Santa Cruz Beach Bliss: Howard Johnson's Unbeatable Oceanfront Getaway!
Santa Cruz Beach Bliss: Howard Johnson's Unbeatable Oceanfront Getaway? Uh… Let's Dive In (and Get a Bit Sandy)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Because I just spent a week at the… ahem… "unbeatable oceanfront getaway" that is Santa Cruz Beach Bliss, aka the Howard Johnson (yeah, that Howard Johnson) in Santa Cruz. And let me tell you, it's a journey. A rollercoaster of crashing waves, questionable breakfast buffets, and a lobby sign that probably needs a new bulb (or two). This isn't just a review; it's a therapy session.
Accessibility: More "Present" Than "Perfect"
First off, praise where it's due: They try. There's an elevator! Crucial, folks, absolutely crucial. And while I didn't personally need it, I saw ramps, and the website promises "facilities for disabled guests". So, score one point for effort. But…let's be real. Navigating the hallways, sometimes felt like a bit of a puzzle. And the "wheelchair accessible" claim? Well, the bathroom wasn't exactly built with a monster truck in mind. Still, points for trying, as I said!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Safe… Mostly
Post-pandemic, safety is KING, right? They're leaning into it, that's for sure. The website boasts "anti-viral cleaning products", "daily disinfection in common areas," and staff that “trained in safety protocol.” Honestly, felt pretty safe. The elevators, though? A bit… touch-and-go. But the fact that they’re trying to keep things spotless gives me peace of mind. They offered an opt-out on room sanitization, which is kinda nice, you know, the whole privacy thing.
Rooms: Ocean Views (and Occasionally, Mild Disappointment)
Okay, the rooms. The rooms! My "oceanfront" room? Let's just say the ocean was… visible, eventually. From a slightly oblique angle. The blackout curtains? Amazing. Slept like a baby, which was needed after the… adventures. There was carpeting (which, let's be honest, felt a bit dated), air conditioning (thank GOD), and a mini-fridge that barely chilled my water. Free Wi-Fi was a must (and thankfully, it's "free in all rooms", as advertised!), and a little desk area for a laptop was handy. The soundproofing? Not bad, unless the seagull conventions held nightly, and then it was… interesting. The bathroom did the job, with separate shower and bathtub (a bit of a luxury!), but let's be honest, might have been a little small.
The "extra long bed" turned out to be a queen--not terrible, but not what I'd call extra long! And I loved the little reading light--perfect for sneaking a book in before sleep.
Internet: WiFi, Wi-Fi Everywhere! Except When It Wasn't…
The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" claim is accurate, technically. When it worked. There were moments when it was faster than dial-up, and moments when I seriously considered just going outside and shouting into the ocean for my messages. The promise was there! And sometimes, it delivered. On occasion, you could even get it in the public areas, which was handy. Internet access with LAN wasn't on my radar (who even uses that anymore?), but it was offered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: An Adventure in "Meh"
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? The "breakfast [buffet]" was a… experience. Let's call it that. The "Western breakfast" was standard: eggs that may or may not be made from actual eggs, cold bacon, and the kind of toast that could probably be used as a building material. There was an "Asian breakfast" too, I think. I confess, I was too scared to venture. The "coffee/tea in restaurant" service was… consistent, at least. Hot, brown, caffeinated. The "poolside bar"? A mirage of hope. It existed, technically, but the selection was, again, somewhat limited.
The restaurants were the weak point. The “restaurants” are just one restaurant, and they are a little too much on the basic side, a little too "I'm-here-because-it's-convenient." The "desserts in restaurant"? I had one. It wasn't memorable. Let's just say, I spent a lot of time exploring Santa Cruz's actual food scene. There was a snack bar for quick bites, but sometimes I just want more.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa, the Sauna, and the Sea
Alright, this is where things get interesting. They have a “spa/sauna”. And it… exists. I peeked in, mostly. The “sauna” seemed, well, sauna-like and tiny, the “spa” was on the smaller side, but still, the idea of relaxing beckoned. They have a gym, so take that as you will. A “pool with view” is more of a “pool with side-ocean view,” but on a sunny day, who cares? The beach itself is a two-minute walk away. That's the real gem, right there. That's where you go to really relax.
The fitness center? Alright, I’ll admit, I glanced at it. Looked like it had the bare minimum.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Niceties (and the Quirks)
They do their best to cover all bases, and some are quite good to have. The front desk? Always there. The concierge? Helpful, if you can catch them. There's a 24-hour front desk, which is a big plus. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Yep. Safety deposit boxes? Sure. The "gift/souvenir shop" consisted of maybe six items, which gave it a certain charm, though. The exterior corridor was useful, and the elevator was a plus.
My favorite service (and the one that perfectly sums up the Howard Johnson experience)? The Doorman. He’s a legend, he’s been around, and he’s always willing to chat. His greeting? "Welcome to paradise!" He was smiling a lot, which was a nice touch.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But Keep Expectations Modest.
"Family/child friendly" is the phrase. There were kids there! They seemed happy. I did not witness any specific "kids facilities," and I didn't see any "babysitting service" on offer. The kids were mostly… running around and having fun, which, I suppose, is what matters.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
Santa Cruz Beach Bliss is perfectly located. Right on the beach. That’s absolutely the biggest draw. You can walk to the Boardwalk (which is a loud, chaotic, wonderful mess), the shops, and restaurants. They offer "airport transfer" but that’s a little overkill. Parking? Got you covered (free!). They even have "car power charging stations!"
Final Verdict: The Ocean View Is Worth the Price of Admission (Mostly)
Look, the Santa Cruz Beach Bliss isn't the Ritz. It's not the Four Seasons. But it is a clean, safe, and conveniently located hotel in a beautiful location. The ocean view is genuinely stunning, and the proximity to the beach is unbeatable. The staff are, well, they try. The food? Let’s call it "fuel." The amenities? Basic, but sufficient.
If you're looking for a luxurious, pampering getaway, look elsewhere. But if you want a comfortable base camp for exploring Santa Cruz, with crashing waves outside your window, then… well, you could do a lot worse. Just bring some earplugs (for the seagulls), a good book, and a healthy dose of lowered expectations. And maybe a backup plan for breakfast. 3.5 out of 5 stars. Could be better, could be way worse, but it's home-base.
Waterloo's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of fun, fries, and maybe a little bit of existential dread at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel guide. This is the real deal, folks. Prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster… metaphorically speaking, mostly.
Day 1: Beach Bliss, Boardwalk Buzz, and the Quest for the Perfect Clam Chowder (It Does NOT Exist, Let's Be Real)
1:00 PM: Arrival & Hotel Hiccups (and Why I'm Already Judging the Carpeting)
Okay, first things first. HoJo. It's… well, it's a Howard Johnson. The outside looks vintage-y, which is fine. The lobby? Smells vaguely of chlorine and regret. Checked in, and the elevator? Praying it doesn't get stuck with me. My room, bless its heart, is functional. The view? Okay, that's a plus - Pacific Ocean views are always good. Except, is that a stain on the bedspread? Hmm, I'm going to choose to ignore that for now. Maybe.
2:00 PM: Beach Stroll & Ocean Gawks
Needed some fresh air STAT. Found my way down to the beach. The light! The sound of the waves! Ah, the salty tang of the ocean. Bliss. Or, you know, as close as you can get when you're sharing the sand with a thousand other tourists and dodging rogue frisbees. Did I mention the seagulls are ruthless? They're like feathered ninjas, eyeing my snacks. I even saw a couple of kids attempt to build a sandcastle, only for the waves to keep demolishing it. Ah, the sweet, sweet simplicity of seaside failure.
4:00 PM: Boardwalk Breakdown… in the Best Way Possible
Alright, time for the main event. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The sheer cacophony of noise! The lights! The smells (mostly of fried dough, which is a win). First ride? The Giant Dipper, naturally. The creaks, the groans… I spent half the ride screaming and the other half laughing like a maniac. I'm pretty sure my stomach is still somewhere in the clouds. Followed it up with the Tilt-A-Whirl. I am ashamed to admit I screamed.
6:00 PM: The Clam Chowder Catastrophe (and My Existential Crisis)
Okay, the mission: find the best clam chowder. This is serious business. I asked around. I read reviews. The first place? Lukewarm. The second? Too… fishy. By the third cup, I was pretty sure I’d reached peak clam chowder disappointment. And with it, a sort of existential crisis. Am I chasing something that doesn’t exist? Is true happiness just a myth? I'm starting to feel like it might be. I settled for fries - always consistently satisfying.
7:30 PM: Boardwalk Games & The "Almost" Win
Tried my hand at a few boardwalk games. Won a comically large stuffed banana at a ring toss. My girlfriend is going to hate it. She'll probably make me "donate" it to a charity. But I'm calling it a win! Later, I played Whac a mole and got my butt whooped. Got to at least see other people play; it was so much fun!
9:30 PM: Sunset Spectacle & The Crushing Weight of Reality
Heading back to the beach. The sunset was on point. Glorious colors exploding across the sky. Absolutely breathtaking. And at that moment, I remembered how good life can be. And then… I realized I still had to pack for tomorrow, and I was out of clean socks. Back to reality with a thud.
Day 2: Coastal Adventures, Redwood Reveries, and the Search for Meaning (Still Going, Obviously)
9:00 AM: Breakfast Blues & the Dreaded Coffee
Woke up! Room service? LOL, let's not kid ourselves. Instant coffee out of a machine, lukewarm, and tastes vaguely of despair. Gotta find a decent place to eat soon.
10:00 AM: Scenic Drive, Coastal Views & The Car Sickness Scare
Off for a drive along the coast. Highway 1 is pure magic. The cliffs, the waves crashing below, the wind in your hair (okay, maybe not my hair, more like the wind trying to rearrange it). But the winding roads… Oh, dear God, they got to me! I am now officially prone to car sickness. Pulled over, took a breath, and eventually felt better.
1:00 PM: Redwood Ramble & The Tiny Feeling of "Wow"
The redwoods. Seriously. Pictures don't do them justice. Walking amongst those giants… It's humbling. Suddenly, all my first-world problems seem… small. Like, ant-sized. I just stood there, staring up at the trees, feeling this weird sense of awe. Nature, man. It's good.
4:00 PM: The Quest for the Unique Souvenir
Boardwalk shops be damned! I'm on the hunt for something truly, uniquely, Santa Cruz. A funky t-shirt? A hand-painted seashell? A miniature lighthouse? I'm still searching. The pursuit is half the fun, right? (Right?)
6:00 PM: A Moment of Peace and Pizza
Found it! A hidden pizza shop with amazing pizza! After what probably seemed like a million disappointments in terms of foods, I finally found something that satisfied me. The taste was sublime! The pizza was great! I grabbed a bench on the beach, watched the sunset, and was just… at peace. A rare, beautiful moment.
7:00 PM: Packing Panic & Departure Dread
It's over. Time to pack, tidy the room… and mentally prepare for the long drive home. The end of the trip is always a weird mix of relief ("Yay, clean laundry!") and a touch of sadness. Did I enjoy it? Hell, yes! Did I find myself? Maybe not. But hey, there's always next time… and maybe next time, I'll find that perfect clam chowder. Maybe. Or maybe I'll just get more fries. Either way, it's a win.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a messy, wonderful, flawed, and perfect little slice of life. It was packed, it was frantic, it was imperfect… and that's the best part. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk? It's pure, unadulterated, slightly chaotic fun. The ocean? Soothes the soul. The clam chowder? Still a work in progress. Would I go back again? Absolutely. With more socks. And maybe a seasickness remedy. And definitely, an open mind. And, of course, a healthy dose of skepticism. Until next time, Santa Cruz!
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Santa Cruz Beach Bliss: Howard Johnson's (Mostly) Unbeatable Oceanfront Getaway – Your Questions, Answered...and Then Some.
Okay, Seriously, Is "Oceanfront" Actually Oceanfront or More Like "Can *Maybe* Squint and See the Ocean"?
Alright, buckle up, because this is a *big* deal. When they say "oceanfront," at the Santa Cruz Howard Johnson's, they MEAN it. Like, you could practically *spit* into the Pacific from your balcony (though, please, don't. Erosion and all that). I stayed in room 312 last year, and I swear, I woke up to the crash of the waves every single morning. It's...magical. Totally worth fighting the seagulls for that beachfront real estate. Seriously. You *will* be mesmerized. And, I gotta say, the *smell* of the ocean? Pure bliss. Even if the hotel *does* smell faintly of...well, years of seaside living (read: potentially damp things).
Is the Breakfast Actually Edible, or Should I Just Hit the Boardwalk for a Corn Dog?
The breakfast...ah, the breakfast. Let's call it "serviceable." Remember, we're talking Howard Johnson's here, not the Ritz. Expect the usual suspects: instant oatmeal, pre-made muffins that have the structural integrity of sandcastles in a tsunami, and the all-important "continental" breakfast station. My advice? Grab a waffle. Make it *two* waffles. Slather them in syrup. Embrace the sugar rush. Fuel your adventures! I’ve got this epic story, ok? My first visit, I was HUNGRY. Arrived at the breakfast and this tiny, frazzled woman was just manning the whole operation. I asked if the eggs were fresh, and bless her soul, she sighed and said, "Honey, nothing here is fresh, but it'll fill you up." Truer words, man, truer words. And about those corn dogs? Totally hit 'em up after breakfast...you know, for "research" purposes.
Are the Rooms…Clean? Like, Actually Clean? I’m a Germaphobe.
Okay, let's be REAL. Cleanliness is subjective. My experience was...mostly fine. The sheets seemed fresh (I checked, obviously), and the bathroom was...well, let's say "adequate." Did I find a rogue french fry under the bed? Possibly. Did a suspicious stain on the carpet briefly cause me to question every life choice I'd ever made? Maybe. But overall, it's a beach hotel, right? You kinda *expect* a little sand to sneak in everywhere. I'd rate it a solid "B-," which, for a budget-friendly beach hotel, is a win. Just pack some sanitizing wipes, and you'll be golden. And for the love of all that is holy, check those bedspreads! They've seen things...
Speaking of "Budget-Friendly," How's the Price? Is it a Wallet-Crusher?
Compared to *other* oceanfront hotels in Santa Cruz? It's a steal. Seriously. You're paying for the *location*, people. That view? Worth every single penny. I scored an amazing deal off-season, and I felt like I was ROBBING them. During peak summer, expect prices to jump, so book WAY in advance. But even at the higher rates, it’s still a better deal than some of the monstrosities on the boardwalk. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. And sunburn protection. And the chance to watch the sunset in your skivvies from your own private balcony. Pure bliss. Just brace yourself for the "resort fee" – those sneaky devils always get ya.
Is There a Pool? Because, Ocean Is Great, But Chlorine Is My Aesthetic.
Yes! There IS a pool. And it's...well, it's a pool. Standard rectangular shape. Gets the job done. It's not the most glamorous pool in the world, but it's clean, it's refreshing, and it's a nice alternative to the potentially freezing Pacific waters. The kids LOVE it, which can be a pro or a con, depending on your tolerance for shrieking and splashing (I'm firmly in the "pro" camp, gotta love the chaos). There's also a hot tub, which is a total lifesaver after a long day frolicking on the beach or battling for space on the Giant Dipper. Just be warned: chlorine is powerful, so if you are one those sensitive types, bring some extra lotion. And maybe a snorkel.
Parking? Nightmare or Manageable? Santa Cruz Parking is Legendarily Awful.
Okay, this is a *real* question. Parking in Santa Cruz is a blood sport. The Howard Johnson's *does* have parking, which is a HUGE win. However, space is limited, particularly during the summer. Be prepared to jockey for a spot, especially during peak hours. Arrive early, or be prepared to walk. Seriously. Walk. I spent a solid 45 minutes on my first visit to Santa Cruz just circling the block like a demented vulture, looking for a place to park. Finally gave up, parked, and ended up walking a mile. Learn from my mistake. If you see a spot that looks remotely promising, GRAB IT. Don't hesitate. Don't second-guess. Just park. Consider it a free workout. And a rite of passage. And maybe... maybe bring a friend to help you stake your claim. Those tourists can be ruthless!
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly or Just Trying to Survive the Tourist Season?
The staff? Mostly lovely. You'll find the usual spectrum: Some are the friendly, welcoming types, genuinely excited to see you. Some look like they've seen things… and are clearly exhausted. But hey, it's Santa Cruz in the summer. It's a high-pressure environment. Be nice, be patient, and they'll treat you right. I had a housekeeping lady who would leave me little smiley faces made of towels. It was a real mood booster. Small kindnesses go a LONG way. And tip them! They're working hard. And they probably deserve it more than you do, lounging on that beach chair. Just saying. And if you're lucky, you might stumble upon the front desk gal who's been there since the dinosaurs roamed – those are the best ones, full of local secrets.
Okay, Let's Talk Imperfections. Anything I Should *Really* Know Before Booking? Any Dealbreakers?
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