Name: The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
Address: 11570 Highway 9, Brookdale, California, United States of America, Brookdale, California, US
Price range: US$93–US$313 per night
Rating: 8.3

What guests think

Across reviews, The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains earns praise for its scenic redwood setting, large remodeled rooms with balconies, and friendly staff, plus a lively bar scene with weekend music and a convenient on-site cafe and store.

Common drawbacks include thin walls and event noise, variable housekeeping and maintenance, and parts of the historic complex and pool being closed or on limited hours. Several mention curvy mountain drives, occasional power outages in the area, and limited parking lighting or elevator access. Overall, it suits travelers seeking a rustic mountain base with on-site entertainment, as long as they prioritize quiet preferences and verify what’s open.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The on-site bar with live music and the diner/cafe are appreciated, and there’s a small store; however, hours are limited on some weekdays and venues can be closed for private events. The pool and parts of the historic complex remain closed/under renovation, and parking lighting can be dim.

Related guest reviews

2

Jeanne

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible stay. The entire hotel was booked with guests of a wedding party that took place right outside our room in the bar parking lot. An outdoor live band from 6-10pm. Then loud music, yelling, screaming, wild behavior and noise until 12mn. The hotel staff answered the phone at 10pm said they would talk with the bar staff. Nothing improved. I had to call the police. The hotel phone went to voicemail after 10pm. Luke warm water in the shower. Had to park in overflow parking and haul our suitcases to the room be at the wedding guests took all the parking. The balcony overlooked the bar and parking lot- no Mountain View. The pool was closed for reconstruction. We weren’t notified of any of this ahead. Do not stay here if you want a peaceful mountain retreat.

10

Patricia

9 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We checked in on Monday. There's no coffee shop, restaurant or bar until weekends, FYI

6

Bruce

2 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The Historic part of the property is closed, what is open is a roadside motel.

2

Ingrid

31 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

The pool it’s under construction! The restaurant/ bart was closed most of our stay not sure if every weekend they have events or we were just unfortunate! The smell in the room it’s horrible

10

Skylar

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the attached Bar! Also, the dinner was a nice touch as well as the convenience store. We loved learning about the Lodge's history as well.

4

Denise

10 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was very disappointed because the website on hotels.com reflected the property & the amenities as they used to be…they are not that way now…everything that was on the website for the amenities was in disarray & not open to the public. The website needs to reflect a disclaimer about the amenities, and inform the prospective travelers. The service staff was great. Very friendly & helpful. I would not recommend this hotel to until a disclaimer is posted informing the public of the property’s condition

8

Lisa

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This lodge is in a beautiful setting! It has a very interesting historic bar and resort adjacent. The bar is open for limited hours on the weekends and often has live music. Photos of the resort in its heyday are in the lobby. It’s very close to two small mountain towns with lots of restaurants and hiking. We stayed for three enjoyable nights.

8

Albert

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

liked the hotel; it is well located, the rooms are spacious and pleasant. The only negative aspect is that there is no one at the hotel reception after 10 pm, so all the guests are on their own. I had never stayed in a hotel where there was no reception, housekeeping, or service available throughout the night. When we arrived late, we needed more blankets for the extra guest who was using the sofa bed, but since there was no one available and no emergency phone, we had to use towels and bathrobes as blankets, which was disheartening. The rear parking also fills up quite quickly and needs more lighting as it is very dark. On the positive side, there are restaurants and bars in front, so we didn't have to drive further to get something to eat.

8

Noel

15 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s worth staying just to see the history behind this, what could be incredible place. We hope they get to finish the restoration as it is amazing. It’s old a very dated, it’s clean inside the room. Off street parking, a great little bar to meet the locals and the bar staff are really nice.

10

Stephen

30 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

One stop shop. They have a cafe, convenient store and bar all on the property, live bands play on the weekends in the lounge, Room was clean and comfortable. All the staff and locals were extremely friendly and accommodating. Will be coming back again.

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Cleanliness

Feedback on cleanliness is mixed: many describe rooms as very clean, while others report stained carpets, musty odors, insects, mold, cobwebs, and missed housekeeping with empty dispensers. Housekeeping is not daily and may occur only after multiple days.

Related guest reviews

2

Jammi

18 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

There were slikworms all over the place in the towels beds floors they gave me another room same thing and they refused to give our money back and could care less so great place if you love sleeping so try warms got photos for proof if anyone wants them

6

Avery

10 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The drive was very beautiful. I recommend not taking it at night for those who are nervous on curvy, dark roads. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. There’s a small store, a restaurant and a bar for your convenience. I was traveling with toddler and the doors were very easy to open from the inside whether it was locked or not. We had to barricade the door. I would suggest bringing something to keep your little ones from opening the door. The con was the cleanliness. It was bad. Stained bedding, bugs, dust and hair in all corners. I was afraid to use the tub. The hotel needs a deep clean and maybe some updates.

4

Hugo

28 Jun 2023

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Stayed 1 night

The room was clean but the bathroom was dated , loose tiles and missing grout. When we tried to take a shower there was no shampoo or soap in the dispensers that were on the wall, so we tried to use the hand soap from the sink and it was also empty. When we checked out we brought that to their attention and were told we would get a " small" refund but it had to come from Expedia. I'm not even aware of how much.

4

Patrick

30 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Smells in room. Carpet palling up. Sticky remote and table. Showe handle Lorelei off in tub big hassle to shut off water.

6

tamara

27 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It’s a beautiful area but with live music Friday and Saturday night it makes for a not so relaxing time. The walls are thin so we could hear the music and neighbors stomping around and slamming doors both night. Even a dog barking below us. The bed was comfortable but the shower dripped and there was mold on the ceiling. Coffee maker was dirty.

8

John

22 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There was a wedding here when we arrived. Staff went out of their way to put us in ad quiet a room as possible. It was remarkably quiet give the size of the wedding event. The room was very clean and nice. Very consistent with pictures advertised. Overall, we were very satisfied and would rate this stay as a great value.

10

Elijah

9 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very clean and cozy

10

Curley

1 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The rooms were excellent and very clean. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

2

Kathaleen

28 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There were FLEES. FLEES ALL OVE RBITH BEDS. We had to leave at 2 am after a hard drive

10

Lisa

11 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I was not expecting this motel/lodge to be on par with a hotel. It was clean, remodeled, and we even had our own private balcony!

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Rooms

Rooms are notably large, often remodeled, with balconies/patios and generally comfortable beds; some face parking or the highway rather than the forest. Noise is a recurring issue due to thin walls/floors and event or traffic sounds; Wi‑Fi usually works but can be quirky.

Related guest reviews

6

David

26 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This place was probably nice 20 years ago. It seems like it’s been allowed to deteriorate with very few improvements over the years. The staff were friendly but that’s about it. The downstairs room could hear every movement of the upstairs neighbors. It would have been nice to be placed in a room without someone directly upstairs. (It wasn’t very full on a Thursday night so that seems reasonable.)

10

Sarah

4 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Huge room for the price, great balcony with views. Convenient location between Santa Cruz and San Jose. Will be staying here again.

10

Holly

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a nice stop for exploring the redwood forests of Henry Cowell and other State Parks nearby. It’s nestled in the redwoods in small mountain towns. It’s not walkable to other places. The lodge rooms are large and the beds were comfortable. The bathroom was clean.

10

Roxzan

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Don't let the outside fool you, although it looks a little run down the rooms are nice and very spacious. Get the room with a balcony and you can enjoy some fresh air without worrying about anyone looking in your room :)

10

Nicole

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are huge! Service is excellent. Location awesome.

8

Joshua

15 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was updated and comfortable, though I wish they had queen beds available. Propert

10

Lorena

10 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was big and the balcony is a plus. We got to Check in earlier - front desk personnel was great! Bed was comfy!

10

Lori

17 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice big king room with a balcony. this is a nice quiet property. I stayed on a Thursday night and traveling solo and felt comfortable and safe here. There is traffic noice but you don’t hear it at night. It’s close to the redwoods. There were a few reviews that this place is old but it is historic and the room was nice and big and I loved it. Very comfortable with organic coffee with a tall coffee maker so I can use my travel cup with it. I love organic healthier coffee. I always look for rooms with good reviews that are also affordable. So a good motel is a gem. This is more of a feel of a hotel. This place is far superior to the quality inn down the street. And where can you get organic coffee? The last place didn’t even have coffee cups and it cost me an extr $15 at a coffee shop. The lights could be aimed down to keep blue light out of your eyes at night so I appreciated that as well.

8

Heather

12 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Floors & walls are very thin. Stay on the top floor! Don't let them tell you they won't put anybody above you. Someone will be put above you… You can hear every step.

6

scott

21 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Zero sound proofing it would seem (between floors and between rooms), as it sounded like a herd of goats were clogging above me all hours of the night. The holes in window screens allowed some bugs in, and generally, despite recent renovations, it's already a tired property, that only has glimmers of its "hey-day" -- but the price was fair and there aren't many other better lodging offerings in this stretch of the Santa Cruz mountains. So, overall, a bearable stay, but could have lived without a drunk knocking on my room door by mistake at 11pm. Oh well.

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Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, with occasional upgrades and quick fixes. Coverage can be limited late at night, and a few guests reported rude or unresponsive interactions.

Related guest reviews

10

Mary Ellen

10 Nov 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff person at the desk on 11/8 in the evening was super attentive and welcoming, was doing it all last night. Checked us in quickly and with a friendly demeanor around 8pm, then we saw him later doing sound for the band playing in the bar hall a little later, then bar backing as well. Also had to get something for a room all in the middle of this. The five stars are really for him, and the fun atmosphere of the music. Regrettably I can’t remember his name. Room itself is roomy and quiet, comfortable but needs some paint patching for scuffs and marks on the wall, the shampoo bottle was leaking from the bottom, and the door jam needs either a deep cleaning or replacing, lots of black marks/dirt around bottom of entrance. A little more maiand this would be perfect. Love waking to the redwoods and quiet around property.

10

Tonya

15 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was amazing and I enjoyed the historical aspects

10

Ron

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had a great experience. Staff was wonderful, room was clean, and we even got an upgrade!

10

Mehrnaz

12 Jul 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

The staff is amazing. The 2 different guys at the front desk were so kind and helpful. I will definitely stay here anytime I'm in town.

10

Rich

17 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place to stay, great staff

2

Tammy

8 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The customer service was horrible, very rude. We will never lodge there AGAIN!!! They ruined our vacation!!

10

GRAHAM

22 Mar 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were exceptional

2

Parisa

20 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The only hope was the middle age gentle man who was always there to help and serve. The rest of experience was very poor. We won’t go back but good luck to that dude.

8

Albert

10 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

liked the hotel; it is well located, the rooms are spacious and pleasant. The only negative aspect is that there is no one at the hotel reception after 10 pm, so all the guests are on their own. I had never stayed in a hotel where there was no reception, housekeeping, or service available throughout the night. When we arrived late, we needed more blankets for the extra guest who was using the sofa bed, but since there was no one available and no emergency phone, we had to use towels and bathrobes as blankets, which was disheartening. The rear parking also fills up quite quickly and needs more lighting as it is very dark. On the positive side, there are restaurants and bars in front, so we didn't have to drive further to get something to eat.

2

Jorge

13 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible experience and the worst staff ever

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Location

Wooded redwood setting near state parks and a short drive to Santa Cruz; great for exploring by car. Some note curvy mountain roads and occasional traffic noise by the highway.

Related guest reviews

10

Hilda

4 Jul 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was in a beautiful area. Warmer weather in the summer than the beach

10

Sarah

4 Aug 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Huge room for the price, great balcony with views. Convenient location between Santa Cruz and San Jose. Will be staying here again.

8

Korina

20 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful area and cool historic aspect to the lodge. It’s a work in progress with the remodel. The room was super comfortable and clean, it’s all brand new. Nice TV, good desk for working and onsite store with beer/wine. Great rate foe the value - cafe was closed on Monday / Tues during my stay: I’d stay here again!

10

Holly

21 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is a nice stop for exploring the redwood forests of Henry Cowell and other State Parks nearby. It’s nestled in the redwoods in small mountain towns. It’s not walkable to other places. The lodge rooms are large and the beds were comfortable. The bathroom was clean.

8

Mark

29 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Like an old chain hotel set in magnificent redwood forest.room was fine, lots of parking. Lots of young friendly people enjoying a weekend night in the outdoor bar area.

10

Theresa

10 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely trip with easy driving access to Santa Cruz.

10

Geoffrey

30 Jul 2024

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Stayed 1 night

Only one night for business, but a wonderful location in the mountains. If like to come back when I can enjoy it more.

10

Aman

20 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing location

10

Brian

28 Jan 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Wonderful place nestled in CA redwoods :-)

8

Vicki

2 Aug 2024

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Stayed 2 nights

The rooms were actually very nice and clean. The parking area was tight. You cannot see the oncoming traffic once you pull out of the parking area by where the rooms are. I was almost hit twice.

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Dining

Guests enjoy the on-site diner and bar with live music, noting good meals and a fun atmosphere on weekends. Hours are limited on some weekdays and venues may be closed for private events, so options can be unavailable.

Related guest reviews

2

Jeanne

21 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible stay. The entire hotel was booked with guests of a wedding party that took place right outside our room in the bar parking lot. An outdoor live band from 6-10pm. Then loud music, yelling, screaming, wild behavior and noise until 12mn. The hotel staff answered the phone at 10pm said they would talk with the bar staff. Nothing improved. I had to call the police. The hotel phone went to voicemail after 10pm. Luke warm water in the shower. Had to park in overflow parking and haul our suitcases to the room be at the wedding guests took all the parking. The balcony overlooked the bar and parking lot- no Mountain View. The pool was closed for reconstruction. We weren’t notified of any of this ahead. Do not stay here if you want a peaceful mountain retreat.

10

patrice

6 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place fun times great staff and bar

10

Breanna

15 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We really enjoyed this hotel. The only disappointment was that the café and bar was not open on Monday or Tuesday so we didn’t get to enjoy it we arrived late on Sunday and it closes at 2 PM for the café, but there was a convenience store also located on the property which was really nice to be able to have some thing to grab drinks and small snacks from.

8

Tonya

23 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The diner on the property was very good for breakfast. Unfortunately, it closed at 5 so we didn't get to eat supper there. It is an older hotel but has been kept up with. The bed was comfortable and the room and bathroom were clean. It was a big room with a balcony. They accommodated a late checkout for us.

10

Bernadette

3 Sept 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It was great! Very clean and close to alot of activities. It was a bummer that they were not done with the renovations. The cafe had amazing food and 50s 60s theme. Very cute

6

Derrick

30 May 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Sadly, the restaurant and bar was closed in the middle of a 3 day weekend (memorial weekend).

10

Patricia

9 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We checked in on Monday. There's no coffee shop, restaurant or bar until weekends, FYI

10

Skylar

19 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Loved the attached Bar! Also, the dinner was a nice touch as well as the convenience store. We loved learning about the Lodge's history as well.

8

Lisa

26 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This lodge is in a beautiful setting! It has a very interesting historic bar and resort adjacent. The bar is open for limited hours on the weekends and often has live music. Photos of the resort in its heyday are in the lobby. It’s very close to two small mountain towns with lots of restaurants and hiking. We stayed for three enjoyable nights.

10

Elvira

12 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfortable room with balcony (a plus). Enjoyed the entertainment and lounge area. Dinner was enjoyable. Staff at the diner and front office were very pleasant and helpful. Enjoyed the stay among the redwoods in this historical lodge.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	US$105
February	US$103
March	US$105
April	US$110
May	US$121
June	US$151
July	US$148
August	US$155
September	US$135
October	US$117
November	US$107
December	US$111

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $101	2 $153	3 $201
4 $101	5 $96	6 $95	7 $93	8 $95	9 $156	10
11 $103	12 $93	13 $93	14 $93	15 $97	16 $201	17 $203
18 $96	19 $98	20 $96	21 $98	22 $97	23 $159	24 $209
25 $97	26 $97	27 $97	28 $101	29 $97	30	31 $237

The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Prices for The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

2 Double Bed with Balcony Accessible

1 King Bed with Balcony

Junior Suite with Balcony and Sofa Sleeper

2 Double Bed with Patio

2 Double Bed with Balcony

King Suite with Balcony and Sofa Sleeper

Guest reviews of The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19 $313
20 $111	21 $95	22 $95	23 $96	24 $94	25 $312	26
27 $112	28 $94	29 $94	30 $96