Santa Cruz Comfort Inn Reviewed

By Don Nadeau, on October 3, 2009, in Hotel Tips

Want to give a shout out to the Santa Cruz Comfort Inn (110 Plymouth Street).

At a time when even 4-star hotels cut back in ever more ways that impact guests, this Comfort Inn chooses to sparkle.

No, I didn’t find Shangri La by the Pacific. After all, this is a moderate cost (budget on weekdays) motel. Moreover, Santa Cruz isn’t like Florida. Like nearly all the California coast, you’ll find no luxury resorts directly on the beach.

Positives

I shout out because everything works, everything shines, the staff smiles, and the little touches you appreciate are there, such as an offer to provide toiletries that you may have forgotten. You would hardly call this motel beautiful, but it lacks the absence of curb appeal—the bunker look–that characterizes some Comfort Inns.

Staying at numerous 4-star hotels, I am still surprised by how many have not replaced clunker big box televisions that do not work well. Not this Comfort Inn. The television in my standard room was flat screen perfect, with a humongous channel selection.

Very appreciated also were a choice of free wireless or high-speed Internet, as well as a comfortable desk and chair with a convenient electrical plug—the convenience sometimes missing in hotel rooms.

Negatives

Are there any concerns? Yes.

Even though not directly on the Highway 1 freeway, ask for an east or north facing room to help avoid traffic noise.

Although I didn’t mind, the location on its one-way street makes it unusually awkward to drive back in the other direction. Wind around until you can cross Ocean Avenue with a light. Also, I prefer to be away from the congested Santa Cruz boardwalk area, but know that you’ll be a mile and a half from the beach at this “Motel Row” location.

Finally, the complimentary breakfast sucked. Why bother serving food that poor–watery orange juice, apples that look three years old, and tasteless cheap baked goods? (The cheese was good and I didn’t use the waffle machine.) As with the rest of the motel, the dining area was spotlessly clean and well stocked and the attendant friendly, but that’s about all the positive that can be said.

Good value

Nevertheless, the Comfort Inn Santa Cruz offers a fine stay at a fair price in one of my very favorite California beach towns.