Capitola – Where should you stay?
Capitola is a ridiculously charming beach village in the Monterey Bay of California. Colorful buildings, palm trees, restaurants, shops and pretty vistas galore! It is the perfect spot for a beach mini-break, or a longer stay! For such a small town there are quite a few lodging options. Read on for my recommendations.
The Inn at Depot Hill
The Inn at Depot Hill used to actually be the train depot for Capitola from 1901 to 1950. It was then a private residence until 1990 when it was converted into a luxurious bed and breakfast. (The train no longer runs through Capitola, so no need to worry about that noise.)
The Inn has 13 different guests rooms, each themed as a different “travel destination”. There is a common backyard with a fountain, living room filled with books and a fireplace, and a breakfast nook. Some of the guest rooms feature their own fireplace and private mini-patio.
There is a wine & charcuterie hour in the afternoon. Breakfast is provided in your room, or you can eat in the breakfast nook. Breakfasts were good with eggs, fresh fruit, fresh croissant, coffee and OJ.
I stayed in the Portofino Room, which was charming! Lots of Italy themed decor and coffee table books. There was a gas fireplace with no glass in the front, so the fire actually provided warmth! I didn't use the outdoor bathtub, but I'm sure that would be fun in the right circumstances. The room has an indoor bathtub too, which was deep and comfortable (high praise from a bath afficiando like me!) There is a desk, so that came in handy for remote work.
Though pricey (as are all of the hotels in Capitola Village) I love and recommend the Inn at Depot Hill, and I'd love to try more of the rooms! My next choice would be the Paris or Delft rooms.
By the way, the Inn at Depot Hill is a 4 minute walk from the beach.
Monarch Cove Inn
The Monarch Cove Inn is on Depot Hill, on a cliff at the edge of a quiet neighborhood. It's about a 10 minute walk to Capitola Beach, down 86 stairs, or a little bit longer on the road.
The main house was built in 1895, and was the vacation home of a couple of wealthy English families. In the 1920s it was sold and turned into lodging, “El Salto Resort”. Mary Pickford and Al Capone were among its guests! In 1991 the Resort was renamed “Monarch Cove Inn” in tribute to the Monarch butterflies which have a sanctuary on the estate. They are typically there between November and February to get some sun!
Today the Inn has 9 rooms and 2 cottages available. Dogs are allowed for an extra charge in the cottages only. They also host weddings and other events in a large tented deck overlooking the ocean.
The rooms and Inn are Victorian style. Very old, with antiques, including the bathrooms. I've stayed in a few rooms, and always found the beds very comfortable. The views and ambiance cannot be beat!! It's so quiet, peaceful and beautiful. It feels like you've stepped back in time.
Despite the old timey feel, I did find the internet connection to work well, and have worked remotely there several times.
Breakfast is included and is brought to your room each morning. Fresh fruit, a couple of pastries and croissants, coffee and juice.
Capitola Venetian Hotel
The colorful “Venetian” houses are a symbol of Capitola. The first two rows of them are privately owned. Many of them are available as vacation rentals, but you have to contact them directly (many are on VRBO). The Capitola Venetian Hotel is comprised of the third row of houses back, the beige buildings. There is one unit at the front that is part of the hotel, see the photo with an arrow below.
The proximity to the beach and Capitola Village is excellent! The accommodations themselves, while clean, are not fancy. Sort of has a second hand furniture feel to it.
Capitola Beach Suites
Capitola Beach Suites are right behind the Venetians on the road leading to the Wharf. Their location and view are spectacular. A 1-minute walk to the restaurants and beach. Older furniture, not super updated inside, but if you don't mind that a great place for the view and location!
Capitola Hotel
The Capitola Hotel is located on the Esplanade across the street from the restaurants. I must admit I haven't stayed here yet, but friends of the Sojourns With Sue blog have recommended it! Please see the video below:
Other Lodging
There are several other hotels in Capitola, most are on 41st Ave which is about a mile away from Capitola beach. I haven't stayed at any of these yet, but here are the top rated ones.
- Best Western Plus Capitola By-the Sea Inn & Suites
- Fairfield Inn & Suite Santa Cruz – Capitola
- Quality Inn & Suites Capitola By The Sea
Where should I eat in Capitola?
See this post for my favorites!
What the heck should I do while I'm there?
Calm down, and check this post for some ideas!
In Summary
I hope you enjoy Capitola as much as I do! Please let me know if you have any other recommendations or if you've stayed at any of the places I haven't yet. Thanks for reading!
