Name: National 9 Motel
Address: 130 Plymouth Street, Westside Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, United States of America, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, US
Price range: US$80–US$270 per night
Rating: 8.1

What guests think

At National 9 Motel, guests consistently praise very clean rooms, friendly owners and staff, and good value, with a convenient location near highways and downtown making it practical for short stays and visits around Santa Cruz.

Rooms are generally comfortable and sometimes spacious or updated, though a few feel older and bed firmness varies. Several reviews note limited or crowded parking and occasional street or neighbor noise. A recurring complaint is an overpowering cleaning product scent. Overall, it is a straightforward, no frills base for Santa Cruz.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Facilities are basic; the small outdoor pool is noted as clean. Parking is limited or crowded with a one-car policy, though some guests found nearby street options or convenient parking.

Related guest reviews

4

Chris

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

So I’m being sour grapes probably because I drive a big truck for work and they shoved me in a corner in the back I could barely fit so I took up two parking spaces only to get woke up at 10 o’clock at night to be asked to scoot my truck over to one spot against a fence wich I could barely get out of in the morning at 6:30 when I had to leave

10

Beth

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pleasantly surprised. The room was a little worn and the bed a little too hard for my liking but it was clean, the shower was hot and the pillows were comfortable. It was a little loud from street traffic at times but is gated so we felt safe. Would stay here again.

10

Helen

14 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully clean as always, excellent location, convenient parking, extremely friendly, kind managers.

8

Carlos

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What we didn’t like was the parking and staff complaining about space for parking. What we liked about the facility. The rooms were very clean and modern.

8

Reynalda

28 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was nice for the price, bed comfortable. Parking crowded.

10

Tui

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean. It was quite warm when I got in, but the AC worked fine. The staff were friendly. The parking lot was small, but had plenty of spaces while I was there. The main reason I went for this hotel was location. It's right off Highway 1, near downtown Santa Cruz, & only a 10-15 min drive to Aptos where I had an event. I wouldn't say much is walking distance, but only a short drive. I did miss the turn the first time, but once I figured it out it was very easy to find. The pool was open, but I didn't use it. My room had a bathtub, which made me very happy, since I live in a small apartment with a shower only. I would have preferred an electric water kettle, to drip coffee maker, as I did not have that kind of time. That being said, it's nice that it was provided, along with a fridge and microwave so I could make my trip more affordable and have leftovers from yummy The Red Apple Café.

10

Ruby

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

What was supposed to be a one day vacation turned into a three day vacation all because of my car but thanks to this hotel and friendly staff they made it so welcoming and comforting to stay there for those couple of days. We stayed in two different bedrooms, Two beds and one queen size bedroom. Both were super clean and stacked with towels. My daughters and I decided to go for a swim in their pool it was honestly super clean and well cared for. I loved our stays here, I’ve stayed at pricier hotels but the cleanliness here does not beat it. I’m so happy to have booked with them. Very thankful with the staff, all so sweet. Hope to see them on my next Santa Cruz trip.!

8

Aaron

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, super close to Hwy 1, and within walking distance of Pacific Ave area. Simple amenities, everything was clean, appliances worked, mini fridge was cold, shower got hot quickly, parking lot was close (only allowed 1 car due to limited parking, plenty of street parking nearby), etc. Office staff was polite/courteous. I always stay in this area for occasional work (cluster of 5-6 hotels), this was a great price - will come back!

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness earns repeated praise, with many describing rooms as spotless and well kept. However, multiple guests report an overpowering cleaning-product scent that can be bothersome.

Related guest reviews

10

Barry

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean, staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Easy walk to downtown. Great value. Would stay again!

10

Barbara

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I would happily stay here again. The rooms were spotless. I worried a little that because of the location it might be noisy, but it was very quiet. Close to everything, but off the main streets. Very nice.

6

Anthony

14 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was basic, but very clean and comfortable. My only complaint is that the odorizer they use when cleaning the rooms is overpowering. Way too overdone and the smell never goes away. It was bad enough that I might not stay there again.

6

melissa

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

efficient check-in and check-out. Nice front desk receptionist. Good value but the strong lingering cleaning product smell took a star away. Be careful if you have asthma or severe allergy. Good thing I brought my allergy medication with me.

10

Helen

14 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully clean as always, excellent location, convenient parking, extremely friendly, kind managers.

6

Allyson

9 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel was just average. The room was clean, but way too much pine sol on floor, gave a headache. But told owner and she was very nice about it. The people above were super loud, but not hotels fault.

10

claudia

19 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very clean and the maid was wonderful. Great housekeeping.

10

Helen

3 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Excellent no-frills motel, very clean, very friendly service, excellent value for money. Always happy to stay here when in Santa Cruz on business or holiday, and always happy to recommend the motel to others.

10

Ruby

16 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

What was supposed to be a one day vacation turned into a three day vacation all because of my car but thanks to this hotel and friendly staff they made it so welcoming and comforting to stay there for those couple of days. We stayed in two different bedrooms, Two beds and one queen size bedroom. Both were super clean and stacked with towels. My daughters and I decided to go for a swim in their pool it was honestly super clean and well cared for. I loved our stays here, I’ve stayed at pricier hotels but the cleanliness here does not beat it. I’m so happy to have booked with them. Very thankful with the staff, all so sweet. Hope to see them on my next Santa Cruz trip.!

6

Marc

19 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was fine. Clean room, friendly staff.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable, sometimes spacious or recently updated, with extras like a fridge and microwave. Some feel older, bed firmness varies, and occasional street or neighbor noise is mentioned.

Related guest reviews

10

Angela

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent hotel for a quick stay. Our son was moving into his dorm early so we decided to head up to SC the night before. Room was clean, just a bit old. Beds were comfy and shower pressure was good. The shower head was a bit low for my tall son. All in all, a good one night stay. We would be willing to stay longer with the rest of the family.

10

Kai

9 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had a comfy bed and nice extras such as a fridge and microwave. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The motel is an easy 30 minute walk from the Boardwalk and beach.

10

Barbara

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I would happily stay here again. The rooms were spotless. I worried a little that because of the location it might be noisy, but it was very quiet. Close to everything, but off the main streets. Very nice.

10

Beth

12 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Pleasantly surprised. The room was a little worn and the bed a little too hard for my liking but it was clean, the shower was hot and the pillows were comfortable. It was a little loud from street traffic at times but is gated so we felt safe. Would stay here again.

10

Duc

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was easy, i liked that our room was private and behind the main set of rooms

6

Allyson

9 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel was just average. The room was clean, but way too much pine sol on floor, gave a headache. But told owner and she was very nice about it. The people above were super loud, but not hotels fault.

10

Tui

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean. It was quite warm when I got in, but the AC worked fine. The staff were friendly. The parking lot was small, but had plenty of spaces while I was there. The main reason I went for this hotel was location. It's right off Highway 1, near downtown Santa Cruz, & only a 10-15 min drive to Aptos where I had an event. I wouldn't say much is walking distance, but only a short drive. I did miss the turn the first time, but once I figured it out it was very easy to find. The pool was open, but I didn't use it. My room had a bathtub, which made me very happy, since I live in a small apartment with a shower only. I would have preferred an electric water kettle, to drip coffee maker, as I did not have that kind of time. That being said, it's nice that it was provided, along with a fridge and microwave so I could make my trip more affordable and have leftovers from yummy The Red Apple Café.

8

Alejandra

1 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was specious and clean, would definitely stay again.

10

Diane

13 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was very spacious and looked like it had been recently updated. The bed was comfortable and the cable TV offered many channel selections.

6

Anna

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was ok it was just far from the boardwalk and it's an old motel.

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Service

Service is frequently described as friendly and helpful, with welcoming owners and smooth check-in. A few reviews note issues, including one negative management experience and occasional parking-related interactions.

Related guest reviews

2

John

25 Jul 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

Management SUCKS !!!

10

Barry

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean, staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Easy walk to downtown. Great value. Would stay again!

10

Anthony

22 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Everyone working there was very courteous and helpful.

10

Helen

14 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beautifully clean as always, excellent location, convenient parking, extremely friendly, kind managers.

8

Carlos

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

What we didn’t like was the parking and staff complaining about space for parking. What we liked about the facility. The rooms were very clean and modern.

10

Helen

3 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Excellent no-frills motel, very clean, very friendly service, excellent value for money. Always happy to stay here when in Santa Cruz on business or holiday, and always happy to recommend the motel to others.

10

James

27 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Friendly owners, good people.

10

Danielle

3 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had two rooms not only did we get rooms right next to each other but the owners are extremely nice people. We absolutely would stay again, by far one of the best places I've stayed in Santa Cruz.

8

Aaron

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, super close to Hwy 1, and within walking distance of Pacific Ave area. Simple amenities, everything was clean, appliances worked, mini fridge was cold, shower got hot quickly, parking lot was close (only allowed 1 car due to limited parking, plenty of street parking nearby), etc. Office staff was polite/courteous. I always stay in this area for occasional work (cluster of 5-6 hotels), this was a great price - will come back!

10

Killian

9 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

great place to stay for the price. friendly staff. quiet. clean.

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Location

Convenient for drivers, with easy access to Highways 1 and 17 and proximity to downtown; several guests could walk to central areas. Some note it’s a longer walk to the Boardwalk and that traffic patterns make entry or exit tricky.

Related guest reviews

10

John

15 May 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

Great place for a good price. Close to beach, redwoods and shopping.

10

Barry

14 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was clean, staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Easy walk to downtown. Great value. Would stay again!

10

james

13 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice and easy on and off Hyw 17!

10

Kai

9 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had a comfy bed and nice extras such as a fridge and microwave. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The motel is an easy 30 minute walk from the Boardwalk and beach.

10

Barbara

16 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

I would happily stay here again. The rooms were spotless. I worried a little that because of the location it might be noisy, but it was very quiet. Close to everything, but off the main streets. Very nice.

10

Frank

19 May 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean. Staff very personable Because of traffic patterns, it's kind of hard to get in and out of, no fault of the owner or staff.

10

Liwen

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fabulous central location and friendly, helpful staff

10

Tui

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean. It was quite warm when I got in, but the AC worked fine. The staff were friendly. The parking lot was small, but had plenty of spaces while I was there. The main reason I went for this hotel was location. It's right off Highway 1, near downtown Santa Cruz, & only a 10-15 min drive to Aptos where I had an event. I wouldn't say much is walking distance, but only a short drive. I did miss the turn the first time, but once I figured it out it was very easy to find. The pool was open, but I didn't use it. My room had a bathtub, which made me very happy, since I live in a small apartment with a shower only. I would have preferred an electric water kettle, to drip coffee maker, as I did not have that kind of time. That being said, it's nice that it was provided, along with a fridge and microwave so I could make my trip more affordable and have leftovers from yummy The Red Apple Café.

8

Aaron

3 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, super close to Hwy 1, and within walking distance of Pacific Ave area. Simple amenities, everything was clean, appliances worked, mini fridge was cold, shower got hot quickly, parking lot was close (only allowed 1 car due to limited parking, plenty of street parking nearby), etc. Office staff was polite/courteous. I always stay in this area for occasional work (cluster of 5-6 hotels), this was a great price - will come back!

6

Anna

2 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was ok it was just far from the boardwalk and it's an old motel.

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Dining

Not enough information in reviews.

Related guest reviews

10

Viki

24 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Decent breakfast. Good Nice staff

10

Tui

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean. It was quite warm when I got in, but the AC worked fine. The staff were friendly. The parking lot was small, but had plenty of spaces while I was there. The main reason I went for this hotel was location. It's right off Highway 1, near downtown Santa Cruz, & only a 10-15 min drive to Aptos where I had an event. I wouldn't say much is walking distance, but only a short drive. I did miss the turn the first time, but once I figured it out it was very easy to find. The pool was open, but I didn't use it. My room had a bathtub, which made me very happy, since I live in a small apartment with a shower only. I would have preferred an electric water kettle, to drip coffee maker, as I did not have that kind of time. That being said, it's nice that it was provided, along with a fridge and microwave so I could make my trip more affordable and have leftovers from yummy The Red Apple Café.

10

Troy

24 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice staff, good stay. Nice dinner down the street too.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$71
February	US$91
March	US$95
April	US$92
May	US$108
June	US$130
July	US$135
August	US$122
September	US$100
October	US$90
November	US$77
December	US$71

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16 $81	17 $83	18 $214	19 $270
20 $80	21 $80	22 $80	23 $80	24 $80	25 $146	26 $269
27 $80	28 $80	29 $80	30 $80

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $81	2 $124	3 $169
4 $83	5 $83	6 $80	7 $81	8 $83	9 $131	10 $169
11 $81	12 $80	13 $83	14 $81	15 $80	16 $113	17 $169
18 $80	19 $80	20 $81	21 $81	22 $81	23 $124	24 $180
25 $81	26 $81	27 $80	28 $80	29 $81	30 $131	31 $158

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Guest reviews

Very good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

FAQs about National 9 Motel

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Prices for upcoming dates