The Santa Cruz Hostel is located in the historic 1880’s Carmelita Cottages on Beach Hill in Santa Cruz, California – a lovely oceanside community just steps from the beach, boardwalk, wharf and town! Occupying 5 historic cottages, this casual hostel is a 3-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Cowells Beach and the Wharf. Our cozy hostel offers dorm beds, private rooms and cottage rentals. Guests can enjoy common areas like a kitchen, dining room, garden, BBQ grill, and laundry facility.
Each year we welcome hundreds of families, surfers and beach lovers from around the world who come to experience all things Santa Cruz. We are located 80 miles south of San Francisco, 40 miles north of Monterey, and 40 miles southwest of San Jose. Providing you with the perfect stop on your journey along the Pacific Coast of the United States.
The Santa Cruz Hostel is a 501c3 nonprofit, working hard to fulfill our mission: To help people of all ages gain a greater knowledge, understanding and love of the world through hosteling!
Property Name: Santa Cruz Hostel
Street Address: 321 Main St
City : Santa Cruz - California
Postal Code : 95060
Phone: (831) 423-8304
Email: info@santacruzhostel.org
Amenities
- Baggage storage
- CCTV outside property
- Common areas disinfected daily
- Family rooms
- Garden
- Internet
- Lockers
- Non-smoking rooms
- Outdoor furniture
- Self-service laundry
- Shared kitchen
- Smoke alarms
- Smoke-free property
Check-in/Check-out Policies
This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies:
Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Property and Cancelation Policies :
If you need to make changes or cancel your booking, please email us at info@santacruzhostel.org.
- Shared Dorms & Private Rooms: The standard booking cancellation policy requirement is a minimum 48 hours prior to 8 am of check-in date for full refund, less a 5% credit card processing fee. If you booked through a third party, please refer to their website (Airbnb, Booking.com, Hostelworld) and book direct next time.
- Full Cottage Rentals & Group Rentals: Please refer to the signed group agreement.
Terms and Conditions
Address:
321 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Office Hours:
9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
We’re a small team dedicated to making your stay enjoyable, and we value our personal time as well. For non-emergency matters, please visit us during office hours. If you need to contact us outside of these hours for urgent issues such as safety concerns, disruptive guests, or problems with self-check-in, please call (831) 423-8304. Since our staff may be resting, you might need to call more than once if you don’t get an immediate response. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Check-In: 4:00PM to 10:00PM
After 7:00 PM office hours, please use the self-check-in process. Instructions provided via email and on the desk in the Long House. We cannot accommodate check-ins after 10:00 PM quiet hours. Arriving early? If you arrive before 4:00 PM and your room is ready, we’ll be happy to check you in early. Otherwise, feel free to store your luggage with us at no additional charge until your room is available.
Check-Out:
Check-out is by 11:00 AM. Kindly bring your used linens (pillow case, sheet, duvet COVER) to the laundry area to assist us in preparing the space for the next guests. Thank you for your cooperation!
Requirements For Stay:
1. Must be 18 or older (unless traveling with parent or legal guardian, and booking a private room)
2. Valid government issued ID + Debit/Credit Card in your name.
3. We do not accept 3rd party payment. The credit card or debit card used for payment must belong to at least one of the guests staying overnight in our facility.
HOUSE RULES!
Be Decent:
We’re all here to make new friends and share great experiences, so let’s keep things friendly and inclusive! Value the diverse perspectives of fellow travelers, and make sure to clean up after yourself to keep our common areas enjoyable for everyone. Dive into our events, swap travel tips, and connect with people from around the world. After all, the best hostel stays are about good vibes, shared stories, and making the most of our time together!
Maximum Stay Policy:
To keep our hostel experience fresh and vibrant for all travelers, we limit stays to 7 consecutive days and a total of 14 days per calendar year. Our goal is to foster a dynamic atmosphere that supports new experiences and connections. We set these policies to stay true to our mission of helping people of all ages gain a greater knowledge, understanding, and love of the world through hostelling.
Safety First:
At our hostel, the safety and well-being of our community are our top priorities. We work together to ensure that everyone feels secure and supported. If someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, we will do our best to provide assistance and connect them with appropriate resources. Please alert our staff immediately if you notice anything concerning. CCTV is used outside in the courtyard to help maintain a safe environment. Together, we can create a welcoming and secure space for everyone.
Smoking/Vaping:
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the property. Please respect this policy and keep the air clean and fresh for everyone.
Food Policy:
Our rooms are not meant to be your personal dining room! Eating in your room can lead to stained linens and attract ants eager to join your snack party. To keep our space clean and comfy, please enjoy all food in the designated kitchen and common areas. We want to avoid any extra cleaning charges or uninvited insect guests, so let’s keep those sweet treats and snacks out of the rooms.
Pets:
We love animals, but our historic cottages from the late 1800s are best enjoyed without furry companions. To maintain the charm and comfort of our shared spaces, we only allow ADA-certified service animals. Emotional support animals aren’t permitted, so please make arrangements for your pets elsewhere.
Quiet Hours:
Wake up with the sunrise and enjoy the natural beauty around you—whether it’s surfing, hiking, or mountain biking. To help everyone embrace the outdoor lifestyle and stay refreshed for their adventures, we keep our quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. This ensures a peaceful environment so you can rest well and be ready for your next adventure. If you’re planning a late-night karaoke session, consider shifting it to a more appropriate time to keep our serene atmosphere intact.
Alcohol:
You are welcome to relax in the garden while enjoying a beverage of your choice. NO GLASS! Overindulging can lead to late-night noise and forgetting to clean up after yourself, which affects everyone’s experience. For a pleasant stay, be mindful of your surroundings and clean up after using the common areas. This helps us maintain a tidy and peaceful environment for all to enjoy.
Parking:
Cancellations:
If you need to make changes or cancel your booking, please email us at info@santacruzhostel.org.
Liability:
This agreement releases Santa Cruz Hostel Society, LLC dba Santa Cruz Hostel from all liability relating to injuries that may occur in the course of my stay at the property. By making a reservation, I agree to hold Santa Cruz Hostel entirely free from any liability, including financial responsibility for injuries incurred, regardless of whether injuries are caused by negligence. By booking, I forfeit all right to bring a suit against Santa Cruz Hostel for any reason. I will make every effort to obey safety precautions as listed in writing and as explained to me verbally. I will ask for clarification when needed. By signing and/or checking box, I hereby accept the above-stated terms for myself and other guests in my party.