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Private Rooms & Shared Dorm Rooms
Perfect for solo travelers, families and groups coming to enjoy all things Santa Cruz!
Our Property
Our hostel has occupied the historic carmelita cottages for 30 years but the history of the cottages dates back to the 1800s. The property can provide up to 48 guests with lovely, affordable, clean and safe accommodations.
2 Blocks from the beach
Family Friendly
501c3 Nonprofit
Our guests love us
More Info
What is a hostel?
Hostels originated with a teacher’s idea in the early 1900’s to provide low-cost dormitory style accommodation for traveling youth. It has since expanded to include travelers of all ages from all over the world.
The hostel experience embraces community living with agreed upon etiquette and the shared economy practices of dormitory bunking and sharing amenities, space and time with fellow travelers, enjoying events and meals together, or just gathering for a bit of conversation.
What is the history behind Santa Cruz Hostel?
The historic cottages and garden from the 1800’s are maintained by the Santa Cruz Hostel Society, a nonprofit organization. Every booking helps further our mission to help people of all ages gain a greater knowledge, understanding and love of the world through hostelling!
What are the office hours?
Our office hours are 9am to 7pm. If we do not answer the phone it is because we are with a guest, cleaning or gardening. If you are not able to reach us by phone, it is best to send an email and we will follow up with you.
Who can stay in the hostel?
All guests must be 18 or older with a valid government issued ID and a credit/debt card with your name on it. 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.
Can the hostel accommodate long-term stays?
No, we are a travelers hostel furthering our mission to help people of all ages gain a greater knowledge, understanding and love of the world through hostelling!
Guests can stay a maximum of 6 consecutive nights at the hostel and there is a limit of 14 days per calendar year.
Can I make group reservations at the Santa Cruz Hostel?
What does it cost to stay at your hostel?
Our rates vary depending on day of the week, season, and special events. Click here for current rates and availability.
Where can I park? Is there free parking?
Seasonally free street parking is available in front of the hostel between September 30th and May 15th only. After May 15th it becomes strictly residential permit parking between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm. Overnight parking is free.
Metered parking is available on 1st, 2nd and Front Street surrounding the hostel and is enforced every day between 8 am and 8 pm. City parking permits for metered spots are available for guests at $10 per day. Please park in the loading zone in front of the hostel to drop off luggage and inquire about parking options or purchase a permit.
An excellent resource to find meters, change, and additional information regarding parking in Santa Cruz is located here.
Does your hostel have a kitchen?
Yes, we have a great common space with a full kitchen, dining area and outdoor patio.
Can I bring my pet?
Due to the historic preservation of our cottages, pets can not be accommodated. There is an exception for service animals as outlined by the ADA. Emotional support animals are not able to be accommodated in keeping with the ADA recognized guidelines.
Am I allowed to drink alcohol at the hostel?
Beer & wine are permitted in indoor community areas and the kitchen. Liquor is not allowed. No alcohol shall be stored or consumed in guest rooms. We are located in a city park that prohibits the drinking of alcohol in the park.
Can I bring visitors to the hostel?
Visitors may visit for up to 30 minutes in the courtyard or common areas before 10 PM as long as they notify our staff. Visitors are not permitted inside of the cottages for the safety and security of our guests.
Do you have wifi?
Yes, we have wifi throughout the hostel.