Babbling Brook Inn

We had a amazing time, absolutely loves it. But.... The stairs to our time are in much need of repairs. Other then that five stars and we look forward to returning.

This place is a very unique place to stay. Very rustic. I liked it a lot. Check in was easy as well as check out. Did not have a mini frig or hair dryer. For some reason, we could not get the fireplace to work. Coffee on the balcony in the morning was nice. Great coffee and Keurig coffeemaker. Bottled water furnished as well as bath soaps and shampoos.

We stayed for a birthday weekend getaway! We absolutely loved it! Very cute and charming. Tons of character! We had a bolted ceiling room with a wood beam going through it. Also had our own balcony that over looks the Garden and the babbling brook. Very clean and comfortable. There is no fridge in the room, but we had our ice chest since we were planning to hit the beach. So it wasn’t an issue for us. It definitely is one of the older places in Santa Cruz, so if you’re looking for super high end then it’s not for you. I still would recommend to giving it a try because this place was super quiet and tranquil. We plan on returning to the Babbling Brook for our next visit! Love it!!

The property is very quaint, very cute. The staff was very friendly and very accommodating. The rooms are slightly smaller than the photos make them look, pretty common. The Wi-Fi was unavailable during our entire visit not sure exactly what caused that. There’s no AC in the rooms, but they do provide a fan and it was actually fairly chilly the night that we stayed. Big thumbs up for how quiet it was not a lot of traffic noise not a lot of other guest noise. Bed was very comfortable tub had jets. We didn’t use the fireplace, but it was great that it was there for the really cool nights. The grounds were as advertised all in all this property is great for a short stay. I don’t know that I would choose it for someplace where I was going to be for a week, but not disappointed at all with what I found when I got there .

There was no one there when we arrived. We retrieved our key from a lock box. Our room was clean, but run down. We were in the Renoir room off the main building and it was completely dark. The covered bridge area and surrounding patio was not lit up at all and it was pitch black. The WiFi didn't work and the phone in the room didn't work. I think we were the only guests there and it felt creepy. We had 2 nights booked and only stayed 1. When we went to turn in the key, there was a gentleman at the front desk. We expressed our concerns and told him that we would not be staying the second night. He said he understood and apologized for the condition of the place. He said he would issue us a refund and not charge us for the second night. We were thankful, but are still awaiting the refund. We stayed here 21 years ago and loved how cozy and quaint it was. We were very sad to see how rundown it is and how it's lost its charm. In addition, there was no food served as stated on the website. Hopefully it can be brought back to what it once was.

Unfortunately the stay was unexceptional. We had plumbing issues right away. The parking is very tight. Wouldn’t recommend having large vehicle for this place. The WiFi would not connect and the tv wouldn’t turn on. The rooms were ok for the most part but the bed was very hard. Wouldn’t stay there again.

Older property. In room fire place was broken and the WiFi didn’t work.

Room itself was great, good bathroom and bed was ok, liked the balcony. Only concerns we hard were that internet was sub par, they had a raccoon on the premise that was casually wandering around, at one point at night I could see it climbing a tree that was nearby, and there were parental controls where tvma programming wasn’t allowed.

It was nice, but the fireplace did not work. They did not provide the remote they said would be available😫. Left a phone number to call, but nobody on sight to provide the remote.

The property has charm and is situated in a beautiful, forest-like setting, which made for a peaceful and quiet stay. However, it’s definitely an older place and could use some regular maintenance. The flowers in our room were dead, and the window screens were bent, which made me worry about bugs getting in. There were also an abundant amount of spider webs on our balcony, so we did not get to enjoy it. The check-in process was a bit confusing. The front office is located at the top of the building, which isn’t clearly marked, and there was no one at the desk when we arrived, just a sign instructing us to call a number. We did, and were directed to a lockbox with our key inside. This would’ve been fine if we had been informed ahead of time. There also didn’t seem to be any staff on-site for requests like extra towels or blankets, other than the cleaning crew before checkout. Similarly, we weren’t told that checkout just involved leaving the key in the room. The room itself was pleasant, with a lovely view that allowed for a bit of birdwatching, and the jetted tub was wonderful to use. Overall, better communication and a little upkeep would have gone a long way.

This was once a beautiful property, and still is. However, it is in major need of an update, and the non-existent front desk does not make it very inviting to stay. Was difficult to even find our room.. they provide a 'map' with the key in a lockbox, but it is illegible ...the room was very dated, gross carpet and dusty in places. Also not the cleanest bathroom. It is a shame, because this property has a lot of potential. The setting is quite beautiful, surrounded by nature. Lots of plants and the brook is very special. I really hope that someone will be willing to invest into this property soon. Will not return for the time being.

There was no staff to greet us. I received a voicemail with brief instructions on how to check in. Room looked nothing like the photos. As soon as I went in, the room had a strong musty smell. There are chips and stains all along the walls and blinds. We decided to still stay the night since the room was expensive. I realized there were several areas in the room and bathroom that had black mold. I read a review that the guest’s sheets were stained. We decided to check our blankets and sure enough, there were a couple of odd stains. Everything was just so bad that we decided not to stay the night. It was $300 down the drain but we feel incredibly misled and cheated by the photos. Please read the most recent reviews and you’ll see that we were not the only ones who had this kind of experience.

The Garden Room did not look like the photo on their website! All the charming decorative amenities were gone: there was no dust ruffle or window valence, no throw blanket on the bed. There was no couch or bureau. The window blinds were dingy and scratched. The floor was so dangerously warped that my husband almost fell. The bathroom was grim. The vanity, baseboard and walls needed painting, the faucets were old and dull. It took so long to get hot water that I stoped waiting for it to warm up and washed my face and hands in cold water. We booked for a two night stay and spent over $600.00 for a substandard room. And finally, we received instruction on how to access the room a day AFTER our arrival. We had to call to get someone to let us in. Very Disappointing!

Needs work, kind let property go, dusty under bed, leaking shower, road in front is busy.

So, the place is really cute from the outside and you can see what it used to be from the inside. There is definitely maintenance that needs to be done (all of the winding knobs for the windows pop off, there is a gap in the bathroom window where the knob is exposing to the outside without a screen, scratches and divits in the walls, dirty near the bottom of the walls) and some sound proofing wouldn't hurt (especially with the number of couples that were there... if you get what I'm saying). Additionally when I showed up to check-in, i was told to go outside to the lockbox and look at my email. I didn't ever get an email from them (and service there is terrible). When I said I never got an email, it was clear the check-in person was annoyed. Then, in the morning around 10:30am there wasn't anyone there to check out. I was told to use the lockbox (and had to request the code because, again, no email). Also, do NOT count on wi-fi. It did not work at all while I was there -- I couldn't even see the network (and I reset my phone multiple times).

No receptionist to check you in. Place was dirty floors sticky carpet stained. No lighting.

Pros: close to everything, nice gardens with wood bungalows Cons: dingy old bathrooms, toilet in our bathroom was nearly broken (clanked when you sat on it), no true blackout capability - light comes in everywhere, stupid “feature” in which bathroom light comes on when you enter room, sound from other rooms is awful - you can hear everything, pilot light always on in fireplace so slightly warm regardless of what you want, pillows are hard and bed creaky. No minifridge. It seems like they set up this properly in 1979 and haven’t updated it since. Not sure how they got the great photos but this is not worth what we paid AT ALL. couldn’t wait to leave.

The room wasn’t anything like the picture on the website. It smelled like mildew, the rug was wet in places, and there were many bugs on the bed. Not bedbugs, looked more like termites. The beds weren’t made the next day and the TV didn’t work. There wasn’t an Innkeeper to talk to. All in all, a huge disappointment. I spent more than $150 more per night than another nice place to experience luxury. Didn’t happen.

Our door was ajar when we arrived and the room was dingy at best. Sand from the beach was not vacuumed. Just felt kinda creepy with no one in the office either. Suggest closing for a month to give the place a face lift. A little elbow grease will make a huge difference.

The location is convenient. However, the property overall is way past it's prime. The furniture and fixtures in our room were tired, not in good condition, and need to be replaced. It was likely a nice place 25 years ago, but not great now. Overall cleanliness could be better. We found some trash and a personal item left by previous guests in a corner of the room. The windows are so dirty, they must not have been cleaned for years. Another issue was that we could hear every footstep, the television, and muffled voices from the unit immediately above us until almost midnight. The people weren't being especially loud. Thus, the building itself must be poorly built and/or needs to be insulated. Unless you get a fabulous deal, the Inn is not worth the price!

We had an excellent stay there and will visit again. It was a good value considering the other very overpriced hotels in Santa Cruz during high season. There was some road noise from the room but overall, the setting compensated for that aspect.

We were looking forward to the babbling brook, but the water was low and the street noise was much louder. The property is cute but is in a busy neighborhood. Our bathtub faucet leaked the whole time we were there even though we called right away. The room was so tiny there was nowhere to put our suitcase.

Such a beautiful location! Our room was lovely too. There really is a babbling brook just beyond the deck. There's no place I'd rather stay in Santa Cruz!

Our room smelled of mildew and the pictures of the room on the website do not match the reality. They've removed all of the things that gave the room charm and painted the whole room white. Also, their is a window facing a busy street that has no window coverings. The beds were terrible and I could barely sleep

It is a great concept. The lack of office support on site is a problematic. Laural st nearby is loud and full of traffic. It over shadows the Brooke.

The property is very quaint, very cute. The staff was very friendly and very accommodating. The rooms are slightly smaller than the photos make them look, pretty common. The Wi-Fi was unavailable during our entire visit not sure exactly what caused that. There’s no AC in the rooms, but they do provide a fan and it was actually fairly chilly the night that we stayed. Big thumbs up for how quiet it was not a lot of traffic noise not a lot of other guest noise. Bed was very comfortable tub had jets. We didn’t use the fireplace, but it was great that it was there for the really cool nights. The grounds were as advertised all in all this property is great for a short stay. I don’t know that I would choose it for someplace where I was going to be for a week, but not disappointed at all with what I found when I got there .

Cute little place, great location off the beaten path but still close to downtown and boardwalk. Could use some updates but overall clean and fairly comfortable. Sweet view of the babbling brook from the little balcony, makes you feel like you’re in the woods.

Stay one night at Sisley (RM 108)…I like the garden set-up and my in-room balcony to enjoy that garden.

Seeing the photos I expected a lot more than what I got. The staff was friendly and helpful but we had to switch rooms because no outlets were working in the first room, and in the second room it was smaller and the bed was not comfortable.

The location is convenient. However, the property overall is way past it's prime. The furniture and fixtures in our room were tired, not in good condition, and need to be replaced. It was likely a nice place 25 years ago, but not great now. Overall cleanliness could be better. We found some trash and a personal item left by previous guests in a corner of the room. The windows are so dirty, they must not have been cleaned for years. Another issue was that we could hear every footstep, the television, and muffled voices from the unit immediately above us until almost midnight. The people weren't being especially loud. Thus, the building itself must be poorly built and/or needs to be insulated. Unless you get a fabulous deal, the Inn is not worth the price!

When we arrived, there was no one at the property and we had gotten an email about how to access the key in the lock box, but the key to the gate was missing, and when I called to ask for someone to come help the person who responded was not very welcoming and made it seem that I was inconveniencing her by asking for the key. Finally, someone came and let us in, but when I called back to ask if they were going to bring us a key so that we’d be able to get it later she once again was very dismissive of my request. We never actually got a key to the front gate. They just left it open. In addition there were stains on the carpet in the room. Also, there were no bedside tables next to the bed so you had to put things on the floor if you wanted to be able to access them at night. I would not stay here again.

I was unable to reach ANYone for 2 1/2 days! despite a ridiculous phone message saying the office is open (it isn't) "from 8 AM to 10 PM. Consequently, ater I paid $560 for two rooms -- I really needed to talk with some staffer about where (and if!) to place an elder with mobility problems.....in a NICE (not dark/dungeon oriented) room. One of our rooms was great, but the one that mattered - that for the elder - was incredibly dark, poorly furnished and with a super questionable bathroom. I complained with I got to the property (the office totally dark/closed in mid-afternoon), and found a young woman walking about -- if not rude, then utterly unconcerned on any level with my experience.

Gorgeous site and room. Quiet. Peaceful. Wish staff were on site.

I sat and waited for the receptionist to answer the phone so I could check in. Office door locked. Note on the office door said call “Colleen”. She didn’t respond after 3 calls and a text. I never saw a staff member the entire time after waiting 30 minutes to check in- I was already running late after a full day of travel to get to a graduation party. . She called me on my cell phone and said oh I’m sorry I was talking on the other phone. She gave be me the code to find my key and verbally walked me past an overflowing disgusting large dumpster with poopy baby diapers all over and rats and flies. Room was fine. Service was terrible.

Hotel was overbooked so we didn't get our room. We were polite and left without incident, and made other arrangements. However, we were still billed for the room and it has been impossible to get any response from Babbling Brook Inn about this despite numerous phone calls (always to voice mail) and messages left on their website support form. At this point it is starting to feel like an intentional scam. I would avoid this property, it is not being managed by honest individuals and you are inviting serious headaches if you make a reservation here.

There was no one there when we arrived. We retrieved our key from a lock box. Our room was clean, but run down. We were in the Renoir room off the main building and it was completely dark. The covered bridge area and surrounding patio was not lit up at all and it was pitch black. The WiFi didn't work and the phone in the room didn't work. I think we were the only guests there and it felt creepy. We had 2 nights booked and only stayed 1. When we went to turn in the key, there was a gentleman at the front desk. We expressed our concerns and told him that we would not be staying the second night. He said he understood and apologized for the condition of the place. He said he would issue us a refund and not charge us for the second night. We were thankful, but are still awaiting the refund. We stayed here 21 years ago and loved how cozy and quaint it was. We were very sad to see how rundown it is and how it's lost its charm. In addition, there was no food served as stated on the website. Hopefully it can be brought back to what it once was.

I liked the location and the room was clean and property is very quiet the brook winding through the inn is very nice. The only problem we had was checking out early. Staff doesn't tell you that you can just leave keys in room upon leaving. That would be useful information for anyone staying here.

The property is unique and very quaint. They used to have a wonderful breakfast and evening drinks. That stopped with Covid sadly. There is no one on site, save for a housekeeper during the day. You have to get your key through a lock box. Property now looks worn and in need of upkeep, with bits of trash about on the grounds. The once beautiful planters are sparse. I hope it can get back to its former state. Santa Cruz is tough for hotels, very expensive and not a lot of quality. The pictures of the rooms are from many years ago. It’s just been neglected.

Babbling brook was quiet, close to downtown, just a 15 minute walk. Service was poor to terrible. No one was at the front desk. Room needed some minor repairs, such as smoke alarm and blinds. Otherwise, nice stay.

Worst place I have ever dealt with! Showed up only to be catfished by the images shown on the Expedia listing which looks nothing like the place we arrived to. It was run down, dirty looking and the room we reserved smelled musty/moldy. The person at the property apologized and mentioned they would cancel the reservation and refund our money as we did not stay there. Unfortunately they his person did not keep their word and denied the cancellation after we had left, not only that they never answered the phone as I and Expedia attempted many times to call. The voicemail is full which doesn’t allow you to leave any messages. It’s like the property manager knows what’s wrong and doesn’t want to deal with anyone but is Happy to take ones money! What a scam and bad experience, to top it off Expedia support has been useless in regards to assisting with this. Our only hope is the travel insurance claim we made so fingers crossed they are able to help. Please do yourself a favor and don’t make the mistake I did and read all reviews posted for this place and you’ll see what a scam it is.

We had an excellent stay there and will visit again. It was a good value considering the other very overpriced hotels in Santa Cruz during high season. There was some road noise from the room but overall, the setting compensated for that aspect.

Great location price and setting

Homely comfortable large family room. In a quirky setting within easy reach of beaches and downtown.

It is a great concept. The lack of office support on site is a problematic. Laural st nearby is loud and full of traffic. It over shadows the Brooke.

Loved it ! It was very private and quiet in a great area.

We love the atmosphere and surroundings at Babbling Brook. Although it needs a little more love and care we love the brook, the trees, and the secluded quaint tree-filled feel. Not like a stuffy chain hotel

Cute little place, great location off the beaten path but still close to downtown and boardwalk. Could use some updates but overall clean and fairly comfortable. Sweet view of the babbling brook from the little balcony, makes you feel like you’re in the woods.

Very cute and quaint, off a busy street but set back and very foresty, the staff was very nice and accommodating , would stay here again

I liked the location and the room was clean and property is very quiet the brook winding through the inn is very nice. The only problem we had was checking out early. Staff doesn't tell you that you can just leave keys in room upon leaving. That would be useful information for anyone staying here.

A quiet, rustic setting, yet right in the core of the city. Lots of stairs, if that's an issue. I would stay there again.

Very unique concept property, running brook, like a village set in a river basin, nice garden spaces. Property looked tired, rooms need refurbishment, lobby not open, contact with manager only by phone or email, no food service, still in Covid mode, needed a work desk in room, cost not justified by experience.

We’ve stayed here many times in the past several years. I knew the place was under new ownership and no longer offering breakfast and wine and cheese hour, but the place is as adorable and comfy as ever. The new owners are very accommodating with Keurig coffee maker in the room, excellent towels and nice linens. We stayed in the Artists Retreat and it was a dream.

This was our second stay. Location and layout is still charming, but we missed the lovely breakfast they used to serve. Check in was through key box so zero interface with staff.

The property garden itself was beautiful but the rooms need some updating. There was no staff when I arrived, so as a solo traveler this felt a little creepy. There were also no other guests so it seemed a little Erie, I ended up begging my partner to come stay the night with me. Website also promises wine and cookies, there were no amenities besides coffee in the room, and no one around to ask about the amenities. Beautiful property, good location and with charming gardens, but needs staff and updating.

This place is a very unique place to stay. Very rustic. I liked it a lot. Check in was easy as well as check out. Did not have a mini frig or hair dryer. For some reason, we could not get the fireplace to work. Coffee on the balcony in the morning was nice. Great coffee and Keurig coffeemaker. Bottled water furnished as well as bath soaps and shampoos.

The property is nice enough, and walking distance to downtown Santa Cruz. The room did not match the pictures. The fireplace had been replaced with one of those space heaters that looks like a fireplace. And even though the website claims that they serve breakfast and have cookies and wine and cheese in the afternoon, none of those things is true. The lobby was closed. I tried calling several times before my stay only to go straight to voicemail and never hear back. The “check-in process was to grab a key off of pegboard” outside the main building. I don’t think there were any staff there other than the cleaning crew. The place is definitely showing its age. Carpets a little musty, floor is a little creaky. My room had an outdoor hot tub, so there’s that. But overall, had more of a motel feel than an inn feel. At least it was pretty quiet.

Quant, charming, smallish cottage style rooms. Lovely property, convenient location in Santa Cruz. Bathrooms are dated and have seen some wear and tear. Couldn't get the wifi to work and bad cell service. Staff was responsive with requests. No real complaints though.

The property is unique and very quaint. They used to have a wonderful breakfast and evening drinks. That stopped with Covid sadly. There is no one on site, save for a housekeeper during the day. You have to get your key through a lock box. Property now looks worn and in need of upkeep, with bits of trash about on the grounds. The once beautiful planters are sparse. I hope it can get back to its former state. Santa Cruz is tough for hotels, very expensive and not a lot of quality. The pictures of the rooms are from many years ago. It’s just been neglected.

The Babbling Brook still offers the same cozy rooms with fireplaces as before the pandemic and the gardens around the rooms remain as relaxing as before. We were very disappointed to see that the hotel has discontinued the delicious hot breakfasts and the afternoon wine and cheese that made the place magical.

it is house surrounded by many old big tress. room is spacious, not offering breakfast.