"Charming historic Victorian mansion with modern rooms and amenities."
Pat c from United States
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"The Rio Vista is a beautiful Victorian home with several charming rooms close to beach and running paths."
Cindi R from United States
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"Historic and charming Victorian converted to a hotel."
Michael from United States
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"Very clean with its own style and a beautiful building - very interesting to see the history of the place."
Capt from United States
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"This hotel stands out in a crowd of chain motels."
Tim D from United States
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Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz - A historic 4-star Victorian hotel with river views and modern amenities
Originally constructed as a private estate in 1890, Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz is a 4-star hotel on iconic Beach Hill, offering views of the San Lorenzo River and proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The property features 12 elegantly restored guestrooms, blending Victorian architecture with modern amenities like 40-inch LED HDTVs, iPod docking stations, and ADA-compliant accessibility features. Select rooms, such as the ADA Deluxe Queen and Room 8, provide river views, while others include jetted tubs or open-concept showers. Guests have access to a lounge with a fireplace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and concierge services for local activity recommendations. The hotel is 34 miles from Mineta San Jose International Airport and within walking distance of landmarks like the Santa Cruz Wharf (0.5 miles) and Tea House Spa (0.5 miles). A $12 nightly resort fee applies.
Pros
The historic Victorian architecture retains original features like hardwood floors and stained glass windows.
Rooms include modern amenities such as iPod docking stations, gas fireplaces, and premium toiletries.
Proximity to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and multiple dining options within 0.5 miles.
ADA-compliant rooms feature roll-in showers, lowered counter heights, and visual alarms.
Complimentary concierge services and lounge access with a fireplace.
Cons
No on-site dining options; nearby restaurants require walking or driving.
All rooms accommodate only two guests, with no rollaway beds or cribs available.
Must-do experiences
Visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for classic seaside fun.
Try the calamari at The Fish Hopper for a delicious waterfront meal.
Explore the mystery of the Mystery Spot just a short drive away.
Stroll through the Santa Cruz Farmers Market on Wednesdays for local produce.
Don't miss the quirky exhibits at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art.
Select your room type
Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Deluxe Queen Room # 5
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Fireplace
room details
Deluxe Queen Room # 2
2 persons
230 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Fireplace
room details
Queen Room #17 Annexed
2 persons
140 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
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Prices and availability
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Facilities
Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Adults only
Sports & Fitness
Golf course
Services
Housekeeping
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Spa & Leisure
Beach access
Garden area
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Parquet floor
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Location
611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, 95060,
Map view
City landmarks
Harbour
Santa Cruz Wharf
2600 ft
Museum
Museum of Art and History
3800 ft
Museum
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
4500 ft
Landmark
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
2700 ft
Shopping Area
Pacific Garden Mall
3200 ft
Landmark
Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse
5200 ft
Museum
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
1.4 mi
Park
Neary Lagoon Park
1.2 mi
Landmark
To Honor Surfing Monument
4900 ft
Spa Centre
Tea House Spa
2200 ft
Spa Centre
Well Within Spa
2300 ft
Landmark
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park
5200 ft
Landmark
Cave Train
2100 ft
Store
Cowell Beach
3200 ft
Store
Cowell's Beach Surf Shop
2600 ft
Landmark
Cocoanut Grove Banquet and Conf
4200 ft
Park
Abbott Square
3300 ft
Store
Shopper's Corner
3600 ft
Beach
Seabright State Beach
1.1 mi
Landmark
The Satellite Workspace and Digital Media Studio
2600 ft
Landmark
Lighthouse Field State Beach
1.4 mi
Landmark
Ocean View Park
1.0 mi
Nearby
Mall
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
1700 ft
400 Beach St
Sky Glider
1700 ft
400 Beach St
Giant Dipper
1800 ft
400 Beach St
Undertow
1600 ft
299 San Lorenzo Boulevard
Mike Fox Skate Park
1300 ft
Raymond St
Beach Flats Community Garden
1400 ft
Beach
Main Beach
1900 ft
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Holiday Train
2000 ft
Restaurants
Beach Street Cafe
1800 ft
399 Beach St
South Beach Pizza Company
1900 ft
303 Beach St
Saturn Cafe
1700 ft
145 Laurel Street
The Picnic Basket
2600 ft
125 Beach St
Casablanca Bistro
2200 ft
101 Main St
Sawasdee By The Sea
2300 ft
101 Main St Casablanca Inn
Mumbai Delights
1800 ft
810 Pacific Ave
Zachary's Restaurant
2100 ft
819 Pacific Avenue
Tampico Kitchen & Lounge LNG
2100 ft
822 Pacific Ave
Subway
2100 ft
825 Pacific Avenue
A Slice of Kianti's
2400 ft
46 Front St
Sesame
2300 ft
435 Front St
Explore Santa Cruz
Explore Santa Cruz
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
7-minute walk
Amusement park with rides and games. A classic California experience, perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
Santa Cruz Wharf
10-minute walk
Historic wharf with shops and restaurants. Great for sightseeing and marine wildlife observations.
Museum of Art and History
14-minute walk
Local art and history exhibits. Offers free admission on the first Friday of each month.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
10-minute walk
Interactive marine exhibits showcasing the local ecosystem. Ideal for families and educational outings.
Surfing Lessons
7-minute drive
Surf schools offer lessons for all skill levels. Rentals available nearby; ideal for thrill-seekers.
Well Within Spa
10-minute walk
Relaxation and wellness experiences, including massages and yoga classes, perfect for rejuvenation.
Biking along San Lorenzo River
15-minute walk
Scenic biking trails with views of nature and wildlife. Rentals nearby for easy access.
Beach Street Cafe
7-minute walk
Casual dining with fresh seafood and breakfast all day. Great for families and offers vegetarian options.
Casablanca Bistro
8-minute walk
Mediterranean cuisine with a cozy atmosphere and excellent seafood dishes. Reservations are recommended.
The Picnic Basket
10-minute walk
Farm-to-table cafe offering organic options, perfect for lunch with a focus on local ingredients.
Catalyst Club
12-minute walk
Live music venue with a diverse range of acts. Family-friendly shows are featured on special occasions.
Del Mar Theatre
14-minute walk
Historic theater showcasing indie films and classic cinema. Offers a unique atmosphere for movie lovers.
How to get around?
City Centre
Santa Cruz 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 81 min · 33.6 mi
Monterey Peninsula (MRY) 102 min · 42.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:30
Check-out
from 06:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish, Hindi
Number of rooms:
16
Former name
rio vista suites
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.3/10
Location
9.0/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Excellent location
Clean rooms
Complimentary refreshments
Cons
Maintenance issues
Inconsistent pricing
Noise issues
Guest reviews
based on 721 reviews
8.2/10
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