As a change of pace I'd like to stay somewhere near Monterey Bay on a trip this weekend. I'm coming in early from the East Coast for meetings next week. Everything in Monterey/Carmel area is booked. Is the boardwalk/wharf area in Santa Cruz clean/safe? I'm alone without the wife and kids so don't need anything fancy - the Ramada Limited is somewhat reasonably priced. Any opinions?

We were there in summer 2002 and stayed at the Carousel Motel. We prefer non-chains when we travel and enjoyed this place, which was directly across from the Boardwalk. It was clean and well kept and they had a small continental breakfast (pastries) in the lobby. We got a package deal that included a couple of all day passes for the Boardwalk rides. Here's the link to its website:http://www.santacruzmotels.com/carousel.html

I've read some negative comments about Santa Cruz on this board, but I didn't feel unsafe at all while we were there. Yes, there were some characters around but certainly nothing that bothered us.

We loved the Boardwalk and walking out on the pier for a dinner of fresh seafood. Don't miss the carousel , where you can grab gold rings and throw them at the clown's nose.

Wish I was going this weekend~~~

You may want to try the Best Western Seacliff Inn in Aptos. It's about 7 miles south of Santa Cruz . I don't think the Ramada is the greatest but would be OK if you are just looking for something basic.

I would recommend the West Coast Santa Cruz Hotel. It may be more expensive than a regular motel, but it's nice & right on the water -- within walking distance of the boardwalk and overlooking the shops/restaurants on the wharf.

One thing to be aware of -- lots of SCruz hotels demand a two-night min stay this time of year.

The wharf area tends to be fully booked on weekends (and as mentioned, 2-day minimum is the norm) -- but there are other lodging options on/near the bay, between there and Monterey/Carmel:

Best Western Capitola - Capitola
Best Western Seacliff Inn - Aptos
Seascape Resort - Aptos
Best Western Dunes Motel - Marina
Marina Dunes Resort - Marina