Carousel Beach Inn is an older small hotel located in Santa Cruz with an unbeatable and amazing location. It is literally across the street from the Boardwalk entrance and just steps from the beach, the wharf, and restaurants. The hotel offers good and free parking, secure hallways, and rooms that are clean, cozy, and quiet with pretty good ocean views. Many guests note the cleanliness as a highlight. The staff receives consistent praise for being amazing, polite, friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind, providing fantastic service and local recommendations. Amenities include free wifi, daily housekeeping, and sometimes complimentary breakfast or arcade cards. Some minor room drawbacks are noted, such as weak hair dryers, slippery tubs, and the need for small touch-ups. Pricing is often mentioned as a bit high or steep, especially when booking last minute or during busy events. Overall, guests describe a great experience, with many planning to return again and again due to the convenient location, cleanliness, and top-tier customer service.
Just in front of the boardwalk, Carousel Beach Inn is a good place to stay for families. Decent enough place to stay at, though could use a little upgrading. It's nice that it's also within walking distance to downtown as well.
June 2026
Have stayed here a couple of times, great location, rooms are nice and service is great.
May 2026
Clean, welcoming staff, nice little breakfast offered, great location, all around great stay!
