We spent 4 nights in a suite with two young kids between Christmas and New Year's. The hotel was fantastic. The room was large enough to accommodate all 4 of us. The hotel was spotless. The parking and internet were provided free of charge. There is a lot to do in the area. We rode a train, spent a day at the Santa Cruz boardwalk, drove down to Monterey to visit the aquarium, etc. We had such a great time that we asked to stay an extra night. They were able to keep us in the same room, at the same discounted rate we had previously paid. I can not speak highly enough about it.

Absolutely gorgeous hotel with the most friendly staff that I have ever encountered. The pool and hot tub were perfect except for closing them at 10:30, which kinda put a damper on our new years eve plans:/ and the soap is downright dangerous! The soap in the room does not like to come off at all no matter how much you rinse it, and i slipped and fell in the bathroom twice from it. They need to do something about it right away! But besides that, the hilton is breathtaking from the staircase and water fountain in the lobby, to the castle like structure and parking on almost every floor. Will probably stay again if Im headed to santa cruz, just next time ill bring my own soap and get in the hot tub early!

We were there in September for a family trip with my parents. It was wonderful, and we really enjoyed our stay.
The location is wonderful , close to every local attractions and very very quiet at night. The room was clean and very comfort.

We stayed in the King suite with the small balcony. The room was very spacious with a very comfortable bed. The master bath was well laid out with a jacuzzi tub and roomy shower. The living area was also comfortable. Being just outside the environs of Santa Cruz itself made it easy to zip down a few exits and be right in the mix of all the fun things to do in Santa Cruz. It is also about 10 minutes from the Henry Cowell Grove of redwoods which made for a delightful mid-morning walk. The rooftop pool and jacuzzi were great and the fitness center was also convenient with 3 treadmills 2 ellipticals and a bike plus weight machine and dumbbells. Downstairs was a lounge and restaurant which we did not make use of but looked like it would be fine. My only complaint is the in-room coffee set up. They have the individual keurig-type coffee maker which just doesn't make a hearty cup of coffee. I normally travel with my own organic coffee and prefer to brew my own. In this case I had to drive a short distance to the Surf City coffee house for my morning coffee. A minor inconvenience but for a nice place like this Hilton, it should be remedied. Other than that, I recommend this place for your visit to Santa Cruz. If you want to be on the water, you'll have to stay in town. Wireless worked well. I was able to upload photos quite quickly.