PLEASE READ the following POLICIES: Because the Santa Cruz Hostel is part of a City Park and registered Historical Buildings, the City of Santa Cruz enforces the following for all Hostel Guests: 1. Quiet Hours and Curfew begin each night at 11pm. Hostellers must be back into their assigned cottages by this time. New guests must check in between 5pm and 10pm. 2. A day time lock out is enforced from 11am until 5pm. There is no access to the buildings. 3. Alcohol is not permitted. Also note that reservations can be made for up to 3 nights only. After the 3rd night, guests must ask at the front desk for extensions. Reservations for more than 3 nights will NOT be accepted and will be cancelled. Deposits made to Hostelbookers.com will not be refunded. At the Santa Cruz Hostel, you are able to: •Meditate quietly in our historical gardens of roses and redwoods •Sleep peacefully with free linens and bedding and a hostel tradition of 11pm quiet hours (you can also ask our staff for free earplugs, just in case.) •Cook a hearty meal in our large fully stocked kitchen with shelves stocked weekly of free grocery items -Discuss travel plans with other guests over a fresh cup of free coffee •Create lasting friendships during weekly hostel activities for guests •Keep in touch with loved ones at our onsite internet kiosk •Stay fresh and clean with our onsite laundry facilities •Store your luggage, bike, or surfboard for free •Park your car for the low fee of only $1.25/day •Access loads of info about Santa Cruz from our friendly staff and travel binders & bulletin boards From our door, you are only 2 blocks away from: -Sandy beaches and volleyball courts •Prime surf spots of Cowell’s and Steamer Lane (surfboard rentals and lessons available for discounted rates for guests) •Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park •Municipal Wharf, where you can fish, bark with sea lions, eat fresh crab, ride a boat, shop. •Surfing Museum •West Cliff Drive, awesome walking and bike paths that line the Pacific Ocean HI-Santa Cruz is also only a 10 minute walk to Downtown Santa Cruz, where you can: •Eat at a variety of cafes and restaurants for every wallet and palate •Shop eclectic mix of local boutiques and trend-setting stores •Peruse local art galleries for one of a kind glass objects, sculptures, and mixed media masterpieces •Jam at local dance and jazz clubs •People watch (check out a local favorite the Pink Umbrella Man) Within minutes by bike or car, you can also: •Explore the University of California at Santa Cruz, perched above the city in the midst of towering redwood trees •Get back to Nature in the fabulous state park system. Check out these local favorites -Natural Bridges State Park for monarch butterflies and tide pools -Henry Cowell Redwood State Park for mind-blowing redwood glory -Big Basin State Park & The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park for fantastic hiking trails Defy gravity at the Mystery Spot •Ride a steam train through the redwoods to the beach HI-Santa Cruz is a non-profit organization located in the restored 1870's Carmelita Cottages on Beach Hill. Comprised of five renovated Victorian cottages, HI-Santa Cruz has the ability to sleep up to 45 guests. Available for the individual, couple, family, and group, we host over 7,000 guests per year. By providing travelers with affordable, clean, safe and shared accommodations, the Santa Cruz Hostel promotes personal growth, self-reliance, and cultural awareness. Our goal is to build global understanding through hostelling.