Santa Cruz, CA — No-Deposit Hotels

In Santa Cruz, most hotels land around $120–$160 a night — that’s the sweet spot for a comfy stay without the splurge. Step down a notch into the Value tier and you’ll often see rates near $110–$120 — a nice trade-off if you’re watching costs. Truly budget stays pop up around $90–$110; the cheaper end can be limited on busy weekends, so midweek checks help. On the flip side, Upscale options start near $160+ — think newer builds, prime locations, or extra amenities. Tip: prices move with demand — checking a couple of dates, looking just outside core neighborhoods, or booking a bit early can unlock better deals.

Here you can find our deposit-free hotels in Santa Cruz, organized by price tier.