Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Location is close to everything Old Town, restaurants, pharmacy, and grocery. Room rate(s) per night for the last week of December 2022 was good. But it’s not always the case.

1. Bed/pillows too soft. 2. No lamp/nightstand on one side of the bed - I had to put my phone or glasses on the floor. 3. Parking fee. (Before Marriott took over, parking was free.)

Great pool and jacuzzi with plenty of little cabanas for those who want a break from the sun. There is also a ping pong table, if you are so inclined. My husband commented about the size of the room (about 200 sq ft), but then how much room do you need for a couple of days? That said, the rooms were clean, bed comfy and included everything you could need for a quick getaway. We didn't eat at the on-site restaurant as it was take-out only due to COVID and very limited hours of operation. The gym, you need to reserve a spot. Only one room or family can use it at a time. It's really only cardio equipment anyway. Now let's talk about the campground behind the hotel. Many reviewers complained about what they called "a homeless shelter" right behind the hotel. This is technically true. But we really didn't find that this negatively impacted our stay at all. In typical Santa Cruz fashion, this wasn't really "a homeless shelter" as it was a campground for folks who choose to live outside of the rat race. After reading other reviews that over-dramatized this factor we almost didn't choose this hotel. In the end, we are very glad we did. But of course as with any hotel visit, the real factor that alters everything is the staff. Every single person from the moment we checked in was top-notch. Friendly; offering suggestions for nearby restaurants (all recommendations were spot-on); even allowing for a super late check-out. I know that was only available because we were there on an off-day -- and it might not always be possible. But of course, the devil is in the details, the way they accommodated our unique needs always felt very extra. In other words, when they CAN go out of their way for you -- they really go above and beyond.

The hotel is located near Thai restaurant, Starbucks, Gas Station, Burger King and McDonald. Also 5 minutes drive to downtown, broad walk and 10 minutes drive to UCSC. The hotel room was nice, clean and comes with a small refrigerator but no sitting chair.

I was additional charged unexplained $9.99 the next day after I checked out. We didn’t get the city view room as it was advertised on the Booking.Com, instead we got the parking view. Also there was no armrest chair to sit in the room, only an office chair. There’s no signs from our building to the lobby and the restaurant. Also,while I was in line checking out one of the receptionist was raised her voice to the Chinese lady guest. After she left the receptionist was gossiping about her with the white couple. I was very disappointed with how unprofessional she behaved and I hope she will treat all her guests equally in the future.

Gym, ice machine & water machine, pool area and bar by pool. Friendly staff. Room was cleaned regularly. Recycling points. Dog friendly (we did not have a dog but like dogs!).

Found that the sinks in the room did not drain well which was annoying as left the sink often looking dirty. The hotel is just over a mile walk from the boardwalk however we didn’t mind this as we like walking. But something to bear in mind if you struggle with mobility.

It was stylish, modern and clean. Staff were super friendly and helpful. A decent number of places just to lounge outside of the rooms.

Despite everything being renovated, it was renovated from a motel. So people will be passing by the door often, and any sense of privacy is gone the instant to leave the room. You can’t get sunlight into the room without making the room visible from the walkway.

enjoyed how clean and modern the rooms are. me and my partner got a good nights sleep the room was very comfortable and we felt safe at this hotel as two women traveling together. I would definitely book here again.

the only thing I didn’t like is that even though there was a lot of parking for some reason the parking was almost filled up when me and my partner returned late from a concert but everything else went great.

The room is nicely decorated and like that it doesn't have carpet. The beds were really comfortable. The room was quiet even with the hotel being full.

I believe they should have a mini fridge in every room. They have plenty of space for one but you have to request to have one put in your room. We requested a mini fridge several times but never received one. They told us they would put one in our room and then told us they didn't have one. The air was broken in our room and they finally fixed it on day 3 out of our 4 day stay. They did give us one free night because of not getting to it sooner of which it was appreciated.

We were able to have our 2 dogs with us and stay in a first floor room which made it much easier with dogs as did the outdoor access to the room. i also liked that there was a security gate around the rooms that required a key to get in. The staff was very friendly and courteous on the phone when I called and also in person the day I arrived. The room was exceptionally clean which I have found to not be the case with many hotels that take dogs. The location was close to the beach and the Boardwalk but not so close as to be noisy or crowded. Will definitely stay there again!

The shower did not include a hand held shower head which I prefer but not a big deal.

I liked the Staff at Paradox-really cool relaxed individuals but very attentive. They are quick to answer questions and to provide high service. I would definitely come back and enjoy more amenities next time. Lively pool scene. They have a rack of string instruments you can play! Next time I'll strum during my stay.

Unfortunately there is a homeless disaster in CA, but I did not expect a whole tent city behind the hotel. The hotel has security at the parking lot. It's just that one night, my fiance went to go get something out of the car and he saw a naked man crawling through the grass. I would've freaked out if it had been me seeing that. The next night there was a garbled yelling match between a man and woman. The rooms are soundproof and despite this we'd come again.

The interior was lovely (although undergoing renovation so didn’t see the full effect) Also loved the pool area and outside car service. Very relaxing after a busy day! Ps we left our travel plugs and chargers. Went back a few days later - nothing too much trouble. Reception managed to locate and return them to us! 😊

Nothing!