 220

8

Iris

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very spacious and bathroom/room supplies were generous.

6

Debra

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

To be honest, I was disappointed with this hotel. With all the 9 & 10 point reviews and for the price, I really expected more The hotel as clean the bed was comfortable, but it wasn’t quiet. People coming in after 10 you could hear their entire conversations, doors slam, and you literally feel them. There’s a noise in the bathroom, perhaps the air conditioner, that runs 24/7 and sounds like a quiet jet engine. You have to specifically request housekeeping, and although it was clean, and quite large, the whole room had no warmth to it. The reviews also raved about the breakfast…. I’m not sure why. I stayed three nights, and while there was nothing wrong, the cost was a lot for what I got,

6

Elena

Nov 19, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Comfortable beds, clean rooms and pretty good breakfast. The only issue is that our room was super loud, with people talking in the hall and the noise from the road. Avoid room 106 if you are looking for a quiet night.

10

John

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good place to stay! The only thing I Must note is the floors are thin so If you are on floors 1 or 2 you will hear people walking and in the bathroom. Breakfast very good and they have good coffee. Clean overall but wished their sink was in the bathroom. We went for the car week event's, but Capitola beach is a cool little area.

10

jami

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

We loved the spaciousness of our room . It had a cute little fireplace and sofa area. It made our stay feel more homey. We enjoyed the breakfast and the pool area too . It was great to have parking and central to where we wanted to be . Only small feedback I could give is I would have preferred blackout curtains instead of the plantation shutters . These looked very cute but I like my room pitch black.

10

John

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent spacious room. Service very good. Very good selection of food at breakfast. State of rooms to be commended! Delightful little swimming pool and spa Would recommend this Best Western to others!

10

Ellen

May 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location, spacious room, plenty of parking and nice breakfast. Would definitely return!

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and accommodating, with occasional early check-ins or upgrades. Some guests experienced long waits, room-not-ready or key mix-ups, and inconsistent problem resolution.

Related guest reviews

10

Andrew

Jul 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We were a group of five and they upgraded a room so we could rooms side by side

10

Darryn

Oct 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything about the hotel was fantastic, the only issue we had was that we waited about 40 minutes to check in. There was a sign at the desk saying the rep was away helping other guests so I wasn’t too bothered by it. 10/10 would stay again

10

Janine

Aug 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Not enough employees. Long waits. Otherwise great!

10

Kelli

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I wish I could remember the man’s name that checked us in last night, he was a super nice man. We didn't get there until after midnight and he was so nice and welcoming after a long day. He was friendly and efficient. He offered us water and made sure we knew that if we forgot toothbrushes or anything to let him know. He was super nice and a great person to run the front desk as he was very welcoming and sweet.

6

randy

Feb 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Average hotel no one was above average I ask Rick the mgr on duty for help on connecting to internet he gave me as an code on a sheet of paper that was it no help! Very disappointed with this location!

10

Mike

Dec 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What a great trip this was! The manager or worker was so friendly we checked in earlier than expected via text! It was awesome definitely coming back

8

Nina

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Property was great and overall experience was good. The only thing that was an inconvenience was the room not being ready by 3 when check in time starts, had we not had 5 kids in the car it wouldn't have been a huge deal but keeping 5 kids while waiting for the room wasn't fun.

10

Lisa

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What a beautiful hotel. Our room was amazing! Super clean and quite large. We appreciated the full breakfast offered at extended times. The staff is the best! John, at the front desk was wonderful. He went above and beyond to accommodate our requests. We will definitely be back!

6

Neha

Jul 23, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lacked customer service.

6

Gary

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room is fine, place is nice. But after giving us the room, our keys didn't work, had to get them reprogrammed. Then later, someone else tried to enter our room -- that person had been assigned the same room somehow! Then that evening, the keys stopped working again. A bit of incompetence in an otherwise decent place.

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Location

Convenient spot near restaurants, shops, and a walkable distance to Capitola Beach and surf spots; many find the area safe. One reviewer felt it was farther from the beach than expected.

Related guest reviews

10

Tim

Aug 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was a gem. Easy walk to the main Capitola front area.

8

Joshua

Feb 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Property was in a convenient location.

10

Connie

Nov 13, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

We were impressed with the size of our room and the options available for breakfast. The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. We also appreciated having a keurig in our room with good quality coffee. We didn’t get to use the pool amd hot tub, but it looked very nice. The location was also great. Close to many restaurants, shops, and only a 20 minute walk to the water. We would stay here again.

10

POLLY

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We booked this room 15 minutes prior to arriving and were happy with the room and closeness to restaurants which were walkable. The area seemed very safe and the free breakfast was the best we’d had on our trip. It offered both hot items and grab and go and even had a free latte machine in the lobby along with free cookies. Will definitely come back to this hotel when in the area in the future.

10

Trudy

Jul 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent staff, perfect location

10

Deborah

Nov 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully situated, nice folks working here. Good breakfast. Quick walk to great surf spots. Clean and safe. 5 stars

10

Bertha

Jul 10, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

I like the location of the property.

10

Vivian

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were very friendly. The pool was great and the breakfast was very good with lots of options. Location was fantastic.

10

April

Jun 9, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

3 nights in a 1 bed “suite” whilst visiting family and the area. The location was convenient for us. We wanted more than a room to give us some space to “be”. Good self serve breakfast. And we sat out in the outdoor area to eat a self-created snack meal. Very much just on the side of a highway as is the case with most of the hotels in the US, but felt safe. Close to grocery stores and could walk to Capitola beach.

10

Gang

May 10, 2023

·

Stayed 6 nights

Clean, quiet, friendly staff, easy parking, in walikng distant to the sea side.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is widely praised for variety and hot options, with good lobby coffee. Some note average quality, occasional messiness or items running out, and a few beverage or waffle issues.

Related guest reviews

4

Alberta

Aug 7, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean but the bed wasn't comfortable and it rolled away!! Seriously?! The breakfast; apple juice was watered down, gross. And making a waffle was impossible for everyone. The batter wasn't done correctly and too water in it.

10

Rosalie

Mar 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel is excellent! Very clean and updated. The breakfast is delicious and something different everyday. Plenty of parking in the back. Walking distance to restaurants and a healthy grocery store next door with various ready to eat meals. Pillows and bed are comfy with a nice couch to lounge on. Nice big pool. Overall I’d love to give them 6 stars if I can. I will stay here again when I’m in town.

10

Ashley

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was clean and fresh feeling, and our kids loved the pool! Breakfast had great options including bacon and eggs, though the eggs weren't great, but everything else was! It's hard to find a decent, included continental breakfast and this one was nice.

10

trevor

Jan 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great value. Excellent breakfast choices and hotel was extremely clean

10

Eric

Sep 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel, staff and breakfast

6

Debra

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

To be honest, I was disappointed with this hotel. With all the 9 & 10 point reviews and for the price, I really expected more The hotel as clean the bed was comfortable, but it wasn’t quiet. People coming in after 10 you could hear their entire conversations, doors slam, and you literally feel them. There’s a noise in the bathroom, perhaps the air conditioner, that runs 24/7 and sounds like a quiet jet engine. You have to specifically request housekeeping, and although it was clean, and quite large, the whole room had no warmth to it. The reviews also raved about the breakfast…. I’m not sure why. I stayed three nights, and while there was nothing wrong, the cost was a lot for what I got,

10

neptali

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was great!

6

Adriana

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The staff was very friendly. Overall the hotel is clean and kept up. We were happy to know breakfast was included each day however the area was always messy, the food mildly warm or they were out of most items. The so called gym was a disappointment, they had an only one working machine (an old treadmill) because the other machines had no cord to plug in.

10

Vivian

Aug 7, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were very friendly. The pool was great and the breakfast was very good with lots of options. Location was fantastic.

10

John

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Excellent spacious room. Service very good. Very good selection of food at breakfast. State of rooms to be commended! Delightful little swimming pool and spa Would recommend this Best Western to others!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$119
February	$153
March	$183
April	$192
May	$190
June	$238
July	$261
August	$254
September	$174
October	$166
November	$152
December	$126

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $168	2	3
4 $155	5 $134	6 $133	7 $134	8 $160	9	10
11 $167	12 $148	13 $154	14 $151	15 $161	16 $289	17
18 $139	19 $148	20 $144	21 $147	22 $148	23 $286	24
25 $148	26 $147	27 $147	28 $147	29 $154	30 $207	31

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $203	16 $184	17 $188	18	19
20 $161	21 $155	22 $156	23 $162	24 $160	25	26
27 $166	28 $152	29 $164	30 $160

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Suite, Multiple Beds, Accessible, Refrigerator & Microwave (With Sofabed)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave (With Sofabed)

Suite, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Sofabed is a Double Bed)

Suite, Multiple Beds, Jetted Tub (With Sofabed)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Jetted Tub

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Jetted Tub

Suite, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Refrigerator & Microwave (With Sofabed)

Business Suite, 1 King Bed, Refrigerator & Microwave (Sofabed is a Double Bed)

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Refrigerator & Microwave

Guest reviews

Fabulous

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Best Western Plus Capitola By-the-Sea Inn & Suites

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Prices for upcoming dates