The Fun, Funky, Friendly, Fabulous Sunny Cove Motel.
I've stayed at the Sunny Cove more times then I can count now. I've stayed in probably every room they have, Gone alone, with my mate, with my kids, with my mate & my kids, with my kids & their friends.
No matter what the occasion or company with me, Sunny Cove has yet to disappoint.
I don't think they possibly could.
This is not the Hilton. But if you're going to take a trip to Santa Cruz to soak up the beach, go to the famous Beach Boardwalk, see 1 of many museums, or the many cool parks they have, or have lunch on the wharf with the 100's of sea lions there to greet you, or even go shopping down town. You just don't go to Santa Cruz to sit in a fancy, stuffy, inside hotel with no way to smell the ocean air, feel the oh so awesome clean air that just makes you feel great, no way, you can stay at a fancy hotel somewhere else, but surely not when visiting Santa Cruz, the surf capitol of the world.
The Sunny Cove is the best of the best when you think of going back to the 70's with funky style, friendly innkeepers, rooms on the ground floor, with lotsa windows, where you can leave your door open and unlocked and have no worries.
You book your room (highly recommended) arrive to the more than awesome friendly, feels like she's been your friend for years innkeeper, Jane, who shows you to your room, and if space allows even gives you a pick of a few rooms you'd like to stay in before you stay. How coool is that? You park right next to your room, unpack walking into the totally awesome ALL remodeled rooms, with new bathrooms in most rooms, most larger and for sure nicer, new bedding, carpets in many, paintings on the wall, updated kitchens, just a great overhaul with these renovated, remodeled rooms. Now im not saying the rooms weren't already great, but now they are awesome and even better.
Dependng on the room the rooms have 2 double beds and usually also a futon. And there are TV's in both rooms, which is great when im going with the kids. I don't have to watch the same thing they do which is a gift in it of itself. There is also as I said a nice remodeled bath that's such a treat. The kitchen has everything you could need to make anything you'd make at home, with a stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and table to eat at. If you don't have something you need just ask Jane and she'll have it over to you in minutes.
If im with the kids they drop their bags and head for the pool straight away. They usually then walk down, which is literally yards from the motel, sunny beach cove, where they play in the ocean, do some sun bathing, and just hanging out in the best kept secret little beach cove spot. Its not that secret as they are always people there, but never too crowded,the cove is clean, and the great fresh smell of the ocean. There's nothing better for you than clean fresh ocean breeze air. You can usually watch some surfers or boogie boarders having fun there as well.
We may then have a BBQ at the pool before the kids want to head over to the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a fraction of the cost on certain days of the week if you bring a Pepsi can. You get an unlimited ride bracelet & go at it. I usually leave the kids there to have a blast and go back to the motel and sit by the pool and read, or if time allows, Jane whose so totally friendly may join you for a little conversation. Jane is one of a kind, she's the most friendly, layed back, one of the greatest innkeepers I've had the pleasure of meeting, and I've stayed at many, motels, Inns, Bed & Breakfast Inns etc. She just goes out of her way, I mean way over the call of duty to make sure you feel welcome, comfortable, and have everything you need at all times, and talking with her you feel like you're old friends. She's the Best.
We stayed this time in August where the weather was nice for windows ope door open and its like having a beach block party with all your neighbors who for the most part are all real friendly too. I see many return customers and its just a great friendly place. With the weather so nice you really can leave your windows wide open and have no worries, no reason to feel afraid, this place is very safe and we've ever ever had any problems here.
Now don't get me wrong about the beach block party, this isn't a party house motel, by no means. I just meant in the day & early eve many BBQ and sit outside and talk with each other and then when everyone goes in its very quiet. You can then relax on the beds and watch some TV or read a book and there's never been a problem with noise in the evening. People are all respectful and quiet, and I believe Jane assures she only rents rooms to those who will respect that. There is no loud, music or even conversation allowed after a certain hour. Being this is a family motel as well, many small kids may go to sleep by 9 or so, so its quiet time till the next morning.
There are many great places to eat within a mile away, walking is possible if your up for a morning walk or drive in minutes. Or if you do what we do, we go shop at the grocery store the night after we get there and make meals right in our room.
The Sunny Cove really feels like your own beach front property you have for the summer haha! With a lot of friendly neighbors and a great community manager who runs the area of properties.
I also stayed with just my Mom In January of this year, it was just a well needed R&R couple days away. Our luck was with us as the weather was fabulous. We just went and relaxed sitting by the pool and talking, took at drive to some window shopping around town, then went to dinner at a great Italian place right up the street. The people there are very friendly and know Jane well and love you to mention she sent you over. The food is great real authentic Italian food, large portions you always go home with a doggy bag, or tomorrows lunch.
So to sum it up, the Sunny Cove is just the greatest place to stay while visiting Santa Cruz, whether its for a day or a week, its the best. Can't ask for better service, cozy, homey, funky, comfy rooms, with all the conforts of home, friendly excellant service, great price for Santa Cruz, and a dose of the best sea air you can get, just a great place to relax with one or the whole family. Even bring your four legged friends. Just the best. Will always come back and won't stay anywhere else when visiting the great Santa Cruz.
Easy 5 stars. Book your room now you'll never be disappointed! Just save a room for me, I go often.
Or the negative posters here I believe they may have not even stayed here, especially the very rude poster who said the place smelled of urine? Please. They were probably one of those who Jane decided not to rent to, she tells me she does turn some away as they are people who send one in and then have a boat load of guests come to make a lot of noise and trouble. She says for the peace of the rest of her guests she won't rent to these type people. So, I believe those posters were just upset they were turned away, and for good reason.
Keep up the great job Jane. Ignore those negative posters posting out of retaliation rather than actual facts of their stay, or how Jane acted. I don't think she's beed rude to anyone. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body.
Happy vacationing!