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Summary of reviewsThe Carousel Beach Inn receives high praise across several categories, particularly for its exceptional location, cleanliness and staff service. Nestled directly across from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the inn offers unparalleled access to the beach, amusement park and local attractions, making it an ideal choice for families and visitors eager to explore Santa Cruz. Guests are consistently impressed by the convenience of its central location, allowing for easy walks to the wharf, pier and downtown area.
The breakfast provided at the inn garners mostly positive reviews with guests appreciating the complimentary continental offerings. Simple but satisfying items such as waffles, coffee, bagels, muffins and fresh fruits are popular, along with 24/7 availability of hot drinks. While the breakfast area can be small and some guests desire more variety, the overall sentiment is that the breakfast is a convenient and pleasant start to the day.
Rooms at the inn are highlighted for being spacious, very clean and recently updated with modern decor. Many come with amenities like small kitchenettes, balconies and comfortable beds. Although there are occasional remarks about musty odors or outdated furnishings, the majority of guests find the rooms to be comfortable and well-maintained. Beautiful balcony views and the inn's proximity to the boardwalk also add to the positive experiences of many visitors.
The cleanliness of Carousel Beach Inn is consistently commended with rooms, bathrooms and common areas being well-maintained and hygienic. Staff efforts in keeping the property tidy do not go unnoticed, as reviewers frequently note meticulous upkeep and a lack of mustiness.
Staff performance is one of the standout features with numerous reviews praising the friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness of the employees. From the front desk to housekeeping, the team is described as accommodating, supportive and instrumental in ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.
While the Wi-Fi could use improvement due to reports of slow and unreliable connectivity, the hotel's modern TV options offer a decent alternative for in-room entertainment. The prime beachfront location of Carousel Beach Inn ensures that guests have direct access to the sandy shores and picturesque ocean views, further enhancing the appeal of the inn.
Parking at the inn is another highlight with ample and secured options available for guests. Despite occasional mentions of tight spaces, the free and convenient parking facilities significantly contribute to guest satisfaction.
The beds, however, receive mixed reviews. While some guests find them comfortable and cozy, others describe them as hard, squeaky and in need of more blankets and better pillows. This aspect might require some improvement to meet the varied preferences of all guests.
Accessibility is notably well-handled at Carousel Beach Inn with features like wide doors, hallways and ground-floor units making it convenient for guests with disabilities. The friendly and patient staff further enhance the experience, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
In summary, Carousel Beach Inn is highly regarded for its fantastic location, cleanliness and excellent staff service. While there are minor areas for improvement such as Wi-Fi connectivity and bed comfort, the inn provides a comfortable, convenient and enjoyable stay for visitors to Santa Cruz. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Motel near The Beach
Located on Riverside Avenue, this inn is a quick 2-minute walk from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach.
Accessible Motel
Carousel Beach Inn offers an Accessible Queen room with a roll-in shower.
Small Motel
Just steps away from the Boardwalk, the Carousel Beach Inn is a great place for a family vacation. It includes fresh furniture, stylish bedding, and 42-inch TVs. Great location, free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, affordable rates, and friendly staff!
Motel with Parking
Room Types
Queen Room with Two Queen BedsOffering free WiFi, this room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, and an alarm clock. A private patio is also available.
- Please note: Rates are based on 2 guests. A maximum of 4 guests can stay in this room. Please refer to the policies for fees that will apply for additional guests.
King RoomOffering free WiFi, this room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, and an alarm clock. A private patio is also available. Room offers a partial ocean view and a view of the amusement park.
- Please note: Rates are based on 2 guests. A maximum of 4 guests can stay in this room. Please refer to the policies for fees that will apply for additional guests.
Standard King RoomOffering free WiFi, this room includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hairdryer, and an alarm clock. A private patio is also available.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Carousel Beach Inn boasts an unbeatable location, frequently highlighted by guests in their reviews for its proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Positioned directly across the street, it offers easy access to the beach, amusement park and other key attractions. Visitors appreciate how central it is with the wharf, pier and downtown area all within walking distance. The hotel's fantastic setting ensures guests can conveniently enjoy the boardwalk, beach, restaurants and entertainment options. This ideal spot is particularly well-suited for families, making it a top choice for those planning a visit to Santa Cruz.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Carousel Beach Inn receives mixed reviews with a strong inclination towards positive feedback. Many guests appreciated the complimentary continental breakfast, describing it as great, satisfying and well-serviced. Common sentiments highlight that the breakfast is simple but good with offerings including waffles, coffee, bagels, muffins and fresh fruits. The availability of hot drinks 24/7 was also a notable perk for many visitors.
Positive remarks frequently mention the breakfast as fresh, convenient and perfect for a grab-and-go start to the day. Several reviews emphasize the breakfast service being prompt and the area kept clean by attentive staff. Despite its simplicity, many found the breakfast selections to be more than adequate with some praising the light breakfast options for being exactly what they needed.
However, there are some downsides noted by guests. The breakfast area is often described as small and cramped with limited seating and basic offerings. A few reviewers suggested improvements such as the addition of eggs, toast and more variety in savory items. There were also sporadic mentions of the breakfast being unsatisfying or below expectations, especially considering the price of the stay with some guests finding the selection to be insufficient or unremarkable.
Overall, while the breakfast at Carousel Beach Inn is largely seen as a convenient and pleasant start to the day, there is room for enhancing the variety and appeal of the offerings to better match guests' expectations.
Rooms
Carousel Beach Inn offers guests spacious and very clean rooms, many of which have been recently updated with modern decor. Despite some of the rooms being small and basic, they often come equipped with essentials and amenities such as small kitchenettes, balconies and ample towels. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, comfort and security of the rooms, noting that they are well-maintained and equipped with comfortable beds.
However, there are some mixed reviews regarding room conditions. A few guests reported issues like a musty odor, outdated furnishings, stained curtains and occasional malfunctions with room appliances such as fridges and air conditioning units. Noise from adjoining rooms and fluctuating room temperatures were also mentioned as minor inconveniences. Additionally, certain rooms had limited amenities and occasional cleanliness oversights, such as leftover items from previous guests.
On the positive side, the location of the inn is praised for its proximity to the boardwalk and beach, offering beautiful views from some rooms' balconies. Recent renovations have improved the overall aesthetic and functionality of the rooms, contributing to a pleasant stay for many guests. Despite the need for some updates and improvements, the overall consensus indicates that the rooms at Carousel Beach Inn provide a comfortable and satisfying experience for travelers.
Beds
At Carousel Beach Inn, guests have diverse opinions on the comfort of the beds. While many find them to be comfortable and satisfactory, describing them as cozy, clean and surprisingly comfy, others experience quite the opposite. Some guests highlight recent updates and the large, spacious nature of the beds, appreciating the firmness that some find comfortable. However, there are numerous mentions of discomfort with beds being hard, squeaky and having noisy, metal bases. A recurring topic is the need for more and better-quality blankets, as well as pillows, as some find the current offerings quite thin and insufficient. Despite some beds being described as lovely and new, complaints about their cheap feel, noise and overall discomfort suggest a need for further improvements. Overall, while comfort is achievable at Carousel Beach Inn, it's apparent that the bed quality might not meet everyone's expectations.
Cleanliness
Carousel Beach Inn generally impresses guests with its cleanliness and maintenance. The rooms are described as clean, comfortable and well-organized with fresh sheets and towels frequently noted. Guests appreciate the meticulous upkeep of the hotel, from the bedrooms to the bathrooms, reinforcing a high standard of hygiene throughout.
Many reviews praise the corridors and common areas for being clean, though some mention the need for deeper cleaning in these spaces. The property itself, despite being somewhat dated, still feels tidy and well-maintained.
Guests frequently highlight the lack of mustiness in rooms and corridors with a pleasant smell being a common positive remark. However, there are occasional mentions of musty odors and unhygienic carpets, suggesting a need for improvement in these areas. Additionally, some guests noted issues with floor cleanliness and occasional oversight in thorough room cleaning.
Staff efforts do not go unnoticed, as many reviews commend the diligent cleaning service and recognize visible maintenance activities around the property. Despite a few areas needing more attention, the overall impression of the Carousel Beach Inn is one of a hotel that maintains excellent cleanliness standards, offering a clean, peaceful and comfortable stay for its guests.
Staff
The reviews for Carousel Beach Inn prominently highlight the exemplary performance of the hotel's staff, commending them for their friendliness, professionalism and supportive nature. Guests frequently mentioned the courteous, helpful and respectful demeanor of the staff, noting how accommodating and attentive they were throughout their stay. The front desk personnel received particular praise for their warm, welcoming and efficient service, despite some isolated instances of slow check-in. Many reviews appreciated the staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant experience, offering excellent customer service and making guests feel respected and valued. Negative interactions with unfriendly or apathetic staff were mentioned but seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. Overall, the staff at Carousel Beach Inn is celebrated for contributing significantly to an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
Wi-Fi
The Carousel Beach Inn offers convenient amenities such as TV access to internet services like YouTube and Netflix. However, the hotel's Wi-Fi leaves something to be desired. Guests have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the hotel, describing it as slow, poor and in need of significant improvement. Public Wi-Fi is available, but many have found the connection to be unreliable and often frustrating. Despite these setbacks, the lobby area seems to offer slightly better connectivity compared to the rooms. Overall, while the internet service lags behind, the hotel offers modern TV options for entertainment.
Beach
The Carousel Beach Inn boasts an enviable location that places guests in close proximity to the vibrant Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the expansive shores of the Pacific Ocean. Reviews consistently highlight the convenience of being just steps away from both the beach and the boardwalk, making it easy for visitors to enjoy seaside activities and amusement park fun without the hassle of lengthy travel. Guests appreciate the hotel's direct beach access and adjacent position, which allows for picturesque ocean views from certain rooms. The beachfront location ensures that the sandy shores are right at your doorstep, providing a prime spot for relaxation and recreation. This excellent location is the key attraction, making the Carousel Beach Inn a favorable choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the coastal experience of Santa Cruz.
Parking
Carousel Beach Inn receives high marks for its parking amenities, which guests frequently highlight as a significant benefit. The hotel offers ample complimentary parking, including gated and secured options, ensuring guests' vehicles are both safe and easily accessible. Particularly appreciated is the on-site parking, which is convenient and hassle-free. Each room typically comes with one designated parking space and the hotel ensures that parking remains available and included in the stay.
Despite some mentions of the parking spaces being tight and a few concerns about the number of spots during peak times, the overall sentiment remains positive. The provision of free parking passes and 24/7 availability further enhance guest satisfaction. The secured parking is consistently praised for providing peace of mind and the easy access to parking areas adds to the convenience of staying at Carousel Beach Inn.
Accessible
Carousel Beach Inn in Santa Cruz is celebrated for its excellent accessibility features, making it a superb choice for guests with disabilities. The hotel boasts a convenient location with easy access to the beach, boardwalk and other local attractions. Guests highlighted the accessible elevator, which offers simple transport between floors and facilitates easy navigation of the property. Wheelchair users will appreciate the wide doors and hallways that provide ample space for movement.
The hotel staff are commended for their friendliness and patience, contributing to a welcoming environment for all guests. Ground floor units and accessible parking facilities further enhance convenience for those with mobility needs. Additionally, the property is described as easy to access from major thoroughfares, adding to its suitability for travelers with disabilities.
Amenities such as plentiful towels and accessible common areas also received positive mentions, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to comfort and ease of use. Although there were minor issues such as limited power outlets and a broken floor lamp, the overall accessibility of Carousel Beach Inn stands out as a key feature, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
No, Carousel Beach Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Carousel Beach Inn.
No, Carousel Beach Inn doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Carousel Beach Inn.