Frequently Asked Questions
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.
If under 18, you must be in a private room with a responsible adult.
How do I check in?
Check-in is available daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Our office is open until 7:00 PM. If you arrive after 7:00 PM, you can complete our self-service check-in using the unique access PIN sent to your email. To respect our guests and quiet hours, we are unable to accommodate check-ins after 10:00 PM.
When you arrive, please proceed to the Long House (319), the central building on the property. Follow the instructions at the registration desk to complete your check-in. Your unique PIN provides access to the Long House and your assigned room or dorm, and your bath towel will be waiting on your bed.
Check-out is by 11:00 AM. Before you leave, please strip your bed, place your used linens and towel in the laundry bin behind the Long House, and sign out on the clipboard.
Are linens provided?
Yes! We provide all linens, pillow, duvet and one shower towel (additional towels are $1). Please do not bring any outside linens as they are not permitted.
Can I store my bags before or after checkin?
Free self-service luggage storage is available in our exterior lockers before check-in and after check-out. Please bring your own lock to secure your belongings. While we do our best to keep belongings safe, the Santa Cruz Hostel is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
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?
Yes, we love hosting family gatherings, student groups, work retreats or just a weekend away! We can accomodate up to 52 guests currently. Please reach out via email for information about booking a cottage and we can help organize your group outing. info@santacruzhostel.org
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.
Do you have quiet hours?
Quiet hours are between 10pm – 8am. Please be courteous to other guests and our neighbors.
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 $5 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.
Do you have laundry facilities?
Yes, we have coin-operated laundry machines which guests have access to outside of cleaning hours for the hostel. The cost is $2 to wash and $2 to dry.
Is there public transportation to the hostel?
The main bus depot is a 10 min walk from the hostel. You can take the number 19 bus and it will drop you 2 blocks from the hostel.
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.
What is your cancellation policy?
The standard* booking cancellation notification requirement is a minimum 48 hours prior to 8 am of check-in date for a 75% refund. 25% of the total is always nonrefundable. No refunds are offered within 48 hours. We recommend waiting to book until you have confirmed your travel plans, as no booking is fully refundable.
Please consider taking out a 3rd party travelers insurance policy as cancellations due to unforeseen changes in your travel plans such as weather conditions, canceled flights, Covid-19, or illness do NOT waive any cancellation fees.
Am I allowed to drink alcohol at the hostel?
Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 and older in the indoor community areas and kitchen. Alcohol is not permitted in guest rooms, and glass containers are not allowed outdoors. Please drink responsibly, public intoxication is not permitted and can lead to removal without a refund.
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.
How far is the hostel from the beach?
You walk out the front gate look right and you can see the water. The beach is a short three minute walk two blocks away.