This Best Western Plus is an upgraded version of the chain's typical hotels. The attractive building is painted light gray with white trim and lined with palm trees and shrubbery. Interiors have a modern beach house feel and lots of natural light. The lobby is airy and spacious and features a glass atrium ceiling and contemporary furniture in bright red and navy blue. Surfboards, spiral lamps, potted palms, and slated-wood screens give the space a youthful look. Although the property can feel a little empty during low season, it fills up during the summer, when guests play board games in the lobby or relax on the outdoor patio around the hot tub. Most guests are tourist families and couples, and business travelers. 

The Best Western Plus All Suites Inn is located on Ocean Street, which sees heavy traffic throughout the day. There's a Thai restaurant right across the street from the hotel and a handful of other eateries within a few minutes' walk. However, there are not many people walking around on the street and the location is more convenient for travelers with cars or bicycles. The beach and Santa Cruz Boardwalk are six minutes by bike or seven minutes by car, or a 20-minute walk. The boardwalk area features many more restaurants and shops. Highway 1 is easily accessible in just a few minutes and offers access to beaches and towns up and down the coast. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is a 42-minute drive from the hotel. Closer to the hotel are Mount Hermon, a 14-minute drive, and The Mystery Spot, an eight-minute drive. San Jose International Airport is 40 to 60 minutes away. San Francisco International Airport is about one hour and 15 minutes' drive from the hotel. 

All rooms at this Best Western Plus are spacious suites with living room areas. Decor is typical of a chain property and includes contemporary dark-wood and brown or beige furniture, brown patterned carpet, and beige walls accented with beach paintings. Desks and office chairs are provided. Suites have two double beds or king and/or queen beds along with sofa beds. There are no doors between the bedrooms and living rooms, however. Some king suites have electric wood-burning fireplaces. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers and tea facilities. Bathrooms are modern and clean and combine brown-painted walls with brown tile floors and rectangular shower stalls with glass doors and white marble-effect walls. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided and there are spacious vanities. Wi-Fi is free, but can be inconsistent at times. Some rooms are a little dark and can have a musty smell. 

Features here are add value. Free breakfast is served daily and includes coffee, tea, and juices, along with bread and bagels, cereals and oatmeal, eggs, bacon, sausage, and a waffle maker. The breakfast area can get crowded and busy. There is no lunch or dinner service at the hotel. An outside patio offers tables and chairs shaded by umbrellas situated around a hot tub -- but there isn't a pool. The small fitness room offers a handful of cardio and weight machines. A sauna is also available. A business center with two desktop computers is available and there's a meeting room for business travelers. The hotel has free parking, but spaces can fill up quickly during the busy season. Wi-Fi is free. Coin-operated laundry facilities are on-site.